Anyone who has ever had a puppy knows it’s not all unicorns and warm fuzzies. My first puppy chewed my friend’s expensive retainer, all manner of clothes and my WIFI cable cord. That was annoying, but the really scary thing was when my puppy got into my daughter’s backpack and ate her sugar free gum. Xylitol, prevalent in a lot of sugar free gums, is deadly to dogs. And because puppies have smaller body mass, it’s even more toxic. That was just one of the harsh lessons of life with puppy: a very expensive vet bill, plus a total ban on sugar free gum.
All this is to say living with a puppy takes work. Of course, it’s worth it. Little did I know that, despite all the clichés, my puppy would become one of my favorite companions.
If this is your first time caring for a puppy, here are a few things you should do now to ensure you provide a safe and loving home.
How to Take Care of a Puppy
Puppy-proof your home
It’s no coincidence that couples exploring starting a family may begin with a puppy. It’s a very intensive process, akin to having a baby. To puppy-proof, remove or secure hazardous items like electrical cords and small objects your puppy might chew on. Think about gaps in balconies they may fall from, you may want to install netting or pet gates. Think about rolling up rugs that would prefer not to have toileting accidents on. Because one thing you can almost guarantee with a new puppy—there will be pee. Indoors. On rugs.
Try: Odor eliminators are a puppy owner’s best friend. Try
Citrus Magic Pet Odor Eliminator, made from vegetable enzymes, which is non-toxic enough to be sprayed directly on your pet’s coat. For the chewing issue, a
no chew spray with bitters can be an excellent way to protect cords, shoes, furniture and other household items.
Offer quality nourishment
Since a dog’s lot is mostly kibble, it seems like a good idea to buy the most nutrient dense kibble you can. Puppies require more fat than adult dogs, so purchasing a food specific to this stage of life is wise.
When purchasing dry food, it’s important to scan the ingredient label. Look at the first five ingredients, as this tells you how high in protein it is. Ideally the protein comes from animal-based ingredients like meat, poultry, and fish (or sustainable plant-based options) and the meals made out of them.
The two major red flag categories to avoid are generic meat and grain meals (such as ones designated poultry meal rather than chicken meal or simply meat meal) and empty filler by-products such as corn and wheat gluten.
Try: Abound Chicken & Brown Rice Puppy Food’s first five ingredients are solid, and the amount of crude protein, 27 percent, is just right for an active puppy. Also keep in mind high quality treats are essential for training, as a treat-motivated puppy is a trainable puppy.
Newman’s Own Beef Jerky Dog Treats will do wonders to incentivize your commands, plus 100 percent of profits go to charity.
Pay attention to grooming
There’s no better time than when you have a puppy to get them used to nail trimming, shampooing, haircuts and dental care. Don’t overdo the shampooing, however, as this depletes a dog’s coat of its natural oils. Bathing your dog too much can dry out their skin, so talk with your vet about an appropriate bathing schedule. Once a month might be the sweet spot between cleanliness and your dog’s natural moisture barrier.
Try:
ECOS Hypoallergenic Conditioning Dog Shampoo has gentle, plant-derived cleansers that won’t irritate a dog’s coat. As for their teeth, there are all kinds of
dental chews for dogs that can keep their teeth in good shape. For the more intrepid, you can also
brush your dog’s teeth daily or weekly.
Provide ample exercise and play
Puppies have a lot of energy. Provide them with ample opportunities for play and exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Getting them on walks means you get to walk too, a bonus for human health. A
Missouri study that paired public housing residents with certified therapy dogs for five 20-minute walks a week found that participants lost an average of 14.4 pounds without changing their diets.
Exercise, particularly at a dog park, also satisfies the crucial need for socialization. Exposing your puppy to different people, animals, and environments from an early age helps them become well-adjusted and friendly.
Try: On your outings, you will definitely need a bag for pet waste. You can recycle plastic bags you have in your house, but it’s also an impactful environmental nod to purchase compostable bags. Compostable pet waste bags are somewhat controversial because compostable bags require a municipal composting facility to break down. Typically, they are just thrown into landfills instead where they are buried beneath other garbage and do not biodegrade as promised.
However,
biodegradable bags use less energy to produce than conventional plastic and emit 50 percent less emissions. And even if municipal composting is not an option in your area, the bioplastic bags are made from vegetable oil instead of fossil fuels, allowing you to divest from petroleum sources.
When it comes to indoor play, do offer your puppy an approved chew toy, such as
Spunky Pup Clean Earth Recycled Heavy Duty Dog Chew. Not only is the toy made from diverting recycled plastics, but when your dog is done, the toy can be recycled yet again, in a process Spunky calls infinite loop recycling.
Consult with a dog whisperer
Dogs, like us, are willful creatures. And although their behavior may come from simpler drives, our relationship to and expectations for our dog can be very complex. Remember that each puppy has its own unique essence. It may take time to establish routines and build a strong bond. Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are the crux of successful puppy care.
Additionally, never hesitate to consult with a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer if you have specific concerns or challenges with your puppy. Consider enrolling in puppy obedience classes to strengthen your connection and ensure a well-behaved dog.
