Starting your journey as a new dog owner is an exciting time! It's crucial to be well-prepared to ensure your furry friend thrives in their new home. One of the first steps is selecting the appropriate dog food based on their age, as their nutritional needs change as they grow. Additionally, supplementing with calcium, especially for growing puppies, is important. Once your puppy is over 45 days old, you'll need to arrange for vaccinations and deworming. For your new arrival, you should also have the essentials ready: food and water bowls, a comfortable dog bed, a leash, a grooming brush, and dog shampoo.
Essential Knowledge for New Dog Owners
Feeding Your Puppy
A puppy's dietary needs change rapidly as they grow. Initially, puppies will be weaned from their mother's milk at around two months old. At this stage, they can start with puppy milk replacement or soft puppy food, usually fed 4-5 times daily. Around three months, they can transition to dry puppy kibble, reducing feedings to 3-4 times per day. By six months, decrease to 2-3 meals, and after a year, 1-2 meals of adult dog food. Always monitor your dog’s weight and adjust food accordingly, as overfeeding can cause health problems.
Calcium Supplementation
From around three months of age, puppies enter a phase of rapid growth, making calcium supplementation essential. Incorporate foods rich in calcium, vitamins, and other nutrients into their diet. This can include calcium supplements, dairy products (in moderation), and calcium rich vegetables and fruits such as carrots and apples. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the correct dosage of supplements.
Vaccinations and Deworming
It's crucial to vaccinate puppies older than 45 days against common canine diseases like canine distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus. The primary vaccination series usually consists of three combined vaccinations, followed by the rabies vaccine. Routine internal and external deworming is also critical. Puppies should be dewormed monthly up to six months, and then every three months afterwards. Regular check-ups with your vet for preventative care will keep your dog healthy and happy.
Creating a Comfortable Environment
Dogs are social animals that need love, attention and freedom. They do not do well when confined to crates for extended periods. Crating for short periods can help with housetraining, but make sure that they have regular exercise and play time. Dogs need exercise and interaction with their owners. They need physical and mental stimulation for their overall health and well-being. A dog that’s left in a cage for prolonged periods without stimulation is more prone to behavioral problems and physical health issues. Allow your dog to roam freely indoors when you are home and provide regular outdoor playtime.Follow us for updates:Pet Training
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