Got a New Puppy? Here's how to care for it.

A new puppy is cute and fun and adorable and also a whole
lot of work! Puppies are very similar to newborn babies and
require constant attention and care to meet their needs.
Before your new pet even comes to your home, do some
preparing if you can. Check your house for any safety
hazards including electrical wires, cleaning products or any
other hazardous materials, or basically, anything you don't
want the puppy to eat or chew. Create a small area for your
pet that is all its own. For most people this is a dog crate,
while others prefer to block off an area of a room with baby
gates. Make sure to line the area with newspapers or doggy
pads, as small puppies really can't hold their bowels and
bladders. That way if you don't get the puppy outside
quickly enough you have a fairly easy clean up.

Once the puppy is home the fun begins. You should try to
find out what kind of food the puppy has been eating and try
to continue with the same diet because many times sudden
changes in diets can cause puppies to have digestive issues.
If you do want to change the food do it gradually over a
week's time, starting at 75% old food and 25% new food and
slowly making adjustments every day until you are able to
switch to the new food 100%.

It's a good idea to take your new puppy to see the vet as
soon as possible. Your puppy is going to need regular
checkup visits to the vet. Although a reputable breeder will
offer you a health certificate along with the puppy, it's
still a good idea to have the animal checked by your own
veterinarian to make sure there are no problems that you may
be unaware of. On your first visit be sure to bring all the
information you received with the puppy including what
vaccines, medicines or treatments the puppy may have already
had. This allows your vet to make informed decisions and
recommendations about the ongoing care and vaccination
schedule of your new puppy.

A new puppy also has many hygiene and grooming needs,
including keeping him bathed, his nails trimmed and making
sure fleas and other insects are not present. Bathe your
puppy at least once a week (depending on the breed and your
vet's advice) and always check its fur for parasites as well
as keeping its ears are clean. Depending on the breed of
the animal, grooming might be very high maintenance or you
puppy may just really need baths and toenail clipping as
necessary to keep it in tiptop shape.

The most important thing you can do to care for your new
puppy is to ensure that your home is free of safety hazards.
Finding a good vet is also very important, and make sure to
write down any questions you have about your puppy to
discuss when you get there. Sometimes making a short list
saves you from forgetting to ask something that may be
essential to your puppy's health and wellbeing.



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How to take Care of Puppies