Vet Nurses in Basingstoke share their go-to puppy care tips
April 7, 2023
Getting a new puppy is one of the most exciting experiences life has to offer and it is an amazing feeling when you become a pet parent. However, it is common for new owners to underestimate their newfound responsibilities when taking good care of a puppy.
Vet Nurse Ruth is here to help you through your journey, giving advice on socialisation, diet, training, exercise, and visits to the vet.
Check out their list of essential needs below and download our handy Puppy Socialisation Checklist:
Everything your new puppy needs
Socialisation
In the first three months of a puppy’s life, they go through a socialisation period. This is an important stage because they begin to learn about the environment around them as well as learn what correct behaviour looks like. This will set them in good stead for socialising, having a good temperament around people and other animals, and can even make dog walking more pleasant.
Our nursing team recommend that to begin with, friendly, vaccinated adult dogs are the best companions for your new puppy when they come home with you as they can let off some steam, learn canine social cues, and build confidence around other dogs. If you have a cat in your home, when introducing your puppy, keep them on a lead and allow the cat to have an escape route; it is often very stressful for a cat to have a new, hyperactive puppy in their home.
Our team have put together a handy Puppy Socialisation checklist that covers lots of experiences for your new pet; download it here:
Get our Puppy Socialisation Checklist
Diet
Nutrition is of the upmost importance when you are looking after a new puppy to ensure optimal growth, development of their physical systems, and overall welfare as they get older.
When buying pet food make sure to look at the information label. Here you will find what age group the food is designed for, dry matter percentage, and how many calories are in the serving, amongst more detail about protein and other nutrients. If you have any queries involving diet, do get in touch with our team at Basingstoke by calling 01256 639707.
Training and exercise
Training and exercise should be worked into your furry friend’s day-to-day routine, so they get into a habit of exhibiting good behaviour. Training should encourage and support sustainable toileting, sleeping arrangements, them getting used to being alone in the house, and conduct around food, people and other animals.
As for exercise, it is important that puppies go for a walk every day, but there are different lengths of time for different ages and breeds. We generally advise 5 minutes per month of age. Taking your puppy out for a walk is also important for their mental wellbeing and development, it helps them to explore new environments and experiences new sights, smells and sounds.
Contact us to ask advice on how much exercise your age and breed of puppy requires.
Vet visits
Before you bring your puppy home it is important to check whether they have had any vaccinations or parasite control (flea, tick and worming). Make sure you meet the mother of your puppy, and check that both her and her puppies are healthy and well-cared for.
Puppies may already have had part or all their vaccinations, and if 8 weeks old must legally be microchipped. Puppies require at least two injections for their primary vaccinations, this is usually given at 8 and 12 weeks of age, but the exact protocol may vary slightly depending on the vaccine brand used. We can happily advise on when your puppy needs a vaccination. We give puppies two injections to ensure there is no interference in immunity from maternally derived antibodies.
It is also important to ensure puppies are given appropriate and effective parasite control. Many puppies will pick up worms through their mothers milk, when they are exploring their environment and although through flea bites.
Contact us to arrange a visit for a health check for your puppy.
