Welcoming a furry companion into your home is an exciting day to look forward to. Many are considering adopting a dog because they are simply adorable and loyal.
If there’s one member of the family who gets equally excited every time you come home, it would be your dog wagging its tail and licking your face as they greet you. However, owning a dog entails responsibility on your part as a fur parent. Before signing that adoption application form, ensure your home is ready to host a new pet.
To help you get ideas on preparing your home for your furry friend’s arrival, here’s a comprehensive guide you can follow.
1. Purchasing Essential Dog Supplies
With the arrival of a new pet, you will want to ensure you have the necessary items in store. The basics include a collar and leash, food and water bowls, a crate or dog bed, and toys and treats.
It would be best if you also considered buying an identity tag, especially since your dog is new to your residence, and there’s a chance that they could escape from the property and get lost somewhere. Moreover, a set of protective clothing should be ready when your dog arrives. See to it that the size fits your dog and that they’re comfortable wearing it.
Most importantly, buy the necessary vitamins, especially if you’re adopting a pup. You’ll also need to contact a veterinarian in advance to get your puppy checked and get needed prescriptions like dog heartworm tablet and vaccine shots.
2. Dog-Proofing Your House
Dog-proofing your house means ensuring a comfortable and safe environment for your new family member.
Moreover, dogs are high-energy creatures that could damage your items in the house. While you can do nothing to constrain a dog’s stamina, you can definitely make minor adjustments in your home to protect it from potential destruction.
3. Secure electric cords and outlets.
Loose electric cords are the favorite toys of dogs. Perhaps, because they look like chew sticks. If you leave these cords unsupervised, next time you know, these cords could end up getting cut or your dog electrocuted.
What you can do to avoid such unimaginable situations is to apply bitter sprays on the cords. You can also position furniture in front of outlets and ensure the cords are out of your dog’s reach.
You can also run cables through the walls to be invisible to your dogs. A more convenient method is to wrap cords. Dogs could easily chew plastic spiral wraps, so use metallic braided sleeving instead. This protective cover can be purchased in stores that sell electronic supplies.
4. Remove hazardous materials.
Some items in your home should be secured somewhere enclosed when you welcome your dog home. This included toxic fruits such as chocolates because they contain theobromine, which can be fatal to pets. Fruits like avocados, grapes, and currants also have toxins that could be potentially fatal to your dog.
Moreover, household hazards like pesticides, batteries, and bleach should be kept in storage inaccessible to your pets. Pet-safe alternatives to these items exist, so check the labels before you buy. You can also try making your own cleaning products to ensure the raw materials are safe for your pets.
5. Create secure space for your dog.
Sometimes, dogs want to be accompanied and cuddled by humans, but there are also moments when they are more comfortable alone. That’s why dedicating a specific corner in your home for them is essential.
It should be a space your dog would go to to escape the chaos at home whenever everyone gets busy. Make sure to stuff it with things they need, like their favorite pillows or blankets, a spill-proof water bowl, a comfortable dog bed, and their toys.
6. Preparing Your Family
If it’s not only you living in the house, briefing your family is also important. For instance, if you have a kid at home, you might want to test a dog’s behavior before finalizing the adoption. Observe how they react upon meeting your kids. Make sure that dogs don’t only tolerate your kids but adore them. If the dog is happy to approach your kid and doesn’t show any aggressive behavior, then it should also be easier for them to adjust to the environment in your home.
In addition, if you have an existing dog at home, you can make sure that they would interact positively with each other through a gradual introduction process. For example, you can start by walking them together in the park. This way, you’re introducing the scent of your new dog to the existing one and vice versa.
If your existing pet is a cat, what you can do is never let your dog invade the cat’s territory, especially during feeding time. Dogs and cats can coexist in one place, but it would take time. Observe with patience and never force interactions between the two. In due time, you’ll see how these furry friends become close and clingy to each other.
Conclusion
It’s simple to say yes to a new dog, but the preparation could be more challenging than you think. As a host, providing a nurturing and loving environment to a new pet should be a priority. Make sure you never miss one of the tips from this guide, so you can help your new dog become comfortable in its new home.