Did you know that in 1988, only 56% of American households owned pets, but in 2022, the percentage has risen to 70%? That’s a huge jump. It seems that Americans are loving the idea of owning and taking care of pets.
Are you thinking about getting a pet but it’s your first time owning a dog? Well, there are some things you need to know to make sure your dog stays healthy and happy for a long time to come. Keep reading for some useful tips for new dog owners.
- Have Everything You Need for Your Dog in Advance
If you know you are going to pick up your pet dog from the adoption centre on Monday, make sure you buy all the essential items for your new pet in advance on Saturday or Sunday. This way you won’t have to leave your new pet at home, while you run around grabbing litter boxes, dog food, and toys.
- Get Your Dog Checked Out by a Vet Regularly
Even if you get your dog from an adoption centre or breeder where they did regular checkups, it’s still a good idea to take your dog to the vet a few days after you get it home. This way your vet will have a clear idea of where the dog’s health stands and what to do to keep it lively and vibrant.
- It’s Best To Get Your Dog Spayed or Neutered
There are way too many homeless puppies roaming around the lands of America. No need to add any more to that population. That’s why it’s important to neuter or spray your pet dog as soon as you can, unless you are planning on breeding your dog.
- Dog Training by a Professional Helps Quite a Bit
Having a hard time getting your new pet to do what you want? Sometimes it takes a bit of time and a lot of patience to get to a point where your dog is trained enough to obey your commands. But if you think that a little bit of professional help could be useful, then hire a dog trainer.
- Learn More About Your Dog’s Breed
There are so many dog facts to know about each breed out there. You could spend quite a bit of time learning about your dog’s breed and how to keep it healthy. Here’s an interesting page on dog night vision to get you started.
Use These Tips for New Dog Owners Diligently
There is a common misconception that pets aren’t as much work as a baby. But you would be surprised how much time, effort, and energy a pet actually takes up. In fact, if you wish to do a good job, you will need to spend time learning about your dog’s breed and training it appropriately.
Check out related articles on our website and keep learning more tips for new dog owners.