Dog Care Guide for New Dog Parents

Many new dog parents appreciate a guide to bringing home a puppy or older dog, to provide them with essential information to get them through the next few weeks.

Everything from toilet training a puppy, to emotional well-being to tips to examine your pet’s teeth and gums feature in a good dog care guide so that you can confidently ensure that your furbaby’s holistic well-being is being properly taken care of.

Getting a dog is a big commitment and you need to make sure you have the time, money and energy to care of them correctly. This dog owner's guide will give you some useful tips to ensure your dog becomes a loyal and loving companion through your care.

Factors to Consider Before You Get a Pet

If you are a first-time dog owner, it is important to understand what you’re getting yourself into. In this guide to owning a dog, we will cover factors such as cost and time commitments and understanding the right breed of dog for your circumstances.

Whether you’re caring for a newborn pup or adopting an older dog, take a look at what you need to consider before you bring them home.

Determine which dog breed you should get

You might have your heart set on a certain breed, but be sure to consider the needs of different dog breeds to see whether they fit with you and your family’s lifestyle. For example, small toy breeds require less exercise but can get easily injured playing with boisterous children.

Cost of having a dog

Beyond the cost of purchasing your pup, expenses such as regular vet visits, crates, gates, collars, and flea and worm treatments should all be taken into account. 

Insurance

You may be required to purchase additional liability insurance if you’re renting a home if your landlord allows you to have a pet. Be sure to check with your insurance company to see whether the breed you’re considering is covered.

Shoppers List of a First-time Dog Owner

For all those first-time puppy owners, a shopping list compiled by seasoned experts is one of those tips to be a better dog owner. Be fully prepared for all your furbaby can throw at you, with this first-time dog owner guide. 

Dog crate

You will want to have this prepared before you bring your furbaby home to begin crate training immediately.

You have several choices of material, from metal, and plastic to the soft side, all with their advantages and disadvantages. Choose what will best suit your home and your new dog.

Dog toys

Your new puppy will want a lot. Bring home a variety so that they don’t get bored, but be sure that they do not pose a choking hazard with parts that can easily be chewed off.

Cleaning supplies

There will be accidents. Be prepared with cleaning supplies such as carpet cleaners to destroy odour-causing molecules, rather than just covering them up.

Dog cushions or beds

Old blankets will probably suffice until the chewing stage is well and truly over, then you can invest in a more official dog bed.

Dog collar, leash and tags

It is imperative you have identification tags and pet stores can usually make them up on the spot whilst you’re browsing. Be sure to have a collar and leash so that you can use it straight away if need be. 

Dog food

Find out what brand of dog food your puppy is currently eating and get this to start with, just to not give their insides a shock, especially when they are dealing with so many other changes in their lives. 

Scoop and poop bags

To all new dog owners, yes, you will be scooping poop, so be prepared with the right tools to get the job done quickly and easily. 

Toiletries such as toothbrushes, and shampoo

You can use a toothbrush, or you can offer dental treats. Shampoo, nail clippers and other toiletries can also be picked up from your local pet store. 

Tips to Make Your New Furbaby Feel Welcome in Your Home

A new dog owner guide will show you how to make those first few days at home a positive one for your dog. They are likely quite scared and worried, so be sure to take a look at some tips for leaving dogs alone at home and helping your dog deal with separation anxiety to help them through these adjustments. 

All parents of dogs have gone through this, and we have compiled a few tips to help make your furbaby feel welcome in their new ‘fur-ever’ home. 

Introduce your pet outdoors

Let your furbaby know there are a lot of exciting things to experience once they settle down and that their life isn’t confined to a crate. 

Dog training is essential

Upon arriving home, your furbaby will need space, time and empathy. It may take weeks to settle, but you should be establishing those ground rules so that they know what is expected of them. 

Choose the right food

Your dog’s health will determine their quality of life and what they eat is a big part of that. If you’re unsure what to feed your dog, have a chat with an animal nutritionist or a veterinarian for professional advice. 

Flea treatment and microchip

A microchip will mean if your pup manages to break out when you’re not looking, it can be safely returned if they get picked up. Flea and worm treatments are essential to good health and should be routinely provided. 

Know your dog's needs

First-time dog owners should know to be aware of their dog’s physical and mental needs. A dog needs daily exercise and plenty of social interaction and stimulation to thrive.

Choose a good vet 

Whether you’re managing dogs with arthritis or needing some tips to deal with dental issues in dogs, your veterinarian will provide you with the support and advice that you need to care for your furbaby responsibly.

Caring for Your New Pet When Sick

• It can be very stressful for new pet parents if their furbaby becomes sick. If your furbaby is vomiting or has diarrhoea, then some good tips to care for a sick dog include offering boiled water, little and often to avoid dehydration.
• Try skipping a meal, or offering small amounts of white meat, such as cooked fish or chicken with white rice. 
• Avoid feeding your dog leftovers, no matter how tempting it is, as there are plenty of ingredients commonly found in our food that can upset your dog’s stomach or even be toxic to them.
• Tips to care for a pregnant dog that is unwell involve careful monitoring and consulting a vet as soon as possible. An unwell pregnant dog could indicate a complication with the pregnancy.
• It is also important to monitor a pregnant dog’s ability to eat as a bitch needs to keep their calorie intake up to maintain good health for herself and her pups.

Caring for a new dog involves a lot of patience, persistence and care. When you bring a new dog home, you need to be ready for an adjustment period of a few weeks.

A dog is a long and large undertaking, and you need to be sure that you can commit to them financially and emotionally with your time and love. 

This includes coping with an ageing dog as well. Before you consider getting a dog, take a look at your household situation to see what breed would best slot in with you before enjoying the loyal companionship that they will give back.