Proper Puppy Care – The Responsibilities

Caring for puppies is not something that should be taken lightly. As a result of the owner not being fully prepared to care for another life, a large percentage of puppies are later abandoned. Many times, the owner realizes later on that he doesn’t have enough time, energy, or money to make the commitment.

A way to understand what an enormous responsibility this is is to think of it as bringing a new baby into your life. He will require constant attention, supervision, care, and love. However, even though it may be difficult at first, the results are very rewarding.

To completely understand what it means to care for a puppy, there are several aspects that you will be responsible for and that you should be aware of before you make your final decision.

Health

Caring for a puppy means constantly monitoring his health. One of the first things you should do as a new puppy owner is to select a veterinarian and schedule an appointment. To prevent common illnesses your new puppy will need certain vaccinations. Worms and fleas should be discussed with your vet as they are a common problem for puppies. You will be responsible for always being on the lookout for signs that could indicate that your dog is sick. Ideally, a perfectly healthy puppy should have smooth skin, a clean coat, and bright eyes.

Sleep/Rest

Caring for a puppy also involves preparing a safe and cozy sleeping place. Decide ahead of time which room he will sleep in. If you choose to let him stay in your room, you should know that as the puppy copes with separation anxiety for the first few nights there could be howling, whimpering, and barking. A good way to ease this transition is to bring his bedding to the breeder or shelter (wherever you receive him) a few days before taking him home to give the puppy a familiar object in your house.

Feeding

You will also be responsible for feeding your puppy each and every meal. Be certain that if you have other pets, each has his own set of bowls for water and food. Sharing bowls leads towards each pet trying to assert their dominance over each other and can cause territorial conflicts and bullying.

Also, the quantity of the food that you give him varies over time. Puppies eat much more frequently than older dogs and also have extremely different nutritional requirements. Therefore, selecting the correct type of dog food for each stage in his life is important. As a general rule of thumb puppies 6 to 8 weeks old eat four times a day, 12 to 20 weeks old eat three times a day, and 20 weeks and older eat only twice a day.

Play/Exercise

Another aspect of caring for puppies that is very important not to overlook is play time and exercise. Make sure to create a safe zone where your puppy will be allowed to be himself. This may be indoors or outside, but for the first few months of your puppy’s life this area should be a controlled environment. Play with your puppy regularly to promote socialization and healthy development.

Also, make certain appropriately sized toys are purchased for your puppy. He should have smaller toys if he is a small breed. For larger breeds, small toys can be a choking hazard. Most toys such as bones, ropes, stuffed animals, and balls come in all different shapes and sizes.

Potty Training

Potty training can be one of the most frustrating parts of owning a new puppy, but it’s very important to get right. It may take some time for your puppy to learn where and when to potty. You should seriously consider crate training if you’re at work during the day.

Grooming/Cleaning

Proper upkeep, such as grooming and cleaning, are an essential part of puppy care. Not only will it remove unpleasant odors, but it will also encourage healthy development. Most puppies love to be brushed so don’t be afraid to give it a try. It will remove dead hair and keep his coat beautiful. Also, don’t forget about brushing his teeth and gums regularly

Now that you understand what it takes to properly care for a puppy, you might be feeling slightly overwhelmed, but you shouldn’t. Caring for a puppy is only difficult at first. The adjustment is the hardest part. Once you establish routines and good habits, the only thing left to do is enjoy the company and make memories together. Most importantly, to reduce the time it takes to adjust to your new family member, prepare your life for a puppy ahead of time.

Tags: caring for a puppy, caring for puppies, puppy care