Getting new puppies is one of the most exciting things you can do. The process of adopting new dogs may be stressful and involve a lot of research, appointments, and phone calls. However, once those adorable little balls of fur come home with you, much of that stress will melt away. Your new puppies will bring a whole new kind of joy into your life. Here are some helpful tips for caring for puppies.
Walk Your Puppies Regularly
One of the most important things you can do for your new puppies is to get them used to the outdoors. If you do not walk your puppies regularly, they may become anxious or even aggressive. Walking your puppies will help them build muscle and strengthen their immune systems. It will also help them burn off extra calories. On top of this, regular walking will help to curb any bad habits such as barking or chewing by giving them something else to focus on.
Don’t Forget to Feed Your Puppies
Puppies need more food than adult dogs because they are growing so much. If you own small-breed puppies, you may need to feed them more often than a larger breed. Be careful not to overfeed your puppies, though, or you could end up with overweight or even obese dogs. Feeding your puppies a high-quality diet will help them grow strong and healthy. You may also want to consider looking for food that is designed for puppies.
Check on Your Puppies’ Health
Make sure you take your puppies to the vet as soon as possible. This will allow the vet to make sure they are healthy and up-to-date on their vaccinations. The vet will be able to give you advice related to diet, supplementation, and exercise. You should take your dogs to the vet at least once a year for a check-up and regular shots. It’s also a good idea to keep track of what your puppies eat, drink, and ingest in general. This will help you notice if they have any dietary allergies or sensitivities that you may not have been aware of.
Brush Your Puppies
Brushing a dog’s coat removes loose hair and stimulates the skin and blood flow. It can also help prevent matting and other types of skin irritation. Regular grooming can help you spot health issues like skin infections, matted fur, and parasites like fleas or ticks more easily. Brushing can also help your puppies maintain better hygiene. If you have a breed that is prone to shedding, a slicker brush can help remove loose hair and get rid of dander, or dried skin flakes. A pin brush can be used on long-haired breeds to separate the fur and make it easier to brush out any tangles.
Portrait of a two-month old King Charles Cavalier Spaniel puppy with a slightly worried expression.
You need to be ready for the long haul when raising puppies. You should expect to make plenty of mistakes along the way. That’s normal, even for experienced pet owners. You will also need to be patient as your new puppies grow up. By following these tips, you can avoid common pitfalls other pet owners make when raising puppies.