Dog Owner Tips

A new dog can be a wonderful addition to your family, whether you are bringing home an energetic puppy or a mellow senior. Though adopting a furry friend is exciting, it’s also important to keep in mind what you need to do to prepare and care for your pet. The first step after bringing your dog home should be an appointment with Fairway Knolls Veterinary Hospital in Bloomington for a wellness checkup.

Visit the Veterinarian

You may be tempted to let your furry friend explore your home and meet the rest of the family right away, but you first need to make sure your new pooch is healthy and appropriately vaccinated. Stop by our animal hospital for a wellness examination. Our veterinarian will inspect your pet to make sure they are healthy and free of disease. They will also administer any necessary vaccinations to ensure that your dog is protected from dangerous infections.

Start Training Right Away

Before your dog even walks through the front door, you should already be incorporating training that you will be using with your pup at home. As a dog owner, you will be responsible for disciplining your pet and making sure that they are aware that you are the pack leader so that you don’t run into behavior issues down the road. Start by teaching your new dog to sit and making sure that they respond to their name.

Stick to a Mealtime Routine

Dogs are creatures of habit, especially when it comes to mealtimes. Whether you are feeding a senior dog once daily or a puppy three times a day, try to feed them at the same time for each meal. This will help your dog avoid stress and become comfortable their new environment. Their bathroom breaks will also be a lot more regular, which will help you learn to expect when your dog needs to be taken out.

Your New Dog Deserves the Best in Care

If you have recently adopted a furry family member, our animal hospital can help make sure your pup is well taken care of. Call Fairway Knolls Veterinary Hospital in Bloomington at (309) 663-1414 to schedule an appointment for your pet’s first checkup.

Do you have any tips for new dog owners? Let us know in the comments.