The decision to adopt a puppy to become part of your family should never be made lightly. Caring for puppies is a huge responsibility. Many adopted puppies are later pounded and abandoned once owners realize they do not have the time, money or energy to care for them. Bringing home a puppy should be the same as adding a new member to your family. It takes a lot of work, and quite a bit of patience, but can be extremely rewarding. There are many different aspects to cover in respect to caring for a puppy. Let’s cover them one at a time:
Health:
One of the very first things to consider when caring for a new puppy is selecting a veterinarian and making your first appointment. Your new puppy will need to be examined and vaccinated. Talk to your vet about possible prevention medications for worms and fleas as well. Always be on the lookout for signs that your dog is not feeling well. Your puppy should have a clean coat, bright eyes, and smooth skin. Skin reactions, vomiting and diarrhea may all be signs that your puppy is sick.
Sleep/Rest:
Before you bring your new puppy home, remember to set up a comfortable spot for the pup to sleep in. Decide which room the puppy’s bedding will reside. When caring for puppies, remember that unless you have chosen to have the dog sleep with you, there could be a good bit of whimpering, howling, yelling and barking while the puppy experiences separation anxiety the first few nights. This winds down before actually falling asleep. If possible, take the puppy’s new bedding to the pound, shelter or breeder (wherever your received him) for a couple of days and allow him to play with it before bringing him home. This will allow him to have a familiar object when he gets to his new home. The first few nights, try playing with and exercising your puppy right before bedtime to promote tiredness.
Feeding:
If you own multiple pets, make certain that each animal has their own food and water containers. While it is possible that pets may share, you can avoid some early territory battles by getting each pet their own. Occasionally, you will run into bullying as one pet tries to assert dominance by eating out of another’s food bowls. Consider separating the eating areas until all pets have grown accustomed to each other.
Puppies tend to eat more frequently than older dogs. As a general rule, dogs 6-8 weeks old should be fed 4 times daily, 12-20 weeks old should be fed 3 times daily, older than 20 weeks should be fed twice a day. Provide food that is appropriate for younger dogs. The nutritional value of normal dog food is quite different than that for a puppy. Puppy dog food has more protein and other nutrients to fulfill your young dog’s energy needs.
Play:
An important part of caring for puppies is allowing adequate play time. Make certain you have a safe area for the puppy to play. For larger breeds, you will need a secure outdoor area for the dog to move about, run, and play. Smaller ones can be content with indoor play regularly, but try to take it outside often to provide a variety of play experiences.
Purchase some appropriately sized puppy toys like bones, balls, stuffed animals, and ropes. This not only adds to the puppy’s play time, but also provides a relief from potential boredom. When a dog gets bored, personal property tends to get damaged.
Exercise:
Caring for puppies includes making sure they are getting the right amount of physical activity and exercise. This can change from breed to breed so do your research or ask around for advice. Walking and playing with your puppy are both excellent ways to provide activity.
Potty:
Potty training your puppy is one of the most beneficial aspects of caring for puppies. Not only does your pup need to learn where to potty, but also when. Crate training is an option if you are going to be gone for long periods during the day. Consider confining your new pooch to non-carpeted areas of the house until you have a system in place.
Cleaning/Grooming:
One of the best ways to keep your pet healthy and happy is to keep them clean. Brushing your puppy is relaxing for the dog and gives you a chance to ensure that the skin and fur are healthy and clean. Also take the time to brush your puppy’s teeth and gums to keep them healthy too.
Daytime Care:
Caring for puppies would involve daytime care as well. If no one will be home to attend to your new puppy during working hours, there are a few different options available. Crate training can be effective since no dog wants to relieve themselves where they will reside. You could also look into a doggie babysitter or daycare. If you know a stay at home mom or retiree, they might be willing to care for you puppy during the day.
If caring for puppies still sounds like a good idea after reading this article, then bringing home a puppy might just be a great idea for you and your family. Do your research and purchase all the needed supplies beforehand to make this transition easier for everyone involved. You will find out that caring for puppies comes very natural to most people.
Related posts:
- Crate Training Puppies
- Dog Parks – The Benefits and Pitfalls for New Puppies
- Puppies Need Guidance
- Seven Things that Puppies like to Chew that They Shouldn’t
- Top Seven Household Items That Are Dangerous to Puppies
Comments on this entry are closed.