Author: Chloe Taktical
It’s hard to resist that cute little puppy face. But, before bringing them home for the first time, there’s a lot potential pet owners need to know. Proper care of a pet is often a lot more than many people realize, and they may start to feel overwhelmed when they first bring the puppy home.
Know What to Feed the Pet
There are tons of pet foods on the market today, so how do you know what’s safe? Stick with trusted brands for the best dog foods and always read the ingredients. Take some time to learn about proper nutrition for the pet and make sure they’re getting everything they need – and staying away from foods that may be harmful or toxic to them.
Think About Spaying or Neutering
Spaying or neutering prevents pets from having babies, which helps keep the population under control. Although puppies are adorable, they are a ton of work, especially when they’re newborn, and the dog isn’t going to do all of the work on their own. Then there’s the issue with finding them all homes. While most shelters will spay or neuter before allowing an adoption, when adopting from somewhere else, consider having it done as soon as the pet is old enough.
Know What Vet Visits Will Cost
Basic care for a pet can be expensive, and emergency care is often triple the cost or more of a regular veterinarian visit. Know how much vet visits will cost and plan accordingly to make sure there will be enough money for the pet to have all of their regular visits. Younger pets will need more frequent visits, so make sure to take this into account when getting a young puppy. They’ll require many vaccinations as well as well puppy visits to make sure they are as healthy as possible.
Consider how Frequently Vet Visits are Needed
The frequency of vet visits should be considered, as well. Puppies will need more frequent visits, as mentioned, though it may be reduced to once per year as the pet gets older. Keep in mind, they may need to update vaccines more frequently if they’re being boarded or for local requirements, and they may require more frequent visits if they become ill and require medication.
Know How Much Exercise They Need
Pets will need exercise. Keep this in mind when choosing the right pet for the home. A small, energetic puppy might not be the best choice for a home with older adults, but could be perfect for a home with kids and a large yard. Some breeds require more exercise daily than others, so look into this before bringing home any pet.
Look into Training
Training is crucial and something to consider before getting a pet. Basic commands can be taught at home, but if the goal is to have a dog that is incredibly well behaved or requires special training, hiring a training may be a good idea. In this case, make sure there is plenty of money set aside for the training itself and schedule times to do the training and practice between sessions to make sure they do well.
Are you thinking about getting a puppy? Take the time to think about this decision carefully. While puppies can be a fantastic addition to any home and are adorable, they require proper care to thrive and live as long as possible. Whether you’re looking for a specific breed or just want to adopt a friendly pet from the shelter, take the time to learn more about specific breeds and their requirements before bringing home the new friend.
