Getting a new puppy is a big responsibility, especially if you have young children in your home or work full-time. It’s important to prepare as much as possible before you bring your new puppy home. As soon as you get your new puppy, make an appointment with a veterinarian for a check-up and to get professional advice for caring for a young dog. Here are some puppy care basics you need to know.
Preparing Your Home
A week or two before you bring a new puppy home, you will need to make sure your home is safe. You will need to buy a crate, kennel, or playpen to put your puppy in when you aren’t home or when you won’t be watching him closely. You will also need bedding, puppy pads, food, toys, a leash and collar, and food and water bowls. It’s recommended that you remove any health and safety hazards from areas your puppy can access, like cords, wires, chemicals and toxins, plants, breakable objects, food, and trash. You might consider putting up dog gates or baby gates to keep your puppy out of certain areas of your home.
Schedule a Spay or Neuter and Vaccinations
Ask your veterinarian which vaccinations are necessary for your new puppy. The sooner you get him vaccinated, the better. Most puppies need to be vaccinated against rabies, distemper, parvo, hepatitis, and Bordetella before they are a year old. You will also need to get your puppy spayed or neutered. You should also ask your veterinarian about microchipping your pet. A microchip is an implanted identification device that can be scanned if your puppy gets lost. It will display your contact information and allow you to be reunited with your puppy even if he doesn’t have his collar on.
Take Care Around Other Animals
If you have animals in your home already, it’s important to get your veterinarian’s advice on how to introduce them to your new puppy. Until your puppy is fully vaccinated, he should not be around other animals. You also need to take steps to prevent fights between your new puppy and your other pets.
Make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible after getting a puppy.