Winter is a wonderful time of year with a wealth fun and festivities to be shared with family, friends and of course, our pets!
Whilst the events and parties can bring lots of joy to us, for dogs in a new environment, the hustle and bustle associated with this time of year can make it more difficult for them to settle into their new home.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways that you can make your new furry friends feel welcome over the winter period.
This can help your new dog transition from their old home into their new one, as well as providing the foundations for a wonderful bond with your pet!
Ease them into meeting new people
Although you’ll want to show off your new fabulous friend to all of your friends and family, it is recommended to ease them into meeting new people until they’re more settled. It is also important to ensure that if you have a new puppy, that they have received all the relevant vaccinations before socialising with other dogs.
Regardless of whether you have a new puppy or a fully grown dog, introducing them to a group of new faces at once can make them feel overwhelmed and you can’t predict how they’ll react.
Instead, give your dog space and take things slowly to begin with. Once you get to know their temperament, you will know how your dog likes to socialise.
Adopt a routine
With winter upon us, you may not feel like venturing out into the frosty outdoors as much as you would in spring or summer. However, keeping up with your regular walks and routines can help your new dog settle in. Getting into a regular, habitual routine will help your dog adjust to his new life in your home.
If you are taking to the outdoors with your new pet this season, be sure to keep them safe and warm with these fantastic winter dog walking tips.
Keep your new friend fed and watered
When you get a new pet, it’s important to help them adopt healthy eating habits. It may be tempting to feed them lots of treats to help with the bonding process, however this can make things difficult for you in the future.
It is generally advised to speak to your breeder or shelter owner to see what the dog is already used to. This can prevent them from experiencing any stomach upsets from a change in diet.
Just like humans, dogs need a wide variety of foods to remain healthy and have a nutritionally balanced diet. However, there are certain foods that your four-legged friend should stay well clear of:
Here are some foods to watch out for when feeding your dog:
Ordinary Chocolate
Ordinary chocolate is poisonous for dogs and it should be kept well away from sniffing noses. Special dog-friendly chocolate is available from specialist pet stores and online – just be sure to read the small print to make sure it’s suitable for your dog.
Onions, Garlic and Chives
Delicious for us humans, not so much for our dogs. These foods belong to the allium family and can be very toxic for dogs. If your dog is fed leftovers, it’s worth keeping an eye out for these foods to avoid stomach upsets.
Mouldy or Rotten Food
Food that is past it’s best can contain many toxins that are bad for your dog. Aim to keep leftovers tightly covered in your bin and discourage your dog from sniffing rotten food during their walks.
Caffeine & Alcohol
When consumed by a dog, even in very small quantities, foods containing caffeine or alcohol can cause a whole host of issues for your dog ranging from diarrhea and vomiting to much more serious problems such as difficulty breathing. Both of these substances can cause your dog to become ill so remember to keep them well out of reach in your kitchen.
If you want to give your new dog that extra boost of nutritional support, consider treating them to Vitabiotics SuperDog! These tasty treats provide your dog with essential nutrients to support their health and development.
Protect your pet from heat sources
To avoid the winter chill, your new dog may seek out heat sources to help keep them warm. This presents burn risks because dogs aren’t aware of how hot the source can get.
To protect your pooch, be sure to block off these hot areas with guards or radiator covers. This ensures that your dog stays warm and safe at the same time!
Do you have any must-have tips to help dogs settle into new homes? Share it with us!
