What could be more thrilling than becoming a parent to a cute new puppy? However, it is not easy to raise a new puppy. Puppy care can be fun, stressful, and rewarding all at the same time, and bringing a new puppy home requires a great deal of planning, effort, patience, and love. It’s a beautiful experience if done correctly. Continue reading to discover important puppy care steps.
Locate a Reputable Vet
Your new puppy requires a checkup with the puppy veterinarian. This visit will ensure that your puppy is fit and free of birth defects, serious health issues, etc., and will assist you in beginning a preventative health routine. If you don’t have a vet, ask friends. Request vet recommendations from the shelter where you adopted your dog. Additionally, dog walkers and groomers can offer advice.
Exercise
The health of your puppy requires regular exercise. All dogs require some form of physical activity, regardless of breed. As your puppy grows and enters adolescence, this becomes increasingly important. Determine your dog’s likes and dislikes by observing his responses to different activities.
Grooming
The health of your puppy’s skin and coat will be enhanced by regular brushing or combing. Handling him will allow you to examine his body for injuries or changes, ensuring his comfort in your presence and fostering a stronger bond. Therefore, brush your dog, regardless of its breed.
Nourishment
At or after eight weeks, puppies can be weaned from their mothers. Speak with the owner or a charity to learn more about the normal diet of the animals. Introduce new foods gradually, starting with those they are already familiar with.
Always feed the puppy a diet that corresponds with its breed and size. It is preferable to consume multiple small meals over a few large ones. Always make available potable water. Never give milk to your dog, as it may make them sick. Obesity is a problem for dogs and humans; therefore, adhere to the manufacturer’s feeding recommendations. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate containing a high concentration of theobromine, can harm dogs that might need the assistance of dog surgeons.
Legal Requirements
Your puppy is required to be microchipped and wear a collar and ID tag. Microchipping and identification tags or collars are mandatory for all dogs and puppies older than eight weeks. Regularly recheck the collar’s fit to ensure it does not become too tight as puppies grow. Take your new puppy to the emergency animal hospital immediately for a complete examination to ensure everything is in order.
Your veterinarian will provide you with a vaccination schedule, recommendations for parasite control, and instructions for spotting illness symptoms. As soon as you become familiar with your dog’s typical behavior, you should begin thoroughly training yourself to analyze him. Using this method, you will immediately be able to identify any issues.
Conclusion
Puppies are sensitive to loud noises and sudden movements. Limit children’s visits to a few minutes for the first two days, and be attentive to your puppy’s needs, ensuring that they can retreat to a quiet location if necessary. An exercise pen can be an excellent hiding place, allowing them to be close to you while remaining safe.
