Tips to Caring for a Puppy

Your new puppy needs to be stimulated both mentally and physically, which means regular exercise and learning should be an important part of his/her everyday life. It’s essential that you walk your puppy at least twice a day to promote coordination and learning, but make sure that he/she has adjusted to a collar and is comfortable wearing it before proceeding. Play, pet and talk to your puppy to encourage both social and people skills on a daily basis. When company visits, you will want your puppy to be on his/her best behavior and the proper social skills will go a long way in making both your guests and your pup feel more comfortable.

Growing puppies have a healthy appetite and, as such, you will need to be ready for a picky eater. Most puppy food manufacturers offer feeding guidelines on both dry and canned food, which are essential in making sure your new friend has a healthy eating pattern. If possible, keep the feeding times on a regular schedule so that your puppy will begin to develop a familiar routine. Always make sure that your puppy has fresh, clean drinking water and a dry place to sleep. Cold drinking water is the norm for those hot summer days, but many pups prefer warm water in the winter.

An important part of caring for a puppy is proper veterinary attention, which includes vaccinations and regular checkups. Some states require that puppies receive a rabies vaccination when they reach the appropriate age and are required to receive a booster every two years after that. For your state laws regarding animal vaccinations, consult with your local veterinarian and always keep a written record of your puppy’s medical history, vaccinations and other important facts relating to his/her healthcare.

Speaking of health, one of the most common problems that many puppies face is that of tapeworms, which look like rice, and roundworms, which look like long pasta noodles. If you notice anything out of the ordinary in your pet’s stool, consult with a local veterinarian for treatment. In many cases, over-the-counter liquid worm medicine can be purchased at pet stores and local retailers for the purpose of ridding your pet of these unwanted parasites.

The information contained in this article is designed to be used for reference purposes only. It should not be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional veterinary advice and/or recommendations surrounding puppy care. For additional information, consult with your local veterinarian.