HH Feeds caught up with Nicole Ham, one of our Pet Reps, who has over 10 years of experience in the Pet Industry and is an avid animal lover. Below are some tips Nicole shared with us to help you on this new adventure!
Puppy Food
Puppies need a balanced diet that provides them with what they need to help them grow and keep healthy. Switching your puppy’s food from one brand to another can prove to be a stressful time for some pups. To avoid upset tummies during this time, be sure to have some of the same food your puppy has been already eating before changing the diet.
Puppy Treats
Look for treats that are soft, chewable and low in fat and calories so as not to let your puppy gain unnecessary weight as you will be using a lot in the beginning for training. Treats help build a bond and reinforce positive behaviours during training but you can also reward with love!
Food & Water Bowls
Fresh water should always be available to your puppy and easily accessible. Don’t leave food down but have designated feeding times. If you find your puppy eats too fast, consider a slow-feeding bowl or snuffle matt, designed to help your puppy eat at a slower pace. This will avoid vomiting and swallowing too much air while they eat.
Collar, Harness, Leash and I.D. tag
Teaching your pup to get used to a collar, harness and lead is important. It is important to attend appropriate training classes that help build a healthy relationship between you and your pup.
Crate Training
House training is a big part of new puppy parenting, and it requires a lot of patience and repetition. Crate training allows your puppy to have a safe-feeling place of their own in your home while also helping to minimize accidents on the carpet and inappropriate chewing on unattended shoes and other items. Plan to crate your puppy whenever you cannot watch them, including when you’re out of the house at work and overnight while you’re sleeping.
Cleaning Products
Anticipate accidents. Look for products that say enzyme cleaner to help remove urine stains and must be pet products. Be prepared for shedding and dog hair in your home.
Puppy toys
All puppies and dogs need mental stimulation and toys are a great way to play and interact with your new puppy. Look for toys designed for puppies and look at a selection of toys – some for chewing, some for interactive play etc
Beds
If you are crate training your puppy, get a bed or matt that fits in their crate. Also give your puppy a bed they can rest in during the day in another place they know is theirs and available to go to for breaks. When looking for the right dog bed, be sure to get one that can accommodate your puppy’s breed and size as they grow while also keeping in mind that some puppies may decide to chew their bed if left alone.
Bathing and Brushing
Make sure you use a shampoo that is gentle for puppies and see if your groomers offer a puppy first time experience. Never use human shampoo on your puppy.
Vaccinations, Deworming and Tick & Flea Prevention
Talk to your veterinarian about safe flea & tick prevention and schedule your appointments for their vaccines and de-worming. It is important to keep your puppies up to date with vaccinations and avoid park areas until they are fully vaccinated to avoid picking up viruses such as parvo etc.
We at the HH Feeds team hope that these suggested steps and products have been helpful in your new adventure! We hope those puppy paws keep bringing you back 😉
If you are still in need of additional advice, head over to our Contact page, pop us an email and someone from our dedicated team will get back to you shortly!
