However, it is important for new puppy owners and people who are making plans to get a puppy understand all of the time and work that can go into the early days of caring for a new puppy. Here are a few things that you should know about the logistics and challenges of taking care of a puppy.
Time
Puppy care is time consuming, and there aren’t any shortcuts for giving your fur baby the time and attention that it needs to thrive. On the bright side, puppies normally sleep a lot more than adult dogs, and they tire out quickly. However, this isn’t true of all puppies. Puppies with boundless energy are going to require a lot of physical exercise, and it can be tough to make room in your schedule for all of the playtime and walks that your puppy needs during the first year.
Many puppies crave constant affection, and it’s somewhat common for people to undergo a bout of puppy blues because of their new pet’s incessant demands for attention. Practicing good time management can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for a pet that needs a lot from you.
Getting support from friends and family may make the time commitment a little less onerous. Even just having someone come over and play with your puppy while you get some chores or work done could make a big difference. Don’t worry that you’re imposing. When you ask just about anyone if they want to come hang out with a puppy, you’re probably going to get a very enthusiastic response!
Medical Care
Before you purchase or adopt a pet, it is a good idea to get a comprehensive evaluation of its physical health. In certain states, individuals and businesses who sell pets must provide a health certificate that indicates any known health condition. Knowing what to expect about your pet’s medical needs can help you make an effective plan to support its well-being.
Even healthy puppies must go to the vet frequently. They have to get a series of vaccinations to protect them against viral infections and parasites. Some of these vaccines are administered intranasally and others are like regular shots. In many counties, it is necessary for puppies to get vaccinated for rabies in order to qualify for a license tag. Most vets recommend waiting until a dog is somewhere between 12 and 16 weeks old to begin a series of vaccinations for rabies. Don’t fret about your puppy not having a license before it has received the vaccine. Licensing requirements are usually only applicable to dogs that are old enough to receive a rabies inoculation.
Another reason your puppy needs to see the vet several times in the first few months of its life is that it has to go through deworming. Puppies commonly have small parasites in their digestive system. They must receive multiple treatments to completely rid their system of parasites every four weeks or so.
Health Insurance
It may be a smart move to get a health insurance plan for your puppy that includes preventive care such as wellness exams, vaccines, and heartworm treatments. Pet insurance makes the cost of your new puppy’s medical care more predictable and affordable. In addition to benefits for preventive care, you can get a plan that will cover accidents and illnesses.
When you’re getting quotes for pet insurance, you should know that most plans reimburse you for paid medical expenses rather than paying providers directly like health insurance for humans. However, some veterinary practices offer insurance plan options that are self-administered, so you won’t have to wait to be reimbursed.
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is going to bring you years of joy. The early days of puppy care can be tough, but things will get easier. Moreover, the bond that you share with your new four legged family member will grow stronger over time, and you probably won’t even remember what life was like before you got your furry little bundle of joy.
