Nothing is better than a roly-poly, soft, cuddly puppy, right? When we see an adorable puppy, we all want what’s best for our puppies. When we’re looking for puppies for sale, we have it in our heads that we will provide them with a great life. You may have a general idea of what that means, but did you know you have to work on pet wellness efforts actively? They don’t just happen along the way.
October is National Pet Wellness Month, and we have plenty of ideas for you to celebrate pet wellness with your puppy. With some careful planning and research, here are ways to focus on pet wellness as you raise a happy and healthy puppy.
Ways to Celebrate National Pet Wellness Month & Your Puppy’s Well-being
Need some ideas to celebrate your puppy’s well-being beyond providing a warm bed and some tasty treats? You’ll have plenty of opportunities to give your puppy the best life you possibly can for our precious time with them.
1. Know how to be a responsible dog owner
Before you look at puppies for sale, you’ll need to truly understand what is required of you as a responsible dog owner. Many of our suggestions (okay, all of them) for pet wellness tie into responsible dog ownership, but it always helps to review ways you might not have thought about when planning out the best life for your puppy.
2. Puppy-proof your space
You’ve probably heard horror stories about puppies destroying people’s brand-new expensive shoes or pulling unmentionables out of the dirty laundry, parading them around for all to see.
Puppy-proofing your home doesn’t stop at shoes, though. Take time to survey your area and put up any substances poisonous and toxic to pets where they can’t reach them. Look inside your house at your puppy’s level, and don’t forget the yard, garden, and garage. Making sure everything is out of a curious puppy’s reach is part of pet wellness to keep them safe.
3. Schedule regular well-visit appointments
Veterinarian offices are not just for sick dogs. Independent of illness, you’ll need to take your puppy to the vet for a variety of reasons: Full-body checkups, microchipping, spaying/neutering, medication management, scheduled vaccinations, preventative measures, dental cleanings, and more.
Veterinary offices across the country offer awareness of proper pet care. The American Veterinary Medical Association holds an initiative during October for Pet Wellness Month supporting vets and staff with materials to help educate pet parents on the importance of twice-a-year vet visits and the pet aging process.
Brent Standridge is the Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Fort Dodge Animal Health, a partner in the initiative. "We firmly believe that this program can have a dramatic impact on the health, quality of life, and longevity of America's pets," said Standridge. "And the best place for pet owners to learn about the pet aging process and wellness examinations is from their own veterinarian."
Take the time to establish a relationship with your veterinarian. One thing veterinarians wish you knew is that they are eager partners in your puppy’s wellness journey and only want the best for your puppy.
Keeping up-to-date with core vaccinations for puppies on a recommended schedule is the best way to shield your pet from common puppy illnesses that can be mitigated or outright avoided. Other preventative measures to consider are:
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Rabies vaccinations: Rabies is transmitted through infected animal bites and is 100% fatal if an unvaccinated dog is bitten. Protect your puppy against rabies and get the rabies vaccine on schedule.
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Flea Prevention: No owner wants to see these itchy creatures on their puppies. Fleas can transmit diseases and parasites to their victims, so make sure to prevent fleas on your puppy in the first place.
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Tick Prevention: Lyme disease in puppies is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and spread by infected deer ticks. It can lead to flu-like symptoms, joint pain, and, if untreated, more severe complications affecting the heart, nervous system, and joints. Use a tick repellent to protect your puppy.
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Heartworm Prevention: A heartworm infestation in puppies is when an infected mosquito transmits the heartworm parasite, which then reproduces in your puppy’s body. It is one of the most preventable common illnesses in puppies but can have fatal effects if left untreated.
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Spay/neuter: Discuss with your veterinarian if and when to spay or neuter your pet. Make the most responsible choice for your circumstances.
4. Keep your puppy’s identity safe
If anything ever happens where you are separated from your puppy, you want to ensure you have a way for people to get in contact with you for a happy reunion. Maybe your dog is an escape artist and decided to visit every house in your neighborhood, or your dog slipped out of his collar and disappeared.
Waiting until an unfortunate situation arises isn't the best time to regret not ensuring your puppy has proper identification. The good news is that you can proactively establish your puppy's ownership. Microchipping your puppy is a harmless procedure that contains your current contact information. People at animal shelters, veterinary offices, and rescues use handheld scanners to track the microchip to see who needs to be called. Having puppy papers handy in one spot will help you prove ownership as well.
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5. Groom your puppy
All dogs, regardless of breed or coat type, will need some sort of grooming routine. The benefits of grooming your dog go beyond looking dapper, as you can check for ticks or skin hot spots while bonding with your puppy.
Grooming is not just haircuts and blowouts though. Another important aspect of grooming your puppy is proper paw care and nail care for dogs. Puppies can be hard on their paws, and their nails are perpetually growing. Failing to address overgrown nails or cracked paws can result in serious injuries to their feet and be painful for your puppy.
Dental hygiene for puppies is crucial, from the moment they get their first milk teeth till the end of their life. You can take care of basic dental care for dogs yourself, but some smaller breeds will need anesthesia for their dental care. Your veterinarian will help show you proper brushing techniques and recommend further dental care your puppy may need.
6. Create a routine
Maintaining a consistent daily puppy schedule is vital for the well-being and development of your canine companion. Establishing a reliable daily routine offers them the structure and security necessary for their overall growth and behavior. Their eating, sleeping, bathroom habits, playtime, and training will all help them develop into well-rounded pets.
7. Provide adequate exercise opportunities
Puppies need two types of exercise for well-being: Physical activity and mental stimulation.
Even lazy couch potato dogs need a little walk in the yard every day. There are lots of fun ways to get your dog enough exercise, and engaging in regular physical activity helps dogs stay in shape and sustain their ideal weight. Some puppy owners would be surprised to learn their pets are actually overweight for their breed due to inactivity and too many treats. Pet obesity is on the rise, and with it comes a host of issues. Thankfully, exercise benefits dogs by reducing joint problems, enhancing cardiovascular health, and potentially extending their lifespan.
Keeping your puppy’s brain sharp and engaged through mental stimulation opportunities for dogs helps them use all five senses to solve problems and think in new ways. Not only does it enhance their cognitive abilities, but mental stimulation also helps prevent boredom and destructive behaviors and even awaken dormant brain function in senior dogs. Check out our ideas for DIY mentally stimulating toys and games for your dog for more ideas.
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8. Train & socialize your puppy
Socializing your puppy is crucial for their well-rounded development. It exposes them to various people, animals, and environments, promoting good behavior and reducing fear or aggression. Proper socialization helps puppies grow into confident, adaptable adults, fostering positive interactions and a happier, less anxious life for both the dog and its owner.
A fun way to accomplish this is to take your puppy on a successful outing to get them used to different places other than your living room. You could take your puppy to the dog park to meet other pooches. For something different, find a breed-specific meetup and be surrounded by your favorite type of dog!
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9. Bond with your puppy
Forming a deep relationship with your puppy is unlike any other feeling in the world. As you invest in your puppy's training, socialization, and quality time, your bond deepens. This strong connection lays the foundation for a lifelong friendship that grows and strengthens over time. It brings joy, love, and fulfillment to both you and your puppy, enriching your lives together. Think outside the box with meaningful ways to bond with your puppy to deepen your love for one another.
Celebrate National Pet Wellness Month with Healthy Puppies For Sale
If you’re looking for puppies for sale, Pawrade has done the difficult work of searching for healthy puppies from reputable breeders for you. We partner with dog breeders who take a puppy-first approach to health and wellness. In our approach, we prioritize the well-being of the puppy above all else, offering a comprehensive health guarantee for every puppy and previous veterinarian visits of current vaccinations and records of care.
If you’re ready to make a lifelong commitment to the well-being of your puppy, let us know which of our puppies for sale catch your attention!
