When you want a rewarding sense of companionship in your life, adopting a dog is one of the best options. If you’re a first-time dog owner, you may have some questions about what type of veterinarian or general care your furry friend requires. Below are a few tips to simplify the process.

5 Helpful Tips for New Puppy Parents

1. Invest in Pet Vaccinations

In addition to giving your dog an initial check-up, your animal hospital will also provide a series of recommended pet vaccinations. These affordable shots are incredibly important early on in life, as they can help shield your dog from life-threatening diseases such as rabies and parvovirus.

2. Schedule Spay or Neuter Surgery

Although spay and neuter surgeries are optional, they are highly recommended for dogs. These surgeries are designed to eliminate your pet’s reproductive abilities as a way to help prevent overpopulation of animals. This pet surgery can also help provide numerous health benefits to your pup, including reduced cancer risk and less aggressive behavior.

3. Choose Healthy Foods

Ideally, you should choose foods that contain the best nutrients for the breed, size, and age of your pet. If you’re unsure of what to feed your dog, ask your veterinarian.

4. Take Training Seriously

While dogs can be trained successfully at any age, it can be easier—and less stressful—to take these tasks on in the beginning. To prevent accidents in the house, practice crate training and frequent outdoor bathroom breaks. Your veterinarian may also recommend dog training classes that help improve behavior such as teaching your pet how to sit or stay. 

5. Understand the Importance of Exercise

In addition to a proper diet, exercise is an important part of preventing pet obesity and keeping your dog’s body in good shape. Taking daily walks—for at least 30 minutes—can help your pup burn excess calories, build stronger muscles, and reduce stress. Exercising will also help you and your companion bond.

If you’ve recently adopted a dog, Avon Animal Hospital has all the resources to help you prepare for a positive pet-owner experience. Serving the Avon, NY, community, Jennifer Marvin and Wayne Warriner are two friendly veterinarians that understand every aspect of canine care. From vaccinations to surgery, these providers will introduce you to high-quality solutions to help your pet lead a healthy life. For more details on their capabilities, visit this veterinary hospital online. To schedule a convenient appointment, call (585) 226-6144.