Being a first-time dog mom is a learning curve. I love Sugar dearly, and there are so many things that I wish I knew before I brought her home.
So, for all you ladies out there getting ready to step into dog mommy hood…let’s dish. Here are 20 things I wish I knew before I became a dog mom for the first time.
FACT 1: YOUR FIRST VET BILL WON’T BE WHAT YOU EXPECTED
When I took Sugar to her first vet visit, I went into complete sticker shock. I knew she would have to get a vaccine, but I had no clue on how much that vet bill would cost. Between the cost of the visit, vaccine, bloodwork, and an antibiotic because she’d got a tape worm, I was not ready.
Solution: Before you bring your dog home, research local vet costs. Make a list of the services you’ll dog will need for their first year and create a budget. You can call nearby clinics to do a cost comparison. This way you’ll have an idea of how much your dog’s first trip to the vet will be.
Side Note: How did I know Sugar had a tape worm? I went to pick up Sugar’s poop after she went to the bathroom. Her poop had these little white rice looking grains in it. I swore I saw one of them move. And I was right. After a quick Google search, I diagnosed the tape worm and was able to share that with the vet during her first visit.
FACT 2: PET INSURANCE & EMERGENCY SAVINGS ARE A BIG HELP
Sugar hates wearing clothes, but she’s adventurous. Every year, Sugar and I make an unexpected trip to the vet. Those unexpected visits weren’t in my budget at first. Pet insurance helped me offset some of those medical expenses. Also, creating an emergency fund can helped me cover those unexpected costs that weren’t in the budget.
Solution: Research pet insurance plans that work best for you and your dog. Review your insurance policy annually to make sure that the policy still works for your dog’s needs. It’s also helpful to set a little money aside each month in your pet’s emergency fund. You can also create your own Pet Health Savings Account to serve as way to cover your dog’s medical expenses.
FACT 3: THOSE INITIAL DOG SUPPLIES CAN GET EXPENSIVE
I bought Sugar home in an old laundry basket with some blankets. I had no bed, dog bowl, toys, or grooming toys for her. So, I had to purchase those items right when I got her, which meant spending more money than I anticipated. On top of that unexpected expensive first vet bill, I began to wonder what I’d gotten myself into. However, I wouldn’t trade her or our first experiences for anything.
Solution: Purchase your initial dog supplies before you bring your dog home. This allows you to be more strategic about what you buy, shop deals, and do research on what will work best for your living space. It also gives you a chance to build the initial costs into your budget so you’re not buying everything at once. Your new dog will also come home to a comfortable environment.
FACT 4: DOG FOOD WILL SHIFT YOUR BUDGET
I didn’t think about it at first. But dog food can get expensive. Depending on the type of dog you get will impact how much you spend each month. Believe it or not, Sugar refused to eat kibble when I brought her home. She even had the nerve to go on a hunger strike at only 8 weeks old to prove to me that she wasn’t eating the kibble.
I spent weeks trying out new foods to get her to eat until I landed on a wet food brand that she liked. Now, she loves Pet Plate and has been rocking with it for years. I do know dog moms who go through several bags of dog food a month. So, your dog food expenses will really depend on your dog’s dietary restrictions and your budget.
Solution: Start researching dog food brands and the cost. Set money aside and purchase one month’s worth of food before you bring your dog home. You’ll also get used to including the cost of the dog food in your budget, which will allow you to get used to including the cost in your budget.
Also note, that your dog’s taste buds, or dietary restrictions may change over time. Especially, if they change the ingredients in the dog food or your dog develops certain allergies. So, be open to trying different brands with your dog until you find one that works for you. It may also be helpful to ask your vet for recommendations.
FACT 5: SIGN UP FOR PUPPY KINDERGARTEN
Silly me for thinking that Sugar would automatically know how to “sit,” “stay,” “leave,” and walk properly on her leash. Honestly, it took Sugar about a week to get used to the sounds of her new home. So, I decided to sign her up for some training classes. Especially, since I was new to being a dog mom and had no clue what I was doing
Solution: Puppy Kindergarten or training classes is very helpful for both a dog and dog mom. However, it’s still an expense. It’s important to research the training classes in your area or online. This will help you identify how much it could cost and whether you’re ready to make the investment. Also, note that training classes are a time commitment for you and your dog. Between the classes and working with your dog to reinforce the lessons at home, you’ll have to commit to the program. Time management will also be key to you and your dog’s experience.
FACT 6: TRAVELING MEANS ADVANCED PLANNING
When I brought Sugar home, I had a job that caused me to travel a lot for work. Luckily, her “grandmom” agreed to watch her while I was away. However, I didn’t even think of pet sitting or boarding when I was thinking about getting a dog. Especially, when her grandmom wasn’t available. I was more excited about finally bringing Sugar home. I never thought that I’d have to plan who was going to watch her when I went away.
Solution: Research pet sitters and boarding facilities in your area. You want to take your dog somewhere you can trust and works for your budget. Ask dog parents in your network who they trust. The best recommendations come from someone you know. Especially, when it comes to a recommendation for who’s going to take care of your dog when you’re away.
Ask a friend or family member you trust if they’d be willing to watch your dog when your away. I’d rather pay a friend I trust to watch Sugar than somebody I’m not too crazy about. Even if you pay them to watch your dog, you’ll know they’ll be with someone you trust.
Make sure that you budget pet sitting and boarding into your travel plans. If you’re traveling with your pet, make sure that you include any costs associated with your pets as well as research pet friendly accommodations.
FACT 7: YOU MAY HAVE TO PAY PET RENT
Pet rent is a monthly fee that landlords charge tenants who own pets, typically dogs or cats. When I brought Sugar home, my rent went up $25 dollars per month due to pet rental expenses. Now, I did know about the pet rent. However, I didn’t realize how the extra $25 a month adds up and can throw off your budget if I didn’t initially plan for the increase.
Solution: Research the cost of pet rent if you’re renting your home or apartment. This way you can start budgeting for it early. If you’re not renting, note that your living expenses, such as utility bills, may increase a little bit due to having a pet. So, factoring in those incremental increases into your budget early will help reduce the burden of all the new costs. It also helps you build a cushion to cover those new costs as you level set your budget.
FACT 8: YOUR DOG’S VET EXPENSES WILL INCREASE
Remember when I talked about the initial vet visit? Well, those vet bills never stay the same. In fact, as your dog gets older, the cost of taking care of your dog’s medical expenses can increase. As an 11-year-old dog, Sugar is now considered a “senior dog.” I know. I know. She doesn’t look it, does she? Sugar’s annual wellness vet exams went from once a year to every 6 months. Plus, Sugar needed additional services, such as a professional teeth cleaning. Seriously! I didn’t even know professional teeth cleanings were a thing for dogs.
Solution: When you’re budgeting your dog’s health expenses, it’s smart to do a cost of living increase each year. If you can budget a 3-5% increase each year, that’ll help you save money to cover those expenses when they arise. Also, ask your vet for estimates prior to your visit. I try to schedule Sugar’s 6-month check-ups a few months in advance. My vet office provides service estimates on request, which helps me with budgeting for Sugar’s visits.
FACT 9: YOUR SCHEDULE WILL CHANGE
Before I brought Sugar home, I loved to sleep to the last minute. I had no problem going to a happy hour right after work and it didn’t matter what time I got home. Now, I’m a dog mom, and Sugar needs attention. She needs food, bathroom breaks, and daily walks. Only when it’s nice outside. Sugar doesn’t do extreme cold, rain, or snow. So, I had to learn to adjust my schedule to make sure that Sugar got the attention and care she needs as well.
Solution: Readjust your schedule to a time that works for you and your dog. Dogs love routine. So, I found that creating a routine for Sugar and I made it easier for both of us. For instance, she gets up at the same time every morning so I can take her to the bathroom. Or she knows that when I grab my work bag and put her food down before I walk about the door, I’ll be back by a certain time. The key is building a structured routine for you and your dog. This also will reduce anxiety and allow you to do the things you want as well.
FACT 10: PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE, ESPECIALLY WITH POTTY TRAINING
Your dog is not going to get it right on the first try. And honestly, neither are you. Sugar peed on my carpet a few times when I was trying to train her. She chewed up a section of my carpet while she was teething. Sugar whined non-stop the first 3 nights at home because she wasn’t used to the sounds of her new home. No matter how cute your dog is, your dog will test your patience. However, that’s a part of dog mommyhood.
Solution: Potty pads, potty pads, and potty pads. They helped a lot with training Sugar. Research dog behavior cues. Also, ask your dog trainer or your vet for tips on how to communicate effectively with your dog. Use these teachable moments as ways to understand your dog’s personality. Believe it or not, you will learn your dog’s barks, paw gestures, and other signals.
Learning these body signals and sounds will help you communicate with your dog. For instance, Sugar’s high-pitch one bark while she stands by the door wagging her tail means she needs to go to the bathroom. It took some time for me to learn that. There are also tools and resources out there, such as clickers, crates, and sprays, to help. I personally didn’t use a crate, but some dog moms find them helpful for behavior training.
FACT 11: EVERY DOG IS DIFFERENT
Yes. Dogs have similar characteristics. However, no two dogs are the same. What works for one dog will not work for another. Also, what works for one dog mom may not work for the other. For instance, Sugar is scared of thunder and firecrackers. I bought her a thunder jacket to wear because I heard it helps reduces your dog’s anxiety. Sugar also hates clothes. So, she squirmed as I tried to put it on and stood frozen refusing to move. Needless to say, the thunder jacket wasn’t going to work for Sugar. She did better sitting next to me and snuggling under my gravity blanket.
Solution: Don’t be afraid to try different things that work. Being a dog mom can be some trial and error. However, it’s best to learn your dog’s triggers and find something that works best for him or her. Research suggestion, ask your vet, or other people in your dog mom network. Tailor those suggestions to work for you and your dog.
FACT 12: ROUTINE IS THE NAME OF THE GAME
Repetition is the mother of learning. Whether you’re purposely teaching your dog or not, your dog will learn by your daily routine. For instance, if you get up for work and leave at 8:00 AM. Your dog will learn to get up with you and that you leave the house at 8:00 AM. If you eat dinner at 7:00 PM. Your dog will always get hungry for her dinner at 7:00 PM. And, if you take your dog to the bathroom every day at noon, your dog will eventually adopt that time as his or her bathroom time.
Solution: Use your routine to your advantage. Create a routine that consistent. Schedule your dog’s feeding time, potty breaks, and exercise. This will help your dog learn when it’s time to do something. It’ll also help you create a better schedule for yourself and manage your time.
FACT 13: DOG-PROOFING YOUR HOME IS A MUST
Sugar is small. She can shimmy through banisters and hide behind couches without anyone ever knowing. She also loves to play with old socks and slippers for some reason. So, all my shoes say in the box or on a shelf too high for her to reach.
Solution: Remove any hazards like cords, toxic plants, and small objects from your dog’s reach. Also, research your dog’s breed and see if they have the tendency to like to play with certain things. For instance, some dogs shed. So, you may want to get some sheets or covers for your couches to avoid dog hair. Also, some dogs love to dig. So, you may want to keep that in mind if you love to garden.
FACT 14: BUILD YOUR DOG MOM NETWORK
I was the first of my friends in the area to get a dog. So, I had to learn as I go. It’s always great to have a network of dog moms to brainstorm ideas. It’s also great for socializing your dog sooner rather than later.
Solution: Check out local meetup groups to see if there are any dog mom groups in your area. There are also several online groups, such as Black Women Love Dogs, that cater to dog mommyhood. You can also sign up for our newsletter for weekly tips and on financially managing this dog mom lifestyle.
FACT 15: YOU WILL HAVE DOG MOM GUILT
Dog Mom Guilt is real. I felt horrible the first time I left Sugar home by herself. Her face looked so pitiful. Scheduling quality time with your dog does help with the guilt. It also allows you to learn their quirks and behavior cues. It also gives your dog the chance to learn your cues as well. This makes for better communication all around.
Solution: Plan regular dog mommy and me dates with your dog. You can bake pupcakes, go for a walk in the park, or attend a local dog-friendly event in your area. The point of bringing your dog home is finding ways to spend time with him or her. So, why not find some creative ways to do that. This also includes special celebrations like birthdays, gotcha days, and special holidays to celebrate your dog.
FACT 16: LEARN SOME BASIC PET FIRST AID
Dogs can be adventurous. Sometimes those adventures can lead to a minor accident. Pet First Aid is knowing how to manage an emergency for your pet, such as getting hurt or sick. Like the times Sugar’s allergies kick in and she starts to itch. I have a spray I use to calm the itch for her.
Solution: Ask your vet for recommendations on pet first aid classes, like CPR. There are several online and in-person options in your area. Also, keep a pet first aid kit ready. This will help you manage any of those minor accidents for your dog.
FACT 17: LEARN YOUR DOG’S BODY LANGUAGE
Dogs communicate using body language. For instance, when Sugar’s wants to play, she gets on all fours, leans back, and barks. When she wants to sit in my lap, she paws my leg until I pick her up. When she knows she did something wrong, she refuses to look at me while I’m talking to her. It took time to learn Sugar’s body language. However, understanding her body language helps me get a sense for how she’s feeling or what she wants in a situation.
Solution: Spend time bonding with your dog. Learn your dog’s signs of stress, happiness, and aggression. It’ll help you provide your dog with what they need when they need it. It also helps you with training. If you know what your dog is communicating, you’ll be able to communicate better to him or her. You’ll even be able to give that information to your groomer, dog sitter, or other people caring or providing services for your dog.
FACT 18: YOUR DOG’S NEEDS WILL CHANGE EACH SEASON
Sugar has seasonal allergies. When the pollen starts flying, Sugar starts sneezing. I had no clue that dogs could get allergies. More importantly, I didn’t know that they can change seasonally. So, it’s important to understand your dog’s seasonal needs and plan accordingly. Seasonal changes can include allergies, grooming, food needs, paw protection, and other care need based on the weather.
Solution: Budget for your dog’s seasonal change needs. This could mean purchasing products like winter booties or allergy medications. It can also mean additional services, such as grooming or vet visits. Also, research the types of allergies and seasonal changes that can affect your dog. For instance, some dogs have specific food allergies. You want to be clear on your dog’s seasonal changes and allergy needs so that you can plan accordingly.
FACT 19: YOUR DOG WILL HAVE MEDICAL RECORDS
This almost sounds like common sense. But remember. Sugar is my first dog ever. So, I didn’t realize how many documents with her medical information, insurance policies, and other documents she would have. Keeping track of her vet records, vaccinations, licenses, microchip information is critical. You never know when you’re going to have to submit that information for your dog.
Solution: Create a binder(s) with your dog’s records. This way you will have access to your dog’s records in one place. It’s also helpful to keep an electronic folder with your dog’s medical records. This way you have them in more than one place and can access them from your computer, phone, or tablet. Keeping these records also helps you level set your dog mom budget because you can be mindful of how much you’re spending and when you’re spending money on your dog.
FACT 20: SOCIALIZE YOUR DOG EARLY
Socializing your dog early helps with your dog’s behavior and confidence. One of the reasons I decided to take Sugar to “Puppy Kindergarten” was to not only help her with behavioral training, but also give her a chance to interact with some other dogs. Sugar is a natural people dog. She learned early on that they are the ones with the treats. However, giving her a chance to interact with other dogs also helped her become more confident in her new home.
Solution: Introduce your dog to new people, environments, and other dogs gradually. Create a schedule to do this. You can create your own dog mommy and me date calendar as a part of the socialization strategy. This not only gives you a chance to help your dog socialize in their new environment, but also gives both of you a chance to bond with each other.
SHARE YOUR STORY
We’d love to hear your pupcake story. For my seasoned dog moms, what’s the one thing you wish you knew before you brought your dog home for the first time? New dog moms, what are you looking forward to most about becoming a first-time dog mom?Stay connected and share your pupcake stories with us @pupcakesugar.
If you’re a dog mom that loves to bake, check out the Chicken & Waffle Pupcake recipe from our Pupcake Soul: Recipes to Celebrate Us and a Few Love Stories to Go with Them that we’re highlighting this month.
You’ll also get a chance to step into Sugar’s world. I love my dog, Sugar, and her daily shenanigans make me laugh. So, I created an illustrated character inspired by her and her love of pupcakes. Sugar’s character is a “pupcakepreneur” that owns and operates her own pupcakery called Pupcake Sugar. It’s a tongue twister, but it’s amazing what you can create when you let your imagination lead the way.
Also, sign up for the Pupcake Sugar mailing list to get Sugar’s favorite birthday pupcake recipe to try at home with your dog. It’s great for dog moms who are new to baking dog treats.
