A New Dog?
Posted by admin in Pets on 25-06-2012
Getting a new dog can be exhausting, but so much fun. There is certainly some charm to the whole event. Especially if you have children, even the car journey to the breeder or the kennels can be an adventure. But it is important when you are considering getting a dog to know what is in store for you. Whether you are getting a new dog for the first time, or you have lots of experience with dogs, it is important to make sure you make 2 considerations before acquiring the dog.
The first thing you should consider is the dog and the surroundings it will be in. If you have already had a dog in your house for any length of time, you should clean all of the upholstery, fabrics, curtains and carpets to be sure there is no risk of cross contamination. Even if it has been a couple of months since your last dog’s passing, there is still a chance that a large amount of dander remains. When introducing a dog into a new environment, their behaviour can be affected quite severely if they catch the scent of another dog, even if they don’t meet that dog. They can also become easily irritated by the dander of other dogs, and may develop skin problems as a result.
The second thing you should consider is the people that the dog will be living with. Many people have allergies to pet hair or pet dander. Some dogs moult more than others, meaning that they may cause more problems for members of your household who suffer from pet hair allergies. Some breeds of dogs are well known for being hypo-allergenic, such as the Shih-Tzu or the Yorkie. If you have never had a dog before, you may not be aware of any pet allergies. If you purchase a dog and then find that this is the case, certain products can be purchased that will help reduce the moulting of the dog. You can also buy products that reduce dandruff and dry flaky skin, which can be particularly beneficial to both the dog and the dander-allergy sufferer.
