As more and more new pooper scoopers emerge, the moment you bring your dog home, your heart is inevitably mixed with a little excitement and anxiety. However, there is no need to worry too much. Simply by mastering the following dog ownership basics, you can easily cope with them and enjoy the good times with your beloved pet.
Acclimatizing your dog to your new home
When you bring your dog home for the first time, many pooper scoopers will be excited and eager to interact with him or her. However, acting too hastily may make the puppy feel uneasy. The right thing to do is to demarcate a small, safe space for your pooch and let it acclimatize slowly. Over time, gradually expand its range of motion and begin potty training it to use the toilet in designated spots. Once your dog is familiar with the new environment, you can have fun together. Remember, it’s extremely crucial to give your dog some time to adjust to his new home.
What to know about vaccinations
Don’t rush into vaccinating your newly arrived puppy. You should observe it for a week to make sure it is healthy and free of abnormalities before visiting a regular vet for vaccinations. Make sure the dog is healthy and not pregnant on the day of vaccination. After vaccination, you need to observe the dog for 30 minutes in the hospital to make sure there is no adverse reaction before taking it home. Puppies may have a short adaptation period after vaccination, during which they may show symptoms such as loss of appetite, lethargy, or unwillingness to be touched, and will usually return to normal after one to three days. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention. Remember not to bathe your dog for a week after vaccination, as they are relatively fragile and susceptible to cold and illness.
Importance of regular deworming
Given that dogs go out for walks every day, regular deworming is essential. The amount of deworming should be adjusted according to the age and weight of the dog. Puppies should be dewormed for the first time when they reach one month of age, after six months of age, and every three months for adult dogs. If raw meat is fed, monthly deworming is required. External deworming should be done according to the season, once a month in summer and once every two months in fall and winter. After deworming, you need to wait for a week before bathing to ensure the effectiveness of deworming.
The right way to walk your dog
When out walking your dog, make sure to wear a leash for your dog; this not only prevents wandering off but also helps to keep your dog under control so that accidents don’t happen. While on a walk, don’t stop your dog from sniffing around. This is their way of exploring the world and helps keep the mood happy and curious about new things. Adjust the length of the walk according to your dog’s size, breed, and age; never make it too long or too short. Try to vary the route of your walks as much as possible; not only will this allow your dog to find their way home if they get lost, but it will also prevent them from becoming bored with a single path. Also, choose the right time to walk your dog based on the weather temperature to keep your beloved pet healthy.
Key points to keep warm in winter
Many pooper scoopers may think that dogs have thick fur and don’t need to worry about keeping them warm. However, the winter cold can be just as tough on dogs. It is advisable to provide your dog with warm blankets or cotton nests indoors, and dress appropriately to keep warm depending on the breed. Increase protein content in the diet to maintain body temperature.
Seek medical attention when abnormalities are detected
When the dog appears abnormal, novice pooper scoopers should take it to the doctor immediately instead of seeking unreliable prescriptions or unauthorized medication on the Internet. Even seasoned pooper scoopers should remain vigilant to their dog’s discomfort symptoms, especially new problems that they have not encountered before. In any case, if symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
The importance of regular cleaning
Dogs need to go outside every day, so keeping them clean is vital. The frequency of bathing is adjusted according to the dog’s activity level and size. Small dogs that do not go out often can be washed once a month, while those that go out often are better off with a wash every half a month. Choose a gentle shampoo for dogs and avoid using human shampoos, as the pH of a dog’s skin is different from that of a human being. After bathing, blow dry in time to prevent colds and skin diseases. In addition, regular cleaning of ear canals, tooth brushing, nail clipping, and eye cleaning are also required. It is also vital to maintain the hygiene of your dog’s living environment.
There is also the fact that dog water bowls tend to harbor bacteria, so they need to be cleaned frequently. Of course it will be relatively easier if you are using PUPPHUB‘s No Spill Dog Bowl. Take for example PUPPHUB’s The Zero Splash Ultra, a water bowl with a purifying filter. Multiple cartridges trap impurities in your water, ensuring that your water stays cleaner for longer. Plus, it’s made of high-quality 304 stainless steel, which is stronger and more resistant to corrosion than plastic.
Dietary guidelines
A dog’s diet needs to be adjusted according to its stage of growth. Soft food is recommended for dogs from weaning to 3 months old, transitioning to dry food for 3 to 6 months old, and increasing the proportion of meat and vitamins for 6 to 8 months old. 8-month- to 1-year-olds should switch to adult food with moderate amounts of fruits and vegetables. 1 to 8 year olds need to have their diets adjusted according to their size, while older dogs over 8 years old need to be supplemented with supplements, fewer meals, and more vitamins.
