What is the time requirement involved with having a puppy?
Puppies require a lot of time when they are young. Make sure you are qualified to give your pet the time it requires to become a loving member of your family. A puppy that is left alone for a great amount of time will invariably show behavioral problems. Puppies are like children; they demand attention. In addition, a giant breed, 6 month old puppy, left to it’s own devices, will destroy one room per hour.
Does my new puppy need social interaction with other puppies?
Yes – Let your puppy socialize. The more your puppy is exposed to early in life, the more confident it will be when it’s fully-grown. This is especially important with shy breeds. Take your puppy on car rides, daily errands, park outings, and to meet new people of all ages. Always remember, though, to never leave the puppy in a car unattended. Not only is this dangerous in all seasons, but also widely illegal across the country.
A good idea is to enroll your puppy in “puppy preschool.” The trainer will help you with any issues you may have, and the opportunity for socialization for your puppy is very valuable. Ask your retailer if a school is available near you.
What do I need to know about proper feeding of my new puppy?
Proper feeding is essential when your puppy is young and growing. Follow these basic rules to ensure your puppy grows up healthy.
- Feed your new puppy a high quality pet food. Many brands offer quality nutrition, but the overall health and even temperament of your puppy depends on your individual choice of a quality food. Ask for recommendations from the retailer where you purchased your puppy.
- Human food can cause gastrointestinal upset. It is best to avoid it for the first year. Also, a low fiber, good quality diet will decrease the number of stools and make house breaking easier. Consult your pet shop or veterinarian for quality pet food.
- Feed new puppies multiple small meals a day. Their small stomachs won’t hold enough food for one or two large meals. Talk to your pet professional about vitamin calorie supplements to give as a treat several times a day for the first four weeks.
- Use appropriate food and water dishes for the size of the puppy so they don’t overeat or undereat.
- If you have small children, play with the food dishes while the puppy is eating. Also, play with their feet, mouth and ears. This diffuses the need to fight back as they grow older and need exams or nail trims.
- Provide treats and toys for your puppy. Choose durable, appropriately sized quality items for ultimate safety.
Do I need to groom my puppy when it’s young?
Yes, keep your puppy well groomed. You may find that you can groom your puppy yourself, and it actually isn’t that difficult. By doing your own grooming, you provide another way to deepen the bond between you and your pet. If you are hesitant or uncomfortable with this, local pet stores and grooming services will be happy to keep your puppy looking well kept.
What should I know about veterinary care?
Take your puppy to the veterinarian within a few days of bringing it home. You’ll need a veterinarian for essential medical treatments as your puppy grows. A pet owner should choose a veterinarian with as much care as in choosing a family doctor. You can check with your pet store owner to help select the right vet for your puppy.
Follow your veterinarian’s prescribed regimen of vaccinations, wormings, and external parasite management. These recommendations change in different areas of the country. If and when minor problems arise, your veterinarian is your pet’s best friend.
What items should I have on hand when I first bring my puppy home?
Have the following supplies ready and waiting when you bring your new puppy home:
- Food bowl
- Water bowl
- Puppy collar – you will need to change to a larger collar as the puppy grows
- Toys
- Chew sticks
- A bed
- Puppy shampoo
- Leash ID tag – You can purchase one of these at the new do-it-yourself machines located in many large chain stores. Do this immediately and attach it to your puppy’s new collar. Also, be sure to register the microchip.
- Comb and brush
- Nail clippers
- Trimming scissors
- Doggie toothpaste and toothbrush
- Quality pet food
- Puppy treats
- Baby gate(s) and crate
