Enter a keyword below to search for articles and products.
Bringing a furry friend home is one of the greatest things you will do. If you are someone who has been longing for a furry companion, you should wait no more... however, only if you are confident that you can take complete care of this four-legged angel. Puppies need love and care, so as their caregivers, you need to help them grow into happy and healthy dogs.
Stay by your pet’s side throughout its growing stage. This is that time of its life where you need to do more than just provide food, love, and fun times; you must understand dog nutrition, follow the vaccination schedule, and potty train your puppy. Sparing some time and energy to provide your pet with basic puppy care can help you build a loving relationship with your pooch. So, let us explore a few things you can look into while nurturing a puppy. This basic puppy care guide will also keep you informed with what to expect in the first few months of being a caregiver.
Wondering what to know about taking care of a puppy? Let us start with the most basic things like puppy proofing your house. That is right. Puppies and babies fall in the same category: delicate and fragile! You need to be careful about their surroundings and make sure that there is nothing hazardous around. Puppies are naturally curious. Make sure they do not encounter things like chemicals, electrical cords, harmful houseplants, valuables, and especially breakables. You also need to get necessary pup supplies like a feeding bowl, collar, leash, and more. Set up a cosy corner for your puppy to rest in!
Choosing the right puppy food is of paramount importance. You must pick out puppy food that is specifically formulated for growing puppies as it needs the right kind of nutrients to grow stronger. So, avoid adult dog food if your pet is still a pup.
Not sure when to make a switch to adult dog food? Well, it totally depends on the breed size. If you have a small or medium breed dog, you can switch to dog food once it turns 9 to 12 months old. If you have a large breed dog, continue feeding puppy food until it turns 12 to 24 months old. Apart from that, make sure your pup always has access to fresh and clean water!
This is what a typical puppy feeding schedule would look like:
At IAMS™, we offer a range of puppy as well as adult dog food that nourishes your furry friend with vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other essential nutrients. Our products are made with premium-quality ingredients to ensure that your dog enjoys every bite of its food.
Taking your furry friend to the vet is the most important part of taking care of a puppy. Your dog’s first visit to the vet will help you learn about your dog’s overall physical health. Vet visits will also keep you informed about the vaccination schedule. In fact, it is recommended to make a list of all questions that you may have. This list should include topics like:
Puppies should meet a variety of different people, dogs, objects, and situations – all in a positive way. The most important time for pups to socialize is between three and 12 weeks of age, however, it should continue throughout a puppy’s development. As pet parents, you can take your pooch to puppy classes as it provides a great opportunity to socialise puppies.
You can get started with potty training from the day one. This will help inculcate basic bathroom manners in your dog and will save you from cleaning the floor every time your pooch excretes. So, pick a bathroom spot outside your house and take your pup to the same place whenever it is potty time. Praise it right after it is done. You can also reward it with treats. However, under no circumstances must a puppy be yelled at since it may ignite fear.
The best way to train is to reward good behaviour and ignore unwanted behaviour. It is never too early to begin training a puppy, but owners must remember that very young puppies become tired or distracted easily so training sessions should be kept to a short duration.
Dogs are prone to losing tooth, bad breath, and periodontal diseases. Moreover, they are good at hiding their dental pain. Hence, owners should introduce some form of oral care for their puppy as early as possible. Consult your vet to ensure that you pick the best dental care option for your pooch.
Amounts of exercise should be controlled for puppies during growth. They should not be forced to exercise beyond the amount of time they would engage in with another puppy of the same age. Moreover, your furry friend must be allowed to rest when they need to. So, instead of offering a one long playtime period, go for two short walks.
Every first-time dog parent must know the following tips to take care of a puppy:
Puppies are full of energy. And they can drive you crazy if their energy isn’t utilized. Hence, make sure that you train and exercise with your baby dog every day. Go for walks, play fetch, and praise it for good behavior. This will condition your puppy to think that good behavior is rewarded.
Dogs do not know how to live in a house. As dog parents, we need to teach them some basic manners. Start by teaching your pet its name and then move on to potty training. Dogs are social beings; hence, do not forget to teach your dog to stay calm and polite in public places.
Bathing your puppy is an important part of good pet care. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pet parent, it's crucial to provide your pup with ample and frequent baths to keep them looking and feeling healthy. More than just for appearances, though, regular baths are essential for maintaining proper hygiene and skin health – like how we need showers! To help ensure your pup looks and feels its best, here are our top tips for bathing your furry friend.
When you get a new puppy, one of the first questions that may come to mind is, 'When can puppies take a bath for the first time?' You shouldn't bathe your puppy until they are around eight weeks old. Even then, the process should be approached with care and gentleness. After their initial bath, you typically only need to do so again when necessary.
Before you start, ensure you have everything you need for your puppy's first bath. This includes a place to bathe your puppy, towels, shampoo and conditioner for long-furred dogs, a brush or comb and a hair dryer with a relaxed setting.
To ensure your puppy is comfortable during the bath:
Once your puppy is comfortable with the water, it's time to wash them.
If it's your first time bathing a puppy, don't fret - we've got you covered with this step-by-step guide.
Determine the right shampoo and conditioner for your pup before even getting them wet. All of this comes down to what type of fur they have. Get professional advice from your vet first to know which products would be best for your puppy.
Pups with short coats need more oil to add moisture, whereas long-coated dogs require moisturizers to maintain coat health.
We recommend bathing puppies as young as eight weeks old so that it becomes a part of their routine. But don't overwhelm them; a puppy's first visit shouldn't include baths. Instead, let this serve as an introduction and show them that there is nothing to be scared of.
Allow the puppy to roam free and get them used to being in a tub by slowly running a brush over their fur. Be sure to give lots of treats, swaddling, and cuddles to make them feel safe.
To get started with the bathing and grooming process, lightly brush or comb their coat to remove any dirt. Also, doing this will help eliminate any knots or tangles in their fur before bathing them.
Get the water to a comfortable temperature; it should be warm but not hot. Puppies have more sensitive skin than we do, so they will feel the heat much faster.
Before you start, lay out everything you will need and ensure no one in the house uses any water while you're bathing the puppy. Sudden temperature changes can be dangerous for puppies; hence, taking precautions is essential.
To avoid skin irritation, forego cleansing products when they are young and use lukewarm water instead. The temperature must be comfortable for your pup, as hot water can harm dogs.
A warm wash rag is all you need to use on a puppy that is three or four-months old. Dogs' body temperatures are higher than ours, so they experience temperature differently than we do.
For puppies older than three or four months, you can bathe them in a bathtub or shower. Handling your puppy can be delicate, especially when it's time for their bath. If you have a particular bathtub or shower specifically for puppies, use that--it'll make things much more manageable. Be sure to place them on a non-slip surface inside the tub or shower, so they don't become overwhelmed and frightened.
It's time to introduce shampoo and conditioner to your puppy once they are at least three months old.
Only purchase shampoos and conditioners for dogs that are pH balanced to avoid health hazards. We recommend plant-based products with no chemical additives to maintain a healthy coat and skin. Also, please don't go for the cheapest product, as it might not be practical or safe.
Before using the puppy shampoo, dilute it with equal water. Apply it all over their body, being mindful to avoid contact with sensitive areas like eyes and ears.
Remember that bathing a puppy is like washing a tiny human baby. They won't be used to the feels and may not take it well at first.
If you want to avoid scratches, use the balls of your fingers and massage the shampoo into the coat -- this will help remove dirt and dust. Plus, your puppy will love it!
Rinse your puppy's fur thoroughly to remove all traces of shampoo after bathing. You should repeat the process a few times for best results.
Keep your dog's skin clean by getting between the folds with baby wipes or a damp cloth to remove all soap. Once you are done, be sure to dry their skin thoroughly.
Gently rub your puppy with a towel to remove the excess water, then place them on the floor in a safe area.
Until they are no longer dripping, you can keep them towel dry. Have someone help you hold onto them or sit down on your knee to ensure they feel secure.
Next, you will want to use a hairdryer on your pup's coat. It's best to use a diffuser to spread the heat evenly, and ensure it's only set on low or cool.
When you use a hairdryer on your puppies, go slow to get them used to the sensation and noise. Avoid blowing air directly into their face or ears. Try to get them as dry as possible, and for long-coated breeds, frequently stop to brush or comb through their coat, so it doesn't get tangled.
Your dog's health is crucial, so you should bathe them once a month. Over time, their skin and fur become oily and dirty from environmental factors and everyday activities. Including baths in your pet care routine will keep them happy and healthy.
For a puppy, it's best to stick with lukewarm water, mild soap, and gentle massages. Remember to follow up with regular brushing, which can help keep their coat soft and shiny. Minimal shampooing is recommended, as bathing too often will lead to dry skin.
These steps should have you on your way to a happy and healthy puppy. With regular baths, you can help ensure your pup is always looking and feeling its best. It may take time for them to get used to it but bathing your puppy can be an enjoyable experience if done correctly. Have fun with it!
