When you’re preparing to welcome a new furry family member to your household, you’ll probably be thinking about buying all your new dog’s toys, leads, collar, and more. While it’s important to invest in all the important items to keep your dog entertained and in preparation for its walks, there’s also an important checklist to remember in regard to your dog’s healthcare, right from day one.
- Get Your Pup’s Initial Vaccinations
If your new dog is a puppy, then it’s going to need all of its first important vaccinations at the right age, and it’s important to make sure this is done. Your puppy will need a full initial health check and its first injections, which are usually spread out over a few appointments at certain ages.
If you haven’t got a young puppy, you will still need to make sure your dog’s vaccination history is up to date. This may mean starting from scratch if a certain booster window has been missed or if there is no history, such as with an adopted animal. Your vet will be able to advise more on this.
- Start Flea and Worming Treatment
Treatment for fleas and worms is something that needs to be done for the entirety of your dog’s life. You can either get this done at the vets or invest in your own at-home tablets or treatment, which you can administer yourself. You’ll need to do this as soon as possible and set a reminder when your pup is next due to make sure the next dose is never missed.
- Register Officially with a Vet
Finding an official vet for your dog is important, as you then have a trusted practice to go to and maintain your dog’s health and history. Do your research into the different practices available, and think about the distance to your location and emergency vet potential should the worst occur. Practices like Colonial Animal Hospital are available 24/7 for emergency help, so you’ll want a dependable service like this so that your dog is always protected.
- Decide on Neutering or Spaying
If you’re not planning to use your dog for breeding, or if you’re worried about unwanted puppies if you’re planning on a male and female dog in the same household, then it’s a good idea to think about neutering as early as possible in your dog’s life to reap the benefits. This can ensure that everyone is protected from an early age and also has other benefits, such as health and behavioral.
- Make a Healthy Diet Plan
Knowing what to feed your dog is important, especially if you have a puppy that is quickly growing. Be sure to tailor your dog’s food to their age and needs, and make changes when appropriate (such as switching from puppy food to adult food). Also, be sure to check the recommended food amount based on your dog’s weight to ensure that you’re not overfeeding or underfeeding. Some dogs prefer dry food, but a wet and dry food mix is usually a great option.