Pets can be great companies and provide you with comfort. Puppies are popular choices. I mean, who could resist their adorable and affectionate personalities? However, before you jump into any impulse purchases, here are seven things you should keep in mind.

1. It’s a Lifetime Commitment

When you take home a dog, they become part of your family. So, you should be committed to taking care of their needs full time. You will need to provide them with shelter, food and water, medical care and attention.

Keep in mind taking care of a puppy is a time-consuming task. You need to feed them three to four times a day and take them out immediately after. They also may wake up multiple times throughout the night.

Keep in mind puppies shouldn’t be left home alone for more than a few hours. They can’t hold their bladder and can create accidents inside the house. So, consider your work schedule before committing to buying a dog.

2.  Owning a Dog Is Expensive

Having a puppy is also a financial commitment. You have to pay for food, toys, and veterinary care services. The average cost of all these expenses is around $1,400-$4,300 per year. Also, you want to be prepared for any emergency medical costs. So, before buying a puppy, make sure you have enough room in your budget.

3.  Buy Your Puppy Accessories in Advance

Before taking your furry friend home, you want to have everything ready. This means buying basic supplies ahead of time.

Here are some of the important items you want to get:

●      Leash

●      Collar

●      Food and water bowls

●      Comfortable bed

●      Toys

Having the essentials in advance can make the dog feel more at home. This can make the transition process go smoother.

4.  Be Prepared to Groom Your Dog

You will need to keep up with your puppy’s hygiene routine. This includes giving them baths, cutting their nails, and brushing out their fur. You want to give your dog their first bath at around six to eight weeks old. You can also use a warm washcloth to remove small patches of dirt.

When preparing the bath, have shampoo and towels on hand. Also, wear older clothes that can get wet.

Here are the steps to give your pup a successful bath:

Determine your puppy’s coat type

1. Provide them treats and cuddles
2. Start with lukewarm water and a rag
3. Move on to using shampoo
4. Be gentle
5. Avoid openings around their face
6. Rinse thoroughly
7. Remember the conditioner
8. Give them a gentle blow-dry

To ease into the grooming process, start with shorter sessions and increase them. Also, to make your dog feel comfortable, give them frequent pets and reward them at the end.

4.  Find a Good Vet for Your Dog

When it comes to caring for your pet, making sure they are healthy is essential. Before taking home your puppy, look into local vets to find the right one.  This way, you aren’t trying to find one last minute.

When choosing a veterinarian, find one with a good reputation at affordable prices. Do your research and read online reviews, and maybe even visit the place in person. You can also search online sites, such as Ask.Vet, to connect to local veterinarians.

Keep in mind you will need to bring your pet to the vet every three to four weeks until they are 16 weeks old. They need to get vaccines for rabies and other diseases.

5.  Create a Safe Environment for Them

Your dog will probably want to chew and lick everything inside your home. To ensure your dog’s safety, keep anything containing toxins out of their reach. These can include plants, plastic bags, or chemical cleaners.

Here are some other ways to dog-proof your home:

●      Use childproof latches

●      Place medications and cleaners on high shelves

●      Keep the toilet lid closed

●      Place wires and electric cords out of reach

●      Keep laundry and shoes behind closed doors

The best way to make sure your puppy is safe is to watch and supervise them whenever possible. If you’re leaving the house, put them in a crate until your return.

6.  Allow Your Dog to Be Social

It is important to let your puppy become comfortable with new people and other animals early on. This will allow them to be more confident in a new setting. Also, continue to socialize them even after their puppy years. The more friendly they are the less likely they will be fearful and act out around others.

You want to have your dog around friends and family, so socialization is an important step.

Take them to your local dog park or walk them around your neighborhood.

Along with walks, here are some other tips for socializing your puppy:

●      Expose them to a wide variety of people

●      Start early

●      Take them to dog training classes

●      Stock up on treats

●      Follow your pet’s cues

What to Know Before You Buy a Puppy

Buying a pet can bring love and joy to your family! Puppies are an adorable choice to consider. You want to make sure you’re fully prepared for the responsibility and commitment. Next time you’re at the pet store, keep these things in mind before purchasing your furry friend.