How to Care for Your New Puppy
Information on Puppy Vaccines, Food, Care, & Training in Asbury Park, NJ
Becoming the owner of a puppy is a joyous occasion. But, there is a lot you need to know about puppy care. City By The Sea Veterinary Hospital in Asbury Park, NJ is here to provide you with some tips on how to care for your new puppy. We offer puppy vaccines and are happy to help educate you on puppy care and how to take care of your puppy. We’ll provide tips on how to care for your newborn puppy as well as what to look for in puppy food, recommended puppy vaccines, and more. Check out our puppy care guide and get in touch with us to request an appointment or ask any questions you might still have.
How to Care for Your Newest Family Member
It’s certainly exciting to welcome a new puppy into your home. With all the excitement going on, be sure you don’t forget to bring your puppy in for their initial wellness exam. Our experienced veterinarians will examine your puppy and offer guidance related to many areas of their health, including:
- Preventative care
- Vaccinations
- Housetraining
- Breed-specific risks
- Socialization and behavioral training
- Calmness training
- Litter box training
- Dental care
- Pet health insurance
- Safe pet toys and chews
Valuable Resources for Puppy Owners
There’s a lot to consider when choosing and caring for a new puppy. Check out these valuable resources for new puppy owners:
- Choosing and naming your puppy – Once you decide you want a new puppy, it’s time to find the perfect one for you. Examine your lifestyle and what you’re looking for in a puppy. You can choose a big or small dog or a pure or mixed breed. You should also consider the dog’s grooming and exercise needs and temperament. Determine where to look for your new puppy, such as adopting from an animal shelter or seeking out a responsible breeder. It’s advised that you choose a name with a nice ring to it and one that’s not too long. Don’t choose a name that sounds too similar to other words you will teach your dog. If you’re struggling, try selecting a puppy name that describes their personality or appearance.
- Preparing your home – Puppy proofing your home is essential and should not be overlooked. Start by getting a puppy-eye-view of your home. Move any electrical cords, breakable items, or potential toxins out of reach. Remember that puppies can climb, jump, chew, and scratch. Child-safe latches don’t typically work with determined and curious animals. Use durable baby gates or pet gates if you want to keep your puppy out of certain rooms of your home. You should keep them away from the kitchen, and especially the trash can.
- Essential puppy supplies – You should purchase certain supplies before you even bring your new puppy home. A leash and collar with identification are must-haves, as well as food and water bowls and chew toys. Purchase a comfortable dog bed and a crate or kennel. Don’t forget about the expenses of being a dog owner and budget accordingly.
Puppy Vaccinations Available
It’s crucial to help your puppy start off on the right paw. Vaccines are used to protect puppies from illnesses that can potentially be fatal. Similar to human babies, puppies need certain immunizations to help them once their maternal antibodies fade. Pet vaccination has become somewhat controversial due to the general fear of vaccines. The truth is that puppies can die from illnesses prevented by vaccines.City By The Sea Veterinary Hospital’s knowledgeable veterinarians will develop a vaccination schedule for your puppy to ensure they are safe and healthy.
Preventing Diseases in Your New Puppy
There are many preventable diseases that need to be vaccinated against. Your puppy should receive vaccinations, so they don’t get sick with the following:
- Canine parvovirus (Parvo)
- Distemper
- Adenovirus
- Parainfluenza
- Rabies
- Lyme disease
- Bordetella
- Influenza
- Leptospirosis
Choosing the Right Puppy Food
Your puppy needs a well-balanced diet to help them grow and stay healthy. Our veterinarians can recommend a diet based on your puppy’s age, breed, and health conditions. The good news is that you can gradually switch to another dog food if your puppy is not eating the right food. Choose an appropriate food for puppy growth and avoid food for adult dogs or maintenance formulas. A small or medium-sized dog can be weaned off puppy food and start eating adult dog food between nine and 12 months of age. For large breed dogs, stick with puppy food until they are one year old. Puppies should be eating three to four meals a day at six to 16 weeks old. From three to six months, they should eat two or three meals a day, and from six months to one year, they should only be eating two meals a day. Order your puppy’s food from ProPlan Vet and it will be delivered right to your door.
When to Spay or Neuter Your Puppy
Your puppy should be spayed or neutered at a young age. Our veterinarians will discuss when it’s right for your puppy based on their specific breed and condition. We can determine the best time to have your puppy spayed or neutered on a case-by-case basis.
Request Your Puppy Vaccination Appointment
It’s essential to take care of your new puppy. We hope you learned something from our puppy care tips. City By The Sea Veterinary Hospital is here to assist you with puppy care and training at our veterinary clinic in Asbury Park, NJ. We offer complete pet care services, such as vaccines, dentistry, pet microchipping, surgery, and more. Contact our office today to request an appointment.