Congratulations if you’re ready to bring a new dog into your home. And if you’re not prepared to get a dog yet but are considering getting one, why not take the plunge now?
Your furry friend can be your life companion. Moreover, owning a pet has many other benefits, especially a dog. For instance, a recent news article from CNN shows that a study found that pets can boost your brain power.
This is why many US households are adding a new pet to their family, especially during the pandemic. Data from an ASPCA survey shows that one in five US households got a new pet during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Regardless of whether you own a dog or are planning to get one, here are some tips for introducing your new canine friend to his or her new environment.
Introduce New Dogs to Other Pets Gradually
There are good chances that you may have multiple furry friends. According to data from the Insurance Information Institute, 69 million US households own a dog. If you are one of these 69 million households and want another pet, the first step should be determining if your existing pet is acceptable.
You should never introduce a new dog to other pets unless you know your existing animal will be friendly. The best way to do this is by taking things slow and gradually introducing the animals over time.
You should also not allow your pets to meet if you are unsure about their temperament or if there has been a history of aggression in either animal. If you think your current pet could get hurt by the new one, don’t put them together until they’ve had plenty of time to bond safely away from each other first.
If an adult cat lives with dogs, ensure she’s comfortable in her territory before introducing any new canine members to the family. Cats who were previously happy on their own may become stressed when forced into close quarters with strange dogs in an unfamiliar environment. This can lead them back into behavioral issues such as spraying or litter box avoidance, which may be difficult to correct once they’ve begun.
Protect Guests From Your Dog
When you bring your new dog home, ensure your guests can’t come in contact with it. Your dog will be stressed and confused by all the new surroundings, so there’s no need to add more stress by allowing people to pet it. Instead, set up a safe space on the other side of your home where they can sit and wait while you get settled into things.
Keep children away from the dog until they are old enough not to be at risk if something happens between them and their new friend. A child could get hurt or bitten when trying out some behaviors dogs use for play.
Also, consider hiring an experienced trainer specializing in behavior modification programs tailored specifically around aggression issues if your dog has aggression issues. This is important because if your dog ends up biting a guest or a kid from the surrounding, you may face legal consequences.
If your dog is at fault, the guest can file a lawsuit against you for the dog bite. For such situations, it is also advised to get dog bite insurance. It will cover damages that occurred due to any such lawsuits. Hence, dog bite insurance is vital for a canine pet owner.
Puppies Should Always Be Supervised
Puppies can’t be left alone until they’re mature enough to do so. Like infants, they’re more likely to get into trouble if left unsupervised, and they can harm themselves or others. They might also eat things they shouldn’t and get sick or even develop an unfortunate taste for medications.
To reduce the chances of your puppy getting into something he shouldn’t, keep him in a room where you have easy access to his toys and food bowl but not much else. This way, he won’t be tempted by anything that isn’t meant for him.
Get Your Dog the Required Vaccinations
When you bring your new dog home, they must be up to date on all required vaccinations. The key is determining the required vaccinations and when they should be administered. If you cannot find this information online, call your veterinarian’s office and ask them directly.
The next step is ensuring the veterinarian has ordered the correct vaccinations for your specific geographical location. For example, if you live in an area where rabies has been eradicated, there would be no reason for them to give your dog a rabies vaccination unless there was some kind of outbreak in your neighborhood or on campus.
Finally, find out how long it will take before after receiving injections before it becomes safe enough for the pet to interact with other animals and people without fear that any diseases could spread through saliva or bodily fluids.
The good thing is that pet owners know the importance of vaccination. Moreover, technology is aiding in improving vaccination coverage. According to a study published in the Frontiers journal, over 11,000 dogs were vaccinated in a 14-day program. The technology-aided approach helped cover 80% of the estimated vaccination area, compared to 44% achieved through traditional ways.
Get All the Pet Grooming Accessories
When you bring your new dog home, you’ll want to ensure they have everything they need to stay clean and healthy. Grooming accessories are important for both dogs and cats. They include:
- A brush: It’s essential to brush your pet regularly, whether a cat or a dog. It helps remove loose hair and removes dirt and particles that can cause skin irritation or infection. A good grooming session should last at least 10 minutes daily to keep the coat looking healthy.
- A comb: Not only do combs make it easier for owners to remove tangles from their pets’ fur, but they also serve as an educational tool for teaching proper brushing techniques as well as identifying potential health issues such as lumps or bumps underneath the fur surface that require further examination by a veterinarian.
- Shampoo and conditioner: It’s important to use a high-quality shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for pets, as regular human products can be harsh on their skin.
- Nail clippers: Regularly trimming your pet’s nails is essential to keep them from becoming too long, which can cause pain and discomfort. It is also important to have the appropriate tool for the pet’s size and breed to avoid hurting them.
- Dental care products: Regular dental care is essential for pets like humans. Products such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental chews can help keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy.
Pet grooming is vital for health and hygiene. This is leading to a boom in the pet accessories market. According to a press release from Global News Wire, the global pet grooming market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2022 to 2032 to reach $2.5 billion.
Conclusion
The bottom line is there’s no way to know how a new dog will fit into your life. The best thing you can do is take it slow and introduce the dog gradually. If you want to bring home a new pet but don’t have experience with dogs, that’s okay. Your family will grow together, and so will your pet.