6 Ways to Take Good Care of Your New Puppy

Did you know?

According to research by the American Pet Products Association, 66% of Americans are pet parents — making 86.9 million houses. At the same time, 65.1 million U.S. homes out of them own a dog alone. Crazy, right?

If you are one of them who just got a pet, specifically a puppy, then keep on reading to get quick insights on caring for a puppy. Search a Vet is taking you through some exciting yet practical methods on how to take care of a puppy. 

This is going to be an interesting guide for new puppy owners. 

So let's just get started. 

First things first.

1. Get Your Home Ready for a Puppy

Now, that doesn't mean you will have to spend a fortune. But just make your home cozy, comfortable, and most importantly, puppy-friendly. And how do you do that?

Take a quick look at these tips:

Define a Specific Place to Your Puppy

The common concern adults have for pets, be it cats or dogs, is the mess they might create. Of course, the concerns of hygiene and cleanliness are valid. But what can't be fixed in the world? 

To start with, dedicate a small area in your home to your pet. Make sure the place is neither too cold nor too hot. It should be comfortable, airy, and bright so your little furry friend doesn't get scared there alone and feels secure. If winters come, it's important to keep your pets safe and healthy. Cold weather can increase the risk of illness and injury, so be sure to check out these essential winter pet safety tips to keep your furry friend protected during the colder months.

Puppy-Proof Your Home

Act like you're welcoming a crawling baby — look out for any security hazards. Cover the electric codes, hide away any small objects that they can swallow, and make sure to remove any toxic plants or chemicals. Plus, you can also block certain areas where it could get hurt like stares, etc terris. 

Moving on to the next, where you'll need to spend some bucks…

2. Buy Some Essential Puppy Supplies

Now that your home is ready to welcome a puppy, go shopping. Make a list of items you need for your puppy on priority. It includes everything from food items to grooming supplies. 

Fill your bucket list with these essential puppy supplies:

Food and Water Bowls

Choose bowls made from stainless steel or heavy ceramic. This will prevent tipping and spilling. You must look for sturdy, non-tip bowls with rubber bases. These bases keep the bowls in place and make them easy to clean.

Collar and Leash

Pick the collar and leash that properly fit and are appropriate in size. They should be comfortable around your puppy's neck and have room for two fingers at least. Use a lightweight and adjustable collar and 4—to 6-foot leash—good for training and walks.

ID Tag

Add an ID tag to your puppy's essential list that contains the puppy's name and your whereabouts. This way, just in case your puppy gets lost, anyone can easily reach out to you. 

Toys

This is the quickest way to bond with your puppy. Give it safe toys like rubber toys, rope toys, and plush toys. You can also play with them with a ball or a laser light — they chase them a lot.

Bedding

Get a soft, supportive bed that is easy to wash. Look for a bed that is easily removable and has a machine-washing cover. And it should be an appropriate size for the time when your puppy will grow. 

Grooming Supplies

Add some grooming supplies to the list, like shampoos, nail clippers, toothbrushes, and combs. All these items should be puppy-specific. Regular grooming is important, but keeping these grooming supplies clean is more important—do remember that. 

Crate

Pick a crate that you can use for puppy training. Choose a larger one that has enough space for the puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down. Some rates even come with dividers so you can adjust the space as the puppy grows. 

3. Choosing the Perfect Food

Select a puppy food that meets the nutritional requirements that professional veterinarians suggest for growing puppies. 

Consult a veterinarian, online or on-site, for recommendations customized to your puppy's breed and size. Pick high-quality foods to add to your list, like meat. But don't add fillers like corn and soy.

Nutrient-Rich

Your puppy may have some growth requirements or some specific needs. Puppies need more calories, protein, and nutrients than adult dogs to support their rapid growth.

It also depends on the breed of your puppy. You'll have to make a puppy dos and don'ts chart and plan its diet accordingly. Some breeds have very specific dietary requirements. For example, large-breed puppies need a diet that supports slower growth to prevent joint problems.

Puppies may also need a complete and balanced diet, look for the products that have that label. The label means it meets the nutritional standards set by AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials). 

Or you can just look for protein-rich foods like chicken, beef, lamb, or fish. 

Pet parents also have to decide between dry and wet foods. The dry ones are more convenient and affordable, plus they keep your puppy's teeth clean. On the other hand, the wet ones contain higher moisture content. They are beneficial if your puppy has less water intake already. 

Also, check other options like grain-free food, as some puppy breeds are sensitive to that. Or you can look for foods that contain vitamins and minerals. It will help your puppy's brain development and provide calcium for strong bones. 

One tip:

Avoid foods with fillers like corn, soy, and wheat, which provide little nutritional value.

Life Stage Foods

Well, food schedules also depend on your puppy's age and life stages. If your puppy is 8 to 12 weeks old, consider four meals per day. If it is 3 to 6 months, give it three meals per day. If it is 6 to 12 months, give it two meals per day. And if your dog is 12+ months then shift to adult dog food. 

4. Keep Your Puppy Vaccinated

Post-covid, who doesn't need to be vaccinated — be it humans or their pets? Vaccinations are important to protect your puppies from various diseases. The important tip is to start early. 

There are proper schedules for puppy vaccinations. Your puppy needs to receive a series of vaccinations over the first few months. You can take an idea from this general schedule of puppy vaccinations:

• 6-8 weeks: Distemper, Parvovirus, Bordetella
• 10-12 weeks: DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza), Leptospirosis (optional)
• 12-16 weeks: Rabies, DHPP booster
• 16-18 weeks: Final DHPP booster

5. Give It a Tour of the House

New puppies need to be house-trained. Start with a specific area; confine your puppy to a small and pet-proof area, like a laundry room or play area. It will experience a safe and controlled environment. 

Then gradually the area just as your puppy becomes comfortable. It can explore the rooms one by one under your supervision. This way, it will explore the home thoroughly without feeling overwhelmed. 

To house-train your puppy, create a proper routine. Like regular feeding, bathroom, and playtime schedules. Take it to the bathroom spot first thing in the morning, after meals, and before bedtime. 

6. Take Advice From a Vet Nutritionist

Well, that was general advice. It is always best to consult a professional veterinarian or vet nutritionist. Don't have any yet? Don't worry — Search a Vet connects you with a qualified one — online. They will provide customized recommendations according to your pet's condition, age, and medical records.

Final Thoughts

So that was all the tips for new puppy care. Do consider all these methods to take good care of a puppy, research regularly on animal health solutions, and consult professional veterinary care with Search a Vet regularly.