If you’re getting ready for a new puppy, and you’ve never had one before, you may be surprised to realize how much work goes into preparing. Your veterinarian can provide expert guidance on getting your home ready, scheduling vaccinations, and picking out the right toys and puppy food. You can also follow this simple guide for caring for a new puppy.
Schedule a Veterinarian Visit Right Away
You will need to make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible after bringing home a new puppy. Your puppy should get a full health evaluation and have his first vaccinations scheduled. You will also need to get your puppy microchipped and spayed or neutered.
Get the Right Puppy Supplies for Your Home
Your veterinarian can tell you which puppy supplies you should get for your home. You want food, toys, and bedding that are safe for your puppy based on his age, size, and breed. The basic puppy supplies you will need are:
- Leash and collar
- Food and water bowls
- Food and treats
- Bed and bedding
- A crate, kennel, or playpen
- Puppy or baby gates
- Toys
Make Your Home Safe for a Puppy
Your veterinarian can also provide recommendations for puppy-proofing your home. Puppies are curious and can get into dangerous things very quickly. They also love to chew. Before you bring your puppy home, you should walk around the house and look for items that could be dangerous. Put away items like:
- Human food and medication
- Cleaning products and toxins
- Shoes and laundry
- Electric cords
- Hair ties, elastics, rope, and cord
- Children’s toys
- Trash
Schedule Obedience Training
When your puppy is fully vaccinated, you should start socializing him and training him. Scheduling obedience training classes will take care of both. You can also start taking your puppy to the dog park, on walks, or to doggy daycare so that he can get used to being around other humans and animals.
As soon as you get a new puppy, make an appointment with your veterinarian for a puppy check-up.