The Philippines as a nation are certified dog lovers. As of 2018, there are over 80,000 dogs registered with the Philippine Canine Club, Inc. And what’s not to love? Dogs are adorable, playful, and affectionate beings that are admittedly hard to resist.
There are a lot of factors to consider before finally making the decision to bring home a new puppy. Planning to head to the nearest pet store? Here are some furbaby pointers to take into consideration!
Things You Need to Know Before Getting A Puppy
- Are You Ready?: Many people end up getting a puppy before they are ready, or before knowing the things they need to prepare for one. Puppies grow, and that they have a mind of their own. Raising a puppy requires a high level of commitment, so it is best that you do not go into it cluelessly.
- Don’t Bark Up the Wrong Breed: Take your lifestyle into consideration when choosing the dog you’re taking home. Remember to choose beyond the aesthetics of the dog! All breeds have unique traits and characteristics. Would you like an energetic dog, or do you prefer one that is calmer? Do you have the space for bigger dogs, or are you better off with smaller breeds? Coat type is also an important factor. Dogs with longer coats require frequent grooming and are also more prone to shedding.
- Allergies Alert: If you are a person who has dog allergies, there may be hope for you. No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but there are certain breeds that are better matches for people with allergies. Dogs that do not shed much are your best bet, as pet dander is the main culprit of animal allergies. Speaking with a doctor about your allergies can also help lessen your worries before going to the pet shop.
- Prepare to Puppy-proof the Home: Puppies are often a free-spirited bunch, so it is best to prepare the home for its newest occupant! Hide electrical cords and cover open electrical sockets. Lock cabinets, especially ones that contain food, medications, and toxic chemicals. Keep house plants, laundry, shoes, and other small items out of reach.
- Vets Are Your Best Bets: Upon bringing home your new puppy, you should take them to a trusted veterinarian. Make sure to find a veterinary office with a great reputation, in a convenient location near you and with reasonable prices. Bring the paperwork given to you by the breeder or pet shop where you got your puppy. Puppies should be vaccinated when they are around 6-9 weeks of age, then once more at around 10-12 weeks. Deworming should also start at two weeks, repeated every two weeks or until advised by your veterinarian.
- How to Train Your Doggie: Puppies are best raised in a comfortable home environment, with enough chances for socialization and exercise. Give them a healthy diet, and start house training them as soon as you get them home. Remember that obedience training will take a while, but patience and gentle training can help your dog learn to follow rules faster. But don’t be too strict–let your puppy be a puppy! Make time for bonding and playing, preferably with other dogs. Keep a schedule of vet visits and vaccines to make sure that your puppy is growing up healthy and happy!
Eager to get your own furbaby? Tiendesitas has a number of pet shops that will cater to your every need! Showcasing the best that the Philippines has to offer, Tiendesitas is a place that passionately celebrates diversity, food, and culture — a community for furniture shopping and eating, with something for every kind of shopper.
Tiendesitas is part of Ortigas & Company, one of the pioneers in the Philippine real estate landscape. To learn more about dogs for sale in the Philippines and other attractions that Tiendesitas has to offer, feel free to read more at the Ortigas Malls website.
Sources:
https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/help-advice/buyer-advice/how-to-get-a-dog-responsibly
https://www.thesprucepets.com/wish-i-knew-before-first-puppy-4060160
https://www.bustle.com/p/20-best-dog-breeds-for-people-with-allergies-because-there-is-some-hope-8598629
