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How to Take Care of Puppies
How to Take Care of Puppies

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How to Take Care of Puppies

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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.

  • Bringing your puppy home

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!

  • Feeding your pooch

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: 

  • 6-12 weeks old: Four meals per day 
  • 3-6 months old: Three meals per day 
  • 6-12 months old: Two meals per day 

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.

  • Vet visits and vaccinations

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: 

  • Vaccination schedule 
  • Spaying or neutering 
  • Potty training 
  • Basic obedience training 
  • Any symptoms 
  • Diet and nutrition 
  • Deworming
  • Socialisation

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.

  • Potty training

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.

  • Oral care

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.

  •  Exercise

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.

Frequently asked questions

  1. How to care for a puppy?
  2. Every first-time dog parent must know the following tips to take care of a puppy:

    • Provide complete nutrition
    • Make plenty of water available for your dog
    • Make use of positive training methods
    • Play dog games with your puppy
    • Find a vet that will guide you to take care of a puppy
    • Learn about the puppy vaccination schedule from a vet

  3. How do you handle a small puppy?
  4. 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.

  5. What is the first thing I should teach my puppy?
  6. 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.

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    How To Deworm A Puppy?

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    Deworming is the process of eliminating worms from the body, and it's an essential part of caring for your furry friend. Whether your puppy has already been diagnosed with worms or you simply want to take preventative measures, understanding how to deworm puppies is crucial for their health and well-being.

    But what exactly are worms, and how do puppies get them? Many types of worms can infect dogs, including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. These parasites are usually transmitted through contaminated soil, water, or food, and they can cause serious health problems if left untreated.

    As a responsible pet parent, it's imperative to understand the process of deworming and how to keep your puppy safe and healthy. This blog will cover everything you need to know about deworming puppies, including the symptoms to look out for and the best ways to deworm your furry friend. Whether you are a new puppy parent or just looking to refresh your knowledge, this blog will provide the information you need to keep your pawfect pal worm-free.

    Uncovering 4 must-knows for successfully deworming your puppy

    Deworming your new pup is an indispensable part of adopting a dog. However, navigating the various deworming options and methods can be overwhelming. Here, we will uncover 4 must-knows to successfully deworming your puppy, including how often your puppy needs to be dewormed, the most effective treatment methods, and the importance of prevention. By understanding these key factors, you can ensure that your puppy remains happy and healthy, free from the discomfort and potential health risks caused by worms.

     1. Keep your puppy healthy and happy with regular deworming

    It's important to understand the importance of deworming your furry friend. This helps prevent the spread of worms and parasites, which can harm their health. Puppies need to be dewormed often due to their small size and underdeveloped immune systems.

    According to experts, puppies should be dewormed every 2 weeks until 3 months of age and then every month until they are 6 months old. This helps to ensure that the worms are effectively eliminated from their system. It's also important to deworm pregnant dogs as they can pass worms on to their puppies in utero.

    Along with deworming at regular intervals, good hygiene is essential to guarding against the spread of worms. Make sure you wash your hands after touching or playing with your puppy and clean up their waste immediately.

    Overall, deworming is a crucial part of keeping your puppy healthy. Following a regular puppy deworming schedule and practising good hygiene can help protect your furry friend from harmful parasites.

     2. Different types of worms that may affect your puppy - even if you can't see them

    Several worms can infect puppies, including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. These worms can cause various symptoms in puppies, including diarrhoea, vomiting, weight loss, and anaemia. It is important to deworm puppies regularly to prevent these worms from causing serious health problems.

    Even if worms are not visible on your puppy, it does not mean they are not present. Some worms, such as tapeworms, can be challenging to detect because they are small and often pass through the stool in small pieces. Additionally, some worms can be present in the intestine without causing visible symptoms. Hence, follow a regular puppy deworming schedule and ensure that this four-legged angel is protected against these worms.

     3. Understanding the signs and symptoms of worm infections in puppies

    Worms in puppies can have many symptoms that can be difficult to spot, especially in young and small dogs. Common symptoms of worms in puppies include:

    • Diarrhoea or loose stools: This can be caused by worms disrupting the digestive system and causing irritation.
    • Weight loss: Worms can take nutrients from the puppy's body, causing them to lose weight.
    • Anaemia: Some worms, such as hookworms, can cause anaemia in puppies by sucking their blood. This can lead to pale gums and lethargy.
    • Vomiting: Worms can irritate the stomach and intestines, leading to vomiting.
    • Lack of energy: Worms can drain a puppy's energy, causing them to become inactive.

    Deworming is especially important for puppies born to mothers who have worms, as they can be infected even before their birth. Following a proper deworming schedule and keeping an eye out for these symptoms can help keep your puppy healthy and happy. If you suspect your puppy has worms, it's important to take them to a veterinarian for treatment.

     4. How to deworm a puppy through effective treatment methods

    Worms are a common problem in puppies and can cause serious health issues if left untreated. The most common types of worms affecting puppies include roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Symptoms of a worm infestation may include vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, and a pot-bellied appearance.

    The good news is that worms are easily preventable and treatable in puppies. It's important to get your puppy on a regular deworming schedule, as recommended by your veterinarian. This will typically involve giving your puppy a deworming medication every few weeks until they reach a certain age. In addition, keeping your puppy's environment clean and preventing them from ingesting potentially contaminated objects can help prevent worms.

    Suppose your puppy does end up with worms. In that case, your veterinarian will likely prescribe a deworming medication that can be given orally or through injection. It's important to follow the recommended treatment plan and continue the treatment for the entire prescribed course to ensure all the worms are eliminated.

    Overall, it's important to be proactive in preventing and treating worms in puppies.


    If you're looking for the perfect dog for you, try our Dog Breed Selector today and enjoy a lifetime of tail-wagging joy.

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