Few things are as exciting as bringing home a pet for the first time. Puppies instantly enliven your household with their infectious energy. Don’t let their adorable, small size fool you: puppies can be a handful, especially if it’s your first time taking care of one. Preparing in advance for your puppy’s arrival lets you ensure both you and your family are ready for this big transition, and you don’t have to do it alone. Blue Lake Animal Hospital offers the guidance you need. Here’s our ultimate checklist for caring for your very first puppy.
Caring for a puppy is essentially a full-time job. You need to provide the basics, like food and a warm bed, but you also need to set aside time for play. Puppies have lots of energy and require socialization, so providing enough attention can be time-consuming. They also need to be house-trained and taken for walks several times a day. This doesn’t account for your own work-life balance. Having a puppy has countless rewards, but keep in mind the big responsibility you’re taking on.
Before bringing your puppy home, make sure your house is safe for your furry friend to explore. Here are a few ways to puppy-proof your house:
Between cleaning up messes and providing daily care for your puppy, you’ll want to have all of the essentials on hand. Include these items on your list:
Once your puppy is home, determine which rooms you will grant access to. You might want to keep your puppy off of furniture until potty training has concluded. It’s also important to choose a location for their bed. It’s easier to reinforce your puppy’s rules and expectations later on if you establish them right away.
Bringing home a puppy for the first time is a big deal. Plan on scheduling a veterinary checkup at the soonest opportunity to confirm your pup is ready for the exciting future ahead. Contact Blue Lake Animal Hospital to book an appointment.
Managing your pet’s medical needs is easy when you use our online pharmacy. Renew your pet’s prescription and purchase FDA-approved medication right from the comfort of your home. If you have any questions, contact us to speak with a trusted veterinarian.