Taking Care of a New Puppy

Bringing home a new puppy may be one of the most exciting days of your life! Who can resist a round, warm, and cuddly puppy? Before you get swept up in puppy bliss, it is important you are equipped for taking care of a new puppy. Puppies require a lot of attention and patience so they can grow up to be obedient companions. While love is free, puppies will need nutritious food and regular check-ups which do cost money. You may have your heart set on a specific breed, but you should research the breed to ensure the puppy would be a good match for you lifestyle.

Taking care of a new puppy can be fun and exciting, but after a week or so they novelty can quickly wear off. Remember that when you bring home a puppy, you are making a commitment to love and care for the puppy for its lifetime. First and foremost, be honest with yourself: Do you have time for a puppy? And, once the puppy grows up, do you have time for a dog? Puppies and dogs will need to go outside to relieve themselves. Will you be available on a consistent schedule to ensure the dog will not have accidents in the house? Puppies need lots of attention and exercise or they may before bored and destructive.

Secondly, you should ask yourself if you have the financial resources for a dog? While a puppy may not have many needs, there are a few costs that will add up quickly. In the first year alone, you will visit the veterinarian several times for vaccinations and check-ups. This does not include any extra visits because your puppy is sick or injured. Also, certain breeds may be more prone to illnesses and injuries. Most cities require dogs to be licensed, though the costs of licenses vary wildly. Will you choose to have your puppy spayed or neutered? Although this is a one-time cost, the procedure can cost well over $100.

When you think of spending time with your puppy, do you envision yourself curled up on the couch together, or running on a beach? Before picking out a puppy, you should consider the breed that would best match your lifestyle. You should also consider the space you can make available to your dog. While there are exceptions, you typically should not bring home a large dog if you live in an apartment and do not plan on spending a large amount of time running and playing outside. Likewise, if you have an active lifestyle and want a dog that can keep up, the tiny legs of a Chihuahua may not be the best choice for you.

Taking care of a new puppy can be a fun and rewarding experience, but you should consider the time and energy needed to do so before bringing home a puppy. Caring for a new puppy can be a lot of work, but it is also fun for many people. To be fair to your puppy, carefully consider the amount of time and energy you can comfortably devote to spending with your puppy. When you bring home a puppy, you are promising to care for and love your new puppy for its lifetime. Be sure the two of you will be a good match by choosing a breed that will best match your lifestyle.