How To Take Care Of A Puppy: 5 Things You Should Know
Isn't it fun getting a puppy for the first time in your life? You probably fell in love right away, right? But now, you don't know what you're supposed to do. How do you take care of a cute but vulnerable puppy?
She will need some sort of protection since she is so small, but how do you do that?
And then there are health concerns. How do you make sure she stays healthy? What things do you have to worry about? Can you take precautions?
You probably never thought of these issues when you fell in love with that bundle of joy.
In order to take care of a puppy properly, you need to have some idea of what dangers await, what your puppy can withstand, and exactly how to make sure your puppy remains safe and healthy.
Here are 5 tips to get you started.
1. Make her comfortable. Make a special place for her to sleep. Gather up some safe toys designed for puppies. Soft toys will help to provide the comfort that her littermates would have given her. She also will need tough toys to ease her when she is teething. Yes, puppies teethe, just like babies do.
2. Always keep an eye on potential dangers around her living area including the house, the garden and anywhere that she might venture. Remember that puppies are inquisitive and will chew anything that appeals to them. Keep all wiring, dangerous chemicals and cleaning fluids out of her reach. Check the yard for any breaks in the fence. Remove any dangerous plants indoors and outdoors such as poinsettias.
3. Get her to the vet regularly. During her young years she will require her initial vaccinations to protect her against rabies, distemper and other diseases. Your vet will be able to advise you when she will need what shots. Be sure to keep her indoors and isolated from other pets until her shots are completed. As she goes through the various stages of development, the vet will be able to make sure she is growing properly.
4. Choose a dog food that is specifically formulated for puppies. These contain higher levels of certain nutrients that she needs at this time to enhance her growing needs such as bone development and joint health. You can ask your vet for recommendations on food choice and quantity, or talk to your local pet store owner for advice on which products are the best quality for your puppy.
5. You can never take enough precautions to protect your puppy. Keep her safe by getting the proper products. Do not use a piece of rope for a collar and leash as this is a very dangerous practice. Get help from your pet store owner in sizing a proper collar for her. Make sure that her bed is not in a drafty location because prolonged exposure to cold and leave her with arthritis later on.
These 5 tips are just the tip of the iceburg. There is a lot more to know about how to take care of a puppy. Some you will learn as you go, but there are some things that require the advise of experts. Remember that how you proceed now will have a huge impact on your puppy's future.
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