Get Ready for Your First Pet

Are you thinking about adding a new member to the family? Before you make this exciting new decision, you will need to consider several things before introducing a new furry friend into your life. First, do you have the space, the time, the supplies, and any other pets? You will have to think about these things before bringing your new fur baby home.

Beyond these bigger questions, there are other details to think about. For example, what is the best type of food, toys, and supplies. It can be overwhelming to make sure that everything is perfect for your first pet.

My dog had a food allergy that I had to take into consideration. For younger pups, you may not know their allergies, so take proper precautions by giving them food designed for their age, size, and bite.

The American Kennel Club is a great resource with information on puppy feeding, including a first-year timeline, feeding hours, and food costs. 

Now that the basics are covered, start thinking about their playtime supplies. According to the American Kennel Club, “Playing has many benefits for dogs. It can help them relieve stress, get rid of pent-up energy, strengthen your bond with your dog, and stimulate them mentally.”

For toys, great options include hard chew toys, dental chews, and rope toys. When I brought my dog home, we improvised and used a mateless sock for tugging and rawhide bones for gnawing. The American Kennel Club has information for small, medium, and large breed dogs on the best way to facilitate playtime.