Puppy Care 101
You’ve decided to add an addition to your family. This addition just so happens to have four legs, a tail and a wet nose. Your puppy must get the right care.
Once you’ve found the perfect puppy for you, it’s time to puppy proof your home before his or her arrival. Puppies are curious. They are new to the world, so it only makes sense that they are ready to explore. Sometimes exploring means getting into things that they shouldn’t. Here are some ways to ensure that your pup is staying safe and out of trouble:
1. Put a lid on it.
If your trashcan is exposed, put a lid on it or keep it stored away under a cabinet or in an area the puppy can’t reach.
2. Hide exposed cords.
Puppies tend to chew. Make sure any live wires or cords are out of your puppy’s reach.
3. Keep harmful substances stowed away.
Poisons, cleaning products and medications can all be harmful to your puppy. Keep all products stored safe in a cabinet or container with a door or lid.
4. Check your houseplants.
Some plants can be poisonous to puppies. If you have houseplants, check to make sure they are safe for your pup.
5. Block off unsafe areas.
It’s important to give your puppy the freedom to explore, but boundaries are necessary. If you have stairs in your home, put up a baby gate and make sure your puppy doesn’t tale a tumble. Block off certain rooms in your home so you can keep an eye on your puppy while they explore their new environment.
Before you bring your puppy home, decide on a food that will provide them with the nutrients that they need.
Your puppy is going to eat a lot of food. A growing puppy eats about twice as many calories as an adult dog. To ensure your puppy gets the right nutrients, select a “puppy” formula. Joy Dog Food’s Puppy Food is formulated to provide the essential nutritional needs of a puppy while preventing excess weight gain.
Make sure you have all the essentials that a puppy will need.
Create a checklist of puppy must-haves before your trip to the local pet store. Here are some things to add to your list:
- Food and water bowls.
- Collar and leash.
- Identification tag.
- Grooming tools.
- Dog bed.
- Dog crate (if you plan to use one).
- Chew toys.
Once your pup is home, it’s time to find a veterinarian. Your puppy must receive a check-up to make sure they are healthy and have received all their vaccinations. During your puppy’s first 4 months of life, they should visit the vet every month for a wellness exam. This is very important for puppies and ensures that they are growing properly and haven’t been put at risk for diseases such as parvo. If you’re having trouble choosing a vet, read reviews or talk to other dog owners for recommendations.
Now that you’ve got the basics, it’s time to get that puppy! At Joy Dog Food, we like to consider ourselves dog experts. We have a variety of dog foods that are great for your dog throughout every stage of their life. Visit our website for more blogs or to learn more about our products!