Three Things You Need Before You Bring Your Dog Home

There’s nothing more exciting than getting a new dog.  You’ve given careful thought to the kind of pet you want, have gone to countless shelters, and are now finally ready to bring your new friend to their forever home.  You have all of the adoption paperwork in order and have pet food, but that doesn’t mean that you’re ready to properly care for your pup.  Dogs require more than a leash and some food; they require a lot of care.  Before you bring your new pet home, make sure you have these things ready.

A quiet corner

If you think that you’re excited to get your new pet home, just wait until you see how your dog reacts to their new house.  New homes means new people, new routines, and a new life, and while exciting, that can get very tiring and even stressful for your new dog.  That’s why it’s important for you to make sure that your dog will have a quiet area to retreat to when they get too excited.  If you plan on crating your dog, their quiet area could be where their crate will be.  Make it comfortable for them, and maybe have a few toys and a calming blanket for them to snuggle.

A dog proof dwelling

Bringing home a new baby isn’t the only reason people should make sure that their home is safe for new arrivals.  Dogs (especially puppies) can get into things rather easily, so you’re going to want to make sure that your home is safe for them.  Tape loose electrical cords to baseboards to make sure they don’t trip or chew on them.  Have all of your cleaning supplies locked up, and make sure that you have latches on locks for any cabinets your dog could get into.  Move your breakables to high shelves, and remove plants and rugs.

The first vet appointment scheduled

Your dog was most likely checked out at the shelter, but you should still let their regular vet examine them after they’re officially adopted.  It isn’t just important to get your dog used to their vet, it’s also essential for their health.  Ticks and fleas are common in shelters along with other parasites and diseases, and it’s possible that animal doctor at the shelter missed a few things.  Also be sure to talk to your vet about what they recommend for preventative care.  Flea, heartworm, and tick prevention for dogs is a must, along with regular vaccinations.