How to Groom a new puppy at home?
It’s a great time to bring a puppy home. This will be a wonderful experience that will provide you with many years of joy and enjoyment. Congratulations on the addition to your family!
It can be difficult for a puppy to adjust to a new environment without their mom or siblings. You can make the transition easier for your puppy by planning ahead and being prepared.
Adopting a puppy in the home
Your puppy just moved out of its litter-mates and mother to be with you in unfamiliar surroundings. It is normal for your puppy to need a few days before they accept the new environment and begin to feel comfortable. If they feel the need, provide them with a safe place to hide. You can provide them with a small den or a crate, along with a blanket and a toy. They will be more friendly if they are allowed to adjust.
Most puppies will experience some upset stomach due to stress or changes in diet. It is best to give your puppy the same food that the breeder gave for the first week. Then, gradually change to the food you will be giving them over time.
The diffusers of pheromone (Adapted), and calming oil(Pet Remedy), can be helpful in reducing stress. They are available at Animal Trust shops. Sprays can be helpful in getting your puppy to travel with you and accept crates.
How to feed a puppy?
From six months of age, puppies should be eating between three and four meals per day. You can reduce this to one meal per day after six months.
In the first few weeks, your puppy’s weight could double or triple. Your puppy’s high activity level may mean that they have three times the energy requirements of an adult dog. Puppies require more protein, vitamins, and minerals than adult dogs. Your puppy should be fed a balanced diet that is appropriate for their age, such as puppy food or junior food for small and medium-sized breeds, and 2 years for large breeds.
Dogs generally prefer dry food, but you can give a mixture of wet and dried foods.
You should exercise caution when consuming RAW and homemade diets. These diets can be deficient in vitamins and calcium, which could cause health problems for your puppy. Raw diets can also contain bacteria that can cause severe illness in your puppy and your family members. Always have fresh drinking water available.
How to socialize a puppy
Between two and eight weeks old, a large portion of a puppy’s socialization period takes place at the breeder’s house. Therefore, your puppy will be more comfortable and confident if they have been handled and mixed with other animals and children.
You can start to teach your puppy to be gentle with multiple people once he is home. Your pup will be happy if you gently stroke and give them special treats. As they grow older, they will be more open to meeting new people, animals, and places. Your puppy should be introduced to any carriers/crates that may be needed at an early age. Your puppy will be more likely to explore the room if you leave one open.
Car travel with your dog
To ensure your dog feels safe and secure, expose them to car travel as soon as possible. Again, short journeys and treats can make a positive association. Dogs can get a bit sick from the first car ride. Don’t worry, most dogs will love it if you take them on fun outings.
To avoid future problems, it’s a good idea to teach your puppy how to handle their feet, ears, and mouths.
What vaccinations are puppies required?
Canine Parvovirus, Canine Hepatitis, Canine Distemper and Canine Parvovirus should all be vaccinated. For dogs who are going to training classes, clubs, kennels or other dog-related events, a Kennel Cough vaccination is recommended.
At 8 weeks old, a first vaccination may be administered. At 10 weeks old, a second vaccine is administered 2 weeks later. It can take some time for immunity to develop so it is best to keep your pet away from high-risk areas for at most one week.
Re-vaccination should occur every 3 to 5 years depending on the type of vaccine and risk to individual dogs. If your dog is considered low-risk, we can discuss the matter with you. Learn more about how important dog vaccinations are.
Side effects from vaccinations are rare. They are usually limited to a mild temperature and 24 hours of quiet. If you are concerned about your pet following a vaccination contact your local Animal Trust surgery for advice.
Micro chipping a dog
Micro chipping a puppy is a legal requirement whereby they are required to be chipped by eight weeks of age. Micro chipping costs PS 17.50 and the procedure is a quick, relatively painless, injection of a chip the size of a grain of rice into the scruff of the neck. You can have the procedure done at Animal Trust for free and in conjunction with your puppy’s first vaccine.
Micro chipping your puppy ensures they are reunited with their owners in case they go missing or get stolen. The microchip is then registered with your information using the 15-digit number. Your contact information is linked to the number. You can contact the number and scan your dog for their microchip if they go missing.
Do I need puppy insurance?
It is recommended that you have some form of pet insurance. If your pet ever needs treatment, this will make it easier to make decisions.
There are many different plans and you should spend time researching which ones are available. Also, make sure to understand what each policy covers for your pet.
How to take care of a puppy’s teeth
Start brushing your puppy’s teeth early so they are comfortable with the motion.
To avoid causing damage to the puppy’s gums, it is important that you use pet-friendly toothpaste with a toothbrush or finger brush. To help your puppy become more comfortable with the brushing motion, you can use your finger to start. Pet toothpaste can have a meaty taste and enzymes that help break down tartar and plaque.
Dewclaws and tails can be removed
It is against the law to dock (remove part or all of the tail) puppies, unless they are working dogs. To prove that it was legal, they must be micro chipped.
A vet can remove front dewclaws in puppies younger than one week old. We cannot remove dewclaws in puppies with bony attachments unless it is necessary for medical reasons. This would be done under general anaesthesia. If necessary, we can remove hind-dewclaws by removing only the skin attachment.
Parasite Control for Puppy Puppies
Fleas can be prevented by applying spot treatments every 1-3 month depending on the product. Prescription medication is far more effective than some flea repellents available at pet shops or supermarkets. Some fleas are resistant to some of these products. Many of the newer products also target other parasites like lice, ear mites and skin mites.