Your New Puppy!
The joy of welcoming a puppy to your family is a feeling that is difficult to express in words. A new puppy, as time goes on will eventually become a member of your family and for most people, they become overwhelmed with emotions without considering the logical aspect of having a puppy. Though the experience of having a puppy can forge stronger emotional bonds and even unite families closer, neglecting the overall well-being of your puppy could result in a tragic end. Therefore, before making a decision to get a puppy one has to be informed and consider a number of things.
The costs of owning a puppy
Before considering getting a puppy it is imperative that you be aware of how costly it will be. Making a rash and impulsive decision would be irresponsible. From the moment you get a puppy right until it’s inevitable death you will have to provide for it. The need of a proper diet, a decent shelter for it to live in, getting food and water bowls, a collar and possibly even toys are some of the general expenses you will have. However, other ongoing costs are attributed to services provided by vets such as vaccinations (which is done through-out the life of the pet), providing training and consultations for your puppy, microchipping or even getting insurance for emergency care could be just some of the costs associated with caring for your new pet.
Selecting a puppy
Your vet can advise on the type of puppy might be best for your lifestyle and home. Depending on the gender of the puppy, type of breed and overall needs the puppy will require, your vet can provide advice and detail potential future requirements. You can also take your puppy in to your vet for an examination to ensure it is in good health right from the start. It is important that you look at reputable breeders or rescue centres when wanting to purchase a puppy as opposed to puppy mills or backyard breeders.
Vaccinations
This undoubtably is one of the most important requirements for your puppy. Not only for the fact that it is a mandatory requirement by law in most places but most importantly it will reduce your puppy’s risk when it comes to many infectious and deadly diseases. Puppies carry a lot of risk in contracting disease especially when they are young and have not built-up immunity. As the puppy gets older it will require less vaccinations but at the start, they do require a regime of vaccinations to build up their immunity. They will also require boosters throughout their life.
Microchipping
Should you as a pet owner have fears that your puppy might get lost or even worse stolen, than microchipping provides the best solution to solving such fears. Microchips also act as your pet’s personal identification that will have all your information in regard to your cell number, address or other details as the owner listed in a central database. Imbedding a microchip in your pet is affordable and very beneficial should your pet go missing. Anyone scanning the animal will pick up on the ID and be able to contact you to return your pet. Veterinary clinics, SPCA, animal shelters etc all have scanners to help find lost pets should one be brought to their premise.
Emergency services
In the tragic event that should your pet become injured or suffer any type of illness, your vet has services can help in dealing with any type of illness or injury your puppy will sustain. With the advancements of technology and sophistication in equipment used at vets the health and recovery of your pet is a lot more likely. Fortunately, should you as a pet owner decide to get pet insurance, this will help in easing the financial burden on you if such unfortunate events as illness or injury does occur in the future to your puppy. Choosing a vet that offers emergency services can be very important in the event of your puppy getting injured or ill outside of office hours.
Training and puppy school
In the initial first few months a puppy’s life it will require some sort of training and guidance to help improve the owner and pet bond and create a better adult dog. Puppies would require potty training, teaching of basic commands, socialisation with other dogs and humans, collar and lead training and even travelling in a car. Early training results in far less problems in adult dogs and creates a better bond between the owner and the pet. Puppy school should be considered to help make your puppy more obedient and sociable and a joy to have around.
Parasite control
Your puppy will unavoidably come into contact with fleas and ticks during their lifetime. These parasites are known to be constant issue and will need to be controlled throughout the life of your pet. Some medication for preventing and controlling fleas and ticks can be given orally through the mouth in the form of chewables or pills. Topical treatment on the other hand is applied directly on the body of the puppy in the form of ointments, creams and lotions. Nonetheless this treatment wears off in time and reapplication of the treatment would be needed. Your puppy would also need to be de-wormed regularly to ensure they are free of internal parasites as well.
Nutritional requirements
The variety of food available for puppies is vast, however, at certain ages of the puppy’s life it would require a different nutrition and depending on the breed may require additives. Certain pets may also have to be on specific diets to assist with potential health conditions. Providing your pet with the correct diet will help keep it strong and resistant to illness, increasing the life span and also provide a shiny coat and strong teeth for your puppy.
With the addition of a puppy to your family the onus falls fully on the owner, to take care of your puppy. These loving animals depend on you for their everyday needs and healthcare. Speak to your vet about the regimes needed for a puppy to ensure the best possible life for your new furry pal.