Ah, you are bringing a new puppy home! What a joyous occasion! But, it can be a lot to take in, especially if you've never had a pup before. What do you need to make sure you're ready to give your pup the best possible start? You have to remember that when deciding to have a pet, you must consider committing to a great fluff of joy for the next fifteen or twenty years, depending on the pet. With this major decision, we've got the answer with our ultimate new puppy checklist!
First things first, you'll need to get all the essentials. A food and water bowl is one of the most important items on your list, as your pup needs to stay nourished and hydrated. Keeping in mind that your pup might still be small - we suggest getting a bowl with adjustable height for when your pup grows bigger! You'll also need to pick up a comfy blanket or pet bed. This will be their place to retreat when they need some time to themselves and will help them adjust to their new home.
It is very important to create a safe space for your new pet, where the pup knows it won't be bothered by others and feel safe. If you have children, let them know that if your pup is in the hideaway spot, they need some uninterrupted time alone!
Now that you've sorted the basics, let's look at some more comfort items. If your pup is feeling a bit scared or overwhelmed, a few toys can be a great way to help them settle in. You could also get a few treats to reward them for good behaviour and encourage them to explore their new surroundings.
We really encourage you to get your whole family involved in taking care of your new pup; that way, your fluff will bond with different family members. This would involve feeding time, walking and especially training. Often, a small pup could form a bond only with one member of the family; when they are absent or cannot be there for the pup, it might stress them and even cause health and behavioural issues.
Finally, don't forget to ensure you're stocked on all the necessary items. Puppy shampoo, flea and tick treatments, and chew toys are all essential. You might also want to consider investing in a pet crate to help with toilet training, or a puppy gate to keep them out of mischief. For more necessary items you can call your local vet here and consult on whats best for your pup.
If you are bringing a new puppy into your house from a breeder, you can go through this puppy contract checklist that helps you look through various things that you should be looking at whilst getting a pup from the breeders. You should see at least the mother of the puppy and, most importantly, how the mother interacts with the puppies. You can find more useful information on things to look out for whilst getting a new puppy here.
If you are thinking of getting a new family member from a rescue centre, many rescue shelters in Ireland are often overfilled, especially after Christmas. Rescue centres will have many puppies, cats, and older dogs, and if you doubt who you should adopt, have a word with your local vet here to help you make the right decision for your family.
So, what do you need to make sure your pup has the best possible start in their new home? With this new puppy checklist, you'll be ready to give your pup all the love and care they need.
Good luck, and welcome to the family!
For more information check out our regular segment with Dublin City FM. Vet Aislinn talks about bringing your new pet home:
