Things to Know Before Bringing a Dog to Your House

Bringing a dog tracking collar into your household can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Your new pet will be exposed to many new sights and sounds.

Keep harmful objects out of reach and closed, such as cleaning products, chemicals, tools, wires, plastic bags, ribbons, etc. Bundle cords together and hide them behind furniture or secure them with ties.

1. Vaccinate

The best way to keep a pet healthy is through vaccination. Vaccines allow pets to create immunity against dangerous diseases, and they help prevent them from traveling or visiting kennels where disease is common.

A dog can contract rabies by licking the mucous membranes of an infected animal, or by sharing food and water bowls. This disease attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.

Before you bring your new puppy home, check that your house is dog-proofed. Put away low cabinets, remove any munchies on the countertop, and make sure all small toys, pantyhose, strings, ribbons, and children’s toys are out of reach. Also, be sure to take down any plants that are toxic to dogs and cats.

2. Veterinarian Visit

Dogs need regular veterinarian visits to keep them healthy. These visits help prevent illnesses through immunizations and parasite control. It also allows for early detection of disease and treatment before a condition gets out of hand.

It is recommended to schedule the first veterinary visit within a few days of bringing your new pet home. This will give you the opportunity to discuss diet, exercise needs, and grooming requirements.

During the physical exam, the vet will check your pet’s temperature, weight, and examine their eyes, ears, teeth, heart, and coat. Vaccinations are also given during this time and follow-up boosters scheduled. Medications for intestinal parasites, fleas, ticks, and heartworm preventives may also be prescribed. Make sure your new dog is comfortable traveling in a car before your first trip to the veterinarian.

3. Grooming

Regular grooming removes dead hair, distributes natural skin oils, and prevents mats from forming. It also provides an opportunity to check your pet's skin and ear health. Look for red, swollen, or smelly areas and make sure ears are clean, odor-free, and free of debris.

Grooming should be a low-stress, routine experience for your dog. If it is stressful, your pet may become a "shutdown" animal, frozen in fear.

Be sure to research groomers in your area, reading reviews online and asking friends for recommendations. You should also visit a grooming facility to see how they operate and the working conditions. Make sure the groomers are licensed and bonded if they will be handling your pet. They should also have pet first aid training.

4. Training

A new environment can be overwhelming for a dog. They may experience anxiety, fear, or stress, which will lead to problem behaviors. It's important that you take your new pet slow, so they are comfortable with their home and routine.

Make sure your dog has a safe spot to sleep at night, and a kennel or cage they can rest in during the day. Also, be prepared for accidents. It's a good idea to lay down newspapers in areas where you don't want your new dog to go, especially for the first week or so.

Find a trainer you trust and can communicate with. They should understand your dog's issues and help you train them for success. It's also a good idea to do some research on how to train your dog.

5. Feeding

Dogs thrive on structure, so plan ahead and establish a schedule for walks, grooming, playtime, feedings, and cuddle time. This will give your new dog a sense of stability and help him adjust to his new home.

Make sure to remove any poisonous houseplants, as well as items that your dog could chew on or destroy (such as ribbons, garbage bags, and toilet lids). Also, ensure that children's toys and games with small parts are stowed away.

Find out what food your dog is accustomed to eating and gradually introduce his new diet to avoid stomach upset. Ideally, meals should be served in an area protected from children and other pets to prevent guarding behaviors around food. This will also ensure that empty bowls are not lingering and tempting to your new dog.