3 Things to Do Before Bringing Your New Dog Home

Many families look forward to the time when they find the perfect dog for them to adopt and welcome into their home. To be sure, a dog brings a sense of completion to a family and can bring with them a great deal of love and joy.

That being said, it is important to remember that adopting a dog is no small matter. Far too many dogs are returned to the pound each and every year because the families who adopt them aren’t prepared to take on the responsibilities associated with looking after a dog. For this reason, you need to be certain that you are ready for the changes that a dog will bring.

The best thing that you can do is prepare for the arrival of your new dog by covering as many bases as possible. With that in mind, here are three things that you should look at doing before bringing your new dog home.

1. Find a Vet

You might think that the only time that you will need a veterinarian is when your new dog is sick or injured. However, you will need to bring your dog to see a vet almost as soon as you bring them home.

A vet will be able to evaluate your dog to make sure that he or she is healthy and well. They will also be able to administer any vaccinations or booster shots that they might be due for so that you can keep them protected from the various illnesses and diseases that can plague pups. Your vet will also be able to prescribe heartworm prevention and flea and tick prevention for your dog.

For obvious reasons, you will want to know where the nearest emergency vet Naples Fl is situated before you bring your new dog home. Make sure that you are happy with the location of the vet as well as with the services they offer.

2. Stock Up on Essentials

Once you know how old the dog that you are adopting is and if he or she has any dietary restrictions or needs, you should look to head out to do some shopping. It is a good idea to stock up on all of the essentials, such as food and treats, prior to bringing your pup home.

Make sure that you have everything that a dog will need in the way of toys, bowls, and leashes. You should also have a tag engraved with their name and your contact details, just in case.

3. Talk to Your Kids

Many people like the idea of adopting a dog because they feel that having a dog in the family can go a long way toward helping teach their children responsibility. While this is true to an extent, you should make sure that you prepare your kids for the changes that a dog will bring to the household. If they are going to be responsible for things like feeding and walking the dog, make sure they know how to go about doing so.

Make sure you’re prepared and having a dog will only bring joy to you and your family.