Pets at home, especially dogs, are wonderful companions. They have tons of love to give and are happy to make you their whole world. Plus, life is better when you have a fur baby tripping you while you try to get a glass of water in the middle of the night.
But you also have to consider your responsibilities. Once you take a pooch under your wing, you’re a pet parent! It’s your job to keep your four-legged companion healthy and happy. And everything starts with the environment you create at home.
If you’re not sure if you’re ready to bring home a dog, check out the tips below.
Prepare Your Home for a New Pet
New parents have to baby-proof their homes before their bundle of joy starts to crawl.
As a new pet parent, you have to do the same, except your home has to be pet-proofed before the new family member arrives.
Before bringing your dog home, it's also worth checking for hidden issues such as damp or mould, and if you notice signs of either, damp proofing specialists can help ensure your home is dry, healthy, and safe for both you and your pet.
What do you mean? Why wouldn’t my house be safe for a dog?
Well, your perspective of a safe home environment is totally different from that of a dog’s (especially if you’re welcoming a pup).
Regular homes hide various hazards and dangers for pooches, such as:
- Toxic foods: chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and other human foods are damaging to a dog’s health.
- Household items: cleaning products, medication, holiday decorations, and so on, pose a danger to a curious pup.
- Plants: some decorative indoor plants, such as aloe vera, peace lily, snake plant, or oleander, are dangerous for dogs.
- Physical hazards: everyday items like electrical cords, buttons, or coins can pose choking hazards or cause intestinal blockages.
So, before you bring home a rambunctious new pup or a seasoned senior, you have to dog-proof the space. Besides identifying and removing potential hazards, you may also have to limit access to certain areas by installing indoor fences and gates.
Create Pet-Friendly Areas
Dogs need a space where they feel safe and can hide when they feel overstimulated. This is usually a crate (which can be a head start on crate training) where they have enough space to move around.
The safe area should also have a durable, washable dog bed that suits your pooch's size and health conditions. Add some toys and chews, and you’ve created the perfect relaxation corner for your buddy.
The feeding station is another area that needs to be safe and accessible. The dog must feel comfortable coming around to eat and drink water, especially during its first days in the house.
Install a Pet-Friendly HVAC System
Dogs, even short-haired ones, shed fur and dander, which can circulate through the HVAC system and affect indoor air quality. This is why grooming is so important for indoor dogs. However, you should also look into installing a pet-friendly HVAC system.
This system will help create and maintain a home environment that’s safe for both dogs and humans. Given its importance, it’s crucial that you consult a reliable contractor with experience in installing systems for households with pets.
Plus, reliable professionals use smart software, which allows them to provide quick and accurate estimates for any new project. This way, you’ll know ahead of time if you are comfortable with the costs.
Essential Supplies and Equipment
Love and cuddles are important, but they are not enough to make your dog feel welcome in your home. To keep them happy and healthy, you also need a few essentials, such as:
- Food and water bowls – Choose easy-to-clean bowls that are safe for dogs to chew on (yes, some love to do that).
- Collars, leashes, and harnesses – Invest in a strong dog collar, harness, and leash for walks. Ensure they fit comfortably and securely.
- Grooming supplies – Unless you want to go to the groomer twice a month, equip your home with pet-specific shampoo, brushes, and nail clippers. Regular grooming is necessary to maintain your pet's hygiene and health.
- Pet-friendly cleaning supplies – Wash bedding (the dog’s and yours), toys, and food bowls to prevent the buildup of bacteria and odors.
Nutrition and Diet
Each dog has their own food preferences and dislikes. Also, even though only 0.2% of dogs suffer from food allergies, you should never rule out the possibility until you can be sure.
This is why the first thing to do is take your new companion to a trusty veterinarian. They will provide personalized recommendations based on your dog's age, breed, size, and any specific health needs.
For instance, puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs have different nutritional needs. Small breeds also have different nutritional requirements than larger ones. So, pay attention to what the vet says.
Look for high-quality protein sources as the first ingredient on the label, and avoid foods with unrecognizable ingredients. Although they are usually cheaper, it’s not worth risking your pup's health.
Once you determine your dog’s nutritional needs, develop a feeding routine. Try to understand how much food your dog needs (not how much it wants!) to stay active and at a healthy weight.
A recent study showed that 59% of dogs are overweight or obese due to overfeeding and low-quality foods, so it’s best to work on this from the start.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Even a couch potato likes some exercise at least once a day. Walks in nature, sessions at the local dog park, and games in the backyard keep a dog happy and stimulated while strengthening the bond between you two.
Start small with simple activities like tug-of-war, fetch, or hide-and-seek. These will tire out your new pup and stimulate its mind as it learns to follow the rules and respond to commands.
It’s also a good idea to do a few training sessions – these are mentally stimulating for the dog and will come in handy later in life when you go out in public or have guests.
All dogs benefit from socialization, so make sure to visit the dog park or organize playdates with friends and neighbors. If your pooch is too smart for its own good, take it to agility classes and buy it toys that test its skills, like puzzles or snuffle mats.
Wrap Up
As you can see, there is a lot you have to do before and after the new family member arrives. But it’s all worth it since you gain a life companion who will love you unconditionally, through thick and thin!
