New Year, New Dog
New year, new dog! As 2022 comes to an end, you may be looking forward to all of the changes that the new year will bring. One of those changes may just be adding a new fur baby to the family. If you are one of the many families in the US who have adopted a new dog for Christmas, we want to first congratulate you on adding a new member to your family. Secondly, we want to remind you of the gravity of owning a pet. Companion animals deserve loving families who are respectful and conscious of their needs. With that being said, we have compiled a new pet checklist for you below. Read more to find out what you need in order to prepare to properly care for your new dog.
All dogs:
Dog Food. To prevent tummy upsets, start by feeding your new dog the brand they were eating prior to coming to your home. Then, you can gradually transition to another dog food, depending on your veterinarian’s advice and your dog’s own preferences. (Not sure what food your new dog needs? Learn more about the ages and stages of dog food.)
Food and Water Bowls. The best dog food and water bowls are both useful and lovely to look at.
Collar. A collar is an essential piece of safety equipment for all dogs. It’s where you’ll display their ID tag with their name and contact information, in case they get lost, as well as any health tags required by the city or county where you live.
Leash. For outdoor walks with your pup, these are a necessity. Start with a standard 6-foot leash, which will keep your dog close and safe while you learn more about their outdoor behavior.
Poop Bags. Leaving your dog’s waste on the ground isn’t just rude; it’s a public health hazard. Don’t be that guy.
Dog Treats. Whether you’re training your dog to sit or just showing them a little love, say it with a dog treat.
Dog Bed. A cozy place to sleep will help get your new pet settled in your home.
Toys. All dogs need toys for mental and physical exercise, whether it’s chewing, chasing or snuggling.
Nail Trimmers. Clippers can keep your pet’s nails comfortably short and safe.
Puppies:
Dog Crate. A crate can be a space your new puppy can call their own—and is necessary for crate training.
Potty Pads. A housetraining essential, potty pads can save your floors and give your pet a place to do their business indoors.
Chew Toys. Give your puppy an appropriate outlet for their natural chewing instinct with plenty of chew toys.
Puzzle and Treat-Dispensing Toys. Mentally stimulating toys that make your puppy work for a payoff can help keep them occupied (and out of trouble).
Training Treats. Bite-sized, low-calorie treats are made specifically for training situations, so you can reward your dog’s progress as much as you want.
Dog Clicker. This common training tool makes a unique sound that lets dogs know when they’ve done something right.
Dental Products. A toothbrush and toothpaste made especially for puppies can help them get used to having their teeth cleaned and prevent dental disease.
Puppy Shampoo. Select a shampoo made just for puppies to give your new dog a gentle scrub.
Stain and Odor Remover. Accidents will happen. But happily, enzymatic cleaners are made just for puppy messes.
Calming Aids. Ease the transition to your home with products like supplements, apparel that provides constant pressure, a calming dog collar or sprays infused with anxiety-settling pheromones.
Adult Dogs:
Dental Products. Adult dogs need adult-sized dental products, including a toothbrush and toothpaste.
Dog Shampoo. Upgrade your pup to a shampoo formulated for adult dogs.
Dog Brush. Grooming your dog helps decrease shedding and prevents matting in breeds with longer hair.
Dog Cleaning Wipes. Wipes can keep your dog fresh and clean, and some are formulated to remove outdoor allergens from your pet’s coat.
Training Tools. A no-pull harness or anti-chew spray can correct behavioral problems in adult dogs.
Senior Dogs:
Pet Steps or Ramps. Some senior dogs have trouble getting onto furniture or into vehicles. Steps or ramps can help.
Heated or Orthopedic Pet Bed. An orthopedic pet bed is designed to provide support and comfort to senior dogs’ aching joints.
Lift Harness. A lift harness can help you pick up your dog when they need you to move them.
Pet Stroller. Using a stroller, your dog can go on a walk—even when they’re too tired to actually walk.
Doggy Diapers. A convenient fix for older dogs who suffer from incontinence.
Dog Sweaters. They're not just for fashion. A cozy sweater can help old dogs regulate their body temperature.
Dog Blankets. Keep senior dogs warm and comfortable.
Dog Brush. Grooming becomes extra important in your dog’s senior years, as some places on their body may become difficult to reach.
Dental Products. Dogs become more prone to dental disease as they age, so keep your new pet’s teeth
Training
No matter how sweet your dog is, it’s likely you will have at least a couple differences of opinion on what constitutes appropriate behavior. That’s where training comes in. Whether you’re teaching your new dog commands like sit and stay, or simply showing them where they’re allowed to do their business, use these tips to show your pup how to be their best self. Contact us at (740) 353-5758 today to schedule training for your new dog!
Schedule a Vet Visit
New dog parents should promptly set up a visit with one of our veterinarians, especially if their dog is due for vaccines. Many puppies go home to their pet parents around 8 weeks of age, for example, which is a good time for a first vet trip because it coincides with their first vaccination.
The particulars of your new dog’s first visit to a vet will vary based on their medical history, age and other factors. But there are a few standard practices you’ll encounter. Expect to answer some basic questions about your dog’s past, a review of any available veterinary records, and a physical exam.
Based on your dog’s history, records and exam, your veterinarian could recommend a wide range of options, including preventative care. That includes a schedule of vaccines as well as flea, tick and heartworm prevention medication. Your vet may also offer nutritional guidance or diagnostic testing, and schedule necessary follow-up appointments. If you’re considering vitamins or supplements for your new dog, this visit is a good time to talk to your vet about that decision and ask about any specific products and how they might affect your dog.
Flea and Tick Prevention
Pests like fleas and ticks aren’t just a nuisance for your dog. Apart from itching—which can be so severe it causes hair loss and sores in dogs with flea allergies—fleas and ticks can also carry diseases. Fleas can spread tapeworms, haemobartonellosis (parasitic blood infection), cat scratch fever and mycoplasmosis (bacteria infection). Ticks transmit Lyme disease, tick fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis (both bacteria infections) and babesiosis (a parasite infection of the red blood cells). Severe infestations can also cause anemia due to loss of blood. The first step to avoiding these issues is using a flea and tick preventative.
Heartworm Prevention
Heartworms, Dirofilaria immitis, are worms that live in the heart, lungs and blood vessels of infected dogs. The parasite is spread through mosquito bites, traveling in the infected dog’s bloodstream to the heart, lungs and blood vessels, where they can live for 5-7 years, reproducing and causing damage. Left untreated, they can be fatal.
That’s why a heartworm preventative is absolutely necessary for any pet dog. Your veterinarian can recommend a safe, FDA-approved heartworm medicine for dogs in one of three forms: a topical treatment that goes on top of the dog’s shoulder blades, a chewy pill that looks like a treat, and an injection that lasts for six months.
Health & Wellness
You’ve got your new dog gear, and you’ve selected a veterinarian to be your partner in maintaining your new dog’s health. Now it’s time to make your first vet visit and brush up on the things you’ll need to promote and maintain your dog’s wellness, from vitamins and supplements to parasite prevention.