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Choosing Your Puppy

Owning a dog brings immense joy and delight, but it’s crucial to carefully consider the type of puppy you bring home. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Breed Compatibility: Choose a breed that fits your lifestyle. Large dogs require plenty of space and exercise, while short-haired, smooth-coated dogs are ideal if you don’t have much time for grooming.
• Ideal Age: The best age to bring a new puppy home is between 8 to 12 weeks.
• Health Check: When selecting a puppy, ensure the eyes, ears, and nostrils are clean and free of discharge. Check the skin and coat for any itches, sores, or bare patches.
• Vaccinations: Ask about the vaccinations the puppy has received and which ones are still needed.
• Feeding Routine: Find out the puppy’s current feeding routine and follow it for the first week or so to avoid stressing the digestive system during the transition to a new home.

Vaccination

Before bringing your new puppy home, it’s best to call your veterinarian and schedule an examination as soon as possible. During this initial visit, the veterinarian will review the puppy’s medical and vaccination history. If the breeder has recently administered vaccinations and your vet is confident in their accuracy, they will recommend when to come back for the next booster shot. If the puppy is healthy but unvaccinated, the vet will suggest vaccinating immediately. One or more vaccines listed in the provided schedule will be administered, and the vet will advise on the timing of the next visit.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

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Feeding your puppy

As the owner of a new puppy, it’s essential to provide him with all the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. Proper nutrition is a key factor in ensuring your puppy leads a happy and healthy life. To give your new dog the best start, he must receive the right diet. When you pick up your puppy from the breeder, take the time to discuss his feeding regimen. Request a diet chart that outlines the types of food, quantities, and feeding schedule. Avoid rushing to change your puppy’s diet, as the transition to a new home can be stressful, and maintaining consistency in feeding is crucial.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Weaning

By the time you bring your puppy home, the breeder should have already weaned them at around three to four weeks old. If you need to handle the weaning process yourself, start introducing puppy food when the puppy is about one month old. Begin with three or four small meals each day. Gradually reduce the number of meals, and by the time your puppy is six months old, you should be feeding them twice a day.

Grooming and bathing

The grooming needs of your dog depend largely on its breed. Long-haired breeds typically require daily brushing, while short-haired ones need less frequent attention. Trimming may also be necessary to maintain their neat appearance and overall health.

When bathing and grooming your puppy, patience and gentleness are crucial. If bathing becomes an unpleasant experience for the puppy, it may become more difficult as they grow older. A dog’s coat naturally produces oils that keep it waterproof and healthy. Excessive bathing can strip these oils, leading to dullness, so only bathe when necessary or as part of flea treatment. Use a dog-specific shampoo to avoid drying out their skin, and avoid wetting their ears and head—instead, use a damp towel.

To accustom your puppy to grooming, handle them gently and regularly. Depending on their coat condition, grooming once a week may suffice. Use a comb and soft-bristled brush dedicated to your puppy. Start grooming from the head and work down to the tail and legs, paying attention to thick fur around the neck, especially in breeds like Labradors. Brushing not only removes dead hair but also improves skin and blood circulation, promoting a healthy coat.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]