5 Things To Know About How To Take Care of a Puppy

You've found yourself a new furry friend, but you have no idea how to take care of a puppy. Obviously, she will have to be fed, but what else does she need?

She will need some sort of protection since she is so small, but how do you do that?

What about her health? There are many things that can go wrong with such a vulnerable pet. Are there any precautions you have to take? There is just so much to know.

In order to take care of a puppy properly, you need to have some idea of what dangers await, what your puppy can withstand, and exactly how to make sure your puppy remains safe and healthy.

Here are 5 tips to get you started.

1. Give her a comfy bed and a variety of toys. These will make her feel secure especially during her early days at your house. The toys will replace her siblings that she left behind. Be sure to include harder toys that she can use while she's teething.

2. Always keep an eye on potential dangers around her living area including the house, the garden and anywhere that she might venture. Remember that puppies are inquisitive and will chew anything that appeals to them. Keep all wiring, dangerous chemicals and cleaning fluids out of her reach. Check the yard for any breaks in the fence. Remove any dangerous plants indoors and outdoors such as poinsettias.

3. Get her to the vet regularly. During her young years she will require her initial vaccinations to protect her against rabies, distemper and other diseases. Your vet will be able to advise you when she will need what shots. Be sure to keep her indoors and isolated from other pets until her shots are completed. As she goes through the various stages of development, the vet will be able to make sure she is growing properly.

4. Choose a dog food that is specifically formulated for puppies. These contain higher levels of certain nutrients that she needs at this time to enhance her growing needs such as bone development and joint health. You can ask your vet for recommendations on food choice and quantity, or talk to your local pet store owner for advice on which products are the best quality for your puppy.

5. You can never take enough precautions to protect your puppy. Keep her safe by getting the proper products. Do not use a piece of rope for a collar and leash as this is a very dangerous practice. Get help from your pet store owner in sizing a proper collar for her. Make sure that her bed is not in a drafty location because prolonged exposure to cold and leave her with arthritis later on.

We've only had time to cover 5 tips on how to take care of a puppy, but there is so much more to know. You will soon discover that your learning will be an ongoing process, especially during her puppy years. What you do now can have a significant impact on your puppy's life.

Be prepared. Get a 2-week trial of Sylvia's Puppy Parenting Course to learn about, nutrition, stages of development, dog training, problem behavior and more. And grab your copy of 10 Things That Can Cause Bad Dog Behavior.