Puppy Proof Your Home
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The first thing to do before bringing your new puppy home from the shelter is to make sure that your home is puppy proofed. Make sure that all toxic substances like cleaning supplies are closed away in securely locked cupboards, and ensure that you’ve done your research about what foods are toxic to dogs – like chocolate and avocado, for example. Make sure that your kids don’t leave small toys around that your dog could pick up and swallow – not only would this be possibly life threatening for your dog, but it could also lead to some extremely expensive vet bills.
Keep On Top Of Their Health Conditions
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Make sure that you keep an eye on your dog to make sure that he’s healthy. Just like people, dogs start to behave differently when they don’t feel well – so they might be lethargic, or eating less than usual, or drinking more water. If there are any changes in your dog’s behaviour that last for more than twenty four hours, it’s time to get to the vet. You should also make sure that your dog is free of fleas and heartworm – medications like trifexis should do the job to keep him healthy. If your dog starts scratching more than usual, it might be time to check him out for fleas.
Get Training Them
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Dogs love nothing more than pleasing their owners, so training them will be a treat for both you and your pet! If you’ve never trained a dog before then obedience classes can help – and they can also help to socialise your dog so that he knows how to behave well around other dogs. When you’re at home you can start to teach your dog tricks like how to roll over and how to beg on your command – this will help to keep your pup’s mind active and happy.
Keep Their Teeth Healthy
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There’s nothing that’s more debilitating than dental pain – this can be an issue for your dog just as much as for you. If you notice that your dog is eating less than usual, or that he has bad breath or is drooling more than he usually does, it might be time to take him into the vet to get his teeth checked out. He might also have a tender muzzle or flinch away when you try to stroke him. In the future, make sure that you give him chews to help improve his dental health and that you start to slowly introduce him to doggy toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Spend Time With Them
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Dogs are by nature sociable animals, so it’s important that you spend plenty of time with them. Check out dog friendly cafes in your local area and make sure that you take your dog to the dog park on a regular basis. Spending quality time with your pup will be great for you as well – they’re faithful and loving companions and you’ll soon feel as though your dog has turned into a best friend instead of a pet.
Tammie~