Puppies have the potential to bring huge benefits to their owners’ lives and can be an asset in uncertain times, including blocking. That said, taking care of a young animal has its challenges. With more than one in four puppy buyers during the pandemic admitting it was an impulse decision, there are genuine concerns about the future of the animals assumed during that period.
The success of a long-term relationship with the dog owner depends on building a good foundation. Here are six things every owner needs to know about caring for a puppy and developing a long-term relationship with his new best friend.
6. Exercise
While many new owners romanticize the idea of taking long walks with a playful puppy, the reality is that young dogs, especially those of larger breeds, should not exercise much. Puppies have a lot of energy, but their bones, joints and growth plates are soft and can be easily damaged.
Too much exercise is almost as harmful as it is insufficient. Over-activity at the wrong age leads to health problems, including hip dysplasia, growth deformation and movement disorders.
There is no exact science about the ideal amount of time that dogs should be walked. However, the general rule of thumb is five minutes a month old, twice a day. By that logic, a 16-week-old puppy would need a daily total of just 40 minutes of exercise.
5. Vaccinations
Vaccinating your puppy is one of the most important things that must be done in the first few weeks as a new owner. Vaccination can protect dogs from a wide variety of potentially dangerous pathogens, including parvovirus, kennel cough, hepatitis and leptospirosis.
Puppies typically receive their first series of vaccines at around eight to 10 weeks of age, with another series two to three weeks later, although protocols vary. Puppies are not advised to come into contact with unvaccinated dogs until they are fully protected, therefore, walks in the park are prohibited. However, puppies can still be carried around the neighborhood to facilitate socialization.
4. Socialization
Dogs have several important stages of development, one of which is the period of socialization, which is thought to be between three and 16 weeks of age. Within this relatively short window of opportunity, puppies need to be exposed to as many different people, animals and situations as possible.
Failing to socialize your puppy can result in a strong fear of these stimuli later in life and, in some cases, the development of resistant behavior problems. Dogs whose contact with children is denied can become overly reactive in their presence, charging at them and even trying to bite.
It never hurts to emphasize the importance of striving to expose puppies to the images, sounds and smells of as many different stimuli and situations as possible. This will allow your dog to navigate through life more easily.
3. Separation
The blockade has resulted in a dramatic increase in the amount of time that owners spend with their pets, which can lead to an increase in canine separation anxiety when owners return to work. This problem is believed to result from an excessive attachment between the animal and its caregiver, and that it often results in animals being rehoused.
Typical symptoms of this anxiety disorder include urinating or defecating inside the house, barking and whining, destruction of the house, attempts to escape or self-mutilation whenever the animal is left alone. Separation anxiety is difficult to treat successfully.
It is important to make an effort to prevent excessive attachment from the initial stage, gradually increasing the time that the animal spends alone. Various enrichment tools can help the puppy to feel relaxed during these periods of separation. Things like pheromone diffusers, classical music or odorants are known for their relaxing properties.
2. Dangerous foods
While it may be tempting to give your puppy table scraps, there is a long list of foods that can be toxic to dogs. For example, chocolate, especially the dark variety, contains the stimulant theobromine. If ingested, it can cause damage to the viscera, the heart, the central nervous system or the kidneys of dogs, causing vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, convulsions and even death.
Onions, garlic and chives, in all forms, can damage dogs’ red blood cells, leading to anemia. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in foods like sugar-free chewing gum, some peanut butter and some sweets, can cause dramatic drops in blood sugar and, in some cases, liver failure.
The list of other dangerous foods for dogs is quite extensive, including but not limited to caffeine, alcohol, grapes and raisins. Owners should familiarize themselves with the list of foods harmful to dogs and seek immediate veterinary advice in case of ingestion.
1. Poisonous plants
Puppies are famous for eating anything and everything. Many seem to regard the garden as their own personal pantry. Unfortunately, there are several botanical hazards that homeowners need to be aware of.
Certain bulbs, such as daffodils and houseplants, such as peanuts, should be avoided. Seeds and foliage like acorns, ivy and mistletoe can have a fatal impact on dogs. The first signs of intoxication can include vomiting, diarrhea and salivation, with more serious effects, such as damage to the liver and kidneys, which take up to two days to manifest. Again, veterinary care should be sought immediately if the owner suspects that his puppy has eaten any potentially poisonous plant material.
Being aware of these important tips will help to keep your puppy healthy and happy, bringing him a life of joy. Having a puppy is extremely exciting, but just a little thought and planning will ensure that you and your puppy have the best start possible.
This article was originally published in The Conversation by Deborah Wells at Queen’s University Belfast. Read the original article here.