Having become a new dog dad is a joyful event. But if this is your first foray into parenting a furry, four-legged bundle of joy, all that excitement can also come with some worries. After all, what if you make some classic new dog parenting mistakes?
That’s okay. It’s normal to worry, just as it’s normal for first-time pet parents to make mistakes. Often they are an important part of the learning process. The trick is to avoid the mistakes that could end up really harming your dog.
Our Best Advice for New Dog Parents
Better get used to it: You will make mistakes We all do! However, knowing the risks and being prepared can help you minimize the severity of new dog parenting mistakes.
To help you set yourself up for success, here are some of our best tips to help you avoid the most common mistakes new pet parents make.
1. Find a vet you trust
To promote your dog’s long-term health and avoid last-minute stress, prioritize find a vet before bringing your new pet home. You’ll have your hands full once your dog becomes part of the family. So give yourself one more thing to worry about!
2. Ask your vet (not Dr. Google)
New pet parents have many questions. And there’s no shortage of answers (and omniscient sources) to choose from. But when it comes to your dog’s health or behavior, always check with your vet first. That way, you’ll get advice tailored to your dog’s unique needs, not one-size-fits-all answers.
3. Don’t skimp on training
Training is a must if you welcome a noisemaker new puppy or older rescue dog. Not only is it a great opportunity to bond with your new pet, effective training can also help keep your dog safe and prevent unwanted behavior. Remember: You will need a lot of patience… and, if that endsMaybe some help in the form of a certified dog trainer.
4. Feed a diet that is suitable for your dog
Trying different dog foods on your new puppy can be overwhelming, expensive, and even upsetting your dog’s digestion. Instead, consult your veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist for a customized one dietary recommendations tailored to your dog’s health and caloric needs. Pro Tip: Set up automatic deliveries so you never run out of dog food!
5. Add proper exercise
Staying active plays an important role in your dog’s health. But exercise needs (and preferences) vary from dog to dog. Ask your vet about the physical requirements of your breed and what exercises they would recommend. walking may be a lot for some dogs, while others may need something more challenging, such as swimming or an agility course.
6. Make sure your dog is spayed or neutered
If your dog is not already spayed or neutered, talk to your vet about the best time to schedule this simple, life-saving procedure. Not only does spaying or neutering benefit your dog’s health, but it also helps fight the cycle of abuse unwanted pets often suffer.
7. Know your breed (and what you’re getting into)
It’s so easy to fall in love with a dog at first sight! But before you make any big decisions, be sure to research your potential offspring racial characteristics. While all dogs are unique, breed characteristics can give you a better sense of whether a dog is likely to fit your lifestyle and living space. Plus, you can learn about what health issues to watch out for, maintenance requirements and more.
8. Get pet insurance to help offset medical expenses
get pet health insurance as soon as possible to help cover the cost of unexpected illnesses or injuries. But be sure to shop around to find the right plan for your pup. Some plans offer basic coverage, while others may cover preventive care and even things like alternative therapies, surgery and diagnostic tests.
9. Sign up for a free GreatPetCare account
Life with a new dog can be quite busy. But with a GreatPetCare account, you can simplify managing your pet’s health. Register for free and keep all your dog’s details at your fingertips, from health records to medication reminders and helpful vet advice. There’s even a GreatHealthCare app with a bonus Health Journal where you can record symptoms, photos or questions you want to share with your vet.
Staying organized and prepared is a great way to avoid the most common new dog mistakes. So create your free account today to take advantage of these benefits:
- Build a profile for your new dog
- Add your local vet and emergency vet
- Upload and manage health records
- Set reminders
- Track weight
- Add callback alerts
- Get articles and product recommendations specific to your pets and health concerns