When you first hold that little bundle of fur close to your heart, you feel an undying love for him. The puppy’s heart might still be pounding – either because he doesn’t know what to expect, or from all the attention. Taking care of him might feel like the most natural instinct but, unfortunately, it has to go beyond that – you have to pledge to be a responsible pet parent for the rest of his life.
Choosing a pet
- Being a responsible pet owner starts with understanding that it’s a lifetime commitment – in terms of the financial implications, the time involved, and the overall responsibility involved in taking care of a pet. Only if you are willing to commit wholeheartedly, should you get a new pet.
- Getting a pet from a reputable breeder or shelter is extremely important. Don’t, under any circumstances, support puppy mills, as they are often linked to bigger organised crime syndicates. In most cases, puppy mills only breed for the money and not for the betterment of breed. They usually don’t care about the wellbeing of the animals.
- Before you decide on a breed, do your research and speak to various breeders, to find out if the dog breed that you’re considering will fit in with your family.
Daily responsibilities
- Before puppy arrives home, you and your family need to decide who will do what – who will feed the puppy, clean up after him and ensure that he has clean water? However, the ultimate responsibility of ensuring that the puppy is fed and has clean water to drink remains that of the parents, or other adults in the household. Ensure that you buy him the best-quality food that you can afford.
- Your puppy needs loving attention and interaction every day. He is now a part of the family, so treat him that way. Talk to him, play with him and consider his needs at all times.
- From early on, you need to teach your puppy new things to keep his mind stimulated, so that you have a well-behaved dog.
- Depending on the breed and your dog’s fitness levels, you may want to take him for a daily walk. Ask your vet when and how far your dog should ideally be walked.
- You have to take care of his teeth and gums – a daily tooth-brushing will go a long way towards helping his dental health.
Weekly responsibilities
- Puppy and socialisation classes are fundamental for both you and your dog. Don’t drop him off at the classes and then go for coffee while you wait for training to be over. You need to be with him, so that you can learn too.
- Depending on your dog’s breed, you may have to factor in time to groom him at least once a week. If his hair is long, you might need even to do it more frequently.
Monthly responsibilities
- Depending on your puppy’s age, you will need to take him for his vaccinations at the required intervals. Your vet will tell you when your puppy needs which vaccines. After the first year, he should only need one set of vaccinations per year.
- Something that you will have to keep in mind when you do your monthly budget, is a tick and flea treatment for you puppy. Apart from vacuuming every day and washing your dog’s bedding at least once a week, you’ll need to treat him for ticks and fleas every month. Unless you purchase treatments that last 12 weeks.
Every three months
- Unless the tick and flea treatment includes a dewormer, you’ll need to deworm your dog every three months. Speak to your vet about this.
Annual responsibilities
- In the first year of your puppy’s life, he should see the vet quite often, even if it is just to get his vaccinations. Thereafter, your dog should see the vet at least once a year for a general check-up, even if he seems fine.
In sickness and in health
- It is your responsibility, by law, to ensure that your dog sees the vet whenever he is ill, or if he has an injury. It is inhumane to let your dog suffer – you, as the owner, have to make a plan to get him medical attention when necessary.
Fun things
- As your dog is a part of the family, take him with you whenever you do fun things. Unless the activities are too dangerous for him or dogs are not allowed, let him share in your fun. It will help the two of you to build an extraordinary bond. And your dog will love you for it.
Parting thought
There will be times when you get it wrong, but always try to do your best – and fix your mistakes, if possible. Love your dog dearly, train him throughout his life, and be there for him when he needs you. These are just the basics – of course, there is more you can do for your dog. But, if you stick to these basics, they’ll become force of habit and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a responsible pet owner!
