Your heart is overflowing with love as you welcome your new fur baby home! But even between enjoying all the puppy cuddles, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Don’t worry – we’re here to help you give your pup the best start in life. Read on for a handy owner’s guide covering everything from pre-adoption preparations to those first nine months.
At Post Consumer Brands, we love pets and want to make sure that they get the best care possible. Here are a few tips we wanted to share to help make sure you have all you need to raise a happy, healthy puppy.
Pre-Adoption Preparations
- Puppy-proof your home: Safety is our top priority for pets and people. Secure cables, cleaners, toxic plants, and anything breakable. Baby gates can limit access to certain areas.
- Stock up: Get puppy food, bowls, a leash, collar, crate, bed, chew toys, treats, and cleanup supplies.
Arriving Home Happily
- Ease the transition: Start your pup in a quiet, gated area and introduce family members one at a time. Go slow with existing pets, rewarding positive interactions.
- Ask your vet: Get tips for successful pet introductions to minimize potential conflicts.
The First Days: Settling Into a Routine
- Establish routines: Maintain a feeding schedule with your puppy and be sure to take them outside frequently for potty breaks.
- Vet visit: Around eight weeks old, schedule their first checkup and vaccinations. You may consider pet insurance for unexpected expenses.
- Family bonding: Involve everyone in walks, playtime, and training sessions.
Months Three to Nine: Growth and Learning
- Prevention is key: Start flea, tick, and heartworm medication around three months old. Your veterinarian is a fantastic resource to get more information to make sure you are using proper dosage and the best products for the area you live in.
- Training time: Use positive reinforcement (treats and praise) to teach basic commands like “sit” and “stay.” Look into local obedience schools in your area, many offer classes year-round.
- Spay or neuter: Schedule this procedure around six months of age (consult your vet for the best timing).
- Complete vaccinations: Ensure your pup gets all their core vaccines before nine months old. Keep on top of regular vet checkups to help monitor their progress.
With love and guidance, your playful pup will blossom into a wonderful companion. Enjoy every moment!
From our portfolio of pet products, including Nutrish® and Nature’s Recipe®, we aim to provide delicious food options for all stages of life, and to help fit any budget. Our commitment to pets is as strong as our dedication to making mealtimes special. We hope you will take our advice to heart as you embark on this exciting journey with your new best friend. We’re with you every step of the way!