6 New Puppy Considerations

Puppies are absolutely adorable and make a welcome addition to any family, but it is essential that you have everything in place before welcoming this mini bundle of joy into your home. Puppies are extremely delicate creatures and require your full attention and the utmost care. Continue reading our checklist to discover what your new four-legged friend requires to be happy, healthy, and safe.

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Before getting your puppy, find a suitable clinic beforehand and check it out to ensure it is clean and hygienic. Also look at the vet’s qualifications; bear in mind that a vet who graduated a long time ago may have lots of experience, but could be behind the times when it comes to new pet treatment techniques. Find out if the clinic’s office hours suits your schedule and whether or not it deals with emergencies.

This is highly advised with a new puppy, because if he gets sick, the cost of healthcare can be considerable. Pet insurance covers this cost and ensures you are not left with a difficult decision based on your financial situation. Try to set aside a minimum of $500 for pet emergencies.

It is important to remember that puppies don’t have immunity from certain illnesses at birth because they get antibodies from their mother, and this helps them avoid disease while their immune system gets stronger. Pay special attention to core vaccinations such as protection from distemper, rabies, and canine parvovirus-2. Ask your vet about non-core vaccinations such as Bordetella and Lyme disease. Many vets also recommend booster shots during the first 12 months of the puppy’s life to keep him safe from illness.

Now that the important health considerations are taken care of, you have to keep your puppy entertained! Teething puppies need to chew and if you don’t have the requisite toys available, your shoes and furniture are in jeopardy! You might consider buying specific puppy chew toys, which are softer and smaller than adult toys, but are still durable. Be sure to monitor your puppy when they chew to ensure they don’t ingest materials from the toy. Also, make sure you remove shredded toys immediately.

Your puppy needs food that is appropriate for its stage of development. You will be able to find age-specific food at all good pet stores and major retailers, but it’s a good idea to discuss your puppy’s diet with your vet. Dogs of all ages love treats and they are a great way to train your puppy. Every time they do something right, you need to give them a treat as a reward. Make sure that these treats are not too substantial, as they are not a meal replacement.

You should try to create a safe and clean location for your puppy to sleep in. For most pet owners, a large dog pillow is the ideal bedding for their loved ones. While the dog is still a puppy, it is often a good idea to keep him confined at night time; however, as the pup matures, you may want to allow him the run of the house as an additional security measure.

Hopefully, new puppy owners can take this list of essentials and add to it based on their specific dog’s needs. If anyone has any additions that they feel should have been mentioned, please use the contact form below to share your thoughts.