How To Care For Your New Puppy
You’ve decided to get a new puppy! How exciting! Few things are more rewarding than the love and devotion of a furry companion. However, you now have some big responsibilities! Although puppies are adorable and fun, they are also a lot of work. We cannot stress enough how important it is to do some research when choosing your new pet. Consider factors such as size, temperament and grooming and exercise needs when making this decision. Take the time to find the perfect fit for your home and lifestyle.
Next, it is important to make sure that your home is ready for a rambunctious little puppy. Your new pal can jump, climb, chew and scratch so removing things from their reach such as electrical cords, poisonous substances and breakable items is imperative. The use of durable baby or pet gates can be a helpful way to keep them out of certain spaces. Proper puppy-proofing will help to ensure a safe puppy AND a safe home. Puppies have a lot of energy. Therefore, make sure they have an adequate amount of space to run and play. Offering toys to stimulate them may help reduce the amount of mischief they get into. Bored puppies tend to get into trouble! Provide them with a crate or a bed in a warm, dry space where they can go to rest. All that playing is bound to wear them out eventually!
Nutrition. This is a big one, folks. It seems like the amount of food options are endless! How on earth are you supposed to know which is the best one for your furry little pal? First, make sure you are choosing a “puppy” food that is appropriate for “growth”. Next, looking at the ingredients and ensuring that you are choosing one with quality components is important. Ask your veterinarian to help you in choosing a food best suited for your puppy. If you don’t feel as if the food you choose meets your pup’s needs, you can always slowly transition to a different one.
Now it’s time for your puppy’s first health check-up! You may not think this is necessary since your pup seems perfectly healthy but our pets are similar to us in the sense that they need routine check-ups to ensure a long, healthy life. Starting these visits early may make your pup less likely to fear the vet’s office. Not to mention, this is a great opportunity to show off your adorable new family member! Your veterinarian will be able to educate you on vaccination and deworming schedules, proper nutrition, spaying/neutering and long term health care. Although it’s not pleasant to think of your precious, furry bundle having to get poked by needles, following a proper immunization schedule is vital. Puppies need basic immunizations to take over when their maternal antibodies fade, as well as protection from potentially fatal illnesses. Your pup will probably even get a special treat for being so brave!
If you follow all these tips, you will be off to an excellent start as a dog owner! Remember, the bond between you and your puppy begins the first time you look into those puppy dog eyes and never stops growing. Take care of them and they will take care of you!