There are several things to keep in mind when it comes to puppy care. As a dog owner, you need to start planning even before the puppy gets home with you. And this practice must be observed whether you will own a new puppy for the first time or you already have dogs at home.
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Planning out the breed of puppy to get is one of the primary decisions that you should think about. Most pet owners usually visit animal rescue centers to get a puppy; others, however, obtain one from family or friends. Either way, as a pet owner, it’s your foremost puppy care responsibility to consider what kind of life you can provide for it.
Once you own your pet and bring it home, your other pet owner responsibilities commence. Here are four tried and tested tips that you can do to be the most loving and responsible puppy owner that you can be.
Look for a Good Veterinarian
Once you have your cute li’l puppy, the first place you and your new pet need to visit is the vet. It’s very important that you do this right away so you can be sure that your puppy is free from any serious health conditions or birth defects. It’s likewise a good and proactive preventive routine when it comes to its health.
Discuss with your vet the right kind of food s/he recommends for your puppy. Some dog breeds are particular about their food so you must ask about this to be certain that you give your puppy the right nutrients it needs. Talk about eating and hygiene routines. Make an appointment for vaccination. Inquire about tips and tricks that you can do to make your puppy at home with you and your family.
Claim It Your Own
Did you know that six out ten lost dogs never make it back to their owners? To avoid experiencing this dread, claim your puppy your own. Get a puppy collar with a tag. Make sure the tag has your basic information (a phone number will do), so if your puppy got lost, the stranger who will find it can contact you.
Don’t forget to add your name and contact information on your dog’s tag. *
Buy the Right Kind of Quality Puppy Food
Like a newborn baby, your puppy needs to right kind of food to go through the critical phase of growing without any problems. One important rule in puppy care is as an owner you understand that “puppy food” is very different with “dog food.” The former is for babies, the latter is for adults. Follow your vet’s recommendation with this one. And make sure that your puppy always has fresh, clean water at all times.
Set-Up a Clever Bathroom Practice
Puppies are not fond of diapers. In fact, majority of vets don’t recommend that use of diapers for newborn puppies. What you can do to avoid puppy pee stink around your house is to housetrain your new pet as soon as possible. Housetraining can be a little frustrating at first, but with patience and help from all members of the family (or housemates), you and your new puppy will find the perfect bathroom routine that works for everyone in the house.
Responsible puppy care will go a long way in forming a strong bond between you and your puppy. Take the job as a new pet owner seriously, but don’t forget to have some fun, too.