Puppies are so cute to look at, you might just want to cuddle with them. Initially, many puppies are a little shy, to begin with. To adjust to a new life and a lifestyle is a task for them and they need to be given their space for this. They require a lot of care and patience to be dealt with in the initial of the times. Dog-parents, especially the new ones who have adopted this may not be easy. Bringing home a new puppy, makes a lot of things change; both for your family and your new pet.
We bring to you some puppy care tips for your addition so they have an easier time adapting and settling into their new home.
Table of Contents
1. Feeding your puppy
When you bring a new puppy home, a lot will change for them. and that includes his diet. Before completely changing the diet of your new pet, give them the food they have eaten for so far and gradually mix the new pet-food so they adjust to the change well. Start with 10% of the new food and increase a little each day until they are eating 100% of the new food. Make sure they eat well. They will need to be fed every 4-6 hours.
2. Eating habits
Many pups do not like to eat in solitude. They enjoy having their meals with their puppy-friends. Do not leave your new family member all alone and eat alone. This may cause them to feel a little unsure. So eat with them. Share your meal-time together. It will make him more comfortable and make them adjust well to everything.
3. Sleeping with your puppy
A new puppy is going to get restless and give you a hard time when it is time to lay and sleep. These are extremely sensitive entities and need to be loved and cuddled to sleep. They have a habit of being held and cuddled to sleep, among their siblings and their like. When you have recently adopted a pup, try to sleep with them nearby for a few days until they get accustomed to the new environment. This may be in a crate in the same room as you. Make a sleeping schedule for your pet; it will also help him train well.
4. Protective care
It’s the canine nature to be extensively inquisitive about their environments and things around them. Keep harmful, sharp and objects that can be broken, away from immediate surroundings so that your puppy does not end up hurting themselves. Also, this will provide them with all the space in the house to play around.
5. Harmful foods
Do your homework before you decide to become a dog-parent. There are a few foods that almost all dogs are allergic to and can even prove to be fatal for them. These include sugar, coffee, tea, alcohol, onions, garlic, raisins, grapes, nuts. See 10 foods you should never give to a dog to learn more.
6. Good food
Make sure that the food you give to your new pet dog is of good quality, standard, wholesome and meets the requirements of the growing dog. Make sure the food is nutritious and balanced with all the nutrients in it. Plan a meal schedule consulting with your Vet according to the age and size of your puppy.
7. Light training
Lightly train your dog so that he understands you and your gestures. This might even help you to build a great rapport with him. The classic throw-ball-and-catch is one way. Tell them politely how to refrain from things when you say no. This will help them learn much better. Potty training is hard and your dog wetting the carpet is likely to happen. Keep some patience and take your dog out frequently so they don’t spoil the carpet.
8. Vaccination
Make sure you get your new puppy all the preventive shots so he does not succumb to diseases. Also, keep a calendar handy to mark what day you have to go to the Vets to get the next shot for your puppy.
9. Fun times
Make sure your pup gets enough time to be sociable and make new friends. Plan play-dates with your friend’s dogs, go out on picnics on weekends and take them for long walks that relaxes them. Do something fun with them like play ball, go to the beach, etc.
10. Illnesses
Keep a close watch on your new pet dog for a couple of days. They can fall sick very easily. Diarrhea , lethargy, start losing or gaining weight drastically, lost appetite, etc. As soon as you witness such symptoms, take your dog to your Vet for a check-up.