It’s been a while since I had some pet care advice to share, but I was inspired to write about a topic that keeps coming up when I see dogs being adopted at the shelters where I volunteer.
Often, new pet parents are not properly prepared for the furry bundle of joy they plan to take home.
While I’m always happy when a shelter pup gets adopted, I still pray that their new home is safe and filled with everything they need to live a long, happy, healthy life.
Checklist for your first dog – 6 Steps Explained
Today I want to share a nifty checklist you and your loved ones can use when planning to adopt a dog. Go through this list and check that you have all the items, services, and plans in place.
1. The Doggy Starter Package
Nobody said giving a dog a great life is going to be cheap, but you will be surprised how many of the following goodies can be created from items you already own, or that you can get at discounted rates on Takealot.com.
Your basic Doggy Starter Package should include:
- Dog Bed and Blankets
- Food and Water Bowls
- A few toys (get ones for teething if you’re getting a puppy)
- Collar (bonus points for getting one with a pet tracking device)
- Harness and Leash
- Poo Bags and Scoopers
- Grooming Items (brush, shampoo and doggy toothpaste and toothbrush)
2. A Pet-Proofed House
Depending on the age of the dog you’re adopting, you may want to take some extra safety precautions around your home.
If you’re getting a puppy, create a gated section to avoid them falling down any stairs or getting lost or stuck under furniture or odd nooks and crannies.
Ensure your fence has no holes and that your yard is free of poisonous plants and other hazards.
Take a thorough trip through your home to see if you can spot any potential ways a dog can get into mischief and implement preventative measures.
Want to keep the toilet rolls safe? Put them away or keep the bathroom door closed until your doggy is trained to not nibble on random things in the house.
3. Pet Medical Insurance
This is one of the most important items on your checklist. Can you afford pet medical insurance?
If you cannot, then you will be in quite the financial pickle when a medical emergency occurs and you need specialised vet care.
Animal health care, just like human health care, is a costly thing. Every doctor’s fee, medicine, utensils, and machinery used, kennels for overnight stays…they add up quickly.
Please put enough money aside each month for a quality pet insurance plan.
For new pets, you’ll have to ensure they receive all their vaccines, and pets of all ages need regular health checks and deworming.
The bills add up, and pet insurance will help take care of them so you can give your pet the best of the best treatments. Keep in mind that most pet insurance policies include a waiting period – often 30 days for illness cover and up to 12 months for hereditary or chronic conditions.
When you get a pet medical insurance quote, be sure to ask which vets and benefits are part of their policies, and take the time to really understand how and when you claim so you can make the best use of it.
If you’re curious about how much pet cover will cost, you can get a quick quote here.
4. Quality Pet Food
When you take your new doggo in for a health check at the local vet (the one you’ll be frequenting more often now with your new furry friend), ask your vet what foods brands and types they recommend.
Some pups have delicate tummies and others have sensitive skin, all dogs are different, and their dietary needs may vary.
Get your vet’s input to help you pick the perfect wet and dry foods as well as suitable snacks and training treats.
Many pet medical insurers provide discounts on select vet-approved pet foods, so be sure to ask about that when you apply for cover.
5. Exercise and Bonding Regimes
Dogs are not decorations for your home. They are living beings that we humans need to care for and protect. That means keeping them healthy and entertained with regular outings and exercise sessions.
Regular runs in the nearby park or around the neighborhood is great to keep both us and our dogs in shape. Stick to routines, whether you prefer evening or morning runs or walks, try to not skip any days.
If outings are a bit tricky, make time to play in your yard/home. Bonding and showing your dogs love are important to keep any depression at bay.
Yes, dogs can get depressed, and it does take a toll on their health. Plus, dogs that socialise from a young age are less hostile towards other pups when out on walks.
6. Nearby Pet Amenities
Get to know your neighbourhood and take note of all the pet-friendly spots that are close to your home; like vets, parks, groomers, trainers, and doggy daycares.
While you’re out taking note of great spots, take the time to save your selected veterinarian’s details on your phone for any emergency calls.
The best place to get started is to get everything ready before picking up your new canine companion. Dogs are not toys, they have needs and it is our responsibility to give them everything they need.
Keep your pet safe. You can start right now with a pet medical insurance quote, you can use estimated ages to see what premiums you can get.