If you are thinking of getting a new dog or puppy, there are many things you’ll need to consider. Having a pet is a fantastic experience that all the family can get involved in and enjoy, but it is a huge responsibility, and a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Pets become like another family member and are missed a lot when they pass away - it may well be your child’s first experience of grieving. That is why caring for them properly is so important.

If you are collecting a puppy from a breeder or from a rescue centre, think about the environment that you are bringing them home to. They will naturally be wary of you and your home, so it is best to keep loud noises to a minimum. If you are in the middle of renovations, they might need to be put on hold for a few weeks - you don’t want to stress your pet unnecessarily. It’s also important to avoid handling your new dog if it appears to be nervous, an anxious dog can be temperamental.

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You should establish a grooming routine as soon as possible. Regular brushing helps to get rid of dead hairs from the dog’s coat which will feel so much better, and ensure they don’t end up consuming them when they self-groom. It is also a good time for bonding between the two of you, not to mention the perfect opportunity to check for fleas and ticks. These should be dealt with as soon as they come up or they can cause significant problems. You should also regularly check your dog’s coat, paws, ears, eyes and mouth. Look out for any unusual discolouration or marks.

Dogs can pick up infections or worms quite easily. They may even have them from a young age from their mother’s milk. Worming for dogs should be done regularly as it can cause them considerable discomfort. As well as sickness and diarrhea for your dog, worms can also be passed to humans. Children are the most likely to get them so worming your dog often is a must!

Their teeth also need to be taken care of to make sure your dog stays healthy and well. We know how annoying a toothache is for us, and dogs can get it too. Keeping a few chew toys or chew sticks handy at home is therefore a great idea. You can tell if your dog has a tooth problem if they have difficulty eating. Look out for your dog chewing on one side of the mouth only or if he paws at his mouth more than normal. Make sure you take your dog to the vet as soon as possible if this is the case.

Like we vaccinate our children, we should vaccinate our pets too. It is to keep them healthy so that they can avoid catching a disease or infection that could cause them harm. Your dog needs to have annual booster injections, after their initial vaccinations. It can be a little costly, but it is so worth it.

Do you have a dog or any pets? What are your top tips for taking care of them?