Taking care of a puppy: what you need to know

Taking care of a puppy can be fun but also scary. Your pup will be excited and anxious about his new home. Thus, it is up to you to make him feel safe and comfortable. There are various things you can do to make him feel at home.

Be patient

Being patient is one of the best things you can do for your new pup. Understand that accidents will happen when you first bring him home. So, during the first 24-48 hours do not reprimand him. He is getting adjusted to his new environment. However, do praise him for positive actions.

Structure is important when taking care of a puppy

Put together a schedule before you bring your pup home. This is especially important for housebreaking him. Start off by taking him outside frequently and staying with him until he has taken care of business.

Getting adjusted

It may take your new fur baby some time to get acclimated to his new surroundings. Have a specific place set up for eating, sleeping, and toileting. Baby gates can be used to contain your pup in a pre-selected area of the house. This will help your pup feel more comfortable as he adjusts to his new home and routine.

Mealtime

A new puppy needs 2 dog bowls, one for quality dog food and one for freshwater. Your new fur babies’ diet is very important and can make a difference in their health and well-being. If your pup is from a breeder, they may recommend continuing with the puppy food they are using. If you are unsure, check with your local veterinarian, other pet professionals, and other dog owners. Just remember, the food should be healthy for your puppy and they should also enjoy eating it.

Rest time

It is easy to fill the time with playing, walking, and visiting friends when you bring a new puppy home. But, like a newborn baby, puppies need frequent naps throughout the day. Therefore, it is important to schedule times for him to nap and relax. An excellent bed choice is, DuraCloud. These high-quality orthopedic beds are made with a durable, machine washable, removable, inner liner that is hypoallergenic as well as water, flame, and tear-resistant. The anti-skid base helps your pup rest without movement, even on slick surfaces. And most important, it comes with a durable, machine washable cover.

Exercise 

A short walk in the neighborhood or in the park is good for you and your new pup. Begin with short walks and gradually increase the time. You do not want to overdo. Be mindful of your dog’s breed, as some pups can overheat in the middle of hot summer days. To add to that, do not take your pup to the dog park until he has all his shots.

Start training early when taking care of a puppy

Dogs are pack animals. They seek authority and reassurance from the pack leader. Providing that leadership is essential to managing your pup’s behavior. Starting early and setting the needed boundaries in place will make the job easier. A crate is also an important tool when training. It provides you with peace of mind when you cannot supervise what your puppy is doing. In addition, it provides your pup with a sense of security. However, it is never recommended to leave a puppy in a crate for longer than 4-5 hours.

Be prepared for nighttime when taking care of a puppy

The first night with your new puppy can be challenging. Remember he is used to snuggling up to his mom, brothers, and sisters. He may cry or whine throughout the night. He will also need to go out every 4-5 hours. Usually, it will take a few days for a new pup to feel safe at night. In addition, you can put a ticking clock in his bed. This will remind him of his mother’s heartbeat. He may also like a stuffed toy to comfort him.

In Conclusion

Schedule a visit to your local veterinarian for recommended vaccinations. They will also fill you in on flea and tick preventative, as well as heartworm preventative medications. In addition, you will want to have a Curicyn Pet Care Kit on hand. It is a first aid kit for dogs and cats that includes a variety of animal wound care products that your pet may need during an emergency.

Finally, taking care of a new puppy is fun and enjoyable when you prepare ahead of time. Being consistent and patient will help fur baby adjust in a relatively short amount of time. It will make training easier and will help him feel safe and secure at his new home.

References

Flowers, A. (May 28, 2020). Taking care of puppy. Healthy Pets. Retrieved from https://pets.webmd.com/ss/slideshow-taking-care-of-puppy

Puppy Care. (n.d.) How to take care of a puppy. Retrieved from https://www.thedrakecenter.com/services/dogs/puppy-care

Stregowski, J. (January 1, 2020). Puppies 101. How to care for a puppy. The Spruce Pets. Retrieved from https://www.thesprucepets.com/how-to-care-for-puppies-1117475