Posted on August 29 2021
Is now the time to finally add a pet to your family? If so, what do you hope to get? Is it a puppy? We agree! They are so adorable you wouldn’t want to trade them for anything. Still, remember they are way different from adult dogs. Don’t worry, though; we have a guide to help you prepare for your new journey with your furry friend. Here are 8 tips you have to keep in mind in order to take care of your puppy properly.
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1. Find a Good Vet
The first step you have to take upon picking up your puppy is booking an appointment with a vet. Puppies require a good amount of care to avoid contracting any illnesses and the person who can help you the most throughout the first period is your vet. Choose an experienced vet and trust them with a vaccination schedule for your pet. Prepare a list of questions before visiting and ask them for feedback to plan what you should do.
2. Research Well
Unlike adult dogs, puppies need special food, a vaccination schedule, various classes to train them, and many other things. The dog breeders at Uptown Puppies emphasize that a dog’s needs, especially nutritional needs, also depend on its breed. A better understanding of this can help you choose a healthier diet for your dog. If this is your first time owning a puppy, prepare a list of their needs in advance by searching the internet. Google has the answer to most things and if you are not sure, ask your vet, professional breeders, or other puppy owners around you. Your local shelter could also be a good place to check out as they are experts who deal with all types of animals.
3. Shop for Good Puppy Food
While shopping for your puppy food, don’t just choose a pack of snacks that looks good. Puppies have their own special food approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). To ensure your pet grows up fast, read nutrition instructions carefully on the dog food you intend to buy. Generally, puppies take from 2 months to 2 years to grow up, depending on the breed. Additionally, even the amount of times you have to feed them differs according to their age. For example, puppies less than 12 weeks should eat 4 times a day to get the nutrition they need, while older puppies can eat only 3 times a day.
4. Home-Train Them
Puppies are not potty trained yet. So, during the first few months in your house, you have to be prepared to train them or sign them up for a home training class. To train your puppy at home, ensure you have plenty of snacks to encourage them. Also, watch online videos on how to train your puppy, never punish them for their little accidents, and always stay patient. The moment you lose your patience during training, you have to start all over again, so beware!
5. Watch out for Signs of Illness
Your furry friend is just like a baby the first couple of months, they have a fragile immune system, and they are not done with their vaccinations yet, so they can get sick easily. Don’t worry, though! As long as you are cautious about it, things should be fine. Pay attention to your puppy’s behavior and always check for weird symptoms like coughing, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and so on. The moment you notice anything weird, call your vet and schedule an appointment.
6. Take Them For Walks
Just like potty training is important inside the house, it is essential to take your puppy outside the house as well. Take your pet on a walk as regularly as you can to have them experience freedom and life outside and give them their much-needed exercise. Ensure you give them plenty of praise as well whenever they potty outside and keep them away from other animals for the first couple of months until they are done with their vaccinations.
7. Establish a Walking Routine
Your puppy needs a routine for many things, including when and where to walk. Research shows that puppies who are familiar with their walking routine rarely cause accidents outside and get lost while walking around with their owners. Choose a specific trail for your daily walks with your puppy and ensure your walking times are always consistent. Generally, experts suggest the following schedule for your daily walks.
- When you wake up and before bed
- After a meal
- After playtime
8. Help Them Socialize
For little dogs, the first 2 months don’t have to include socialization. However, research shows that avoiding socialization longer than that can create behavioral problems for puppies. So, if your puppy is older than 2 months, sign them up for a socialization class to help them develop their skills.
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Now you know how to take care of an adorable puppy all by yourself along with the long-term guidance of a professional vet. It is time to pick the bread you love and find out the best trails you have nearby to enjoy and have a fun time with your little one. When your furry friend joins your family, shower them with love and care, they will become your partner for years to come.
Next up: Establishing Boundaries: What You Need To Do When You Get A New Dog