Bringing a new puppy into your household can create a lot of work, but it can also bring plenty of joy to your life. However, before you bring your new little friend home, you will need to know how to take care of it. From veterinary care and feeding to proper nutrition and training, the following information can help.
How to Take Care of a Puppy
Puppy Vaccinations and Veterinary Care
Just like human babies, puppies need various vaccinations to keep them healthy. They also need to be dewormed regularly from about one month of age and up to about three months old. As such, be sure to ask the breeder whether or not the puppy has had any shots or dewormings and when they were done.
Take this information with you to your vet within at least three days after bringing your new charge home. Your veterinarian will examine the puppy and help you set up a vaccination and deworming schedule. While you are at the vet’s clinic, you may wish to discuss a parasite prevention program as well.
Feeding Your Puppy
Again, just like human infants, puppies need to eat several times a day to accommodate the needs of their growing bodies. Typically, puppies that are under four months need to be fed three times a day while those that are over four months should eat two times each day.
The amount of food you should feed your puppy at each feeding depends on its breed and age. As such, be sure to read pet food labels on any food as they will tell you what is best for your pet. Finally, you should always feed your dog a good-quality puppy food that is designed with puppies in mind.
It is never too early to begin house training your puppy, and the first thing you will want to do is decide whether you want your puppy to relieve itself outdoors or on paper. In the beginning, your furry baby is going to make a lot of mistakes. After a mistake, firmly tell the puppy no, pick it up and place it on the paper or take it outdoors to its designated bathroom area. Learn How to Potty Train a Puppy.
It may take some time before your charge learns, but it is important to be persistent. Additionally, take your puppy to its bathroom area after every meal, nap and playtime. Each time the puppy succeeds in relieving itself in the right place be sure to offer plenty of praise.
Puppy Basic Obedience and Socialization
Proper obedience training and socialization can help prevent behavioral problems in the future. If your budget allows, invest in a puppy socialization class and/or an obedience puppy course as early as possible. Nevertheless, if you are on a tight budget, simply taking your puppy to the park regularly can help with socialization.
There are also many books and information online that can help you teach basic obedience to your puppy. Learning how to take care of puppies is not difficult, especially if you follow the simple guidelines described above. When you make use of this valuable information, you are sure to raise a happy and healthy pet.
How to Take Care of a Puppy Tips
- Invest in a name tag, collar, leash, dog bed, food dish and water bowl for your puppy before you even bring it home.
- Place your puppy’s bed in an area that is quiet and away from small children or other pets.
- Begin grooming your puppy early to teach obedience and patience.
- Keep your puppy’s bathroom area clean as puppies do not like to relieve themselves in filthy surroundings: Know how to potty train a puppy.
- Keep all cleaning supplies locked and/or out of reach of your furry baby.
- Offer clean, fresh water to your pet at all times.
A nursing puppy can suffer from a syndrome called Fading Puppy Syndrome. Learn more about this disease: Fading Puppy Syndrome.