Welcoming a new puppy into your family is a rewarding and exciting experience. However, with this new bundle of love comes a new set of responsibilities and commitments. Fortunately, we’re here to help you get started with puppy care 101, your guide to the basics of caring for your four-legged companion.
Start With Your Home
The first step to setting your puppy up for success lies in preparing your home for their arrival. Puppies are inquisitive and often mischievous. This means they will be prone to getting into things they shouldn’t. To ensure your new companion is safe, happy, and healthy, it’s important to prepare your home. We recommend:
- Tuck away exposed wiring.
- Keep valuables and fragile items out of your puppy’s reach.
- Store chemicals and toxic cleaning supplies in secure cabinets.
- Use a baby gate to create a designated puppy-proof space.
Purchase The Necessities
If you are a seasoned dog owner, you may be well-versed in what you need in terms of pet supplies. However, with a puppy, the list may look slightly different. To brush up on your puppy necessities, use this checklist as your guide. To accommodate your new pet, you will need:
- Collar and leash
- Identification tag
- High-quality puppy food
- Water and food bowls
- Chew toys
- Pet bed and blankets
- A kennel or crate
Jump Start Their Veterinary Care
Your puppy will require a trip to the veterinarian within a couple of days of arriving home. Their initial visit serves as a general check-up. It’s also when they’ll get their puppy vaccinations to ensure they remain happy, healthy, and protected from common puppy diseases and ailments. Starting your pet off with veterinary care early is not only beneficial for their long-term health but an excellent way to get them acclimated to new people and traveling away from home.
Master the art of puppy care by contacting your trusted veterinarian for more information or to schedule your pet’s first veterinary visit today.