Care Instructions for Puppies
One of life’s greatest pleasures is being able to hug and cuddle a gorgeous, cuddly dog. Everyone in the family can take part in adoring and caring for your new dog during this special period. Our staff and doctors are aware of the joy and significance of this moment for you, and we want to give you the greatest advice and medical attention so your new puppy has a healthy start in life. Your bond with this puppy will be greatly impacted by the time you devote to it in the first 12 to 15 years of its life.
Also, Read All you need to know before adopting Beagles
Make the most of your initial veterinary visit
To acquire a complete picture of your puppy’s health, we will perform a thorough physical examination during your initial visit to the vet and ask you for information. Additionally, this is your chance to learn all the crucial puppy care knowledge you require to look after the dog in a knowledgeable, responsible, and loving manner.
Bring every member of the family who will be actively involved in the puppy’s care to your first session, which you should allow 30 to 60 minutes. The following are some of the subjects you should cover at the initial visit:
- Plans and schedules for vaccinations
- Options that are secure for identifying and treating interior and external dog parasites
sickness symptoms - pet neutering
- basic obedience training and behavior
- potty training
While the majority of these criteria and suggestions apply to all puppies, our vets will examine your lifestyle, your puppy’s breed, age, and any existing health or behavioral issues to provide suggestions that are specific to your puppy’s requirements.
A Significant Difference Is Made By Quality Puppy Food
A key component of appropriate puppy care is understanding puppy nutrition. Because of how his or her body is developing, your puppy’s quality of life will be affected for many years to come. You must pick a puppy food that has been created especially for young, developing pups. To guarantee that the puppy food you select satisfies or surpasses the nutritional needs of developing canine bodies, always search for an AAFCO certification.
Between the ages of 9 and 12 months, small and medium-sized dogs can be weaned off puppy food and switched to adult dog food.
Long-haired breeds of dogs should continue eating puppy food until they are a year old.
Early in the day, make sure your puppy has access to plenty of fresh water to stay hydrated and aid in the digestion of the puppy’s food. Potty training will go a long way toward helping you maintain a regular schedule for feeding and walking.
Also, make sure to adhere to a planned timetable for feeding your puppy. At your subsequent appointment, bring up this topic with one of our doctors and ask for specific guidance to make sure you are feeding your puppy correctly. The average feeding plan for puppies would be:
- 6 to 16 weeks: three to four meals daily (4 meals only for very small breeds)
- 3 to 6 months: 2 to 3 meals daily
- 6 to 12 months: two meals daily
It is strongly advised against giving your puppy food from your plate. It will be tempting to offer puppies small portions of your meal because they will frequently beg for whatever you are eating. While it is safe for them to consume the majority of your food, it is quite difficult to break this habit since they will start to feel entitled to always partake in it.
It is recommended to maintain a healthy puppy diet and adhere to a feeding schedule. Start early teaching the puppy appropriate behavior during meals. Until the puppy learns appropriate behavior, this may entail crate training or asking it to avoid the kitchen and/or dining area.
A good bathroom routine is a good way to start puppy potty training
Owners typically only need to clean up puppy feces and urine once or twice before they understand how important toilet training is. As soon as you bring your new dog home, you should start potty training him. The simplest strategy for very young puppies is to take them outside frequently (hourly for some) to the location where you want them to relieve themselves, and to immediately praise them gently after they do so.
Please keep in mind that your puppy is not intentionally using the house as a bathroom; rather, he or she is simply ignorant of better behavior. Therefore, patience, preparation, and a lot of positive reinforcement are your best allies while potty training a dog.
Additionally, avoid using negative reinforcement when accidents occur (because they will!) as it is crucial to establish a link of security and trust between the puppy and owner during puppy potty training, which can only be facilitated by compassion and composure. Different breeds and sizes require different training methods.