PET CARE Bringing a new puppy home

Preparing for the new arrival


Ask the vet
Esther Van Luipen

Getting a puppy
Part 4

In the final article in this four-part series on getting a puppy, we look at making your pad a welcoming place for your puppy. Whether you are going to buy a puppy or you have planned a trip to the local dog pound to get a new dog, you want to be ready. It can mean the difference between a smooth or rocky start. Here’s a check list of things to prepare before the big step.

• Check with your vet’s office to make sure you can bring your puppy in for a check-up within 24-48 hours of bringing your new dog home.
• Get your fence built, repaired or redesigned for the type of dog that is joining your family.
• Make sure that your other animals are healthy. Worm/vaccinate the other animals to  eliminate health risks to your new dog. If you have an older, arthritic dog, make sure their pain is under control so they are able to handle the arrival of a young, lively dog.  Spay or neuter your other dogs if you don’t want unwanted puppies.
• Decide where you want your puppy to poo and pee. This is the first place you want the puppy’s feet to touch the ground at your home. You’ll be spending a lot of time here at first.
• Find out what food it is on. If is suitable for the dog (ask your vet) have a bag ready so you can continue this diet. If the puppy isn’t used to good food get a bag of the old food and a bag of good quality nuts and change it over gradually to prevent stress.
• Get a puppy school teacher lined up. (Yes, there is such a thing). We are lucky in Claremorris, where there is an excellent puppy school run by Margaret Turner. This lady takes small classes of puppies and will train you to train your dog properly. Together you will make a lovely well-behaved dog out of your new pup.
• If necessary find a good dog groomer. It is important to start easy, introductory grooming the dog at an early age, to get used to it.
• Get everyone in the house together on what the house rules will be with the new puppy. Who will walk the dog and when? If possible, plan to have a few days off so you can make sure the new pup or dog will get all help to settle. Teach the kids what they need to know to start of safely with the new dog or pup. Check out ‘Blue Dog’ – a safety guide for children, available from vets. Learn how to pick up the puppy safely and make sure young children know not to pick up the puppy. Dropped puppies often get horribly injured.
• Purchase a crate or portable exercise pen to make sure your puppy will be in a safe place for forming good habits at all times.
• Get a good dog collar and leash and some quality chew items suited for the size and age of your new dog.

The good thing about getting organised before the new dog comes home is that it is a great reminder of how much is involved in taking on a new dog. That said, all your hard work will be rewarded ten fold. Enjoy your new dog!

Esther van Luipen is a veterinary surgeon in Claremorris Small Animal Practice. Feel free to contact her with any of your small-animal concerns on 094 9373955 or at living@mayonews.ie.