#Puppy care

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How Long Can You Leave a Dog Alone?

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10 First-Time Dog Owner Mistakes and How To Avoid Them

The love between a dog and their owner is extraordinary; there’s nothing else like it. Having the opportunity to experience this unconditional love is one of the many reasons why getting a dog for the first time is so exciting.

However, between the cuddles, kisses, and games of fetch, owning a dog is a huge responsibility. Whether you’re bringing a new puppy or an adult dog into your family, it’s up to you to make sure your canine companion is happy, healthy, and safe.

So if you’re a first-time dog owner – or just want to brush up on your knowledge – you’ve come to the right place. Here are 10 common first-time dog owner mistakes and tips for avoiding them.

1. Getting a dog before you’re ready

If you’re thinking about getting a dog, it can be easy to act too quickly – and run down to the nearest animal shelter or start researching reputable breeders. Dog ownership is a big responsibility and a long-term commitment. There are a variety of things to consider before deciding whether you’re ready to get a dog, especially if you’re a first-time owner, such as:

Time: Do you have enough time in your schedule to spend training, walking, and caring for a dog?

Lifestyle: Is your lifestyle suitable for a canine addition? Are you willing to change your schedule for a new puppy or dog?

Living space: Will a dog fit in with your living space? Do you have other family members or pets who may be affected by adding a dog to your household?

Cost: Can you afford to get a dog? Think about the costs of dog food, treats, toys, vaccinations, vet checkups, grooming, and other possible expenses.

Type of dog: Do you know which kind of dog is right for you? Are you looking for a purebred or a mixed breed dog? Do you know what kind of dog may work best with your lifestyle, activity level, and personality?

Considering questions like these can help prevent you from making an early mistake – getting a dog before you’re ready – and prepare you for the full scope of dog ownership.

2. Not creating a plan for house training

If you get an older dog, you may not have to worry as much about house training, but new puppy owners and those who adopt younger dogs will need a plan for potty training.

If you neglect this crucial training early in your dog’s life, the more likely your pup is to have accidents in the house, and the more difficult it will be for you to leave, even for short periods of time. It can be helpful to create a potty training plan even before you bring your new dog home and get all family members on board.

When you do bring your new puppy or dog home, you’ll want to make sure they have an established place to go to the bathroom, you take them out for regular potty breaks, and use positive reinforcement for good behavior.

If you decide to crate train your puppy, the crate can be a useful tool for house training. Crates or kennels take advantage of the “denning instinct,” meaning dogs are more likely to use the bathroom away from where they eat and sleep. Crate training also gives your canine companion a safe space to call their own.

3. Not properly socializing your dog

Early socialization for a puppy or a new dog is important to creating a healthy and well-behaved companion. If your dog is well-socialized early in life, the less likely they are to become anxious or scared in unfamiliar situations or develop aggressive behaviors as adults.

As a new dog owner, you’ll want to socialize your pup with different sights, sounds, places, people, and experiences. If you have a new puppy, socialization is particularly critical, especially within the first three months. During this time, you’ll want to introduce them to as many new positive experiences as you can – and keep reinforcing those experiences as your pup grows.

You can try activities like walking down the street, visiting a pet store, playing with new dog toys, arranging a puppy playdate, going to the dog park, and more. Of course, before you interact with other dogs, you’ll want to make sure your puppy or dog has received all of their required vaccinations to keep everyone safe.

4. Skipping basic obedience training

As a first-time dog owner, it may be easy to get overwhelmed by all the fun and excitement of having a new doggy best friend and skip out when it comes to laying down the rules. All canines, however, can benefit from basic dog training. And while some dogs may need more training than others, it’s important that you work through the basics with your new pup.

Basic dog training, like socialization exercises and leash training, will help you create a routine and reward good behavior. Teaching your dog basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” can help your dog become a well-mannered companion in all types of environments, as well as keep them safe in unfamiliar situations.

So, whether you decide to teach your dog at home, get private lessons from a dog trainer, or find dog training classes near you, you’ll want to make sure you invest in the basics – at a minimum. If your pooch has an apt for training, you might take things to the next level and get involved in tricks or dog sports.

5. Overfeeding

As a new pet parent or even as an experienced one, it is possible to think that giving your furry friend a few table scraps or extra treats won't hurt them. However, pet obesity is a prevalent issue that should not be overlooked. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 56% of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese. Therefore, it is essential to be mindful of your pet's diet to ensure that they maintain a healthy weight.

And even just a little extra weight can cause a variety of health problems for dogs. Excess weight can lower a dog’s life expectancy and make it more difficult to manage common health issues, such as joint pain, injuries, and arthritis, as they age.

Conversely, keeping your dog at a healthy weight can help lower their risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, respiratory disease, kidney disease, and some forms of cancer.

The best thing you can do for your dog’s long-term well-being, therefore, is to feed them a balanced diet with high-quality ingredients. You’ll want to avoid any excess treats or table scraps and make sure they’re getting enough exercise. If your dog already has a weight problem, you can consult your veterinarian for advice on the safest and most effective way to shed the pounds.

6. Forgetting regular vet visits

You’ve remembered the key visits to the veterinarian as a new pet owner – your dog has all their core vaccinations and they’ve been in for spaying or neutering. So, once that annual checkup reminder arrives, it may be all too easy to forget the appointment.

Although your dog might prefer to skip the appointment too, taking your pup for regular vet appointments is one of the most important parts of their preventative care. When you take your dog for an annual checkup, your vet performs a physical exam – checking their vitals, weight, teeth, lungs, heart – and running any tests they think might be necessary. If something is cause for concern, your vet can address it and suggest options for treatment.

During these visits, your vet will also give your dog any vaccine boosters (which your pup might need more frequently for doggy daycare or boarding), as well as discuss prevention for things like heartworm, fleas, ticks, and other parasites. If you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s health, you can talk to your veterinarian about them at these visits.

As your canine companion gets older, these visits will become even more important, especially if they develop any health issues. Your dog may not love the trip, but these regular vet checkups will help them stay healthy – ultimately, allowing them to spend more time with you.

7. Not getting enough exercise

Dogs have different energy levels and activity needs, but each pup will need some form of regular exercise. If your dog doesn’t get regular exercise – both physically and mentally – the more likely they are to develop both weight and behavioral issues.

As you might expect, a dog that isn’t getting enough exercise is more likely to gain weight, but they also may take out their extra energy in other ways, such as chewing, barking, or other destructive behaviors.

In general, your dog should get a minimum of 30 minutes of vigorous exercise every day, which might include activities like walking, running, swimming, or playing fetch. Some dog breeds, of course, have higher energy levels and activity needs, whereas others are more low-maintenance.

It’s helpful to understand the exercise requirements of your kind of dog to make sure they’re getting the time they need. Labrador Retrievers, for example, are high-energy and playful dogs that are easily trainable. These dogs are also prone to obesity, however, making exercise even more important.

And don’t forget about mental exercise too – playtime and training practice can help dogs work their minds and release some energy as well.

8. Overlooking behavioral issues

As pet parents, we all want to see the best in our pups – and sometimes, love can make us a little blind. But after a neighbor complains again and again about your dog’s barking, it becomes harder to tell yourself, “Oh, my dog wouldn’t do that.”

There are a variety of reasons as to why your dog may develop or display certain behavior issues. Your dog may be trying to communicate that they’re anxious or upset. They might have an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed by your veterinarian. Your pup may have experienced a change in their environment or routine that is causing them to act out.

Whatever the reason, it’s important to recognize what’s going on and work to get it resolved. Common behavior issues, such as separation anxiety, barking, or chewing, can often be addressed with specific training strategies. Some other issues, like growling, biting, or other aggressive behavior might require working with a professional dog trainer.

In any case, if you’re not sure what’s causing your dog’s change in behavior or you’re having trouble dealing with a particular problem, it can be helpful to consult with your veterinarian or a professional trainer for advice.

9. Not getting your dog comfortable with grooming

They may seem like easy enough tasks – giving a dog a bath, brushing their coat, trimming their nails, brushing their teeth – these are all things that help our pups look and feel their best. Grooming is also an essential part of pet care.

If your dog’s nails grow too long and aren’t trimmed, they can cause health and mobility issues. Similarly, if your dog’s teeth aren’t regularly brushed, they’re more likely to develop dental disease. And of course, depending on the type of coat your dog has, regular brushing helps remove dead hair and prevents matting.

Getting your dog to cooperate with all of these grooming processes, however, is not always as simple as you might think – especially if they’re already anxious in unfamiliar situations or environments. This is why getting your dog comfortable with grooming early in life, whether with you at home or with a professional groomer, is so important.

How do you go about this process? Just like introducing your dog to other unfamiliar situations, it’s best to start slowly and with lots of positive reinforcement.

10. Not preparing for emergencies

No pet owner likes to think about the unexpected, but sometimes, emergencies happen. The best thing anyone can do – especially if you’re a first-time dog owner – is to be prepared.

One way to prepare for emergencies is to get your dog microchipped. With a microchip, you have a way to find your dog using radio waves in the device if your pup ever gets lost. Even if you don’t plan on letting your dog go off-leash, or you have a fenced-in yard, this simple and safe procedure can help you find your dog if they get lost.

Another thing you can do is to prepare an emergency kit. In your emergency kit, you should include anything that you would need for your dog in case you needed to evacuate or leave your home immediately. The kit might include dog food, a dog bed, a water bowl, some toys, a blanket or towel, an extra leash, dog bags, any medications, and information about local emergency response centers.

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Essential Puppy Health Care Tips for First-Time Pet Owners

Welcome to the world of puppy parenthood! Bringing home a new puppy is a joyous occasion filled with love, laughter, and, of course, a bit of chaos. As a first-time pet owner, you might be wondering how to take care of a puppy and ensure they grow up healthy and happy. At Perky Paws Pet Hospital, we’re here to guide you through every step of your puppy's health care journey

Preparing Your Home for a Puppy

Creating a Safe Space

Before your puppy arrives, create a safe and comfortable space for them. This area should be free of hazards, such as electrical cords and small objects they could swallow. A cozy bed, some toys, and a water bowl will make your puppy feel at home.

Essential Supplies

Stock up on essential supplies like puppy food, a collar, a leash, grooming tools, and puppy pads. Having everything ready will make the transition smoother for both you and your new furry friend.

Puppy-Proofing Your Home

Just like baby-proofing, puppy-proofing is crucial. Keep harmful substances like cleaning products and medications out of reach. Ensure your puppy can't access areas where they might get stuck or hurt.

Understanding Puppy Health Care

Initial Vet Visits

One of the first steps in puppy care is scheduling an initial vet visit. At Perky Paws Pet Hospital, we’ll conduct a thorough health check to ensure your puppy is in good shape. This visit is also an excellent opportunity to discuss any concerns you might have.

Vaccination Schedule

Vaccinations are vital for protecting your puppy from various diseases. Your vet will provide a vaccination schedule, which typically starts at six to eight weeks of age. Sticking to this schedule is crucial for your puppy’s health.

Preventative Care

Preventative care includes regular check-ups, parasite control, and dental care. These measures help detect potential issues early and keep your puppy healthy.

Nutrition and Feeding

Choosing the Right Food

Puppies have specific nutritional needs. Choose high-quality puppy food that provides balanced nutrition. Your vet can recommend the best options based on your puppy’s breed and size.

Establishing a Feeding Schedule

Consistency is key. Establish a regular feeding schedule to help your puppy develop good eating habits. Typically, puppies need to eat three to four times a day.

Avoiding Harmful Foods

Certain foods, like chocolate, grapes, and onions, are toxic to dogs. Make sure you know which foods to avoid and keep them out of your puppy’s reach.

Puppy Hygiene and Grooming

Bathing Basics

Bathing your puppy regularly keeps their coat clean and healthy. Use a gentle, puppy-specific shampoo and make bath time a positive experience.

Brushing and Coat Care

Regular brushing prevents matting and reduces shedding. It’s also a great bonding activity and helps you check for any skin issues.

Nail Trimming

Keep your puppy’s nails trimmed to avoid discomfort and potential injuries. If you’re unsure how to do it, ask your vet or groomer for a demonstration.

Exercise and Playtime

Importance of Physical Activity

Puppies are full of energy! Regular exercise helps them stay fit and healthy. Short walks and play sessions are perfect for burning off that puppy energy.

Safe Toys and Activities

Provide a variety of safe toys to keep your puppy entertained and mentally stimulated. Interactive toys and puzzles are great for preventing boredom.

Socialization with Other Pets

Socializing your puppy with other dogs and pets is crucial. It helps them develop good behavior and reduces fear and aggression. Start with controlled, positive encounters.

Basic Puppy Training and Behavior

Housebreaking Tips

Housebreaking requires patience and consistency. Take your puppy outside frequently, especially after meals and naps. Praise and reward them for going potty outside.

Basic Commands

Teaching basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” helps manage your puppy’s behavior. Use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior.

Positive Reinforcement Techniques

Reward-based training builds a strong bond between you and your puppy. Use treats, praise, and playtime as rewards for good behavior.

Monitoring Your Puppy’s Health

Recognizing Signs of Illness

Be vigilant about any changes in your puppy’s behavior or appearance. Symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea require prompt veterinary attention.

Regular Health Checks

Regular check-ups at Perky Paws Pet Hospital ensure your puppy stays healthy. These visits allow early detection and treatment of potential health issues.

Importance of Dental Care

Good dental hygiene is vital for your puppy’s overall health. Brush their teeth regularly and provide dental chews to keep their teeth clean and strong.

Conclusion

Taking care of a puppy involves a lot of love, patience, and dedication. By following these essential puppy care tips, you’ll set your furry friend up for a healthy and happy life. Remember, Perky Paws Pet Hospital in McKinney is here to support you every step of the way. Schedule regular check-ups and stay proactive about your puppy’s health.

[puppyexpressions]

Puppies And Exercise: How Much Is Too Much?

I’m often asked, “Is there such a thing as TOO much exercise for a puppy?” I feel that as long as you are careful and attentive to your puppy, the puppy is the best one to tell you what too much exercise is. Puppies often do not have enough muscle tone to take long runs, but there are always exceptions. Most puppies will tell you when they have hit their limit, and it is vital to resist pushing them beyond this point.

Some Things to Be Cautious About

Dangers of Over-Exercising Puppies

Your puppy is growing just like a human child, and its bones need time to mature. Over-exercising them during the puppy phase could damage growth plates, leading to conditions such as early-onset arthritis or hip dysplasia. If you are too hot, assume your puppy is hot. Provide water to your puppy, or try to run in a cooler area to avoid overheating.

Be Consistent with Exercising Puppy

The weekend marathon after a week of couch potato life is very hard on the joints. Just like humans, daily exercise is essential for puppies, and they need physical activity to stay healthy and help them grow strong muscles and bones.

Be Cautious with Your Puppy's Feet

Running on cement (especially hot cement) can cause sloughing of the foot pads, so try to have breaks on softer surfaces or at least work your puppy up to the harder surfaces to give them a chance to form the necessary calluses.

Be Aware of Your Puppy's Limits

Until you understand your puppy’s stamina, be sure that you can stop when your puppy starts to lag. That means taking the short route five times instead of the long way once. If you feel that the furry friend cannot go as far as he should, consult a vet to see if there is a health reason for the intolerance.

How Much Exercise Is Appropriate for Puppies?

Watch for any signs that they’re tired, like barely moving or walking at slower speeds than usual. It is essential to regulate your puppy’s activity level from the start. You can do this by ensuring they’re not over-exercised or taxed in any way, leading them towards joint damage later on down the road. Puppies are naturally excited and rarely show signs of fatigue, so you must be giving them plenty of rest time.

Breed Type

If you have a breed that’s at risk for joint conditions such as hip dysplasia, it is important to exercise them wisely and sensibly. Discourage them from jumping up and skidding because it puts a lot of strain on the puppy’s joints.

Breed Size

Make sure you know roughly how long your pup will be growing before they reach their full size because until then, their joints and growth plates risk damage if given too much exercise! Most dogs are fully developed by one year, but larger breeds such as Greyhounds and Great Danes may take 18 months to two years before they reach full size.

Examples of Exercises for Puppies

If you want your puppy to be healthy and happy, they need to have not only good physical fitness but also mental health. Here are some examples of ways to get your furry friend moving.

Walks

Walks are an excellent way for you and your pup to get some exercise, but puppies must be fully vaccinated before starting. Walking with your puppy allows them to explore their surroundings, smells, and sounds. When building their walking stamina, always take it easy on the pup and stop if they begin to lag. Make sure that they have enough energy left to make it home.

Mental Exercise

Just as a dog needs to exercise its body, it also requires mental stimulation. Snuffle mats, and puzzle feeders are a great way to stimulate your pup mentally and keep them occupied.

Play!

The best way to keep your pup happy and healthy is by playing with them inside and out! Remember that they need plenty of rest, so don’t overdo it. Wrestling, romping, chasing, and tugging are all engaging ways to play with your pup.

Train

Keeping your pup’s mind active and stimulated is vital to stay happy. Teaching your furry friend some basic commands will keep their brains working and give you something new that the two of you can explore! Keep training sessions short and allow time for plenty of rest.

Run, Run, Run

It’s perfectly fine to allow your puppy to run freely around your home at their own pace. However, they should not go on a run with you since their bones are still developing

How to Safely Exercise a Puppy Before Fully Vaccinated

Keeping your puppy vaccinated and off the ground in public places is important – here are some tips for keeping them occupied while you wait.

Use a puzzle feeder or a feeder toy.

Play at home, either indoors or outdoors.

Invite a small group of friends to come interact with your puppy at your home.

When in public places, carry them.

Begin teaching and training basic commands.

Have doggy playdates at your home with pups that are fully vaccinated.

Introduce your puppy to the car and get them used to riding in a travel cage or wearing a seatbelt.

Puppy Exercise Safety Tips

Keeping your puppy vaccinated and off the ground in public places is important – here are some tips for keeping them occupied while you wait.

Walks should be short (taking multiple breaks) and avoid hikes, running, and cycling until they are fully grown.

Jumps, twists, and skids are high-impact exercises that can cause joint strain, so limit these actions

Teach your puppy how to walk on a leash.

Allow the puppy to rest and keep exercise sessions short.

To protect their joints, cover slippery surfaces in your home.

Increase the length of the walk gradually.

Aim for three exercise sessions per day. One can be a game of hide-and-seek in the house, and the other can be short walks.

When to Contact Your Veterinarian

If you are concerned about your puppy’s health and fitness level or notice lameness, we recommend reaching out to your vet. The doctor will examine your puppy to determine joint issues. You could be exercising your pup too much and need to rest more.

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Grooming Tips & Tricks

Our Next Blog post is being worked on for you celeb animal parents. Photos, & videos are being created, and not to mention answers will be answered. Can’t wait to share. 

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New Blog Post: The Ultimate Puppy Schedule Guide!

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What You'll Learn:

The importance of a structured daily routine.

Detailed schedules for feeding, potty breaks, exercise, and training.

Tips for adjusting the schedule as your puppy grows.

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How do you manage your puppy's schedule? Share your tips in the comments!

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How to Feed a Puppy Without Eating Much and Sleeping a Lot

Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time, but it also comes with responsibilities, including ensuring proper nutrition and adequate rest. Finding the right balance between feeding your puppy without overindulging them and ensuring they get enough sleep can be a challenge for new pet owners.

However, with the right approach and understanding, you can help your puppy thrive while avoiding enough eating and sleeping. In this article, we'll explore ten tips to help you navigate the world of puppy nutrition and sleep.

Choosing the Right Food for Your Puppy

Before diving into feeding schedules and portion sizes, it's essential to select the right food for your puppy. Look for high-quality puppy food that is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of growing dogs. Avoid foods with fillers and artificial additives, and opt for options that list meat as the primary ingredient.

Meal Frequency and Portion Control

Puppies have small stomachs and high energy levels, which means they may need to eat more frequently than adult dogs. A general guideline is to feed your puppy three to four times a day, dividing their daily portion into smaller meals. Be mindful of portion sizes, as overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health issues later in life.

Avoiding Overfeeding It can be tempting to shower your puppy with treats and extra food, but overfeeding can have serious consequences for their health. Keep an eye on your puppy's body condition and adjust their portions accordingly. Signs of overfeeding include rapid weight gain, lethargy, and digestive upset.

Incorporating Nutrient-Rich Foods A balanced diet is essential for your puppy's growth and development. Ensure their food provides a mix of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Consider supplementing their diet with fresh fruits and vegetables as healthy treats to provide additional nutrients.

Ensuring Adequate Water Intake In addition to food, water is vital for your puppy's health and well-being. Make sure fresh, clean water is always available to them, especially during and after meals and playtime. Encourage your puppy to drink regularly to prevent dehydration.

Establishing a Feeding Schedule Consistency is key when it comes to feeding your puppy. Establish a regular feeding schedule and stick to it as much as possible. This helps regulate their metabolism and digestive system, making meal times predictable for both you and your puppy.

Promoting Healthy Sleep Habits Puppies need plenty of sleep to support their growth and development. Create a comfortable and quiet sleeping environment for your puppy, free from distractions and disturbances. Establish a bedtime routine to signal to your puppy that it's time to wind down and rest.

Regular Exercise While puppies may seem to sleep a lot, they also need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Incorporate playtime and walks into your puppy's daily routine to help burn off excess energy and prevent boredom.

Monitoring Growth and Development Keep track of your puppy's growth and development by regularly weighing them and monitoring their overall health. Consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your puppy's growth rate or dietary needs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid Avoid common pitfalls such as feeding table scraps, overindulging in treats, and neglecting to adjust feeding schedules as your puppy grows. Stick to a balanced diet and routine to promote optimal health and well-being.

Consulting a Veterinarian If you're unsure about your puppy's nutritional needs or feeding habits, don't hesitate to seek guidance from a veterinarian. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your puppy's breed, age, and health status.

Addressing Specific Dietary Needs Some puppies may have specific dietary needs or restrictions due to health conditions or breed predispositions. Work with your veterinarian to develop a feeding plan tailored to your puppy's individual requirements.

Introducing New Foods Gradually When transitioning your puppy to adult dog food or introducing new foods into their diet, do so gradually to avoid digestive upset. Mix small amounts of the new food with their current diet and gradually increase the proportion over several days.

Conclusion

Feeding your puppy without overindulging them and ensuring they get enough sleep are essential aspects of responsible pet ownership. By following these tips, you can provide your puppy with the nutrition and rest they need to thrive and grow into healthy adult dogs.

FAQs:

How much should I feed my puppy? The amount of food your puppy needs depends on factors like their age, size, breed, and activity level. It's best to follow the feeding guidelines provided on the puppy food packaging or consult your veterinarian for personalized recommendations.

What are the signs of overfeeding in puppies? Signs of overfeeding in puppies include rapid weight gain, lethargy, digestive upset (such as diarrhea or vomiting), and an overall unhealthy appearance.

Can I give my puppy human food as treats? While some human foods are safe for dogs in moderation, others can be harmful. It's essential to research which human foods are safe for puppies and avoid those that are toxic or unhealthy.

How do I know if my puppy is getting enough sleep? Puppies typically need around 18-20 hours of sleep per day, but individual sleep needs may vary. Signs that your puppy is getting enough sleep include regular napping, restful sleep without frequent awakenings, and a generally content demeanor when awake.

When should I transition my puppy to adult dog food? The timing of transitioning your puppy to adult dog food depends on their breed size and growth rate. Small breeds may transition around 9-12 months, while larger breeds may continue puppy food until 12-18 months.