A puppy’s adorable clumsiness, sloppy kisses, and boundless energy are just some of the characteristics that makes these bundles of fur so precious. Most pet parents will tell you bringing home a new puppy is one of the greatest experiences. However, it comes with certain challenges, such as ensuring your home is properly “puppy-proofed”. We have listed some safety guidelines below on how to help get you ready to bring home your new addition!
SAFETY RULES AROUND THE HOUSE
Before even bringing home your new puppy it’s a good idea to pet-proof your home. This way you are not scrambling to remove hazardous items away from your pup.
- Secure garbage cans: The things we put into the garbage are often irresistible to puppies. Unfortunately, there is a lot of stuff in our trashcans that can make our pets extremely ill. These include items such as medications, cleaning supplies, glass, to even certain foods known to be toxic to dogs (e.g. chocolate, grapes, coffee, avocados).
- Use baby gates: Baby gates are a great way to section off parts of your house that you do not want your puppy to access. These gates can also help prevent your puppy from taking a stumble down a case of stairs.
- Pickup anything that has been left on the floor: Be sure to remove items such as shoes, books, and children’s toys off the floor. Anything that is left behind will become a chew toy and/or could potentially lead to your puppy choking.
- Remove electrical cords: While you’re picking up items off the floor, do not forget to remove electrical cords that are within your puppy’s reach.
SET YOUR PUPPY UP FOR A GREAT START IN LIFE
- Get your dog microchipped: Ensure your dog is readily identifiable by your neighbors or animal shelters in the instance he or she goes missing. Be sure your dog has a current I.D. tag with the complete contact address and phone number. If you plan on adopting your dog from a shelter the cost of microchipping is usually included in the adoption fee.
- Visit the vet/set up appointment: It is a good idea for your puppy to visit the vet within the first week of bringing him or her home. Your veterinarian can check your pup for any potential health issues (e.g. Kennel Cough, Heartworms, heart defects), as well as for fleas, mites, and ticks.
- Supervise with children: Introducing your new puppy to a child is typically a stressful situation. It is hard to predict how either the child and/or puppy will react to each other. Therefore, it is imperative to keep a close eye on both your child and the puppy. For example, if the puppy is playing with a new toy make sure the child knows not to interact with the dog at that time, as it could cause your dog to become territorial and potentially lead to biting.
- Supplementation: A bone and joint supplement like Boneo Canine is beneficial for puppies throughout their growing phases. This is especially valid for large breeds, since they tend to be predisposed to bone and joint issues. A product that provides comprehensive bone and joint support can be excellent for preventive care. Boneo Canine works by promoting bone remodeling and turnover (for strong bones), as well as supporting the overall joint structure (for comfort).
