Top First-Time Puppy Care Tips for Pet Owners
Welcoming a New Pet
Bringing a new puppy into your home is a very exciting thing to do! Puppies are adorable and lovable, and your new friend will soon become an indispensable part of your family. It is important to know, though, that for all their cuteness, puppies can also be a source of stress. If you don’t know what to expect, you may find yourself overwhelmed and questioning your decision to bring this new little one into your life. Don’t fret! We have some helpful puppy care tips to help you and your new puppy feel comfortable and happy together as you become a family.
What to Know Before You Bring Your Puppy Home
Just as you would prepare for a new baby, you must get your house ready before you introduce a new puppy. Do some puppy-proofing, removing items like chewable wires, small objects, and any dangerous substances from your puppy’s reach. Plan to confine your puppy, either in a crate or a puppy pen, any time you are not directly supervising him or her. Your new baby will want to explore your home, and puppies use their mouths to explore, so keeping yours confined is the best way to keep your home safe from your puppy and your puppy safe from any hazards in your home. Pick up some puppy training pads, a leash, a collar, and plenty of chew toys, as well as new dishes and food for your puppy’s meals.
Choose High-Quality Supplies
Your puppy doesn’t need designer dog clothes and fancy toys, but buying the right food and supplies is crucial. Look for high-quality puppy food, correctly formulated for age and breed. Do not feed your puppy table scraps or people food, but check the ingredients on the puppy food to make sure it meets the appropriate dietary requirements. Your puppy will also need fresh, clean water at all times. Keeping your puppy well-fed and hydrated, with clean dishes and a continuous supply of water, will help with his or her growth and health.
Establishing a Schedule
To successfully potty train, you will need to create a consistent feeding and pottying schedule. Feed your puppy on a regular schedule, taking your pet outside after meals, naps, or playtime. Give extravagant praise for going potty outside, but do not punish for accidents inside. Instead, gently guide your puppy back outside, until the routine is established. It takes patience and persistence, and potty training can sometimes be challenging, but your puppy will eventually figure it out.
Common Health Issues
Puppies can easily become ill, so it’s your job to pay attention and note any symptoms. Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite all warrant a call to the vet. Keep your puppy up to date on vaccines, vet checkups, and preventative care. Bathe your new pup, keep the ears clean, and get puppy used to tooth brushing early, so that it becomes a regular part of your routine, warding off dental issues and the problems poor dental care can cause.
Give Your Puppy The Right Amount of Exercise
Puppies have energy to burn, and they need exercise to keep them in good shape mentally and physically. However, it is important to remember that they are still babies, and too much exertion can be harmful to their development. Plan five minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day, including short walks, playing fetch, or doing something else engaging, like playing hide and seek. Take your cues from your pup, and stop at the first sign of fatigue.
Socializing Your Puppy
Your patience, love, and care will help your puppy grow into a healthy, happy dog. However, it is also important to provide your puppy with opportunities to develop relationships with other dogs and people. Socializing puppies means exposing them to different environments, people, and dogs, as long as they are old enough and have the proper vaccines to do this safely. Make sure the experiences you provide your puppy are positive, and give treats and verbal praise for appropriate behavior and successful social interaction. Keep the interactions short at first, gradually increasing their intensity and duration, while always observing your puppy’s demeanor and reactions.
Let Dr. Dave’s Help You Care for Your New Pup
If you are looking for help with your new puppy, Dr. Dave’s Doggy Daycare, Boarding, and Grooming is your one-stop shop! Our staff full of pet lovers has extensive experience in the pet care industry, and we understand that your pets deserve the best of everything. If you don’t want your dog to be lonely while you’re away from home, our daycare services will provide socialization with other dogs and a staff that will pay special attention to your pet’s needs. If you need to go out of town, we will keep your dog safe and happy, and we have a certified veterinarian available 24/7 in case of health care issues. Does your pet need grooming? We’ll provide your pet with a spa day worthy of royalty. For more information about all the services we offer to pet lovers and their furry family members, call 408-647-2774 in Saratoga, 408-520-4902 in Campbell, or contact us through our website.