Bringing home a new puppy is exciting and joyous. The thought of a cute, furry ball of energy running around your home can be exhilarating. However, it’s important to remember that with all the excitement comes many responsibilities.
As a new puppy owner, you must be prepared for the arrival of your new bundle of joy. This guide will review a new pet owner checklist in readiness for your new puppy. We will also provide tips on ensuring your puppy has a smooth transition into its new home. Read on.
Upgrade Your Water
A new pet owner checklist’s first element is upgrading your water. Like humans, puppies are susceptible to diseases spread by poor-quality water. Therefore, providing them with clean, fresh water is essential.
While tap water is easily available, it typically contains minerals and bacteria that could harm your pet. To be precise, hard water contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium that make the water develop an unpleasant taste and smell, discouraging your puppy from drinking. Thus, it is recommended to upgrade to filtered or conditioned water.
Water conditioning is a process of water softening by removing excess mineral content. There are various ways of going about hard water conditioning. One of the most popular is using water softeners. A water softener is a filtration system that removes minerals and bacteria, leaving behind clean, fresh-tasting water for your puppy to enjoy.
Besides removing excess minerals, water conditioning makes the water taste and smell much better. As a result, your puppy will be more likely to drink water, staying hydrated and healthy in the process. Regularly clean and refill the water bowl at least once daily to ensure the water remains fresh and prevents contamination. For instance, rodents’ urine and blue-green algae cause fatal diseases like leptospirosis.
Accept That Your Home Will Get Messy
As much as we may try to keep our homes clean and tidy, having a new puppy will inevitably lead to some mess. Puppies are curious creatures and love exploring their surroundings by chewing on items like drapery and scratching your throw pillows. Furthermore, being young and untrained, they may make accidental messes on your carpets and inside the house.
Therefore, accepting that your home may not look spotless with a new puppy around is important. Remember, puppies are just like toddlers, curious and prone to making messes. Additionally, by setting realistic standards, you can take the necessary measures to minimize the mess your puppy makes.
One way to minimize mess is by providing plenty of chew toys and keeping valuable items out of reach. Also, potty train your puppy as soon as possible to avoid accidents inside the house. However, in the meantime, seek a local carpet cleaning company to help clean up any messes that may occur.
Ultimately, don’t let the fear of mess deter you from adopting a new puppy. With proper training and supervision, your puppy will eventually grow out of its curious phase and become well-behaved. Remember, having a puppy is about embracing the chaos and enjoying every moment with your new furry friend. So don’t stress too much about keeping your home perfectly clean, and instead focus on making memories with your playful pup.
Set Up a Space for Them in Your Office
Whether you work at home or in an out-of-the-house office, setting up a space for your puppy may be helpful. It is essential to a new pet owner checklist because it benefits you and your puppy. For instance, if you work out of the house, a space for your puppy in your office may reduce separation anxiety.
According to the NIH Record, about 20% of dogs experience separation anxiety when left alone in the house. Young puppies are especially at risk of developing separation anxiety as they are still adjusting to their new environment and being away from their littermates. Having a designated space in your office where your puppy can play, sleep, and feel safe while you work can help ease this transition period.
For people working from home, designating your puppy’s space a little distance from your office furniture can help improve productivity. Instead of constantly worrying about where your puppy is and what they are getting into, you can focus on your work, knowing that your pup is in its designated area. Plus, having a furry companion beside you is always nice while working.
Prep Your Basement
Your basement is another space to prepare for your new pup. It’s a perfect area for housing a puppy to reduce the mess in your house. A clean and safe basement also provides the ideal space for indoor playtime with your new pup. It is an essential part of a new pet owner checklist.
Before bringing home your puppy, make sure to do a thorough inspection of your basement. Consider puppy-proofing the area by removing dangerous items and small objects your puppy could chew on or swallow. Check for any exposed wires, nails, or sharp objects with which your puppy could hurt themselves. If the basement has water leaks, making it damp and musty, contract basement waterproofing contractors. The experts will install interior water drainage to keep the space clean and dry at all times.
Furthermore, ensure the basement has proper ventilation and is free from mold or mildew. This measure is important for your puppy’s health and well-being as it prevents it from developing respiratory problems. Consider using washable rugs or mats if you have a finished basement. These will protect your floors from accidents and spills while your puppy is still learning the ropes of house training. And don’t forget to add some fun toys for your pup to play with!
Find Them a Vet
Like humans, puppies need regular check-ups and medical care to stay happy and healthy. Therefore, you need to find a qualified vet in your area. Ask friends or family for recommendations or do some research online. It’s best to have a veterinarian lined up before bringing your puppy home to provide the necessary vaccinations or treatment immediately. To be precise, your pup will need core vaccines, including rabies vaccination and must vaccines for DHLPP (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo, and parainfluenza).
The ideal vet should be registered and have experience with puppies. They should also offer various services, including vaccinations, check-ups, and emergency care. Additionally, you should ensure your vet is nearby for easy access during emergencies.
Once you have found a vet, schedule your puppy’s first check-up appointment. This measure will allow the vet to get to know your pup. It will also allow your vet to gather valuable information on their health, vaccinations, and any potential health concerns to keep an eye out for.
Prioritize visiting a vet with tooth cleaning services. Dogs need regular dental care to prevent plaque buildup and potential dental diseases like humans. It will help keep your pup’s teeth clean and their breath smelling fresh. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends visiting your vet annually for dental check-ups.
Ensure Your Plumbing is Up to Date
Up-to-date plumbing is among the most crucial elements of a new pet owner checklist. With a new puppy comes an increased need for potty breaks and potential accidents. Therefore, you must ensure your plumbing is up to the task.
Some puppies may chew on plumbing fixtures or pipes as they explore their new surroundings. This act could lead to costly repairs or even harmful blockages. Broken and leaking plumbing could also pose a health risk to your new furry friend, as they may be inclined to lick surfaces or drink water from leaky faucets. Therefore, you must ensure up-to-date plumbing with secured pipes and fixtures is part of your new pet owner checklist.
To avoid any major plumbing issues, it is best to have your pipes checked by a professional plumber before bringing your puppy home. A plumber will be able to identify any pre-existing issues and provide you with the necessary repairs or replacements. This step will give you peace of mind and prevent unexpected plumbing emergencies.
Install an HVAC System
Most pet owners overlook the importance of an HVAC system when preparing for a new puppy. However, investing in air conditioning is crucial when reviewing your new pet owner checklist. Just like humans, puppies are sensitive to extreme temperatures and require a comfortable environment.
An HVAC system will ensure your home maintains a comfortable temperature for you and your new furry friend. According to a report by Kansas State University, even on mildly warm days, dogs are still at risk of heat stroke. In 2023 alone, PETA has reported about 123 heat-related deaths of dogs, making air conditioning equipment a vital factor for your pet’s safety.
Installing an HVAC system safeguards your furry friend from potential health issues caused by extreme temperatures. Examples of these issues include heat cramps and exhaustion. It will also help filter out potential allergens or pollutants affecting your puppy’s health. Moreover, an HVAC system with proper ventilation can help reduce the spread of airborne diseases such as Bordetella, Canine Coronavirus, and Rabies Virus, ensuring a healthy and safe environment for your puppy.
If you already have an HVAC system installed, it is important to have a professional inspect and maintain your system. These inspections keep the unit running efficiently and prevent potential harm to your pet. Additionally, periodically changing the air filters is important as they can accumulate dust and allergens over time.
Prepare Their Potty Area
Preparing a designated potty area for your puppy is another important new pet owner checklist item. Train your puppy to visit the designated spot when nature calls to avoid reliving itself indoors. The goal is to make cleaning and disposing of waste easier, maintaining a clean living environment for you and your puppy.
When preparing a potty area, consider a few things. Firstly, choose a spot that is easily accessible and away from high-traffic areas to ensure your puppy can quickly access the designated area when needed. A location away from high-traffic areas prevents landing on excretion when walking around the house. You should also shelter the potty spot from harsh weather conditions to ensure your puppy’s comfort.
Choose the right surface type for your puppy’s potty area. The best option should be a material that is easy to clean and maintain. Some options include gravel, ceramic floor tile, artificial turf, or even real grass if you can maintain it. It is important to regularly clean and sanitize the designated area to reduce the risk of bacteria and odors. Use proper waste disposal bags to keep the designated area clean and hygienic for you and your puppy.
Once your puppy arrives, train them to use the designated potty area. Reward them with treats and praise when they go to the right spot. Be patient and consistent with your training; your puppy will soon learn where its designated potty area is. According to US Service Animals, it will typically take four to six months
Enjoy Your New Life With Your Pup!
Once you have checked every item on this new pet owner checklist and have set up a comfortable living space for your puppy, it’s time to have fun with your new life together! Enjoy every moment with your new companion, remembering to give them lots of love and affection. Take them on walks, play games, and create happy memories together.
Remember to provide proper care and attention while having fun. Make sure to schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian to keep track of your puppy’s health and well-being. As they grow, their needs may change, so it’s important to stay informed and updated on the best ways to care for them.
Are you unsure about things to do in preparation for welcoming a new puppy to its new home? There are several dog breeds, each with a unique personality and temperament. Research and talk to a reputable dog breeder or veterinarian to determine which breed would best fit you and your lifestyle. If you are a pet enthusiast, peruse our website for additional tried and tested pro-pet-keeping tips.