If you’re welcoming a new dog home, then you want to make sure that you’re thinking about what it needs, in particular. Many dogs’ needs remain the same, but with minor adjustments. If you’re welcoming a new puppy home, however, its needs may be slightly different. Here are the ways that you have to ensure you’re giving your pup special care so it can grow up as a healthy and happy companion for the family.
Home preparedness
Much like you need to babyproof a home, you should also think about how you can puppy-proof your home. This is often best done by thinking about each room from their vantage point, keeping an eye out for what potential toxins (especially garden plants) you should look out for, what electrical cords you might have to shield, and even if you might need pet gates to keep them out of a home. You want to ensure it’s safe to welcome them home, after all.
Healthcare
Make sure that your vet gets to know your puppy nice and soon to make sure that they get the examination they need. You can make your puppy more comfortable about going to the vet’s by handling them often, and even visiting without any treatments. Talk to your vet about the vaccinations that your puppy is going to need, as well as any pest-proofing that is safe to do as they get bigger.
Nutrition
You might think that it’s okay to feed your puppy some food you have had lying around for an older dog, but you should really think twice about it. The nutritional needs for puppies are very different and they often need lots of rich animal proteins but, furthermore, their teeth aren’t fully developed yet so you need to be kind with them with puppy food specifically made for them. If you’re opting for a whole foods diet, then talk to the vet about it.
Training
A dog’s mind is most malleable when it’s young. As such, it’s a good idea to think about training to begin ASAP. House training them is, of course, essential, and relatively easy (though you should anticipate accidents in those first few days). Just as important is socializing them. When they are old enough and vaccinated, you should let them experience being around other animals and people, in safe and controlled environments, so that they stay acclimated to it as they grow up.
Building a bond
A puppy can start playing with and being curious about you as soon as you get them home, but some may experience some fear of a new environment or sadness at being away from their litter. You should make sure that you start spending time bonding with them as soon as possible. One way to help them get more used to you is to give them a piece of clothing to sleep with with your scent on it.
Above all else, including any tips that you read online, you should make sure that you take your puppy to the vet and follow any recommendations that they make.
