Adding a dog to your life is an incredibly rewarding adventure, but it can feel a bit overwhelming when you first start. Don't worry — your questions about vaccines, vet visits, food, and more are answered here. 

What Vaccines Does My Dog Need?

Vaccines help prevent your dog from contracting and spreading different illnesses, so it's important to make sure they're up to date. Future vaccines will depend on their age and previous vaccines. Your veterinarian will help you determine what vaccines your dog needs and when.

Puppies receive a series of vaccines before they're considered fully protected, typically including distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Be sure to follow your veterinarian’s recommendation on number and timing of vaccine boosters. A rabies vaccination is also administered between 12 and 16 weeks of age, depending on your state and local requirements. Your veterinarian may also recommend other vaccinations based on where you live and what activities your dog participates in (those may include Bordetella, leptospirosis, Lyme, and canine influenza).  

Once fully vaccinated, it's essential to maintain your dog's vaccinations for full protection. Some require a booster every year, while others are boosted every two to three years. Boarding and doggy daycare facilities may require certain vaccines and booster schedules. The frequency of the vaccine boosters, yearly or every two to three years, will depend on the vaccine type, your dog’s lifestyle/needs, state law, and whether vaccination boosters are scheduled on time.

How Often Should My Dog See the Veterinarian?

Establishing a relationship with a veterinarian ASAP is extremely beneficial. Even if your new dog is already vaccinated, have a veterinarian perform a physical exam to determine your dog's "normal." This makes it easier to catch it when something's off, and you have someone to contact who's already familiar with your dog's health. This first vet visit also gives you a chance to ask any questions you have. Also, check with the veterinarian whether they’d recommend any additional vaccines or boosters based on the dog’s prior vaccination history and lifestyle risks.

After the initial vet visit, your veterinarian will advise you on whether your dog should return yearly for exams or more often. If you have a puppy, they may need to visit more often until they complete their vaccinations. When dogs enter their senior years (around seven years old), they'll need twice-yearly examinations. Some medical conditions require more frequent vet visits to monitor their health.

What Parasite Preventatives Does My Dog Need?

Keep those nasty fleas, ticks, and heartworms away with a year-round preventative. All these parasites can transmit dangerous illnesses.

What Do I Feed My Dog?

It's best to keep your new dog on the same food and feeding schedule for at least a week after bringing them home. Then you can slowly transition to a new food or schedule if needed. (If gradually changing foods you can do so over seven to ten days by mixing ¼ ratio of the new food to ¾ ratio of the original food for a few days, then ½ and ½, then ¾ and ¼, then to the new food completely). Talk with your veterinarian about what food is best for your dog's health and how much they should be eating.  

If you have a puppy, you'll want to transition them to an adult dog food formula around one year of age. Your adult dog will not need as many calories as they did when growing up as a puppy, and there are some other nutrient differences between puppy food and adult dog food. And as your dog moves into their senior years, you'll want to consider transitioning again as their calorie and nutritional needs change. As always, your veterinarian is your best resource for pet feeding recommendations.

How Often Should I Bathe My Dog?

How often you bathe your dog depends on what type of coat they have, your personal preferences, and how dirty they get. However, you don't want to do it too often, stripping your dog's coat of natural oils and drying out their skin. Unless required for medical reasons, it's recommended to not bathe your dog more than once every four weeks with regular dog shampoo or once every two weeks with soap-free, hypoallergenic dog shampoo. Regular grooming (including brushing, ear cleaning, nail trimming, and teeth brushing) is important between baths. Daily brushing also lets you check for fleas, ticks, foxtails, burrs, or painful spots.

Dogs with single-layer, continuously growing coats (such as Poodles, Doodles, Yorkshire Terriers, and Portuguese Water Dogs) require more frequent grooming to keep their locks manageable. You'll want to brush their coat daily to prevent matting and schedule regular haircuts or learn how to groom at home.

What Dog Supplies Do I Need?

You'll want to have some dog supply essentials on hand. 

• Safety and Security
  You'll need a collar or harness, leash, and identification tags. Choose a leash that's comfortable for you to hold and the correct size and weight for your dog.
• Food and Water Bowls
  Stainless steel is safest and easy to clean. Keep multiple water bowls around your home so your dog always has easy access.
• Dog Food
  Have the food they were eating in their previous home or rescue available right away, as well as training treats and chews.
• Toys
  Toys are essential, but don't go too crazy at the pet store right away — see what your dog likes before stocking up.
• Cozy Beds
  A dog bed gives your new pooch somewhere comfortable to rest.
• Crate
  Will you be crate training? If so, make sure you purchase a crate that's large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lay down with outstretched legs.

How Do I Dog-Proof My Home?

Dog-proofing is important to keep your dog safe. Consider dog-proofing the main area of your home first, where your dog will spend most of their time, and block access to other rooms using baby gates while you work through each space separately.

Supervise your dog to see what you may need to adjust in their environment. Below are some basics:

• Keep Counters Clear of Food
  Store food in closed cupboards, drawers, or a pantry and scan for any toxic foods, such as chocolate, grapes, onions, or anything containing xylitol.
• Use Safety Cabinet Latches
  If your curious pooch can open cabinets they shouldn’t get into, secure them with cabinet latches.
• Store Medications Safely
  Closed, high cabinets are best. Dispense medication over a sink in case any pills are dropped to prevent your dog finding pills on the floor.
• Keep Cleaning Products and Detergents Stored Safely
• Keep Your Trash Cans Secure
  Place them inside a closed cupboard or closet or invest in trash cans with lids.
• Check Your Foliage
  Remove toxic plants or move them out of reach.
• Protect Cords
  Cover electrical and cable cords for the safety of your dog and your home.

Why is Dog Training Important?

Basic training skills are less about doing something when asked and more about having a way to keep your dog safe and prevent unwanted behaviors or behavioral issues from arising. Some important cues to start with include coming-when-called and leash manners. Training your dog to sit can help create polite greeting habits and prevent jumping on people. With these skills, your dog will be able to accompany you to more places and be a polite member of society. 

Dog training should be about building a relationship with your new dog based on trust and clear communication. Training is the perfect way to give your dog's brain a workout and burn excess energy. Seek out a certified dog trainer in your area to help you get started with positive reinforcement training.