How to Take Care of Your New Dog!
You've probably been dreaming of the day you could bring your own dog home. You might have even started to plan out how you'll take care of them, but when you actually get your new pup, that can be a little overwhelming! This guide will help give you an idea of what to expect and how to best care for your new pup so they feel as comfortable as possible in their new home.
Get new supplies to welcome your dog.
You may already have some supplies on hand, but if not, it's important to get new ones as soon as possible. Your dog will likely be eating household food or kibble for the rest of their life and should have a water and food bowl at all times. They'll also need a bed that's comfortable enough to sleep in. If they have any toys or chew sticks, those should be introduced into the home as well so that they can feel comfortable settling down with the toys when you're away from home.
Make sure they're up-to-date on immunizations.
Vaccinations help protect your dog from a variety of diseases and illnesses, such as rabies, distemper and parvovirus. When you bring home a new puppy or adult dog, it's important to schedule an exam with your veterinarian to establish his vaccination schedule. This will depend on the age of your pet; puppies usually receive their first round of vaccinations at 6-8 weeks old (or younger if they're adopted earlier than this), then again at 9-12 weeks old (or younger if they're adopted earlier) and finally one last time between 16-20 weeks old (or older). Adult dogs may require booster vaccinations every year or every few years depending on the type of vaccine received and how long it has been since the last vaccination.
**If you can't afford all three rounds of puppy vaccines right away, don't worry—it's better for them if you get them done over time instead than not at all! If money is tight while raising a new puppy, ask around for free clinics in your area where veterinary staff will administer shots free-of-charge during specified hours each day; many times there are also discount coupons available online that can be used toward vaccine purchases too!
Get them started with a good groomer.
Keeping your dog clean seems like a no brainer, but you'll be surprised how many people neglect to get their pets groomed until they're in dire need of a haircut. It's important to start grooming your dog or cat while they're still young so they'll be used to it and not freak out at the idea of being bathed, brushed and trimmed later on down the road. If you don't have time for this yourself, try finding a local pet groomer who offers discounted rates for first-time clients or who will offer a free trial session where you can see what their services are like before committing!
The best groomer is going to have a variety of services available for your pet, including nail trimming, ear cleaning and teeth brushing. They'll also have the proper equipment to do these things properly and safely (no kitchen shears or human nail clippers!), as well as a clean environment that's free of germs.
Purchase a crate and make it comfortable.
The crate is a safe place for your dog to rest and relax, and it will also help with house training. The crate should be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around and lay down comfortably. Place the crate in an area of the house that is quiet so you can leave it open when you're out of the room. A soft blanket or towel should be placed on top of the bottom of the crate for extra comfort!
If they're not used to being alone, start slowly.
You've probably heard that dogs are pack animals and get lonely if they're left alone for too long. It's true! As much as you want to go out and explore the city, there will be times when you need to leave your pup at home. To help them get used to being left alone, start slowly by leaving them alone for short periods of time, like 30 minutes at first.
If your dog is not used to being in a crate or kennel, try putting one in their room so that they're comfortable with it before transporting them somewhere else where there isn't already one present (like a relative's house). Make sure the crate is large enough for your pup and set it up on carpeting so they don’t get hurt in case they try jumping out.
Let them get used to their new surroundings first.
Once you've brought your new dog home, let them get used to their new surroundings first. This means giving them some time to adjust before taking them for a walk or anywhere else outside of the house.
If you have kids, it may be best to wait until the next day or even longer if the child has been sick recently and hasn't had a chance yet to get over any sniffles or sicknesses that could make him/her contagious for other people in the house.
Wait at least two weeks after bringing your puppy home before taking him out on walks. Dogs need time and space to get used to their environment before being exposed too much right away (especially around children). After all, they've just moved into an entirely new place!
Once you have all the supplies, it’s time to welcome your new dog. Taking the time to love and care for a new pet is exciting, and with these new tips, you’ll be more than equipped to making your dog feel right at home! If you have any other questions, feel free to send us an email: info@popuppoochspa.com! We are always willing to give you the best advice for taking care of your dog!