Your Pet's Healthcare Starts at Home

Three Tips To Helping Your New Puppy Thrive In Its New Environment

You would be hard pressed to find a home that has never owned a dog. In fact, about 37% to 47% of households in the United States own at least one dog. Dogs bring many benefits to humans, including providing companionship, they can help keep you calm and relaxed, and help you to be more social. It is no wonder so many homes have a dog nowadays. When you make that decision to bring a dog into your home, there are steps you need to take to ensure your pup remains healthy and happy. Without first doing a little homework, you could end up shortening your puppy's life without even realizing it. 

Get Your Puppy Vaccinated Right Away

The first visit to the veterinarian office to have your puppy vaccinated can be stressful. You are likely to encounter many sick animals that are looking for treatment. Because of this, it is a good idea to bring your puppy in by a pet carrier. This will prevent your puppy from walking on the same surfaces as sick pets so they do not contract illnesses. When you do show up for the appointment, it is important that you have all the puppy's health records. Whether you get the puppy from the breeder or a pet shop, you should be aware of what treatment and shots your puppy has received. 

Be Careful When Bringing in New Pets with Old Pets

If you already have other pets in the home, you want to be very careful about bringing in a new puppy. Without proper planning, you could be bringing your puppy into the lion's den. Even if your dog has a calm demeanor, they can become aggressive when another dog encroaches on their territory. For the first meeting, you want to be careful during interaction between both dogs. It is best to have the first meeting in a neutral territory. This way your older dog does not get protective over their toys and space. 

Don't Skip Veterinarian Wellness Checks

Even if you feel that your new pup is thriving in its environment, they could be dealing with issues with no symptoms. Skipping wellness checks can put your new dog in a real bind. This is a time when the vet should be checking out the pup to see if they weigh normal, measure normal, their behavior is normal, and more. Having an experienced professional check on your puppy can help ensure that your puppy is growing properly. Experts suggest bringing your puppy in every 3 to 4 weeks until the puppy is 16 weeks old. 

For more information about wellness and vaccinations for dogs, contact establishments like Basking Ridge Animal Hospital.


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