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What to Know When You Bring Your Puppy Home
What to Know When You Bring Your Puppy Home

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Puppy Essential for Welcoming Home a New Puppy

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Bringing home a new puppy is a fun and exciting event for a first-time dog parent. Congratulations! If you have recently brought a cute little puppy home. We know the joy that comes with welcoming a tiny furry pup into your family; however, with a newborn pet comes new responsibilities. And the most important responsibility as a dog parent is being prepared with the right puppy essentials. These essentials will help you ensure that your four-legged angel feels comfortable in its new home. 
 

However, if this is your first time being a pet guardian, you might be nervous about getting the right items for your floof. You might even get overwhelmed with the items that you need to buy for the health and safety of your fur baby. Therefore, you must be prepared with all the essentials well in advance. Since this is your first time, you must also learn basic skills like how to pick up a puppy. After all, you don’t want to make your pooch uncomfortable.
 

How to pick up a puppy?

Puppies are cute and cuddly, which makes it impossible for new pet parents to not have the urge to pick and hold them at every instance. But before you rush to pick up the cuddly fur baby, you need to know how to pick a puppy in the correct way. Since its body is still developing, you must know how to hold your pooch without hurting its body. Given below are a few steps to follow for picking up a new puppy after bringing a puppy home.

  1. Step 1: Puppy’s body is fragile, so gently place one hand under the puppy’s rump, and the other hand under its chest.
  2. Step 2: Lift the pup with both arms. You can use this technique to lift small dogs. For larger dogs, wrap both arms around its legs, draw it to your chest, and lift.

Puppy essentials to get before your dog comes home

Before you bring home your dog, make sure you have all the things needed for the puppy at home. Welcome your little one by keeping the new puppy checklist ready:

  1. Premium pet food: Puppies need food that is specially formulated for their needs. Since these little angels need more calcium, phosphorous, fat, and protein, their foods contain more calories per bite. With IAMS™, you can rest assured that your little pooch receives right nutrients in right quantities for healthy growth and development. Moreover, our range of dog food is made with highest-quality ingredients for better digestibility.
  2. Treats: There are two kinds of treats – healthy treats and training treats. Healthy treats include chews and dental snacks. Training treats are commonly used for teaching puppies to accept commands.
  3. Bedding: Every dog deserves comfortable bedding to snuggle in after a long session of being cute and adorable. Consider the size of your dog when buying a bedding. Also, get cushions and a blanket to keep it cosy and well-rested.
  4. Bowls: Food and water bowls are an important part of the list. Get at least one set of each according to the pup’s size and eating style. Use stainless steel bowls as they neither break easily nor absorb odour.
  5. Puppy crates: Handy crates are great options while travelling or driving with your pup. Get a crate according to the size of your dog. Buying airline-approved crates is better as it makes travelling easy. Its scent in the crate will provide comfort and a sense of security during stressful times.
  6. Clothing: Select the best pair of clothing for the puppy’s first day in its new home. Get a fit jumper to prevent the dog from getting cold. You can get protective clothing for long-haired dogs to keep them dry and clean during winter. Make sure the clothing does not irritate the dog.
  7. Collar and leash: Choose the right collar and leash to help your pup move around freely without any discomfort. Pick an adjustable 'breakaway' collar made with plastic clips that will unsnap in case your puppy gets stuck up on something. Select collars with two fingers of adjustable space to the growing size of your dog. A nylon leash of 6-feet that is around ½ to ¾ inch wide should work well.
  8. Toys: To keep your puppy entertained for long hours, get chew toys, snuggle toys, and puzzle toys. These toys will also keep them mentally active and fresh. Do not get small toys that pose a risk of swallowing or harm.
  9. Poop bags and holder: You wouldn’t want your puppy to take all the blame for roadside poo, right? Using a poop bag and holder for cleaning after the dog has pooped in a public place is a civil duty of every pet parent. Hence, you should get a poop bag and holder to pick up its excrement.
  10. Grooming equipment: Put together a little grooming bag for your dog. Include items like dog shampoo, brushes and combs, nail clippers, dog toothpaste and toothbrush, stain remover etc. for cleaning.
  11. Identification tag: Make cute IDs for your pup that attach to their collar with your information. Mention your pup’s name, your name, your phone number, and your veterinarian’s phone number.
  12. Fencing: Another element that makes to the list of puppy essentials is fences and gates. After all, you don’t want the dog to run or be disturbed. There are several types of fences – privacy fencing, chain link, kennels etc. If you have little children, make sure you get the fencing done to safeguard them from each other.

Things needed for the puppy to feel cosy in the new place

You need to arrange for a few things as your puppy is cosying up at the new place. The following are a few things you can do to make your puppy feel at home in its new abode:

  1. Step 1: On the puppy’s first day at home, make a designated potty area for it. Installing a peeing pad is suggested. If the puppy pees in the right spot, make sure to offer a treat to it. Follow the same steps for potty training.
  2. Step 2: Keep the puppy’s crate and bedding in one specific place. If possible, create this area away from the usual commotion so that the puppy gets to rest in peace without getting distressed at least during the initial days.
  3. Step 3: Allow the fur baby to explore its new home and get familiar with its surroundings. Puppy-proof the house to avoid any possible accidents around sharp corners and slippery floors.
  4. Step 4: Introduce everyone to the new member on the puppy’s first day. Invite it to play without annoying or stressing it. Puppies are ideally very excited and will try to mingle with everyone around. However, if it tries to hide, then allow it some alone time. Offer treats and pet it to try and ease the new fur baby in its new home.

Cozying up new puppy to children

Ideally, take your kids along when adopting a puppy. This way, the children will feel more connected to the newest addition to the family. Once you get the puppy home, it is natural that your kids will want to play with the new family member. However, don't let them play together for longer durations as both puppies and babies need a lot of rest. Limit puppy-children play sessions to a maximum of 15 to 30 minutes twice or thrice a day. However, you should constantly observe them as both kids and puppies need constant guidance for safety.
 

Introducing new puppy to other pets

Puppies are curious and clueless. They need constant observation to avoid accidents and clashes. You need to be vigilant and alert when introducing your new puppy to other pets. It is best to introduce the puppy to other pets once they have settled in the new place. Take the puppy to the senior dogs and allow them to mingle. Do not worry if they sniff or lick each other as it’s a normal way of greeting. However, you might need to intervene if they start biting or barking at each other.
 

Although bringing a puppy home is a joyous occasion, do not forget to get all the puppy essentials to welcome it to its new home. Make a new puppy checklist consisting of all the essential items that you need to get for the fur baby. Food, grooming kit, bedding, and treats are some of the most essential things you need to arrange for the new fur baby. However, along with arranging for materialistic things, you also need to create a safe, secure, and nurturing environment for your dog to grow in.

Frequently asked questions

  1. Why does a puppy need a checklist?
  2. New puppy checklist is important to keep a track of essential items that you should buy before the pup comes home. This checklist covers all important things ranging from food, leashes, crates, and more.

  3. What do puppies need the most?
  4. There are many things needed for a puppy from time to time. Along with nutritious food, rest, and regular training, they also need a secure and enriching environment to grow in.

  5. Where should a puppy sleep on its first night home?
  6. On your puppy’s first night home, it should sleep in a dog crate. Add blankets and cushions to ensure that the crate is cosy.

  • Is Your Dog Panting a Lot? Understanding When It's Normal and When to Worry
    Is Your Dog Panting a Lot? Understanding When It's Normal and When to Worry
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    Is Your Dog Panting a Lot? Understanding When It's Normal and When to Worry

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    We all adore the sight of our furry friends panting, tongues lolling out in playful exhaustion after a spirited game of fetch or on a warm, sunny afternoon. But have you ever stopped to wonder about the deeper meaning behind this seemingly simple act? What does it tell us about our dog's health and well-being?
     

    While we may find dog panting endearing, it serves a far more crucial purpose than just a cute quirk. Panting is an essential element of canine physiology, playing a vital role in regulating body temperature and communicating emotional states. Knowing the different types of dog panting and their underlying causes can be crucial in providing the best care for our beloved companions.
     

    Understanding your dog's panting

    Dogs pant to regulate their body temperature, a mechanism similar to how humans sweat. While some panting is normal, excessive or unusual panting can be a sign of an underlying health issue.
     

    Normal panting:

    • Frequency: At rest, a healthy dog typically takes about 15 to 35 breaths per minute.
    • Intensity: The panting should be shallow and quiet, with minimal tongue lolling.
    • Context: Panting is expected after exercise, play, excitement, or in hot weather.
    • Duration: Once the cause of the panting is addressed (e.g., they cool down or calm down), the panting should subside.

    Concerning panting:

    • Excessive: If your dog is breathing fast i.e., 40 breaths per minute at rest or even when slightly active, it's a red flag.
    • Heavy: When the dog is breathing heavy, the panting is deep and laboured, with pronounced tongue lolling and drooling.
    • Unusual: Panting occurs in situations where it doesn't usually happen, such as when your dog is relaxed in a cool environment.
    • Persistent: The panting doesn't subside despite addressing the possible causes, or it's accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, or loss of appetite.

    Causes of dog panting

    Understanding why your dog pants is crucial for their health and well-being. While we've previously discussed how panting is their primary cooling mechanism, there's more to the story than just regulating body temperature.
     

    Physical reasons for panting

    • Heat regulation: As mentioned, panting helps dogs cool down after exercise, play, or during hot weather. By evaporating moisture from their tongue and respiratory tract, they bring their internal temperature back to a comfortable level.
    • Pain or discomfort: Excessive panting can be a sign of pain or discomfort due to an injury, illness, or other medical condition. Pain elevates heart rate and body temperature, triggering the panting reflex.
    • Respiratory issues: Allergies, asthma, kennel cough, and other respiratory conditions can make it difficult for your dog to breathe, leading to increased panting as they strive for more oxygen.

    Emotional reasons for panting:

    • Excitement: When your dog is excited, their heart rate and breathing increase naturally. This manifests as panting, especially during playtime, greetings, or anticipation of a favourite activity.
    • Stress or anxiety: Dogs experience stress and anxiety in various situations, leading to panting as a coping mechanism. Be aware of other behavioural changes like pacing, drooling, or tail tucking.
    • Fear or phobias: Loud noises, thunderstorms, and unfamiliar environments can trigger fear or phobias, leading to excessive panting, trembling, and attempts to hide.

    What should you do when your dog is breathing heavy?

    Seeing your beloved furry friend struggling to breathe can be a harrowing experience. But before jumping to conclusions, it's important to stay calm and assess the situation. Here's what you can do when your dog is panting heavily:
     

    Analyse the environment:

    • Recent activities: Have they been engaging in strenuous activity like playing fetch, running, or intense exercise?
    • Temperature and climate: Is it a hot day? Are they exposed to direct sunlight?
    • Stressful environment: Are there loud noises, unfamiliar people, or other factors that might be causing anxiety?

    If any of these factors are present, the panting is likely a normal physiological response to regulate their body temperature or manage stress. In this case, simply provide your dog with a cool, quiet space, offer fresh water, and allow them to rest.
     

    Observe your dog's behaviour:

    • Intensity: Is the panting shallow and quiet, or is it deep and laboured?
    • Frequency: How many breaths are they taking per minute?
    • Tongue lolling: Are they lolling their tongue excessively and drooling?
    • Additional symptoms: Are there any other concerning signs like lethargy, vomiting, or loss of appetite?

    Pay close attention to any deviations from their normal breathing patterns. Excessive panting in dogs, especially at rest or in a cool environment, may indicate an underlying medical condition and warrants further investigation.
     

    Provide comfort and hydration:

    • Cool down: Move your dog to a cooler area with shade and good air circulation.
    • Fresh water: Ensure they have access to clean, fresh water at all times.
    • Calm environment: Create a quiet and comfortable space where they can relax without distractions.

    These initial steps can help alleviate panting caused by heat or stress.
     

    When to see a vet for your dog's panting?

    While dogs naturally pant for various reasons, like regulating their body temperature or expressing excitement, excessive or unusual panting can be a sign of an underlying health issue. Knowing when to seek veterinary attention is crucial to ensure your furry friend's well-being.
     

    Here's when you should be concerned about your dog's panting:

    • Accompanying symptoms: If your dog's panting is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing, pale gums, excessive drooling, weakness, or unusual behaviour, prompt veterinary attention is essential.
    • Excessive panting: If your dog's panting is deep, laboured, and accompanied by exaggerated tongue lolling, it could indicate a serious medical condition. Don't delay seeking professional help.
    • Continuous panting: Panting that persists even when your dog is at rest, in a cool environment, or after addressing the initial cause (e.g., exercise, heat) requires veterinary evaluation.
    • Unrelenting panting: If the panting doesn't subside within a reasonable timeframe or even worsens despite your efforts to provide comfort and address environmental factors, it's crucial to seek professional advice.

    Panting is a natural and essential part of a dog's physiology, but it's crucial to differentiate between normal panting and signs of distress. By understanding the reasons behind your dog's panting and knowing when to seek help, you can ensure they live a happy, healthy life.

    Why Do Dogs Pant?
    Why Do Dogs Pant?
    Why Do Dogs Pant?
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