Are you thinking of adopting a puppy? Is this your first time bringing home a furry friend? Then we have some tips for you! In honor of National Puppy Day, Freshpet’s expert veterinarian and the host of Roman to the Rescue, Dr. Aziza Glass, has a checklist for potential puppy parents.
Recently, we received a press email on behalf of Freshpet, which gave us a few insights into what potential pet parents should consider before they bring home a new furry friend. The checklist, which was put together by Dr. Glass, goes over everything from considering pet insurance to paying attention to your own schedule.
And since we are celebrating National Puppy Day on March 23, we think this is a great time to review the potential pet parent checklist that Dr. Aziza Glass put together on behalf of Freshpet.
Dr. Aziza Glass shares her checklist of what potential pet parents should consider before bringing home that puppy
- You may want to consider pet insurance for your pup. And why is that? Because, “Every dog has a potential for health problems, especially if their breed is prone to diseases.”
- Know your own schedule. You need to know upfront that you have the time, energy, and even patience for a new pet. “Many animals are returned to shelters because their owners don’t realize the time commitment involved in caring for a pet. It can take a pet up to three months or more to acclimate to a new environment and routine.”
- Be prepared for socialization. This is something you need to plan for and make sure it is safe for all involved, from the puppy to the people. From paying attention to potential red flag behaviors to making sure your pet is up to date on their vaccinations, there are a lot of things to consider when planning the necessary socialization outings.
- Before you even adopt your new puppy, make sure you have a vet lined up (and researched). It is also good to know about any emergency vets in your area and where you can take them if something happens late at night or over the weekend.
- You’ll want to create a puppy meal plan immediately. “Not all dog food is created equally, and some animals may need specialized diets. Start them on the right path with high quality, protein and nutrient-rich foods like Freshpet that contain fresh products like carrots, cranberries, spinach, peas and steamed meats. It may help alleviate tummy issues some puppies experience when transitioning diets.”
Basically, when it comes to adopting a new puppy, there are a lot of things you will want to consider going into it. From what you need to what they need, there are just some things that need to be thought of before actually heading out and bringing home a new furry friend.
Remember that pets are a life time commitment, and that means being prepared heading into things.
What do you think of Dr. Aziza Glass’s list of things to consider? Are these things you thought of? What else do you think is important before adopting a new puppy? Let us know.