subject: Tips For Caring For Puppies [print this page] There is no better time to bond with a dog than when it is a puppy. Caring for puppies can be a difficult task, but the rewards are endless. A newborn puppy is very delicate and should mostly be under the care of the mother. However, when the puppy has left the litter and come to your home, you will have a number of responsibilities. You will need to ensure the puppy is growing properly, getting plenty of exercise and receiving the proper nutrition.
Newborn puppies should stay with their mothers until they are eight weeks old. This can depend on the breed, but most puppies will be weaned off their mothers by this time. As a dog owner, your role during this time is to make sure the mother is being cared for. You need to make sure she is in good health, receiving the proper nutrition and getting enough water. You also need to make sure she is safe.
After a puppy is weaned from the mother, the puppy can be brought home. This will be a difficult transition. Most puppies will cry at night because they miss their mothers and the rest of the litter. This whimpering may last for several nights. All you can do is provide comfort, nutrition and a safe home. When caring for puppies, make sure the environment is secure so that they cannot injure themselves or escape.
It is normal that a new puppy sleep a great deal for several weeks after leaving the litter. Adapting to the new environment and new people is taxing. Make sure you feed your puppy properly so that the puppy grows at the right pace. Puppies are very active and need lots of exercise. They are also not house-trained. It will take at least several weeks and sometimes much longer to successfully house-train a puppy. Be patient.
Taking care of a newborn puppy can be similar to caring for a newborn. Dog owners certainly see their pets as children. It is important to remember that the initial caring for puppies should be done by their mothers. The dog owners role is to care for the mother until the puppy is weaned and can be cared for by the owner in a safe home. Feed your puppy the right food. Give your puppy time to play and exercise. Dont forget to show your puppy love and affection. These are the steps for raising a healthy and happy dog.
