New Puppy? What to Do First

The first week with a new puppy in Reisterstown is sure to be exciting but can also be unnerving. With these tips, you will learn how to care for your new pet and what you should do first.

Preparing for Your New Pet

Before your animal comes home, there are some preparations to make.

Stock up on Supplies: Buys some supplies ahead of time so your puppy can settle in without many trips to the store. You will need a food and water bowl, appropriate food you have cleared by a vet, leash and collar, toys, and some gates to block off sections of the house.

Prepare the Home: Puppy proof your home and make sure that your animal can't get into medicines, chemicals, or certain plants. You don’t want your first few days to be filled with an emergency animal hospital visit.

Arrange for Care: You will want to take some time off so your new puppy can get settled and can start training. However, if you can’t take time off then you will need a back-up plan.

Plan the Trip Home: Young puppies that haven’t been in the car before can be rattled so you want a helper with you to sit next to them. If your puppy is used to a crate then you can use a crate for the ride home, as long as it’s secure and not sliding around the vehicle.

Once Your Pet Is Home

After you have prepared the home and brought the puppy home, there are still plenty of things to do.

Start Training: The earlier you start training, the better. The important things to teach your puppy at this stage are socialization and house training. Speak with your veterinary clinic about training tips.

Find a Good Veterinarian: It’s important that your pup’s first visit with your veterinary hospital will be pleasant so that your dog won’t be afraid of going. Ask for referrals and then schedule your first appointment. Your new puppy will likely need some vaccinations and it’s a good time for a check-up.

If you are looking for a veterinarian for your new puppy, contact TLC for Pets in Reisterstown.