Christmas Puppies

It’s that time of year when family and friends gather for holiday celebrations. Sometimes, right in the midst of all the noise and hullabaloo, a new puppy is given as a present! What a sweet, cuddly and warm addition. HOWEVER, beware of the situations that can arise if your home is not pet proofed and you weren’t really planning on taking time to potty train, pet-proof your house and garden and socialize/train the new puppy.

Check the floors for loose toys to swallow, Christmas Poinsettia plants are poisonous, new slippers are great to chew on and puppy mistakes are common.

Puppies need to be watched just like babies.

Restricting the puppy to an area ( a crate works great) for quiet time is essential.

Potty training is usually simple if you monitor the puppy and take him or her outside just before he needs to go. He’ll learn quickly with lots of praise.

Yard cleanup immediately, is essential for puppy health.

Rough handling/tugging playing can cause puppies to become over-excited and
sometimes teaches aggression. Also, it can lead to tummy upsets.

Just like babies, puppies like routines. Time to eat, time to play, time to sleep.

Puppy food is essential for growth. Ask us for our recommendation.

Puppy toys that have squeakers are fun but need to be watched for breakage. Don’t leave a puppy alone with a toy that has parts he could swallow.

Training treats are necessary as training the pup should start right away. Ask us for a recommendation.

Always buy tip-proof bowls to keep filled with fresh water and to put down with food when it is time to eat.

Giving puppy his first bath is fun and pleasurable if you are prepared with puppy, not people shampoo, warm water and clean towels for drying. Long haired dogs will need grooming combs and brushes.

I wouldn’t be without “Pet Mistakes” (cleaner deodorizer) and “Gentle Digest” for digestive upsets.

Have the family attend the first check up with your vet. Everyone will hear how well your puppy is growing. Any instructions and advice will be learned by the whole family as it will be everyone’s responsibility to raise the pup to an adult.

Good luck with your new dog or kitten. Little fur packages are the best kind. Merry Christmas.