How to Care for Puppies

With their playful, fun-loving attitude and cute demeanor, it's no wonder puppies are a popular pet choice. But raising a happy and healthy puppy requires lots of work and dedication. Follow these steps to care for puppies and ensure they grow into fit, strong dogs.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Take your puppy to the veterinarian soon after you bring him home for a checkup. He must be checked for parasites, viruses, heartworm and vaccinated against diseases. Bring a stool sample to the appointment. This will help the doctor with tests. Get a flea and heartworm preventative as well.

2. Feed your puppy a high-quality commercial puppy food. Choose one based on his age, size and breed. Feed puppies under 6 months three to four small meals a day. Feed older puppies twice a day. Follow the food guidelines on the bag to determine how much to feed your puppy. Puppy food is designed to deliver the proper balance of nutrition and additives needed for healthy growth.

3. House-train your puppy by letting him outside often (especially after meals and play), using newspaper or puppy pads and positive reinforcement. Some dogs pick up on potty training quicker than others. You must make sure your puppy knows where to relieve himself. Reward him often.

4. Take your puppy to obedience class. Large pet stores like PetSmart and Pet Co. offer puppy training classes and there are reputable dog trainers in almost all cities. Obedience classes teache basic commands like sit, lie down and stay as well as leash training and clicker training.

5. Socialize your puppy to other animals and humans. Handle him often and rub his paws, body and face to make him comfortable with contact (this will help with grooming in the future). Expose him to the other animals in the house and supervise their interaction. If you don't have other animals, consider arranging a play date with a friend. Socialization is very important for dogs.

6. Exercise your puppy regularly and offer plenty of toys for play. Regular exercise reduces boredom and destructive behavior and helps growth and development. Offer toys for your puppy to chew on while teething.

7. Offer a safe place for your puppy to sleep and stay while you are away. An appropriately-sized crate is the best choice. Make it comfortable with blankets or padding and include toys for play.

8. Spay or neuter your puppy. Talk to your veterinarian about the best age for the surgery. Aside from preventing many health problems, altering your pet avoids unwanted pregnancies and helps with some behavioral issues.

Tips & Warnings

• Never leave your puppy unattended in your home unless he is confined. Puppies are naturally curious and can easily get into or ingest hazardous materials or items.

• Do not ignore changes in your puppy's health or behavior. Just like children, they are susceptible to injury and illness, and behavioral changes are often related to health problems. Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect a problem.