Paws and Beginnings: Navigating Life as a First-Time Dog Parent

Welcome to the wonderful world of dog parenthood! As you embark on this journey with your furry friend, you’re in for a rollercoaster of emotions, adventures, and cherished memories. From the wagging tales to the endless cuddles, being a dog parent is a rewarding experience. However, it also comes with its fair share of responsibilities and things you need to do to keep your furry friend happy and healthy.

Dog Care

Learning how to take care of your dog is important. Your dog is going to run around, possibly hit and break stuff and in the process it might hurt itself, so knowing how to take care of it should be your number one priority even before you get the dog. Here are some things you need to know before you adopt a pet.

First Aid Kit

Preparing a first aid kit is one of the most important steps. Just like humans, dogs can encounter accidents or injuries, so you need to be prepared because a well-equipped aid kit on hand can make all the difference in times of need. So, what should be in a pet first aid? One of the most crucial things in a well-stocked pet first aid kit is a liquid bandage. These things are important because they instantly protect minor wounds and not only that but they also discourage biting and chewing. Dogs tend to lick and bite their wounds, but with this product, your pet won’t touch the wound and make it worse.

Another great item in your first aid kit is the sterile eye wash. You cannot stop your puppy from playing in the dirt and you shouldn’t, but it’s important to clean it afterwards. Bath them, but pay special attention to their eyes, because they might have debris and dirt in them that might damage them in the long run. Pick an eye wash that is gentle and soothing on the eyes and won’t irritate them.

In your pet first aid kit, you should also have styptic powder. This is a powder that stops bleeding fast when your pet gets hurt. This powder is a great solution because it’s easy to use and it’s convenient to use in on-the-go situations like running, hiking and camping, making it essential in your first aid kit. You apply it on the cut with a moistened cotton applicator with moderate pressure, but if the cut is deep avoid using it and instead visit a vet. Since it’s a powder you might be wondering whether you need to wash it off after some time, and the answer is no. You don’t need to remove it because that can cause the wound to bleed again and we want to avoid that.

Find a Good Veterinarian

This step should be done even before you get the pet. Find a veterinarian near your area so that they can be close when you need them. You’re going to take your dog for regular check-ups and vaccinations, aside from any possible sickness, so finding a vet that is kind and nice is really important. Your dog needs to be comfortable around them, so do your research before you pick one.

What to Buy First

When bringing a new dog into your home, it’s crucial to have the essentials ready. There are some things you’re going to want to purchase even before you bring the puppy home so that it can be comfortable from day one. The most important thing to buy is a comfortable dog bed where your furry friend can sleep, then food and water bowls as well as high-quality food for it to eat.

Buy a dog leash, so that you can teach your puppy to walk next to you and a collar with identification tags. Then you’re going to need to get toys so that your four-legged friend can be amused and entertained. If you’re getting a small puppy, consider getting toys for teething, because they are going to want to bite stuff.

Establishing Routines

Bringing a new dog into the household is going to be a bit challenging, for both you and the puppy. From they one you’re going to need to establish consistent daily routines for feeding, exercise and bathroom breaks, to help your dog be secure and prevent behavioural issues. This will also help you as you are going to get used to those routines and help you get used to a new addition to the family.

Patience

All of the things mentioned above are for nothing if you’re not patient with your pet. Adjusting to this new life is going to take time, for both you and the dog and there are going to be challenges along the way, but approach each day with a positive attitude and remember that building a strong bond with your pet takes time and effort.

As you start this new journey as a first-time dog parent, remember that as hard as it seems it’s all worth it in the end. All you have to to is keep your pet healthy and safe, care for its well-being and you’ll create a loving and fulfilling relationship that will last a lifetime.