Tips and Tricks to Raising a Healthy & Happy Pup

There is no better feeling than coming home to a wagging tail and puppy kisses. Bringing a new furry family member into your home is an exciting experience but can also work. Raising a happy and healthy pup takes time, patience, and essential knowledge. To help you on your way, we’ve compiled our top tips for raising a happy pup.

1. Establish a Routine From The Start

Dogs are creatures of habit and do best when they have a set routine. That includes regular mealtimes, potty breaks, exercise, and playtime. When bringing your pup home, begin establishing rules and stick to them. Decide when mealtimes will be, when walks will happen, and when it’s bedtime. A consistent routine will help your pup feel safe and secure and make it easier for them to learn the house rules.

2. Get Them Used to Be Handled

Puppies are small and cute, but they will grow into big dogs. An important part of raising a happy and healthy pup is getting them used to being handled. That includes everything from being brushed and bathed to having their nails clipped, and teeth brushed. Pups need to be comfortable being touched all over their bodies, including their paws, ears, and mouth. Gently brush their fur, touch their paws, and lift them often. Getting your pup used to be handled now will make vet visits, training, and grooming appointments much easier.

3. Socialize, Socialize, Socialize 

One of the most important things you can do for your pup is to help them socialize with others. That means exposing them to new people, places, dogs, and experiences positively. A well-socialized pup is a happy pup. Dogs are social animals and need interaction with other dogs and people to be happy and well-rounded.

Socialization helps pups learn how to interact with the world around them and builds confidence. It’s best to start socialization early, but it’s never too late. Attend puppy classes, dog parks, and playdates soon as your pup is old enough. It will help them learn how to interact properly with others and make friends for life.

4. Keep Them Active

A tired dog is a good dog. Like humans, dogs need plenty of exercises to stay healthy and happy. Give them plenty of opportunities to run, jump, and play. Daily walks are a great way to start, but you can also try hiking, swimming, fetching, and more. Also, make sure they have plenty of toys that they can use to play.

5. Get Your Pup Vaccinated

Vaccinations are an important part of keeping your pup healthy. They help protect against deadly diseases and illnesses, some of which have no cure. Puppies need a series of vaccinations starting at around 6-8 weeks old. These will continue every 3-4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old. After that, they will need booster shots once a year for the rest of their life.

6. Feed Them a Balanced Diet

A healthy diet is essential for any growing pup. Dogs need a balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to stay healthy. Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, so be sure to feed them food that is specifically designed for puppies. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations on the best food for your pup. You could also check out a raw dog food company that specializes in these specific dog diets that are carefully balanced to provide all the nutrients your pup needs for a long and healthy life.

7. Keep Them Clean

Dogs are naturally clean animals, and they love to be clean. But they still need our help to stay clean and healthy. Bathe your pup once a week or as needed using a dog-specific shampoo. In between baths, brush their fur regularly to prevent matting, remove dirt, debris, and loose hair, and spread natural oils through their coat. It’s also a great way to bond with your dog. Clean their teeth every day with dog toothpaste and take them for annual vet check-ups to keep their teeth and gums healthy.

8. Protect Them from Pests

Many pests can harm your pup, including fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and heartworms. These pests can carry diseases that make your dog sick, so it’s important to protect them. Many products can help, including spot-on treatments, collars, and oral medications. Talk to your veterinarian about what is best for your pup, and use products as directed.

9. Train Them

Training is an important part of raising a happy and well-behaved dog. Dogs need to learn basic obedience commands, such as sit, stay, come, and down. They also need to learn to walk politely on a leash and not jump up on people. Training helps pups learn how to behave properly and can be a great bonding experience for you and your dog.

10. Spay or Neuter Them

Spaying or neutering your pup is an important part of responsible dog ownership. It helps reduce the number of homeless pets and has health benefits for your dog. Spayed or neutered dogs are less likely to roam, which means they are less likely to get lost or hurt. They are also less likely to develop certain cancers and other health problems. Talk to your veterinarian about the best time to spay or neuter your pup.

Conclusion

Following these tips will help you raise a healthy and happy pup that will be a lifelong friend. Dogs are wonderful companions and bring so much joy to our lives. They deserve our care and attention, so make sure to give them the best life possible.