Puppy Safety Tips

Diseases

Participate in vaccinations and make sure your puppy gets all the shots it needs in order to be safe from any canine diseases. Start early by checking regularly for ticks and fleas, and grooming regularly to keep your puppy clean.

Mess-Making

Start training your puppy – the sooner the better. Potty-train with consistency (and with reward)! Discipline your puppy as soon as possible, too. Don’t let them get into anything you normally wouldn’t want them to! The sooner they realize they are not allowed to do this or that, the sooner they will learn, and the sooner things will be easier – and neater! Side note: The less consistent you are with training, the more confused your puppy will be. Consistency is key!

Harmful Household Items

Just like babies, puppies will get into things. They will roam around and explore anything they can – no matter how hard you try at first to train them not to. It will take some time. So while they are in that stage, do your best to keep things (sentimental, breakable, unstable, or consumable objects) that could potentially harm them out of reach. Place things higher up, or put them behind closed doors; and when you cannot keep an eye on your puppy, they can always take a nice nap in their new cozy bed in the kennel.

Rough Chew-Toys

Some chew toys are built for older dogs with stronger teeth, and are not good for puppies. Be sure to look at what you are buying, and buy the toys made specially for puppies and their fragile teeth. Look for strong, rubber toys, which are great for chewing while teething.

Wrong Food

Puppy food is different than normal dog food. First make sure the brand has gone under AAFCO feeding trials, assuring that there will be no deficiencies when consumed. Second, look at what kind of dog the food is for. A Great Dane’s bone growth is much more different than a Maltese’s. Different foods have specific ratios of calcium and phosphorous for different types of breeds. Third, make sure you’re giving your puppy the right amount of food in the doggy bowl. Obviously, for smaller breeds, they will be given smaller portions. Keep your puppy fed well, but don’t give it too much.

Owning a puppy requires much responsibility – and even more patience! But stick through it, stay consistent with disciplinary training along with much affection, and it will all pay off!  If you have a new puppy and need help, you should check out our Puppy Playtime service!  It’s the perfect service for pet-parents who just need someone to come let their new furry family member out for potty and playtime when they can’t be with them.  Give us a call to discuss how we can help you at 800-674-3409!