If you’ve got a new furry friend on the way there may be a few things that you need to do before they arrive and this quick guide should help to get you on your way!
Essential Equipment
If you’ve never had a dog before, there are a few important items that you should get before the big day!
Of course, you need to get some food and water bowls – non-slip ones are the best, especially for excitable puppies, and you should make sure that fresh water is always available.
A comfortable bed is essential for your furry friend and you should always buy one that’s big enough for your pooch to grow into and stretch out in. There are many beds to choose from; one great option is a donut bed. Donut beds provide slightly higher walls to appeal to your pet’s nesting instinct which helps to calm anxiety and makes them feel safe.
Engaged pups will be happier, healthier and better behaved than bored dogs, so if you don’t want your carpets and furniture ripped apart you should provide them with a range of toys to keep them entertained. There are thousands of toys on the market but the best ones will be durable and keep them mentally entertained, such as Kong toys which can be filled with treats and are great for aggressive chewers.
Remove Toxins
If you have previously been in a pet-free household you may not be aware of all the everyday items that can be harmful to your pet if ingested. When it comes to food and drink, anything containing caffeine or alcohol is toxic to dogs, as well as xylitol which is commonly found in sugar-free foods. Some non-edible items toxic items that you might have around the house include insecticides and pesticides, lawn fertilisers and weed killers, fabric softer sheets and paints and solvents.
There is also a range of plants that could be harmful to your furry friends if ingested. Some popular ones are lilies, hydrangeas and aloe vera as well as a range of stone fruit trees like cherry and plum trees. If your pooch has ingested anything that you suspect to be toxic then call your local vet as quickly as possible.
Puppy Proof Your House
While you may have moved all potential toxins out of the way, your dog is sure to find plenty of other hazards around the home if you aren’t careful!
Puppies explore the world through their mouths so anything that is within reach that could cause harm should be moved. Wires and cables pose a real risk as they tend to be on floor level so don’t leave your puppy unattended in a room with live wires – either unplug them or move them up higher.
If you have rubbish bins without a lid, it’s best to store them in a cupboard that shuts. Spoiled food, plastic containers and plenty of other potentially hazardous items can be found in bins and your pooch is highly likely to want to investigate if they smell something interesting.
To avoid the stress of keeping an eye on your puppy 24/7 a stair gate is a great idea as it will allow you to keep them away from trouble, especially if you aren’t planning on puppy-proofing your whole home.
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