Having a puppy in your home can be extremely rewarding. The cute and cuddly friends are well known for lighting up their owner’s mood and providing a sense of joy and companionship.
It is especially for this reason that dogs are often referred to as a man’s best friend. Not only are they beneficial for easing your mood but they also help us cope during times of crises.
While there are several reasons why having a dog is beneficial for your well-being, it is equally important to create an environment that compliments the dog’s personality, this will allow the dog to freely be who it wants to be and, in the process, make them much happier pets. A happy dog will create a happy owner.
This is why it is extremely important to organize your home in a manner that makes it both pet-friendly and safe enough for them to develop into healthy dogs.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) – an animal welfare charity that focuses on the rescue and welfare of animals, as well as Pet Plate – a manufacturer of dog food, highlighted that there are four precautions needed in your home to ensure that your dog is safe.
Creating a safe resting place
Preparation is important. As a leading organization of animal safety, RSPCA highlights that it is important to identify a safe space for your pet as you would when expecting a baby.
“Give your dog a comfortable, dry, draught-free, clean, and quiet place to rest undisturbed. Living in a cold or wet place can make your dog unwell.”
Additionally, Pet Plate added that because dogs are animals driven by experience lots of sights and scents too much of it can be overwhelming when entering a new home. It is important to find a spot that is quiet and comfortable and associated with good things, this will allow them to decompress.
Hazard-free environment
“Dogs are naturally inquisitive and can get into dangerous situations if they’re left on their own. Make sure that your dog’s home is safe, secure, and free from hazards,” says RSPCA.
Laying down the rules
Pet Plate says that it is important for families to sit down and work out a list of rules prior to bringing the new dog home.
“They won’t know the difference between right and wrong, so it’s important to immediately make your house rules clear so they can adjust more easily.
“Sit down with your family and go over the house rules to consistently enforce them.”
According to the pet expert, it is essential that the entire family remains consistent so that the puppy does not get confused.
Find a reliable veterinarian
As with our own family members, receiving proper healthcare is extremely important. Pet Plate notes that it is extremely important that we find a reliable vet and go for a check-up within the first week of having your new furry family member in your home. If you are unsure, do research and find the best vet in your area.
Also see: Pros and cons of pets sleeping in the bed
