There are countless reasons why millions of people make the move to London and call it their home. Whether it’s for the endless creative opportunities, variety of cultures, or the stunning architecture, many of us want to have man’s best friend by our side when living in the capital.
If you’re a dog lover and ready to bring a pooch into your home, here are some useful tips on how to care for your new dog and ensure they’re loved and happy.
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Know What to Expect
Before bringing a dog into your home, having a good idea of what to expect beforehand is important. Many dogs are usually scared and anxious in a new environment, so regardless of their age or breed, there will be an adjustment period you need to factor in while they settle in. Understandably, you will want your relationship to get off to a good start, so if you’re working from home at present due to COVID-19, one of the main benefits is that you will have more time to be by their side and help them get comfortable and relaxed in your space. Know that adult dogs tend to need more adjustment time as they may have lived in a shelter before being rescued, or they may have had a bad start in life.
Find a Great Vet
One of the main advantages of living in London is that you have some of the best veterinarians in the country on your doorstep. Once your dog is safe and sound in your home, your next step should be to find your local vet who can give your pooch a check over to ensure they are fit, healthy, and happy. If you have any concerns about your dog’s health, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your vet. To help you find the right provider, you can look into reviews and testimonials from current and past customers. Once you build a strong rapport with your vet and they get to know your four-legged friend, they will know what tactics to use to keep them stress-free during the check-up.
Purchase Supplies
Before your dog sets foot in your home for the first time, you need to be well prepared by purchasing supplies. Whether it’s a bed for them to sleep on, toys, crates, or a collar, you must factor in plenty of time to navigate your way through all the things your pooch will need to feel right at home. And as you’re in the capital, you won’t be too far away from a pet supply shop that will have everything you need. Pet stores are still open across London, but if you prefer to order online, there is the option to have the items delivered to your door.
Choose the Right Diet
Just like with humans, following a healthy, balanced diet is key for maintaining excellent health. The diet your pooch follows is the foundation of their health. However, with so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know what foods to pick for your dog. It’s recommended to speak to your local vet first who will give you a better idea.
Make Exercise a Priority
Regular exercise is also critical for your dog’s health and wellbeing. Getting outdoors and strolling through the streets of London will do both you and your dog the world of good, and can help with reducing stress levels. As dogs are allowed on the tube, this means you can take your best friend around the capital with ease.
Walking is essential for your dog’s joints, but you can also help improve your dog’s joint health by purchasing supplements. A popular brand used by many dog owners is YuMOVE, as they’re known for dog joint supplements. They have over 10 years of experience helping dogs with joint stiffness to help them lead more active lives. It’s bound to help when you’re focusing on helping maintain and improve your dog’s health.
Factor in Time for Training
London is known for its fast-paced way of life. However, you must have patience and time to dedicate to training your dog. Whether you’re thinking of bringing a puppy into the home or an older dog, you need to ensure that they follow your rules and know their boundaries. Before your dog arrives, make sure you create a list of house rules and stick to them. While it may be hard initially to say no to your dog, you will be doing them a favour in the long run. Training not only helps your dog be more sociable, but it’s also vital for their own wellbeing and safety.
While there is an abundance of benefits you can gain from owning a dog in the capital, unless you know what you’re doing, the stress of training and looking after your four-legged friend can get too much. So, before you welcome one into your home, make sure you take the above advice into account.