Caring for puppies is not something that should be taken lightly. As a result of the owner not being fully ready to care for another life, a large percentage of puppies are later abandoned. Typically, the owner later realizes that he doesn’t have enough time, energy, or money to make the commitment.

A way to comprehend what a huge responsibility this is is to think of it as bringing a new baby into your life. He will require constant attention, supervision, care, and love. However, the results are very rewarding even though it’s a lot of hard work at first.

To fully understand what it means to care for a puppy, there are several aspects that you will be responsible for and that you should understand before you make the commitment.

Health

Caring for a puppy means constantly monitoring his health. One of the first things you should do as a new puppy owner is to select a veterinarian and schedule an appointment. Common illnesses can be prevented in your new puppy by receiving certain vaccinations. Worms and fleas can also be a problem for puppies so make sure to discuss this with your vet. Always be on the lookout out for signs that could indicate that your dog is sick. Healthy puppies have smooth skin, a clean coat, and bright eyes.

Sleep/Rest

Caring for a puppy also involves preparing a safe and cozy sleeping place. Make the choice ahead of time as to which room he will sleep in. If you decide to let him stay in your room, you should know that there could be howling, whimpering, and barking as the puppy deals with separation anxiety the first few nights. A good way to ease this transition is to bring his bedding to the breeder or shelter (wherever you receive him) a few days before taking him home to give the puppy a familiar object in your house.

Feeding

You will also be responsible for feeding your puppy each and every meal. If you have other pets, you should be sure that each one has his own set of bowls for water and food. Sharing bowls tends to lead towards territorial conflicts and bullying as each pet tries to assert their dominance over one another.

Also, the quantity of the food that you give him varies over time. Not only do puppies eat much more frequently than older dogs, but they also have extremely different nutritional requirements as well. Therefore, it’s important to select the right type of dog food for each stage in his life. Typically, puppies 6 to 8 weeks old eat four times a day, 12 to 20 weeks old eat three times a day, and 20 weeks and older eat only twice a day.

Play/Exercise

Another aspect of caring for puppies that is very important not to overlook is play time and exercise. Make sure to establish a safe place where your puppy will be allowed to be himself. This may be indoors or outside, but for the first few months of your puppy’s life this area should be a controlled environment. Play with your puppy regularly to promote socialization and healthy development.

Also, make certain appropriately sized toys are purchased for your puppy. If he is small, he should have smaller toys. However, small toys can be a choking hazard for larger breeds. Many different shapes and sizes are offered for most toys such as bones, ropes, stuffed animals, and balls.

Potty Training

Potty training can be one of the most frustrating parts of owning a new puppy, but it’s very important to get right. It may take some time for your puppy to learn where and when to potty. Crate training is highly recommended as something to consider if you’re going to be working during the day.

Grooming/Cleaning

Proper upkeep, such as grooming and cleaning, are an essential part of puppy care. It will encourage healthy development and growth as well as remove unpleasant odors. Most puppies love to be brushed so don’t be afraid to give it a try. It will remove dead hair and keep his coat beautiful. Also, don’t forget about brushing his teeth and gums regularly

Now that you understand what it takes to properly care for a puppy, you might be feeling slightly overwhelmed, but you shouldn’t. Caring for a puppy is only difficult at first. The adjustment is the most difficult part. Once good habits and routines are established, the only thing left to do is make memories together and enjoy the company. Most importantly, to reduce the time it takes to adjust to your new family member, prepare your life for a puppy ahead of time.