It’s Puppy Love! Caring for Your New Puppy
Without a doubt, there are few things more precious than a new puppy. From those awkward attempts at running to the adorable Buddha bellies, getting a new puppy is fun and exciting.
However, along with the cuteness comes a lot of work. To start your pet off on the right paw, it’s important to tackle socialization, behavioral training, and proper veterinary care early on.
The First Few Weeks
When it comes to new puppy care, one of the best places to begin is at our hospital. Make an appointment for a thorough physical exam. We will review proper vaccinations, parasite screening and prevention, and spaying/neutering.
Puppies are especially susceptible to disease and illness, so it’s important to have your new little bundle of furry joy seen by one of our veterinarians. We offer comprehensive, affordable wellness care packages for both puppies and kittens.
Along with proper veterinary care, your new puppy will need a few essential supplies, including:
- Crate/carrier
- Chew toys
- Nutritious puppy food and treats
- Bowls
- Leash and collar/harness (a harness is often easier when training your puppy to walk on a leash)
- ID tags (we recommend microchipping as well)
- Training rewards, such as a clicker or small treats
- Grooming supplies
- Bedding
Pro Tips for New Puppy Training and Socialization
Like babies, puppies require a lot of attention, supervision, and patience. During the first few weeks, you can expect quite a bit of work as you teach your puppy the rules of the home, where to “potty,” and how to interact with other people and pets.
To facilitate this process, we recommend enrolling your new puppy in training classes where he or she will benefit from supervised socialization with other young pets. This process is critical during the formative years (8-16 weeks of age).
Other ways to raise a well-behaved, confident, and happy dog include:
- Establishing a consistent routine that includes regular mealtimes, walks or exercise, and cuddle time
- Handling your new puppy frequently and encouraging other family members to do this as well
- Creating a puppy care calendar and assigning different tasks to each family member
- Crate training your puppy to help with housetraining (use comfy bedding or blankets at night to discourage accidents)
- Taking your puppy out every couple hours in the first few weeks of life
- Gradually introducing your puppy to friends, neighbors, and other pets to get him or her comfortable with strangers
At Hallsville Veterinary Hospital, we share your enthusiasm and love for animals. To help your new puppy adjust and to ensure he or she remains in optimal health, please contact us for an appointment.
Good luck and have fun with your little one!