You’ve Got Your New Puppy; Now Learn How to Care for it!

Man’s best friend – they’re loyal and have been at the side of man for as long as forever. The bond between man and dog is unexplainable whether adult or pup. When they’re little, they are just unbelievably adorable! Puppies are just the cutest!  They can turn the hardest of men into jelly upon seeing one.

Their looks are one of the major reasons why people would go get one without being ready to actually own one. They’re completely clueless on how to raise and care for a puppy. If you’re one of those people or you’re looking to be the new owner of a puppy, here’s what you need to know on how to care for one.

Will your lifestyle allow it?

A puppy is fragile and helpless and would rely on you for everything. If you have long working hours, travel a lot, or are a social butterfly then it isn’t the best idea to own a puppy because puppies are extremely time-consuming.

A new puppy is a handful. You need to be prepared for the mess and lots of whining that comes with owning one – constantly being available to feed it, clean up the mess they make, reassure them and love them. Solitude can lead to a lot of behavioral problems in pups.

While a puppy is cute and all, it will grow into a naughty and destructive teenager. You need to be ready for these changes. Before you make a decision about getting a puppy, bear in mind that it is a life-long commitment.

What breed of puppy?

Be prepared to do a lot of research on the breed of puppy that is suitable for your lifestyle. Don’t get a puppy based on looks. If you’re the athletic type and you’re looking for a breed of dog that you’d like to go on long walks with, you should go for a breed that is energetic. If you’re looking for a lap dog, a breed that’s more demure would be the right choice for you.

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a breed. Can you tolerate shedding? If not, it’s best you get a pup that isn’t so furry. Do you want a large or small dog? Remember that all puppies are tiny irrespective of their breed. You don’t want to be buying a Great Dane pup and be needing a short dog like a corgi.

Puppy-proof your home

At this stage, you’ve decided on what breed of pup you want. The next and most important thing is to puppy proof your house as you would for a baby. Puppies are destructive and very curious. They like to get into everything and anything. They would lick, chew, and bite anything – and if it wiggles, all hell breaks loose.

You need to make your home safe for them. Put away cleaning supplies or any hazardous materials, block access to porches, remove any items that are breakable from where you intend to keep the puppy. Lock away or safe proof any electrical cord hanging within reach. You may want to consider getting a dog gate to keep him or her confined to a certain area if your home can’t be properly puppy-proofed. Buying outlet covers is also not a bad investment to keep your pup away from any and all hazards.

Find a good vet

The first trip that you and your pup need to take together is a trip to the vet. The pup needs to be checked thoroughly by a vet to ensure that there are no illnesses or birth effects. 

You need to decide on and set up a vaccination plan for it and also discuss other pet care matters with your vet. Have discussions with him on how to check for and safe options for preventing parasites that have been known to feed off animals.

Buying essential puppy supplies

Your new baby needs a lot of things for it to be comfortable and grow happily. Some of these things are essential while some are just for your pup to grow happily and foster the bond between you two. These essential items are a dog bed, a collar and name tag, a leash, food bowls, chew toys, and quality food.

In order to be sure that these items are chemical-free and safe for your pup, you should buy them from your local pet store. You might also want to get a dog crate or a kennel if you’re the sort that wants your personal space.

Invest in quality feeding

Feeding puppies the right meal is of extreme importance as this tells on their health and general wellbeing. Canned food, kibble, and cooked food are all options for feeding but you should seek advice from your vet on what best to feed your pup. 

When starting a feeding process with your new pup, it is best to start with specifically made puppy foods that are certified production. Feed your puppy 3-4 times a day and ensure that water’s always available for it to drink.

Cleaning and potty training

Most people don’t understand the concept of potty training until they’ve had to clean up puppy poo for weeks. You shouldn’t wait that long. You ought to start your potty training with your pup when you get it. Soft words of encouragement and patience are the tools you need to achieve this feat.

The first step to potty training is knowing that your pup needs to do its business outside. The best time to take the pup out is when;

• You wake up or it wakes up
• Before bedtime
• 20-30 mins after your pup drinks water
• After exercise or a play session with it.

Remember to be kind, loving, and most importantly patient with your pup during these processes. Getting a puppy training pad isn’t a bad idea for a weeks, either.

Your puppy’s health

Puppies are fragile and that makes them susceptible to a lot of illness which may be fatal. This is the reason why puppy vaccination is of extreme importance. Vaccinated puppies can also fall ill because vaccinations alone cannot guarantee the perfect health for your pup.

The only weapon you can use to prevent or reduce illnesses is keen observation. You need to watch your puppy carefully and monitor their behavior for signs that their health might be in jeopardy. Some of these signs are;

• Diarrhea
• Wheezing
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Lack of appetite
• Fur loss
• Swollen or a hard stomach

All these are indicators that your pup might be feeling poorly. If you see any of this sign, take your pup straight to the vet for proper treatment.