Dogs bring love, joy and a little chaos into our lives – but chaos that we gladly accept. There are so many benefits to adopting a puppy, and the experience can truly change your life.
However, they’re also a lot of work – almost like having a child! There is a lot you need to have in place before you bring them home, and even some admin you’ll need to sort out as soon as they’re settled.
If you’re thinking of introducing a new puppy to your family, here are four of the most important things you need to get sorted out as soon as possible.
Insurance
When you adopt a new dog, puppy pet insurance is a must. Vet bills can get crazy, and just like with human kids, you never know when they might fall unexpectedly ill or hurt themselves.
Pet insurance is something many dog owners neglect to invest in, but it can be a real financial lifesaver.
Shop around for a comprehensive and affordable dog insurance plan for your new baby so that you’re covered for incoming vet bills, medications, surgeries, and any emergencies that might arise.
A Reliable Vet
You might not realise that choosing a vet for your pet is actually a pretty big deal. If you already own pets or have owned them in the past and trust the vet that you’ve used, you won’t have a problem here.
However, if this is your first time owning an animal, you should take some time and effort to look around for a good vet in your area. The best way to do this is to ask your friends and family members which vets they trust and recommend. You’ll need to bring your puppy in for a check-up as soon as you’re able to bring it home, so the sooner you choose someone, the better.
A Trainer
No matter what breed you adopt, your puppy will need training of some sort. If you have enough time on your hands, you could choose to train them yourself, but keep in mind that this is a big commitment and will require dedication from your side.
If you don’t think you’ll have the time for it, there are different training classes your puppy could attend, depending on what you think they need. Puppy school is a good idea for a starting point, as this is where they will learn how to socialise with other dogs (and humans) and be taught some basic behavioural cues.
All the Gear
Of course, you’ll also get to do the fun shopping associated with bringing home a new furry friend. Make sure to get all the essentials like a dog collar, a lead, a comfy bed, food and water bowls, and a few toys to get them started.
If it’s cold when you adopt your puppy, buy them a sweater and perhaps a blanket to put in their bed. Some owners choose to crate train their dogs, in which case you’ll need to buy a crate, and if you’ve adopted a breed with long hair, you’ll also need to invest in a brush (and perhaps a lint roller).
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