Getting a new puppy is a lot of work, but it will also bring you a lot of joy to share your home with a pet. Your veterinarian can help you prepare your home for a new puppy and make sure you have the right food, toys, and supplies. You can also follow these quick tips for caring for your new puppy.
Getting Your Home Ready for a Puppy
Before you bring a puppy home, you must make sure your home is puppy-safe. Puppies can chew things up very quickly, and most homes have a lot of hidden health and safety hazards that could put a puppy at risk. You will need to place certain items out of reach of your puppy:
- Breakable or valuable items
- Small items the puppy could swallow or choke on
- Items the puppy could chew up and destroy, like shoes and clothing
- Trash
- Human food
- Medications
- Cleaning supplies and other chemicals and toxins
- Electrical cords
- String, cords, elastic hair ties, and wire
You can keep your puppy out of certain rooms by setting up baby gates or puppy gates. You should also plan on putting your puppy on a leash or in a playpen when you aren’t watching him, and putting him in a crate or kennel when you aren’t at home.
Buying Essential Puppy Supplies
Next, you should make sure you have all the supplies on hand that you will need for your new puppy, including:
- Leash and collar
- Identification tags
- Food and water bowls
- Food and treats
- Bed and bedding
- Crate, kennel, or playpen
- Toys
Make an Appointment with Your Veterinarian
Within the first week of getting your puppy, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will do a wellness check-up and tell you the right food for your puppy. He will also schedule all necessary vaccinations, as well as a spay or neuter procedure. You should also get your puppy microchipped.
Visit your veterinarian as soon as possible after bringing a new puppy home.