Once a Dog, Forever a Friend – An Adventure That Lasts a Lifetime
Have you been thinking about finding a companion for weekend trips? A friend for your morning coffee? Someone who loves long walks and is always ready when you say, “Let’s go”?
If so, your search has led you to the only logical answer – it’s time to welcome a pet into your life. After careful thought and consideration, you’ve chosen a dog. Congratulations! You’ve just made one of the best decisions of your life. 😊
How to choose the right dog?
Bringing a dog into your home will undoubtedly change your life—for the better. It’s a commitment that gives back far more than you invest. A dog will awaken emotions you may not even know you have and create a lifelong, unbreakable bond.
Before anything else, you should carefully consider how you want to get a dog. There are two main options: purchasing a dog from a responsible, licensed breeder or adopting one from an animal shelter.
Responsible dog purchase
If you have health concerns such as allergies to dog hair, dander, saliva, or urine, you may want to consider breeds that shed less. While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, some breeds produce significantly less dander – the main allergen. Examples include poodles, bichons, and schnauzers.
Your lifestyle also plays a crucial role in choosing the right breed. Frequent travel, age, living space, or access to a yard all influence your decision. Dog breeds exist for a reason – each has traits suited to specific lifestyles.
If you’re planning to buy or import a dog into Croatia, it’s essential to follow legal regulations. Dogs purchased from registered breeders will have ownership transferred by a veterinarian. For dogs imported from EU countries, a TRACES document is required, along with: microchipping, rabies vaccination and valid pet passport or veterinary certificate.
For imports from certain non-EU countries (e.g., Serbia, Montenegro), a rabies antibody titer test is also required.
Adopting a dog
The second option, and one I personally recommend, is adopting a dog from a registered shelter in Croatia. Shelters are often overcrowded, and it is hard to imagine that among so many dogs you would not find your perfect match. As an additional suggestion, you might consider visiting shelters such as the Virovitica Animal Shelter or the “Luč Zagorja” Shelter for Abandoned Animals—you might just find your new best friend there. 😉 Talk to shelter staff or volunteers and learn more about the personality and characteristics of the dog you are considering, so you can choose one that best fits your lifestyle. Dogs from shelters are already microchipped, and the transfer of ownership is completed through an adoption agreement.
Are you ready? The adventure begins…
You’ve brought home, for example, an adorable puppy who should, of course, already have a health booklet, a microchip, be treated against parasites, and have received at least one vaccination against infectious diseases. Keep in mind that a puppy should only be introduced to other dogs 14 days after receiving the second vaccination, while rabies vaccination is administered at three months of age.
It is also worth considering additional vaccinations against infectious diseases. Although not mandatory, they play a key role in protecting your dog from serious illnesses, such as leptospirosis, which can be transmitted from dogs to humans, and help ensure a long and healthy life for your pet.
Nutrition: a happy dog is a well-fed dog 😊
During the first few weeks, a puppy should eat the same food it was given in its previous home, and later the diet can be adjusted according to its needs, availability of food, and the advice of a veterinarian. It is recommended to feed a dog at least twice a day, while fresh water should always be available.
During the first year of life, proper nutrition is essential for healthy development, including the digestive system, which adapts rapidly as the puppy grows. For this reason, it is important to choose food that is easily digestible and nutritionally balanced. As an additional tip, Trovet Puppy is a complete food for puppies and young dogs, developed based on veterinary recommendations, and it may be worth trying if you are still looking for the ideal diet for your pet.
It’s time for the first walk…
…but what about ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes?
Today, there is a wide range of antiparasitic products available in different forms, including liquids, sprays, and collars for topical use, as well as oral tablets and treats. The choice depends on the dog’s lifestyle; for example, for dogs that are frequently bathed, tablets are more effective, while for diseases such as leishmaniasis, which is transmitted by sandflies, spot-on treatments are recommended.
In the past, dogs were protected from parasites only during the summer, but due to milder temperatures, protection is now needed almost throughout the entire year.
With tick protection, a collar, a leash, waste bags, and treats ready, it’s time to go outside—finally! The whole world is ahead, but also many other dogs, owners, and different situations. Not everyone is always prepared for everything that awaits them.
On the street, you will encounter shy dogs, fearful ones, overly playful dogs that may not suit older dogs, and even some less friendly ones. That is why socialization is key—arguably crucial—for a pleasant coexistence of dogs in an urban environment. Every dog would benefit from some form of training, whether individual or group-based, using different methods, because the goal is always the same: easier adaptation and the development of skills needed for life in a new home and its surroundings.
Walking is essential for a dog’s physical and mental health, as it provides movement, stimulation, and socialization. Dogs should go outside at least two to three times a day, and the length of the walk depends on the breed, age, and energy level of the dog. In addition to physical activity, walks are an opportunity for sniffing, exploring the environment, and interacting with other dogs.
Conclusion
You are about to begin the most beautiful 15 years of your life (and hopefully even longer).
Enjoy each other, take care of one another, and cherish every single day. Dogs live in the moment, fully devoted to what is happening right now -that may be the most important lesson your new best friend will teach you.
Pause. Enjoy. Pet that little nose every time it gently nudges its way around your legs. Extend that walk, even just a little longer, because for them, there is never enough shared time.
And when a difficult day comes, sit next to your dog and simply be there together. You may be surprised at how quickly such a moment can recharge you and remind you of what truly matters.
I wish you countless happy and healthy moments, and for all the small (and not so small) challenges – we are here for you and your pet.
Veterinary Clinic and Practice BUBA
(For medical questions or consultations, please contact us.)
