Congratulations! You’re welcoming a new puppy into your home. You’re probably excited, but maybe a bit afraid too. There are plenty of things to know about a new puppy and how to take care of it. You will need supplies and may need to make changes to your indoor and outdoor spaces.
Here are our leading tips for having a new puppy in your home.
Supplies for your new puppy
Here’s what you need to get started with your puppy:
- Dog food: While you might be tempted to just give your dog some of whatever you’re eating, it’s not recommended. Instead, find a dog food that’s made specifically for your size and breed of dog. Look for dog foods that contain natural ingredients along with essential minerals that support brain development.
- A collar and leash: You’ll want to look for leashes that are nylon and 6 feet long. The collar should include plastic clips that will unsnap if the dog becomes caught on something. To size the collar, make sure that you can fit two fingers between it and your dog’s neck.
- ID tags: These will include vital info like the dog’s name and your contact information.
- Food and water bowls: There are plenty of these on the market, and you should look for stainless steel bowls that are durable.
- Brushes and combs: Find ones that are suited to your dog’s coat.
- Safe chew toys: Your puppy will be teething, so they need to have a range of high-quality chew toys available.
- Airline-approved home and travel crate: This should be big enough to accommodate your dog all the way into adulthood. The crate will serve as the dog’s den at home and prove useful when you need to transport the dog.
- Dog treats: These are necessary for training your dog.
Puppy-proofing your home
There are a few things to know about a new puppy and how to make the transition to your home:
- Use baby gates or other means of limiting the dog’s access to the whole home. You’ll be glad you did when it comes time for housebreaking.
- Set up the dog’s crate in a quiet area where they can rest.
- Store cleaning supplies and medications out of reach.
- Move or conceal electrical cords.
Bringing your puppy home
When you bring your dog home for the first time, get them used to using the bathroom outside by spending a few minutes in the yard with them. Then get them used to their new crate and spend time with them there. Make sure things are quiet, and discourage anyone from stopping by unexpectedly on the puppy’s first day in your home. Early on, you should take your puppy for a checkup with a trusted veterinarian.
Those are our leading tips for having a new puppy in your home. At Sunnyside Pet Hospital, we consider your pets part of the family and deserving of excellent healthcare. We bring a personalized approach to every pet and will give you the information you need to keep them happy and healthy. Give us a call right now to set up your first appointment.
