Raising a family requires a lot of love, and there's nothing more appealing to the home than a puppy. Raising your own puppy to become your beloved dog is always the best option, as the puppy becomes a member of your family, and you get to watch them grow. Raising puppies is hard work, as it becomes more like raising a child. You have to be with them every second of the day, even when you're not there, and that means preparing everything from medications to food and bedding. Once you get the basics right, you'll love being a parent, and these 10 tips will help you do just that.
Puppy-proof your home
The moment you bring a puppy home, you're adding another baby, which means all those dangerous exposed cables need to be removed. You must choose whether to let your puppy roam free or crate it. If you choose a crate, keep the door open and give your puppy plenty of room to move around and sleep. You should also teach your puppy its designated sleeping area. Plants that could be toxic to your puppy, as well as food scraps and pesticides, should be kept out of reach. You should also keep your floors clean and have your puppy's perspective on the house to scour it for any threats that could harm your puppy.
Eat right in the first days
The breeder or rescue center will provide you with an initial bag of food, which is what your puppy will eat for the first few days. Then, you'll need to decide whether your dog needs a special diet and whether you'll need to switch from the breeder's food. Puppies have high energy and protein needs, so you should rely on your breeder and veterinarian's nutritional advice and stick to the best quality food you can find. If you change your puppy's diet, do so slowly to avoid nutritional shock.
Make sure they exercise
You may not have time to play with your puppy, but for him to grow up healthy, he needs to play. You should limit playtime because exercise is essential for your dog to grow strong and intelligent, and playing tug-of-war won't do that. However, exercise shouldn't be limited to walks. Take your dog to different places each time so he can learn new things and interact with different people and dogs. Scratching different types of grass, chasing birds, swimming, and other activities help your dog better understand the world and continually acquire new skills.
Get the right puppy starter pack
You've got a leash and collar with identification, a bed for your puppy, poop bags, and puppy food, and you think you're all set, but you're not done yet. You'll need to switch to a puppy-safe cleaning solution in your home and make sure your puppy has a food bowl appropriate for their portion size and fresh water to give with their meals. You'll also need a harness for leash training, and don't forget about toys, unless you want your puppy to use your food bowl during playtime.
Groom when needed
Grooming is something many dog owners forget about when they first get their puppy, until they notice their fur is out of control and their nails are scratching everything. Depending on the breed, you may need to trim and brush your puppy regularly, so make sure you have the right brush for this. You'll also need a toothbrush and toothpaste for your puppy, as they're still vulnerable, and if you don't brush their teeth, they risk getting infections. Your puppy also needs a bath to prevent ticks and fleas, so make sure you give them a soft bath.
Schedule regular veterinary visits
Once you receive your puppy from the breeder, you'll need to visit the veterinarian for its first checkup, and that's just the beginning. The veterinarian will check its respiratory health, heart, and stomach, as well as other vital health checks, before determining whether medications and special diets are needed, as well as general guidelines for maintaining your puppy's health. You should also ask your veterinarian for nutritional advice and ensure you visit at least once a month.
Introduce new foods and medications slowly
Puppies need time and patience, and this includes introducing them to anything new. You should be very careful with medications used on your puppy, and if they change, it's advisable to minimize them. The same goes for flea and tick treatments. You should also introduce new foods slowly into your puppy's regular diet to prevent bloating and diarrhea.
Don't let them overeat
Eating too quickly is harmful to your puppy because they absorb too much air along with the food, causing bloat. The upset stomach and pain can make them avoid eating, which won't help their growth. The worst thing you can do is overfeed. Avoid puppy food at all costs, and if you have a lot of food, you can mix smaller portions with water to keep them full without overeating.
Be sure to vaccinate and deworm on time.
You shouldn't leave your puppy without vaccinations after 16 weeks. You should also discuss a reliable deworming plan with your veterinarian. While some people recommend using natural dewormers, we strongly recommend following your pet's advice. Failure to deworm puppies every few weeks can lead to a buildup of worms, which can lead to illness and death. Some worms can also infect humans.
Stay away from harsh chemicals to control fleas and ticks
Fleas and ticks are dangerous, but they won't attack your puppy unless you allow them to roam in dirt and other unsafe areas. However, it's not worth taking risks. You should maintain regular brushing and grooming, and also purchase flea/tick treatments when your puppy is young. Harsh chemicals can harm your dog and cause illness because puppies tend to lick themselves and ingest chemicals. Choose a gentle product and use it only if you notice an actual flea or tick infestation.