Puppies make adorable additions to the family, but do require specific love and care. Today, our Seattle vets discuss what you should know about the art of raising a puppy, especially in its critical first year.
Caring for a Puppy
Raising a puppy is an exciting and adorable experience, but it is not without its difficulties. For first-time puppy owners, the task can be daunting, especially if you have no idea what you're getting yourself into. Our veterinarians at Madison Park Veterinary Hospital hope to better prepare you for the experience so that your puppy grows up to be a happy, healthy, and well-behaved dog.
Puppies are very energetic as well as curious about everything going on around them. Puppy owners will need a lot of patience to keep them out of trouble, instruct them on acceptable behavior, and teach them about the world in a safe manner.
Luckily, you will get some breaks throughout the day as puppies tend to sleep a lot. That being said, they don't always sleep through the night which can result in them whining and/or barking throughout the night due to being left alone.
Your pup will likely be motivated to chew on just about anything as their adult teeth come in, which can result in the not-so-cute destruction of items around the house. On the bright side, this behavior won't last too long as your pup will be all grown up by the time they turn a year old, as most of those types of puppy tendencies will be left behind.
Caring for a puppy is a big obligation and a large time investment. If you're thinking about getting a puppy, you should make sure you can have someone home with them at all times. This will allow you to let them out to go to the bathroom as well as monitor their behavior to ensure you can put an end to undesirable habits they may partake in if they were left alone.
Puppy-Proofing Your Home
It is nearly impossible to keep your curious, energetic pup under constant supervision, no matter how hard you try. You should puppy-proof your home before your puppy arrives to reduce the amount of trouble he or she can cause when you are not present. Secure electrical cords and keep potentially toxic plants and substances out of reach, such as cleaning supplies and insecticides.
It's a good idea to crawl through your home to get a puppy's-eye view of their surroundings. Remove anything they might be tempted to chew or swallow, and close off vents, pet doors, or any other openings that might allow them to become lost or stuck. Not only will this help keep them safe, but it will also ease your anxiety that your new pup is lost.
You must be prepared to begin house training your puppy as soon as you bring them home. If you intend to crate-train them, make sure your crate is ready to go. Line it with blankets or a dog bed to make it more comfortable, but make sure it's big enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lie down. Allow them to explore the crate on their own while gradually introducing them to it. Throwing in a toy or using treats can help entice them to come in. The more at ease they are with going into the crate, the easier training will be for both of you.
Puppy Diet
Puppies have different nutrient and energy needs than matured dogs. Look for some high-quality puppy food that is specially formulated to support puppy development and growth. The proper quantity of food depends on factors like age, size, and breed. It's a good idea to consult your veterinarian about how much and how often to feed your pup.
For some small breeds, it can be best to free-feed young pups to ensure they receive adequate nutrition. Toy and small breed dogs reach physical maturity faster than larger breeds and can be switched over to adult dog food and adult-sized portions between 9 and 12 months of age.
Larger breeds can take up to two years to mature physically and have different nutritional requirements than small breeds. They should be fed puppy food designed specifically for large breeds. Consult your veterinarian about the best time to transition your growing large breed dog to adult food. To avoid complications such as stomach bloat, they should be fed multiple meals per day in controlled portions.
When your pup is 6-12 weeks old, a good feeding structure would dictate they are fed 4 times a day. At 3-6 months, 3 meals a day should be provided. After 6 months and on, as your pup matures and grows into an adult dog, 2 meals a day will suffice.
What You'll Need
Your new puppy will require a lot of supplies that you should have prepared before bringing them home. Some supplies you will need include:
- A crate or dog carrier
- A dog bed
- Food and water dishes
- High-quality puppy food and healthy dog treats
- Fresh, clean water
- A dog brush or comb
- Puppy-safe shampoo
- Puppy-safe toys
- A collar with ID
- Dog toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste
- Nail trimmers
- Poop bags
- Travel bag
- "Pop" sound when walking
- Pet-safe home cleaner
- Patience
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.