Puppies bring unmatched love and joy to your home. However, they also bring a wealth of new challenges and responsibilities. To set the foundation for a happy, healthy puppy and a lifetime of companionship, we’re here to help you prepare for the arrival of your newest family member.
Create a Puppy-Proof Room
Puppies should not have free roam of your home. These curious little animals cannot be trusted to safely navigate the entirety of your house before they are properly trained, as they are notorious for getting into things and chewing up personal belongings. As such, we recommend creating a puppy-proof room. This may be a living room or kitchen, protected by a pet gate to keep your puppy in a common area where they can be supervised. In this puppy-proof room, ensure there are no exposed wires, chemical products, or valuables within your puppy’s reach to avoid injuries, accidents, and damage to your property.
Prioritize Nutritious Puppy Food
Puppies require nutrient-dense puppy food to support their growth and development. Puppy food contains a higher level of fat and protein, as well as essential nutrients. This high-calorie food is essential to your puppy’s growth, health, and strength. As such, it’s important to do some research to find the best brand for your four-legged friend. We recommend reading plenty of reviews and inquiring with a veterinarian to learn more about the options available to you, so you can make an informed decision for your puppy’s well-being.
Make a Puppy Supply Check-List
Puppies call for a number of supplies. Rather than wait until they arrive home to realize that you forgot something important, we recommend making a puppy supply checklist to ensure you are fully prepared. Your checklist should include the following key items:
- Puppy food
- Food and water bowls
- Puppy-sized leash, collar, and identification tag with your personal contact information
- Puppy-safe chew toys
- A soft puppy bed and blanket
- A crate or kennel
For more information on how to prepare for the arrival of your new puppy, contact your local veterinarian today to learn more.