Riverside, FL area families that have just welcomed a new puppy to their household are often excited about the journey of taking care of and loving a pet. While puppies are incredibly cute and adorable, they can also be a lot of work and need patience and training. Our veterinarian at San Marco Animal Hospital, Dr. Venkat Gutta, provides tips below on how to care for a new puppy in the family.
First and foremost, pet families need to forge a bond with a veterinarian in their area that has the experience and training to provide their pet the appropriate medical care it needs. Dr. Venkat Gutta is always accepting new dogs and cats into the practice for a lifetime of proper health and medical care over the years.
Our veterinarian will discuss the needs of the dog with new pet parents. Each breed has different behavioral traits and needs, and puppy parents should also be aware of how to get them the best possible nutrition as they grow into adult pets. The veterinarian will also recommend procedures and services such as vaccinations and spaying/neutering.
Puppies have different dietary needs than adult dogs, so it is best to work with a trained professional when you are first shopping for quality food to help your pet get the best start in life. Pet parents should also ask about an appropriate feeding schedule for their puppy as they grow to ensure they don’t deal with problems such as obesity as they age.
Potty training should be a top priority for new puppies, as no one wants a dog that makes a mess in the house while they’re gone for work each day. You’ll want to establish a certain routine for your pet so that they can get into the groove of potty training quickly and easily. Dogs should be let out at the following times to establish this routine and get your pet potty trained faster:
Puppies are susceptible to many conditions that may develop into more serious issues down the road because it takes time for vaccinations to provide your puppy full immunity. By making notes of any changes in your pet to discuss with your veterinarian, you are more likely to catch problems before they become more severe. Watch your pet for changes in behavior and physical signs of illness such as poor appetite, vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. Visit the veterinarian as soon as possible to get your pet healthy again as soon as possible.
If you’re excited about taking your puppy on walks with you and socializing in public settings, it is also important to speak to a professional about obedience training. By training your dog early and often, you will have increased success in ensuring they are well-trained dogs as they age. Training can improve socialization skills while also building a stronger bond between you and your pet. Most places that offer obedience training for puppies will often accept puppies as young as four to six months of age. The earlier you start training, the easier your puppy’s adult life will be!
It is important that pets be properly socialized in their early years to avoid the chances of behavioral problems later on. Puppies love playing, so taking your pet to the dog park to play or out shopping with you at the pet store can help in building their confidence and helping them understand how to socialize with other people and animals. Our veterinarian can help you determine the appropriate socialization for your pet based on their age and experience with others.
Dr. Venkat Gutta and his staff in the Riverside, FL area provide amazing pet care for dogs and cats at San Marco Animal Hospital. By calling our office, you can set up the initial examination and vaccination appointment for the newest member of your family. Call 904-399-5557 and visit our team to discuss the care and attention required to ensure your pet has a long and healthy life!
Phone Number: (904) 399-5557
