Having a four-legged friend is an amazing thing. You will never feel alone, and you will always have someone who loves you unconditionally. However, getting a dog is a decision that shouldn't be taken lightly. Before having a dog, you need to know a few basic things.
In this article, you will learn how to prepare your house for a new pet, what kinds of dog food you can buy, how to transport your dog if you don't own a car, and many more. Read on and make sure that being a dog owner won't suddenly surprise you!
What to Consider When Choosing Dog Food
There are many different brands of dog food on the market. However, not all of them are good for your dog's health. You need to take your time and compare their ingredients.
The best brands have meat as the first ingredient. They also contain only natural ingredients without any artificial additives or preservatives. Dog food has an expiration date, so you need to check it before buying a new bag.
If you are getting a puppy, you should buy dog food made specially for younger dogs. It has more calcium, vitamins, and other nutrients necessary for them to grow healthy. Fresh food is always better than dry food or kibble. If possible, get food that includes meat or other fresh ingredients.
How to Transport Your Dog?
If you don't own a car, moving around the city with your four-legged companion may be challenging. One of the main reasons is that bringing a big dog with you on public transport may be challenging for you and stressful for a pet.
To get around this problem, you can try and train your dog by taking it on regular rides on public transport with you. Another option is to use car services, such as https://www.hyrecar.com/ or alike, that allow renting or leasing a vehicle when you need one. It will also take some time for your pet to get used to car rides, but it is a much more comfortable option for both of you. Besides, you can pack all the dog stuff you’ll need if you plan a busy day in the city.
How to Find the Best Vet for Your Dog?
Choosing a vet for your dog is very important because this person will help you keep your pet healthy and happy for many years. Before choosing a vet, do your research:
● visit different vets
● ask people around you for recommendations
● check reviews online
● ask other pet owners for their opinions on certain vets
● ensure that your vet is registered and insured
● check whether they have experience with treating your dog’s breed
Preparing Your House for a Dog
Dogs tend to shed a lot, so it's essential to ensure that your house is completely clean and tidy before your new friend makes its way into your home. You will probably need to vacuum the carpets more often and wash the floors every day. Also, if you have carpeting or similar flooring, you may want to get some puppy pads to protect it.
If you don't have time to clean the entire house, at least make sure that there are no people foods that your pet can access easily. Dogs tend to eat anything they find around, and they will drink almost anything as well. This means that you need to get rid of all leftovers before leaving the house. Also, keep in mind that dogs chew on wood and furniture, so make sure that they cannot reach anything that can harm them.
Furthermore, you should ensure that all doors have safety locks and that the house has no holes anywhere. A smaller dog won't be able to fit through a hole big enough for a cat, but if it does, it is most likely to escape.
If you live in an apartment or condo, make sure to check with the administration office first, as many buildings have rules regarding pets.
How to Prepare a Dog Bed?
If you have a dog, you definitely need to buy a bed for him. Dogs are very similar to humans when it comes to sleeping. They need a quiet and clean place where they can rest after a long day of hunting or playing. Make sure that your dog's bed is big enough to fit its entire body comfortably. Also, it should be easy to wash and dry. For example, you can buy a bed with a removable cover, and you will be able to clean it whenever it gets dirty.
How to Choose Toys for Your Pet?
Dogs love having toys around the house. They will play with them for hours and hours, and having a few toys that your dog loves is a great way to keep it entertained. Make sure that you get all the toys recommended by your vet. They should be made of soft and non-toxic materials. This way, your dog won't get hurt while playing with them.
If possible, you should consider getting toys that help promote good health as well. For example, bones are great natural chew toys that will also help clean your dog's teeth. You can also buy some toys that help train your dog or some that can be used for fetching.
If your dog is not used to toys, start introducing them slowly. Start by letting your pet see them, then touch them, then let it smell them, and so on. Give it a toy to hold in its mouth and see how it reacts to it. Also, remember that if your dog is not used to chewing on toys, it might end up eating parts of them that are dangerous. So only give your dog toys once it's used to chewing on things.
While choosing toys, you might as well consider having your dog a playmate. As dogs are naturally attracted to lizards, we all know that dogs can learn commands easily too. If you have a pet lizard, it shouldn’t be that difficult to help your dog share the home environment with them. Visit https://reptileslife.com/ to know that your dog can also learn how to co-exist with a lizard.
Conclusion
A dog is probably the best friend that you can have. They are loyal and willing to do anything to protect you. However, if you want to have a dog, you should learn to take proper care of it and make sure it feels loved and happy. A dog can bring a lot of joy into your life, but it also requires a lot of responsibility. If you already have a dog, you know how rewarding taking care of it is. For further insights into managing specific health conditions in dogs, such as hip dysplasia, you might find helpful information from resources like Mighty Munch.