Puppy Care Tips
Adopting and owning a new puppy is a way to quickly add a new member to your family and household when living in Sri Lanka. Whether you are interested in looking after puppies for others or if you are searching for dogs for sale yourself, understanding how to properly bring a puppy home and care for a new dog is essential regardless of your choice to look after the animals or adopt in one yourself. Knowing how to care for a new puppy or a dog you have recently adopted is a way to help your new pet to adjust to its new home as quickly as possible. The more time, effort and care you put in to helping your puppy or dog to adjust, the easier it is to begin training him or her around the house.
Choosing the Right Breed for You and Your Family
Before you think of adopting a new puppy of your own for your family or even for your children, be sure to thoroughly research different types of dog breeds and sizes of dogs to find the breed that is most suitable for your family members, lifestyle and current location in Sri Lanka. Determining whether a slobbering dog matters, shedding, its coat, temperament and even its life expectancy should all be considered before making a decision or heading to an adoption shelter or pet store.
Consider Your Options When Caring for Puppies and Dogs of Any Age
Whether you are thinking of keeping puppies and you are looking for puppies for sale or if you are simply thinking of looking after dogs and puppies for others, it is important to consider your options before moving forward with an adoption of a new animal altogether. Investing in adopting in a dog requires the ability to maintain its health and condition while also keeping the pet happy. If you choose to adopt a dog breed that is more needy and requires additional attention, be sure to have the time available to spend with the puppy him or herself to keep your new family member happy and well-adjusted throughout the transitioning process.
Stock Up on Puppy Supplies
Stocking up on supplies and materials for your new family member is another way to get your dog more acquainted to its new home upon arriving. Purchase necessary feeding bowls, puppy or dog food based on age as well as puppy training pads to help with getting your new dog adjusted to a new living space. Investing in a leash with a tag is also highly advisable to keep your new puppy from getting out or running away without any identification.
Brushes, nail clippers, dog toothpaste, condition and shampoo are also available to help with grooming your new dog while it is young to make bathing and keeping up hygiene easier over time. Be sure to buy a harness that is suitable for the breed and size of your dog if you plan to take your new puppy on walks outdoors or in public where there are potentially other individuals around. Ensuring you have the right size harness that is fitting and strong allows you to take any dog you have adopted out for walks without worrying about him or her getting loose and running off.
Adding Safety Around the Home
Adding safety around the home or “puppy proofing” your house is imperative before bringing a new dog into a new space that he or she is unfamiliar with themselves. Be sure to rid all clutter, trash, plastic, wrappers and any other potential choking hazards throughout each of the rooms in your home before bringing your new puppy home. Remove breakable items such as decorative lamps, vases and other glass material until you are confident in your puppy’s training skills and behavior. Unplugging electronics and removing any potential toxic cleaning supplies or sprays is also recommended to keep from potential accidents and harmful incidents while training your new dog.
Helping Your New Puppy to Get Adjusted
Helping your new adopted puppy or dog to get adjusted is not always possible overnight, especially if you have adopted a previously-owned animal or even a dog that is not familiar with living in a home whatsoever. In order to help with getting your new family member adjusted to your home, consider the option of bringing your puppy or dog home in a shelter blanket or a blanket from its previous owner’s house or location. The scent of the blanket itself can help the dog to feel more comfortable even after you have arrived back at your home.
You can also opt for taking a dog bed or another blanket from the pound or home you are adopting your dog from to place within your own house a few days before arriving with your new puppy. Having the bed in your home for a few days prior to your dog’s arrival is a way for it to feel more comforted by the scent of the environment altogether, as it will seem more familiar.
Walking with your puppy around the house is a way to get it acquainted with all of the space he or she has to roam. Introduce your new puppy to the backyard and any stairs that may need to be conquered in the future as the dog grows.
Bonding With Your Puppy
Bonding with your puppy regularly each day is also essential in order to create a strong relationship with your dog as it grows and ages. In order to create a lifelong bond with your puppy, petting your dog and treating him or her with love, care and affection throughout each day is a must. The more time you spend with your new puppy during training, relaxing and even walking, the more likely you are to have a much stronger bond with your dog throughout its adult life.
Feeding Your Puppy
Always be sure to invest in puppy food when adopting a young dog or a pup itself. Be sure to read food labels before buying any food for your pets, especially if you are seeking high-quality ingredients. Between the ages of 6 and 12 weeks, puppies may eat more than 4 times daily, starting with a bit of puppy chow. From 12 to 20 weeks, puppies should eat approximately 3 times per day. After 20 weeks, it is most common for puppies and dogs to eat 2 times daily, with some cats eating once depending on age. Older dogs are less inclined to eat more, which is why it is imperative to research the type of ingredients that are being used in the food you buy for your dogs to ensure he or she is always getting the nutrients they need at all times.
When you want to care for a new dog yourself or if you are looking after a new litter of puppies, understanding how to properly ensure the happiness and health of all dogs is essential. Implementing a few puppy care tips with your new arrival or a new dog you are watching is a way for you to feel more comfortable and confident taking care of any animal you are interested in caring for or adopting for your own family.