It’s hard to imagine anything more thrilling than bringing home a brand-new puppy and learning how to care for it. However, you should know that caring for a young puppy is not simple. Bringing a new puppy into your home requires a lot of planning, work, patience, and love, but it can also be a lot of fun, stress, and reward. It’s fantastic if you do it right. Read on to find out how to take care of a puppy properly.
Locate a Reputable Vet
Take your new dog to the puppy and kitten vet right away. This checkup will help you get on the correct track with your puppy’s preventive health care and ensure that he or she was born without any major defects. If you don’t know a veterinarian, ask around. You should inquire about vet recommendations from the shelter where you adopted your dog. Inspiration can also be found in dog groomers and walkers.
Healthy Diet
Feeding your puppy food that is too high in fat or too low in protein can stunt his growth. It will be worth investing in a higher-end brand if your budget allows it. Get your vet’s advice before deciding what to feed your pet. Younger puppies need to be fed more frequently due to their smaller stomach sizes. Maintaining a clean and fresh water supply for your dog is essential. Your puppy’s dish should be washed with soap and water daily.
Exercise
Your puppy’s health depends on him getting plenty of exercises. Whatever their breed, all dogs need regular exercise. As your puppy matures into adulthood, this becomes increasingly crucial. Observe your dog’s behavior while engaging in different pursuits to understand what he likes and doesn’t like.
Grooming
Your puppy’s skin and coat will benefit from regular brushing or combing. You can check for injuries or changes in his physical condition by handling him, and it will also help him feel more at ease around you. So, brush your dog, no matter what breed it is.
Nourishment
Weaning puppies from their mothers is done when they are at least eight weeks old. Please consult the animal’s owner or a charity to determine what the animals are typically fed. Start with familiar foods and work your way up to trying new things.
Puppies should be fed food that is appropriate for their breed and size. Several smaller meals spread throughout the day are preferable to a few large ones. There must always be access to clean water. Avoid giving milk to your dog at all costs. Do your best to stick to the manufacturer’s feeding guidelines, as excess weight is a problem for dogs and humans. Dogs shouldn’t eat chocolate, especially dark chocolate with a high theobromine content because this could lead to a visit to the emergency veterinarian.
Legal Requirements
A microchip, a collar, and an ID tag are required for your puppy. All dogs and puppies older than eight weeks must be microchipped and wear identification tags or collars. Keep an eye on the collar’s fit as your puppy grows to avoid choking. You should bring your new puppy to places like Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital for a full checkup immediately to ensure everything is okay.
Your veterinarian will provide you with a vaccination schedule, advice on controlling parasites, and a list of symptoms to look for. As soon as you have a good idea of your dog’s typical behavior, you should start training yourself to analyze it thoroughly. Using this method, you can quickly pinpoint the source of any issues.
Conclusion
As puppies, they are easily startled by loud noises and rapid motion. For the first day or two, have children visit for only a few minutes, and pay close attention to your puppy’s needs, making sure he or she can escape to a quiet area if necessary. The enclosed space of an exercise pen can serve as a great hiding place, keeping them close by without putting them in danger.