Adding a new canine family member can be quite an exciting time. That tiny little ball of curtness almost makes you forget about the world around you. Being a new pet parent is extremely fun but brings along its own set of challenges. It is also often followed with that overwhelming thought of; “oh no, what have we done!” No matter how much or how little planning you did beforehand, your new addition can really have you doubting your decision. Don’t give up just yet! We here at Space Coast Pet Services are dedicated to helping you along the way.
New Puppy Health and Wellness
Our pets rely on us to make informed decisions for their well-being. The first two areas in which new pet parents will make critical decisions are selecting a reputable vet and choosing a diet for the latest addition.
Find a vet near you for puppy shots.
You should first establish yourself with a local veterinarian and start on your puppy’s vaccine schedule. Be sure to keep your puppy in a controlled environment and away from group play until fully vaccinated.
Several other critical preventative measures, such as heartworm and flea preventatives, should also be considered. Tropical weather, especially here in Florida, can be a breeding ground for internal and external parasites.
Be sure to make and keep at least yearly follow-up appointments. Animals can hide a host of medical issues (it is part of survival, after all), so be sure to visit your veterinarian often. If there are any concerns, they can be caught early and worked with accordingly.
Your new puppy’s diet is important.
Diet is a well-talked-about but little-understood topic that is worth mentioning. The pet food industry is a billion-dollar market, keeping overhead low and sales high with great marketing campaigns. Be sure to talk with a professional with experience in the nutrition and diet field, specifically for dogs. Typically, independent pet food retailers have great options. Choosing a food designed for all life stages with at least 2 or 3 animal proteins on the top of the ingredient list is a good start.
Avoid food and treats with many plant ingredients (especially corn or soy variations) and chemical preservatives. Providing lots of fresh water in clean bowls can go a long way, too. You can even add water to their dry food, as dogs can live in a chronic state of mild dehydration. You can have lots of fun making healthy treats by dehydrating chicken breast strips in the oven.
Training and Behavior
Investing as much time as possible in your dog’s training in its first year is critical. Here are some tips.
Invest in a good puppy trainer.
Find a local trainer who uses industry-standard science-based training. The most important thing you can do is manage your puppy. Always keep an eye on them. Preventing the habit of unwanted behaviors is the best way to develop the strength in the behaviors you want.
Control the space for your cute new pup.
Gate your dog off in small areas of the house, preferably the one you are in, and slowly give them the freedom of the home after you and your family have enforced their “good” behaviors. Using a crate to manage your dog when you are not around is highly advisable. Creating positive associations with a crate as their personal space is a great start. Give your puppy special treats or feed them their meals in the crate. Never use a crate as a punishment, and always make it positive.
Find support and reinforcements for your new puppy.
Investing in the help of a good pet sitter is always a great idea for many benefits. As a general rule of thumb, it’s advised not to expect a puppy to hold potty breaks longer than an hour for each month of age. Dog walkers can be an integral part of raising your new puppy. They can help with potty breaks and give the much-advised dose of daily exercise, enrichment, and training.
You want to remember to teach your dog what is expected of them but never force them into following you. If your dog is not complying, he or she simply doesn’t understand. Stay patient with puppies. We know their energy levels are through the roof, and their attention spans are shorter than that of a goldfish. Just have fun with training and recognize the small goals you meet each day.
An arsenal of fun toys that engage their busy little minds can be helpful. Toys that dispense their food are great options, as they give an opportunity to get some of that mental energy out in acceptable ways. Chew toys are also a great option, as puppies like to explore the world with their mouths. Find sturdy but safe options if they ingest portions, like bully sticks, dehydrated trachea, and horns.
Gather a team of professional pet care providers in Viera.
Remember, your dog was not born to know how to interact in the human world appropriately. We must guide them along the path we create with patience — lots of it. Investing in your new puppy’s future is always worth the money and effort. They trust us to keep them happy and healthy. Work on creating an army of great professionals in your corner, like your veterinarian, groomer, pet sitter, and dog walker.
Space Coast Pet Services is always here to help you along the way. We provide professional puppy care when you have to be away from home. Book online today to get started!
Congrats on your new puppy!
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