101 Things You Wish You Knew Before Getting A Dog (or Now that You Have One)

Recently, some of my blogging friends shared their experiences and things that they had to learn the hard way. They shared some invaluable insights gained from their mistakes.

Learning things the hard way works but it always sucks.



Learning as you go works, but often your dog can get harmed along the way. Why not take advantage of what others already know?

People hate reading manuals. Some of that might have to do with the quality of the manuals themselves, while some of that might simply be the result of the "I know best what is good for my dog" syndrome.

I bet that even if you had dogs your entire life, there are still things you can learn.


Not every time we go through hard times we learn the right lesson. Not everything that was a truth written in stone a year ago is still true today. And most certainly you have not personally experienced every potential bump on the road.

Our understanding of dogs improves. Veterinary science constantly evolves. Changing lifestyles generate new challenges. 

While some truths remain the same, the potential disasters do not.

Ourselves, our parents and even our grandparents knew that dogs will eat just about anything.


Some harmful things we should keep away from our dogs are the same as they've always been. But there are some deadly risks the previous generations never heard of.

Some human food items can be harmful or toxic to dogs. But did you know there are some brand new toxins out there that can kill your dog? Do you know what xylitol is, where it can be hiding and what it could do to your dog? What about e-cigarettes? Potentially safe for humans but not at all safe as a chew toy when discovered in a purse.

There are more risks inside and outside your home.


The world is becoming more populated, there is more traffic, more appliances, more packaging, more gadgets, more chemicals ... 

Did you know that almost daily dogs die suffocating in snack bags?

If you had to sit down and write up all the things in your dog's daily life that can potentially hurt them, how many do you think you'd end up with? Could you get to 101?

Would you want to take your chances missing a few?


101 Essential Tips - Puppy or New Dog - Health & Safety by Dr. Jason Nicholas is a must read


Are you worried that reading that much information will give you a headache? 101 does sound intimidating, doesn't it? Do not worry. This book has a very reader-friendly, fun design and the vital information is presented in easy-to-read, bite-sized chunks.

You can read it, your kids can read it and enjoy it. And learn vital information in the process.

We all want our dogs to have the happiest, healthiest and safest life possible.


Perhaps you do, but I certainly don't know everything. I bet you that reading 101 Essential Tips - Puppy or New Dog - Health & Safety you will find at least a few bits of information that will surprise you? Are you up for the bet?

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Dr. Jason Nicholas is passionate about helping you keep your dog safe from emergencies, and he has the experience and advice to help you do so.  Pet emergencies are common. And though they range in both severity and price, many will cost you anywhere from several hundred to a few thousand dollars, and many can cause your pet debilitating pain, illness, or even death. 

While you're at it, you can also check out their fantastic blog and Facebook page, both fountains of great information.