New Puppy 101: Tips to Help You
If you’ve got a new puppy – you’re in for a wonderful experience. You’ll have a companion for life, but the first few months can be a little stressful. Use this advice to make sure you and your new puppy adjust well.
Spay or Neuter
In certain localities, your puppy must be spayed or neutered to help control the animal population. Besides this, it helps you reduce the chances of cancer in the reproductive system. If you plan on breeding your animal, make sure you have the necessary permits at the local level – and take your dog for regular checkups.
Get the Puppy Micro chipped
This helps keep the puppy safe if he or she gets away from you – so you can be reunited. In addition to micro chipping, make sure your puppy has a collar with identification tags on at all times. When rabies shots are administered, you’ll need to add that tag as well, so others know the animal is safe should he or she be found.
Get the Puppy a Physical
Until your puppy reaches 16 weeks, he or she will need shots every three to four weeks. Take him or her to the vet regularly to make sure the puppy is healthy. If you have any questions about how to care for your puppy, your vet is the best source of information.
Discuss Diet with the Veterinarian
The best diet for your pet depends highly on his or her size and breed. Pet obesity, found in as many as 25 to 40% of household pets, can lead to a number of serious health problems. Always follow your vet’s recommendations in regards to diet and feeding times.
Housebreaking Methods
Take your puppy outside every two hours, up to six times per day. Make sure to take them out after meal times. Crate train, as puppies will not usually use the bathroom where they sleep. Don’t punish them for going to the bathroom after the fact – they won’t understand. It only matters when you catch them in the act.
Puppy Proof
Much like baby proofing, make sure you clean your home and move things around so the puppy cannot access things that can hurt them. Provide plenty of safe chew toys to keep them from chewing on cords, plants, etc. Install cord protectors, and move all toxins to higher and more secure locations so the puppy cannot reach them.
Traveling with Your Puppy
To prevent distractions while you’re driving, put the puppy in a crate. If a crate is not available, use a seat belt harness to secure the animal. Never leave the animal alone in the vehicle – it can get too hot and put his health at risk. To be safe, only travel with your animal to places where he or she is welcome to be with you.
The most important thing is to make sure your puppy is properly cared for at all times. If you must leave him for an extended period of time, take them out before you leave, and crate them to prevent them from making a mess while you’re gone. Also leave food and water in the crate if you’ll be gone long enough for hunger to become an issue.
