Everyone needs assistance at one time or another when it comes to helping your puppy live the life they deserve…. This means a happy one. Our puppy’s team has created a useful “tips” section for you to keep on hand while taking care of your new puppy.

Our Tips will consist of:

•    Making Sure you chose the right puppy
•    Bringing home your new puppy
•    Travelling with your pet
•    Food
•    Toys
•    Bedding
•    Clothing

IS THIS PUPPY RIGHT FOR ME?

Firstly, you need to decide on the option you are going to choose before getting a puppy. Your two choices consist of adoption Or buying.

BUYING

If you are buying a specific breed of puppy, ensure you obtain the correct papers from the breeder as well as your puppies injection list (Keep your puppies injections up to date)

ADOPTION

There are so many puppies that are in kennels these days just waiting for you to come in and take them home. Instead of spending a lot of money on a puppy from a person that states they are a breeder with no proof, rather go down to your local kennel and see if you can’t find a suitable puppy there. Remember the money that you will be donating in the process will benefit other puppies and animals that may not be adopted immediately.

Here are a few tips to remember when choosing your new best friend:

•    If you have a small yard, don’t buy a breed that will require a lot of space to run in. Rather choose a puppy that will stay a medium size to small size.
•    Avoid getting a puppy that will have an aggressive behavior when he or she is older, especially if you are planning on having your pet around children.
•    Make sure that your new puppy will suit your personality. If you are looking for a puppy that will sit on your lap all day, then prevent getting a large dog breed or one that has a high energetic level. Rather choose a smaller breed. Alternatively if you are looking at getting a puppy that will be your guard dog, then avoid getting a small breed.

TAKING YOUR NEW PUPPY HOME

Here are a few tips to remember when taking your puppy home:

•    While driving your puppy home, you may want to have a blanket or towel on the car seat or in a box. Your puppy may not like the feel of the car driving and may get car sick.
•    When introducing your puppy to your pets at home, ensure there is sufficient supervision.
•    If you have an aggressive dog, you need to take things slowly when introducing your new puppy as the larger dog may become irritated with the puppy which could cause disaster. However do not fear if your dog snaps at the puppy, he or she is only trying to show the puppy that they are in charge.
•    Always acknowledge your dog whilst loving your new pet, as jealousy could break the relationship with the puppy.
•    Ensure your puppy has his or her own bed. It’s always great fun to cuddle up with the puppy when you get home, but your pet will need to know where their own space is.
•    Always be patient with your puppy as they need to learn your routine and may pee on the floor or chew something up. Don’t get frustrated, rather try and train your puppy and lead them in the right direction. By screaming at your puppy, you may scar them emotionally.
•    If your puppy is scared and shaky after bringing him or her home, you do not need to stress. This is a little stressful for the puppy as they need to feel that sense of belonging and have to get used to the idea of their new home. After a couple of hours of loving your puppy, they will most probably calm down.

TRAVELLING WITH YOUR PUPPY

If you are planning a trip and would like to take your puppy along, you need to advise your host or your accommodation provider that your pet will be joining you on your vacation.
Here are a few tips to remember when travelling with your puppy.
•    Your puppies health should be checked at a vet before you plan your vacation
•    Ensure your puppies  ID tags are up to date
•    Ensure you have sufficient water and any required medication for your puppy
•    Ensure your puppy gets a lot of exercise so that he or she is tired before you travel in order to ensure that your puppy is relaxed
•    In order to prevent car sickness, it is advisable to feed your puppy about four hours before you travel. There are also medicines one can get from your vet to ensure that your puppy is calm during your travels.

FOOD

Your puppy is like a new born baby, you need to provide your puppy with a well-balanced diet that will aid the puppy in order to grow strong and healthy bones and teeth.  Your puppy also needs to consume food that will help with the playful and energetic behavior he or she will have. Don’t make the mistake of providing your puppy with adult food as most pet lovers do. There are different nutrients in the adult food and higher levels in puppy food. While adult doggies maintain their health, your puppy still needs to develop healthy organs. As much as you want to give your pet treats, you also need to remind yourself that there are certain foods your puppy may not consume. Below is a list of the types of food you should have available for your pet, the amount of times you should fee your pet and also a list of what NOT to give your pet.

THE RIGHT FOOD:

You need to consider the breed of your dog before deciding what food they will eat. For bigger breed puppies, you will provide different food as there is a difference in phosphorous and calcium levels. Its best to consult your veterinarian and discuss what types of foods one should give to their puppies. Always read the labels when buying foods, to make sure all the necessary “fuel” for energy will be in the food. We all go through a patch in our lives, where we have to buy cheaper things, but if you have a pet, it’s always best to buy the best food. Cheaper foods don’t always have the right nutrients and vitamins and even though this may not affect your pet, they may not have the same energy levels as when they eat normal foods. Some foods are excessively expensive but you get cheaper foods with the same vitamins. Once again, it is important to check the labels. Avoid purchasing foods that have by products as the first ingredients such as wheat and corn. The first ingredient should be some form of meat as this is very important.


AMOUNT OF FOOD:

Your puppy should have about 3 - 4 meals a day and as they get older, you can give them food 2 - 3 a day. You will soon notice when your pet will skip the in-between meal, however you get some puppies that over indulge which will cause your puppy to become overweight. Try to stick to a routine when giving your puppy their meals as this will also assist you in the potty training stage. Try to give your puppy the same food every day, if you change food constantly, this can cause your puppy to have stomach pains. Their tummies can’t handle different foods like ours as humans can. Always remember to change your puppy’s water bowl daily, and make sure your puppies water is not left in the sun as the water will become warm. This will not be pleasurable for your puppy.

FOODS NOT TO GIVE YOUR PUPPY:

Make sure you do NOT feed your puppy or any dog these foods as they can be fatal:

•    Xylatol – This can cause liver failure for your pet
•    Apple, Cherry or Peach pits – These contain cyanide, although the flesh around these pits are healthy for your pet.
•    Dough (Yeast) – This expands in your dog’s tummy and it can be painful and harmful.
•    Salt – This can cause kidney problems for your pet
•    Grapes and Raisins – These can cause liver damage or even liver failure.
•    Onions and Onion Powders – These destroy red blood cells
•    Fatty Foods – Pancreatitis can be developed
•    Caffeine – Seizures, Coma’s and even fatal.
•    Chocolate (Especially dark chocolate) - Seizures, Coma’s and even fatal.
•    Alcoholic Drinks – This effects the nervous system
•    Avocado – This causes difficulty in breathing


TOYS

Make sure you choose the right toys for your puppy, as different breeds prefer different types of toys. For example, if you have a breed of puppy that loves to chew then purchase toys that he or she can chew without destroying them.  When having a puppy, it’s like having a baby around, and you need to remove anything that can be harmful to them. Avoid leaving ribbons around that can choke your pet when they roll and play. Remember to pack any pill containers away as your pet will like the way they roll around and may break the container and consume the pills inside.  Always purchase toys that are suitable when it comes to your dog’s size. Do not buy balls that a large breed can choke on or a large ball that your breed of dog can barely hold in its mouth.

Soft toys can be given to your puppy if they have a gentle nature. You can also get big rubber toys for breeds that may rip soft toys apart.

BEDDING

Your puppy should have their own bed from the beginning. Just like you need your space, they will need theirs.  Provide your puppy with fresh bedding that you should keep clean for hygiene purposes. Make sure that your puppy’s bed is changed according to their size as they grow older. Bigger breed dogs tend to grow faster so make sure you don’t spend too much on a small bed if you are going to have to change it over the next few months.

CLOTHING

Puppy clothing is so cute! We all love seeing animals in those cute little outfits, but remember, your dog is not a show piece. Some breeds of dogs have thicker fur and some clothes may heat them up quickly and cause them stress. It is advisable if you have a smaller breed dog to get them a doggie jersey in winter as they may get cold. But remember your pet is an animal that’s coat and fur allows it to adapt to certain temperatures.