How to Care for Your Puppy

Few experiences are as memorable as bringing that brand new puppy home. It has been over four decades now, but I can still remember my feelings of excitement and exhilaration upon finding my first puppy in my father’s car. I can also remember Dad had forgotten all of the puppy-related necessities. So, that night “Tiger” slept with me and had to eat cereal and milk out of a Tupperware container.

This is the beginning of a long relationship between you and your puppy, so it’s important to get off to a good start. A little planning and preparation will make your puppy’s difficult transition to your home a much smoother one. So what do you need?

Collar and Leash

A collar and leash is a safe way to control your new puppy outside or around other dogs. The collar should fit snuggly enough, not to slip over your puppy's head, but not choking tightly. A good rule is to have the collar just snug enough for one or two fingers (depending on the age and breed) to slip in between the collar and your puppy's neck. Plan ahead and buy a collar that will “grow” as your puppy does.

Toys

I don’t think a puppy can have too many toys. Their short attention span requires a variety of energy outlets. Some toys should be the soft cuddly type that they can play or sleep with. Chew toys strategically placed around the house can help satisfy the puppy’s instincts to chew and minimize the destructive chewing behavior. My own “unsupervised” puppy chewed the legs of our brand new, $6000 piano and bench. Another expensive lesson learned: Never leave your puppy alone in the house or outside. By nature, a puppy is an inquisitive and mischievous creature that has not yet learned to avoid trouble or injury.

Puppy Food

Select your puppy’s food carefully. The diet you choose to feed your puppy during the first year of his life is critical in growing strong bones and muscle. Plus, it will help ensure the development of sound protective systems, such as the skin and coat, the immune system, and digestive system. I always recommend you choose a premium quality, complete and balanced diet, formulated for your puppy’s breed size -- small, medium or large. Based on cost and convenience, dry puppy food is ideal, however, canned puppy food still has a large following. I can't over emphasize the importance of having clean fresh water always available (except just before bedtime) for your puppy.

Food & Water Bowls

Food and water bowls must be both durable and easily cleaned, making stainless steel bowls an easy choice.

Crate

Dogs are instinctively den animals and need a safe place to sleep, rest or hide. A plastic airline or transportation crate is a perfect substitute for a den, and a fun place for your puppy to hide and play, especially if there are some toys and snacks in there. Dog show pens work equally well for larger breed dogs. From personal experience, “crate training” will make house training easier, and will make future car trips safer and more enjoyable for you and your pet.

Veterinary Care

You will quickly have considerable time, money, effort and emotion invested in your puppy. Regular veterinary care is an excellent way to protect that investment. My professional recommendation is to take your newly acquired puppy directly to your veterinarian for a complete checkup and good puppy raising advice.

My prescription is to give your puppy lots of love and attention. Until next month, Dr.F.