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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.

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    Rabies in Puppies: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

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    Rabies is one of the most serious health risks every pet parent must be aware of. In puppies primarily, this disease can manifest itself in particularly severe forms and often goes undiagnosed until it has already progressed to its later stages. Understanding the signs and symptoms of rabies in puppies can help you act as quickly as possible if your beloved pup ever becomes infected with this potentially fatal virus. Please continue reading to learn more about what rabies is, how it presents itself on a physical level, and which treatments may help save the lives of affected puppies.

    What is rabies?

    Rabies is a viral infection that affects the nervous system of animals, including humans. It is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite or scratch. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle spasms, and paralysis. If left untreated, it can lead to coma and death. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent rabies.

    Do puppies have rabies?

    Puppies can contract rabies just like any other animal, but they are generally not at high risk for it unless they are exposed to a rabid animal or live in an area where rabies is prevalent.

    How to identify the symptoms of rabies in puppies?

    It is important to be aware of the signs of rabies in puppies so that you can take the necessary steps to protect your furry friend from this lethal virus. Some of the most common symptoms of rabies in puppies include:

    1. Changes in behaviour, such as aggression or unusual shyness

    These behavioural changes are often the first sign that rabies may be present in a puppy. Caregivers should watch for any aggressive behaviours or if their normally outgoing puppy appears withdrawn or unusually timid.

    1. Loss of appetite and thirst

    Suppose a puppy begins to lose its appetite or has trouble drinking water. In that case, this can indicate that it is infected with rabies.

    1. Disorientation and stumbling

    Rabies can make a puppy appear disoriented and cause them to stumble when they walk.

    1. Loss of muscle control and paralysis

    A puppy infected with rabies may have difficulty controlling its muscles and suffer from paralysis in some areas of the body.

    1. Foaming at the mouth and drooling

    This is one of the more noticeable signs of rabies in puppies and is caused by the virus paralyzing the muscles controlling swallowing.

    1. Changes in the tone of the bark or growl

    Puppies infected with rabies may make different sounds when barking or growling, such as a higher-pitched tone or a more strained voice quality.

    1.  Hydrophobia (fear of water)

    Puppies with rabies may be overly fearful of water, even if they usually enjoy swimming or walking by the river.

    1.  Tremors and seizures

    Rabies can cause violent tremors and seizures, which can indicate the virus.

    1.  Respiratory difficulty and choking sensations

    A puppy infected with rabies may have difficulty breathing as well as experience a choking sensation.

    1.  Progressive deterioration of the nervous system leading to death

    Rabies is a fatal virus that can cause the nervous system's deterioration, leading to death in some cases.

    Pet owners must be aware of these signs of rabies in puppies, so they can seek immediate medical attention if their pet shows any of the symptoms listed above.

    Potential causes of rabies in puppies

    Several factors can contribute to rabies in puppies, such as:

    1. Bites from infected animals

    Rabies is a viral infection that can be transmitted through the bite of an infected animal such as a bat, raccoon, skunk, or fox. Scratches from an infected animal too can cause rabies.

    1. Contact with infected saliva

    Rabies can also be transmitted through contact with an infected animal's saliva such as through a lick from an infected animal.

    1.  Congenital transmission

    Occasionally, rabies can be transmitted from an infected mother to her puppies before or during birth.

    1.  Unvaccinated puppies

    Puppies that have not been vaccinated against rabies are at higher risk of contracting the disease.

    1.  Unsanitary conditions

    Poorly maintained or unsanitary living conditions can increase the risk of puppies contracting rabies.

    Prevention against rabies in puppies

    It is essential to get your puppy vaccinated against rabies as soon as possible. This disease can be fatal if not treated promptly and can also be transmitted to humans.

    To prevent rabies, your puppy should receive a series of vaccinations at the following ages:

    • First vaccine: At 12-16 weeks of age
    • Second vaccine: At 1 year of age
    • Boosters: Every 1-3 years after that

    It is also important to keep your puppy up to date on all other vaccinations, including those for distemper, parvovirus, and hepatitis.

    Before vaccinating your puppy, check with your veterinarian to determine the best vaccination schedule. Your veterinarian will also be able to provide you with more information on the risks and benefits of vaccination.

    While vaccination is the ultimate prevention for your puppy, here are a few additional steps you can take to keep rabies at bay:

    1. Keep puppies away from wild animals

    Rabies can be transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals. Therefore, it is important to keep puppies away from wild animals, especially stray dogs and cats.

    1. Use a leash when taking your pup out for a walk

    This will help prevent them from coming into contact with wild animals and other dogs infected with rabies.

    1. Regularly check puppies for signs of rabies

    Symptoms of rabies in puppies include lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, and changes in behaviour. If any of these symptoms are observed, it is crucial to contact a veterinarian immediately for further evaluation and treatment.

    1. Keep puppies indoors

    This will prevent them from coming into contact with wild animals and other dogs infected with rabies. If you must take puppies outside, supervise them closely and keep them on a leash.

    Is it possible that your puppy has rabies?

    Although rare, the possibility is real. To protect against this potentially fatal virus and quell any worries you may have, get your furry friend vaccinated with a rabies shot as soon as possible! If you are still concerned about their health after the vaccine, don't hesitate to consult a trusted veterinarian for advice.

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