Five useful things that new dog and puppy owners need to know about dog care

Are you a first-time dog owner? If so, you'll have found yourself on a steep learning curve. Read on to discover five things that first-time puppy buyers often don't know - but should - about dog care.

Sooner or later, your dog is probably going to get a tick

If you're not sure what a tick is, it's a small, blood-sucking parasite that attaches to the skin of animals (and people) and feeds on blood. They can vary in size from very small - just a millimetre or two - to quite large when fully engorged with blood; and they attach by sticking their mouthparts into the skin, and are not easy to remove. Removing a tick is a veterinary job, or a task for a specialist tool - trying to pull the tick out with your fingers can leave the mouthparts buried in the skin, which will cause inflammation and possible infection. Ticks can transmit diseases including Lyme disease, which can affect both dogs and people. Ask your vet about tick prevention, and pick up a tick-removal hook to keep at home too.

Puppies need worming, vaccinating, and treating for fleas

A puppy that you buy from a reputable breeder should have been wormed at least twice before you take them home, and may have had their first vaccinations too - but you still need to register your puppy with a vet and ensure that their vaccinations are up to date, and that they are wormed and treated for fleas on schedule. This isn't just something that you do once - worming and flea treatments need to be kept up for life, and most dogs need re-vaccinating (boosters) at regular intervals throughout their lives too.

Hereditary health problems may affect your dog

Many popular dog breeds in the UK are prone to hereditary health conditions, some of which may affect them to varying degrees. Some conditions are relatively mild and manageable, but others can dramatically affect your dog's quality of life. Before you buy a puppy, research the health tests that should be performed on the parents by the responsible breeder, and check that the puppy's health screening results are available. Breeds can vary in terms of how widely the issue affects the breed and if good DNA testing is available.

If you are looking at a crossbreed dog such as a Labrador retriever cross or other popular mix, remember that they can still inherit the health conditions of both of their parent breeds, so it's worth researching the health challenges of both breeds before committing.

Feeding a dog correctly is quite complex

The range of dog food available seems to expand on an almost daily basis, and working out what to feed your dog is becoming increasingly complex. You need to pick a diet appropriate for their breed size and life stage, work out the portion sizes, and also factor in any treats you give to avoid overfeeding. Aside from choosing an age and breed-appropriate dog food, you need to ensure that you feed them appropriate amounts rather than just feeding them until they're full - particularly given that most dogs will never turn down free food, even if they are already full!

You also need to educate yourself on what common human foods are actually poisonous to dogs - the biggest dangers being grapes, raisins, chocolate, xylitol (an artificial sweetener used in many foods) and onions.

Seasonal hazards and the time of year affect your dog's health

Certain dog health risks vary with the seasons, and it is important to be prepared for this. In summer, dogs can overheat very quickly in the sun, and should never be left in a car - even if it is quite cool outside. Swimming in natural water carries health risks too, and watch out for blue-green algae in water. In autumn, many dogs come home from walks having eaten seasonal berries and fruits from the ground - some of which are fine in small amounts, but others of which are poisonous. There are also a number of poisonous fungi that are sometimes eaten by dogs who find them by smell when snuffling around in leaves.

The risk of various health issues to consider too. For example, cases of rat poisoning in dogs peak in the autumn and dog bite injuries are more likely to occur in the summer holidays when more dogs - and people - are out and about.

Microchipping Is a Legal Requirement — Not Optional

Since 2016, it has been a legal requirement for all dogs in England, Wales, and Scotland to be microchipped by the age of eight weeks, with owners' details kept up to date on an approved database. This small chip, inserted beneath the skin, is your best chance of being reunited with your dog if they become lost or stolen. Many new owners assume microchipping happens automatically, but it is your responsibility to ensure the details registered are current — especially if you move house or change your phone number.

If you adopt a dog from a rescue centre, double-check the microchip has been transferred into your name before you take them home. Your vet can scan the chip at any routine appointment to confirm everything is in order. Failure to comply can result in a fine of up to £500.

Pet Insurance: Protecting Your Dog and Your Finances

Veterinary costs in the UK can be significant — a straightforward operation can run into thousands of pounds, and treating a chronic condition such as diabetes or allergies can cost considerably more over a lifetime. Taking out pet insurance when your puppy is young, before any conditions develop, gives you the widest range of cover at the most competitive premiums.

There are four main types of policy: accident only, time-limited, maximum benefit, and lifetime cover. Lifetime cover is generally recommended for puppies, as it pays out for ongoing and recurring conditions for as long as you renew the policy. Always read the exclusions carefully — many policies exclude pre-existing conditions and certain hereditary issues. Comparing a few policies before committing is well worth the time.

Puppy-Proofing Your Home Before They Arrive

Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and a home that seems perfectly safe to an adult can be full of hazards to a curious pup. Before your dog arrives, get down to their level and look for trailing electrical cables, toxic houseplants such as lilies or ivy, small objects they could swallow, and any gaps behind furniture where they could become trapped.

Secure kitchen and bathroom cupboards containing cleaning products and medications. Remove access to staircases until your puppy is old enough to navigate them safely, as falls can cause serious injury. Many owners find baby gates invaluable during the early months. It is also worth removing or relocating any sentimental or valuable items — puppies are not intentionally destructive, but teething and boredom can lead to chewed belongings very quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions: First Time Dog Owners

When should I register with a vet?

Register before you bring your puppy home. This way you can book their first health check immediately and you have a practice to call in an emergency from day one.

How soon can my puppy go outside?

Your puppy should not walk on public ground until one to two weeks after their second vaccination. However, you can carry them outside to expose them to sights, sounds, and smells from an earlier age.

How much does it cost to own a dog in the UK?

The PDSA estimates the lifetime cost of owning a dog ranges from around £16,000 to £33,000 depending on size and breed. Budget for food, vet bills, insurance, grooming, boarding, training, and equipment.

Do I need a licence to own a dog in the UK?

No licence is required in Great Britain, but all dogs must be microchipped and must wear a collar with an ID tag when in a public place. Certain breeds covered by the Dangerous Dogs Act have additional restrictions.