Being a pet's caregiver can be a rewarding experience as satisfying as it can be challenging, particularly for those who are the first to take on the responsibility. It's an experience we're talking about! Dogs require special care, particularly in the early stages of their life.
Additionally, the success of a long-term partnership between dog and guardian is contingent on establishing a solid foundation. Untreated dogs could develop depression, stress, or even a propensity to be aggressive. Therefore, it is essential to provide a healthy environment for your pet to become strong and healthy and healthy, focusing on the health of your pet.
Learn some helpful tips each guardian should know to properly care for puppies and establish an enduring and healthy relationship with their new pet.
1. Keep the vaccinations current.
Your puppy's vaccination is among the most crucial things you can complete in the initial few weeks! Proper vaccination can shield dogs from a variety of pathogens that can be deadly such as parvovirus, kennel cough, as well as hepatitis, and leptospirosis.
Puppies typically receive their initial vaccinations between eight to 10 weeks of age. They receive another series at a time of two to three weeks. However, protocols can differ. The puppies shouldn't contact dogs who aren't vaccinated until they have been fully protected. Therefore, strolls in parks are strictly prohibited.
2. Do not overdo it.
Many new owners dream of the idea of taking long walks with a fun puppy. The truth can be that puppies, and especially large breeds, shouldn't be pushed to the limit with their exercise. Puppies have lots of energy; however, their joints, bones, and growth plates are brittle and susceptible to damage from excessive exercise.
The most common rule of thumb for exercise is five minutes every month, at least twice daily. So, a puppy who is 16 weeks old would require a total daily of 40 minutes of exercise.
3. Clean and healthy space for your puppy
Being a pet owner requires a clean spot where he can go potty without coming in contact with harmful pathogens (his and yours!). It is best to keep him feel comfortable in a peaceful area, "exclusive," and always clean.
4. Make sure that you have access to fresh water at all times.
The importance of drinking water is to maintain your dog's energy levels. Encourage your dog to drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent any health issues that may arise in the future.
5. Encourage socialization
There are several crucial stages of development. One of which is the period of socialization that is believed to last between 3 to 16 weeks of age. In this time frame, puppies must get exposed to as individuals, animals, and settings as is possible.
Inability to introduce your puppy to new people could lead to a fearful response to these types of stimuli later on in life. It could also lead to the development of resistant behavior issues in certain instances.
Dogs who are not allowed to interact with children can become sensitive to their environment with them, snapping and even trying to bite them. So, actions like taking your dog to the homes of other dogs or out to the park for a stroll are vital at the beginning of their lives.
6. Beware of Excessive Attachment
An excessive attachment can cause more separation anxiety when guardians leave their homes. Common signs of this condition are defecating or peeing inside, whining and barking or wailing, destroying the house escape attempts and self-mutilation when the pet is left on its own. The treatment for separation anxiety can be difficult. Consequently, it is crucial to keep away from excessive attachment during the beginning of life with gradual increases in time that the pet is left alone.
To help make separation less painful, Some tools can make the puppy feel more comfortable in these times of separation like toys, pheromone diffusers, classical music, or even familiar scents (for instance, you could leave a garment which you do not wear for your puppy to sniff during the separation time).
7. Avoid certain foods
While it is tempting to feed your pup food scraps left over from your table, many foods are harmful to dogs. Chocolate onions, garlic, grapes, scallions, alcohol, caffeine, and more are not allowed because they could be harmful to dogs.
Additionally, xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gum, certain peanut kinds of butter, and sweets, can cause a drastic drop in blood sugar levels. In a few cases, the liver may fail.
8. Beware of poisonous plants
Puppies, and especially puppies, are fond of eating everything they observe in front of them. But, there are a variety of risks to plants that owners have to keep in mind.
The seeds and leaves like mistletoe or ivy could cause fatal harm to dogs. The first signs of poisoning are diarrhea, vomiting, and salivation. More grave effects such as kidney and liver damage can take two to three days to show. Veterinarian care must be sought as soon as you suspect that your pet has consumed any toxic plant matter.
9. Provide quality food
Make sure you eat a balanced diet to prevent obesity and health issues for your dog. Follow the diet recommendations your veterinarian will provide depending on your dog's nutritional requirements depending on the size of the dog, its age, level of activity, and breed. Make sure to give healthy and nutritious treats, not leftovers, to reward. Giving healthy food that a veterinarian supervises is a great alternative if you've got the desire and time to cook the food.
10. Care for your dog's teeth
Certain breeds are susceptible to gum disease that can have serious consequences. The resultant infection can lead to the loss of teeth prematurely and may result in infections of important organs, like those that control the heart. So, taking care of a puppy includes regularly brushing your dog's teeth.
