So you’ve gained a four-legged family member. Now what? In this series we will lay out what to expect when you’re expecting a new feline or canine friend to join the family. We continue this series with ways you can make the transition period a breeze for you and your new pet.
Puppy-Proofing
One man’s shoe is a man’s best friend’s treasure. Put away shoes, floor plants, clothing, and stray decorations. Puppies won’t know what’s food and what’s not. Everything is a potential chew toy or place to mark their territory.
Secure or remove precariously dangling items such as tablecloths or hanging fabrics such as curtains- from the shower to the living room, it’s a free-for-all game of tug-of-war.
Lock away hazardous materials. Chemicals, medications, alcohol, detergents, household cleaners, and pesticides should be out of reach cabinets. Locking mechanisms used to baby-proof is another alternative if the materials are stored at a lower level.
Move or cover wires and electrical cords. Tuck away cords from your pup’s reach or use a plastic sheath to hide away cords. Don’t forget the mobile phone chargers!
Prevent outdoor access. Pools pose a threat even to the most natural swimmers.
Satisfactory Supplies
Travel crate. A ventilated plastic travel crate is easy to clean and easy to transport with a top-handle.
Puppy food. Consult your vet in advance to maker sure you pick a food that will meet your puppy’s size and breed specific nutritional needs (carried at our clinic, just ask at your next visit!).
Food and water bowls. Stainless steel is safe and holds up the longest and is dishwasher safe. Ceramic bowls may contain lead in the glaze and plastic can cause irritation and acne for dogs, as well as contain chemicals and retains bacteria and germs that may make your pet sick.
A nylon collar that will fit loose enough to fit two fingers under it but not loose enough to be wiggled out of.
A short leash of 6ft for walking and a longer leash of 15ft for training.
Grooming tools. A FURminator is a special de-shedding tool that will reduce the amount of fur your pet leaves.
Puppy-pads for potty-training and paper towels for clean ups for the training process.
An enzyme carpet/floor cleaner will neutralize any urine and also break down the odor.
Waste bags. If you plan on walking your pup, having biodegradable waste bags clipped to your pup’s lead will minimize public waste.
A wire crate for crate training and/or sleeping at night.
Bedding for the crate such as a washable dog bed or old-towels in the interim.
Toys, a puppy kong, or a nylabone for teething puppies will minimize their inclination to chew your shoes.
Bitter apple spray will deter puppies from chewing or licking objects it is sprayed on (carried at our clinic, just ask at your next visit!).
In this series
Don't forget to check out our previous posts on adoption and vet visits.