How Do I Care for My New Dog or Puppy?

You’re a responsible pet owner, right? You did your homework on breeds, you have the right equipment and supplies, and you’ve selected a top-notch veterinarian. Trouble is your new dog or puppy doesn’t know any of that. Read on to learn how to make sure everything goes smoothly for both of you.

House Training.

House training your dog is one of the most fundamental training skills you can teach your pet. Putting on their leash and regularly taking them outside to relieve themselves is a crucial routine that will help you build a trusting bond with your pet.

Chewing.

As with any new puppy, you will need to provide a lot of things for them to chew on during their teething period. Chew toys should be always readily available for your puppy. They need something to help relieve the pain and pressure from their growing teeth, as well as give them something fun to do while you are not available for playtime!

Puppy proofing.

Puppies are like babies – they’ll test every boundary you set for them, so it’s important to “puppy-proof” your home before bringing your new dog home for the first time. Make sure all wires are out of reach, all toilet lids are down, and all sharp objects are out of sight and reach to prevent any accidents or injuries.

Feeding.

Dogs and puppies will get used to eating at the same time every day. This will also help you predict when they need to go outside.

Walking.

You should walk your dog or puppy for about 30 minutes each day. Walking will help them to relieve themselves, as well as get them some exercise. It’s important that you keep track of how often you walk your dog so you can make sure they are getting enough exercise each week.

Brushing your dog or puppy’s teeth.

Brushing your dog’s teeth is a very important part of caring for them! Brushing their teeth helps remove plaque buildup and can help prevent gum disease in the later years of their life. You should also floss their teeth once a week to keep them nice and clean!

Obedience training.

Enroll in obedience classes as soon as possible to help promote proper behaviours for your new dog or puppy. The experience of going to class together can also be very bonding for both of you.

Vet visits.

You should bring your new puppy or dog to see the vet within the first week of ownership. This will allow the vet to see if there are any major issues that need immediate attention. This will also allow them to do a full checkup and make sure everything is in working order.

Make sure to bring your puppy or dog back within the first few months for another checkup as well, even if there isn’t anything wrong at the time of your initial visit. By doing this, you will be aware of any issues that might arise.

Taking care of your new dog or puppy can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re a first-time dog owner. However, it’s quite easy if you have the right information.

For all the best pet-care tips for your new dog or puppy, reach out to Langley Animal Clinic.