A dog is a man’s best friend. However, parenting a new pup is not a walk in the park. It requires as much care and attention as rearing a baby would. From giving proper puppy food to daily exercise and health checkups, taking care of your puppy is very fulfilling but can be demanding too. Here is a 10-step checklist to help you and your pooch settle into a new life.
- Look for a good vet
Find a good vet even before you get your fur baby home. In fact, the first place to visit before taking the pup home is the vet to ensure that your bundle of joy is healthy and has no birth defects. Get a health card made and keep it updated.
- Proper nutrition
Giving your canine companion proper nutrition is of utmost significance for their overall growth. Look for a trusted dog food brand after reading the reviews and check out their puppy food segment. Fidele+ puppy food is one of the best on the market today. It has different types of starter puppy kits as per the size and breed. In fact, it offers the goodness of familiar ingredients like chicken, turmeric, coconut oil, ginger, flaxseed, and more.
- Adequate exercise
When your little bundle of fur comes home, it will be full of energy. It would help if you channel that energy constructively. Hence, exercise is an integral part of the daily routine. Start with short walks and exercise routines and slowly increase it over time.
- Training
Dog training classes might be a good idea to make your fur baby understand basic and simple commands. These classes will also train the pup to walk without pulling and alert to danger.
- Dental care
Many breeds are prone to gum disease that can lead to serious complications later on in life like premature tooth loss, infection in major organs, and more. So it is best to get regular dental checkups done.
- Puppy-proof the home
Like babies, puppies are also naturally curious and want to explore their new surroundings. To create a safe home for your pup, fence off one part of the home which will become the puppy’s new territory. Keep things like plants, rugs, chemicals, electrical items, and breakables out of reach.
- Stack up puppy supplies
Stock up on vital puppy supplies like ID tags, food and feeding bowls, sleeping crate, collar and leash, GPS tracker and activity monitor, and toys. Having a variety of things to play with will keep your pup engaged and loved.
- Potty-training
Puppies have to urinate and poop frequently. You will need to anticipate their needs and take them out every two hours. Keep one area on your lawn for this purpose. Take them to that space every time and soon they will associate that space to do their job.
- Proper sleeping area
Have a designated place for your puppy to sleep, be it a bed or a crate. Place it close to where you sleep so your fur baby will not be lonely. Never let your new puppy sleep in bed with you, as it will create problems in the long term.
- Socialization
Puppies require a lot of love and cuddling, along with proper food and nourishment. Give them a lot of time and attention. It is proven that a socialized puppy will always be even-tempered and will be able to cope with all situations in life.
Having a pup in your home brings unbridled joy and fulfillment, but it is a lot of work initially. Establishing healthy habits with proper food and timely veterinary visits can lay the foundation for many years of love and happiness for you and your canine companion. So use this checklist as a bible for your fur baby’s settling down phase.
