Are you considering bringing home a new puppy during Pet Appreciation Week this June? Puppies are adorable bundles of joy, but they are also a lot of work. We will share with you some of the basics of puppy care that are sometimes forgotten, so you can get your new pet off to a healthy start in life.
Grooming
Your puppy may not have a thick coat or long nails just yet, but something to start early on is getting them used to a grooming routine. It is a lot easier to bathe and trim their nails while they are puppies than when they are bigger, so starting young will get them comfortable with taking baths and having their paws being handled. Make it a bonding experience with cuddles and treats and they will enjoy it a bit more and fight a bit less.
Exercise and Play
Puppies have tons of energy. Making sure they are getting exercise can be fun and involves playing, but requires some structure as well. Exercise can help not only keep your puppy healthy, but it may prevent unwanted behaviors from excess energy. Walks twice a day can be beneficial. Walking your puppy so they become adjusted to walking on a leash with a harness or collar will help you in the long run to avoid problems with neighborhood walks as they get older. Depending on the breed of your dog, your puppy may require more than just daily walks. Once your puppy has all their vaccines, consider taking them to a dog park where they will gain socialization skills and be able to run around. This is especially recommended if you do not have a yard for them to run around in.
Regular Veterinary Visits
The first year of your new puppy will involve multiple veterinary visits for vaccines and booster shots. This is very important to help protect your new puppy from serious diseases like parvo and distemper, as well as starting preventatives against parasites like heartworms, fleas, and ticks. Your veterinarian will also be able to answer any questions you have about caring for your puppy.
Contact your veterinarian today to schedule your pet’s next veterinary visit.
