Caring for puppies is not something that should be taken lightly. A large percentage of puppies are later abandoned due to the fact that the owner was not fully prepared to care for another life. Many times, the owner realizes later on that he doesn’t have enough time, energy, or money to make the commitment.
To comprehend this immense responsibility, think of it as adding a new baby to your family. Constant supervision, care, attention, and love will be required by him. However, even though it may be difficult at first, the results are very rewarding.
To completely understand what it means to care for a puppy, there are several aspects that you will be responsible for and that you should be aware of before you make the commitment.
Health
Caring for a puppy means constantly monitoring his health. As a new puppy owner, one of the first things you should do is to select a veterinarian and schedule an appointment. To prevent common illnesses your new puppy will need certain vaccinations. Make sure to inquire about worms and fleas with your vet as they have a tendency to be a common problem for puppies. Always be on the lookout out for signs that could indicate that your dog is sick. Ideally, a perfectly healthy puppy should have smooth skin, a clean coat, and bright eyes.
Sleep/Rest
Caring for a puppy also involves preparing a safe and cozy sleeping place. Make the choice in advance as to which room he will sleep in. If you choose to let him stay in your room, you should know that as the puppy deals with separation anxiety for the first few nights there could be howling, whimpering, and barking. A nice way to ease this transition is, a few days before taking him home, take his bedding to the breeder or shelter (wherever you receive him) to give him a familiar object in your house.
Feeding
You will also be responsible for feeding your puppy each and every meal. If you have other pets, you should be sure that each one has his own set of bowls for water and food. Sharing bowls leads towards each pet attempting to assert their dominance over each other and can cause territorial conflicts and bullying.
The amount of food that you give him also changes as he grows. Not only do puppies eat much more frequently than older dogs, but they also have extremely different nutritional requirements as well. Therefore, it’s important to select the right type of dog food for each stage in his life. Typically, puppies 6 to 8 weeks old eat four times a day, 12 to 20 weeks old eat three times a day, and 20 weeks and older eat only twice a day.
Play/Exercise
Another aspect of caring for puppies that is very important not to overlook is play time and exercise. Make sure to establish a safe place where your puppy will be allowed to be himself. This may be indoors or outside, but for the first few months of your puppy’s life this area should be a controlled environment. Play with your puppy regularly to promote socialization and healthy development.
Also, make certain appropriately sized toys are purchased for your puppy. If he is small, smaller toys should be provided. However, for a larger breed of dog, small toys can be a choking hazard. Many toys come in all different shapes and sizes such as bones, ropes, stuffed animals, and balls.
Potty Training
Potty training can be one of the most frustrating parts of owning a new puppy, but it’s very important to get right. Your puppy has to learn where and when to potty, and it may take some time. If you’re at work during the day, you should seriously consider crate training.
Grooming/Cleaning
Proper upkeep, such as grooming and cleaning, are an essential part of puppy care. Not only will it remove unpleasant odors, but it will also promote healthy development. Don’t be afraid to give it a try, most puppies love being brushed. It will keep his coat healthy and remove any dead hair. Also, don’t forget about brushing his teeth and gums regularly
Now that you understand what it takes to properly care for a puppy, you might be feeling slightly overwhelmed, but you shouldn’t. Caring for a puppy is only difficult at first. The adjustment is the most difficult part. Once you establish routines and good habits, the only thing left to do is enjoy the company and make memories together. The most important thing is to prepare your life for a puppy ahead of time to reduce the time it takes to adjust to your new family member.
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