The 5 Things You MUST Do When Bringing Home a New Puppy

So, you are getting a new puppy! This is such a great time for you, your family and for your new puppy. You want to make sure your puppy starts out on the right foot, or paw! To make sure they begin their new life healthy, there are 5 things you must do when you bring your new puppy home.

For almost 20 years, my family and I have been raising golden retriever puppies. When a puppy goes to their new fur-ever home, they go through a lot of changes and can cause stress to your new little one.

We educate our new families that when they bring their new puppy home, they must do these 5 things to keep their new puppy healthy.

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#1 MAKE A VET APPOINTMENT

You should be taking your new family member to the vet within the first three days after bringing them home. Hopefully, your puppy was vet checked before you got him or her.

But my husband always tells our new puppy families, “It’s like when you’re buying a car, just because MY mechanic says it’s a good car, don’t you want YOUR mechanic to say it’s a good car too?”

If your vet finds any issues, you can figure out a plan. It might be your puppy only needs minor treatment. And it’s always better to treat problems when they are small. Any bigger issues, you may need to contact where you got your puppy from.

While at your vet it’s important to discuss the puppy’s vaccination schedule, flea and tick treatment, and spade/neuter plans.

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#2 HAVE A STOOL SAMPLE CHECKED

When you go to the vet YOU MUST TAKE A STOOL SAMPLE WITH YOU! This is probably the most important thing I can recommend. When you make your vet appointment they will probably ask you to bring in a stool sample. A vet can tell a lot from a stool sample. You don’t need to tell your vet what to check, they know.

Puppies can have worms

Prior to going to new homes, most puppies are wormed. But puppies get worms. That is why you worm them.

However, worms and their eggs can be microscopic. You can’t always see them. Your vet will be able to see if there are any worms/eggs in your puppy’s stool.

But don’t worry, this is a minor issue if it’s treated. The vet will usually give a little liquid medicine and it is very inexpensive.

Puppies can have coccidia

In addition to worms, puppies getting coccidia is not uncommon. Coccidia can manifest under stress. Going to a new home is a wonderful experience but it is a form of stress for your puppy.

Some of the symptoms can be none. That’s why it’s so important to have a stool sample checked! Other symptoms can be lack of appetite or loose stools. Those symptoms can also be from stress related to going to a new home.

But If you see your puppy, shall we say “peeing out of its butt” or blood in the stool, there is a good chance it could be coccidia.

If your new puppy gets coccidia, the treatment is a liquid medicine once a day for 10-14 days. It too is not very expensive. Make sure to keep your puppy hydrated during this time.

#3 GET THE SAME FOOD YOUR PUPPY IS USED TO EATING

When I send a new puppy off to their new forever home, I always send a small bag of puppy food. There will be a lot of changes for your new puppy in the first week. Don’t have their food be one of them.

If you don’t get any food when picking up your puppy, make sure to ask what they are feeding the puppy. Hopefully, you can get some in advance. Have the rescue/breeder take a picture of the bag of food they are using so you know you are getting the exact food.

There are lots of good brands of dog food out there. As many different brands out there, there are different opinions about which brands are the best. I have tried several different brands over the years and have done lots of research. Currently, we use Purina Proplan Focus, Large Breed Puppy Food.

If you do decide to switch your puppy’s dog food, don’t do it right away. Give them a few days to get used to things. Then blend their food with the new food, first ¾-1/4, then ½-1/2, etc. This will cause less stress on your little one’s system.

#4 TAKE AN EMPTY MILK JUG FOR WATER  

This is something we have recently started recommending our new puppy families do. Again, there will be so many changes in the first week.

Wherever you get your puppy from, ask them to fill the empty milk jug with their water. That way it will be one less change for your new puppy.

Mix the water with your water for a few days like you would with new food. Remember, puppies are babies. Their systems need time to mature.

#5 PUPPY PROOF, PUPPY PROOF, PUPPY PROOF–YOUR YARD

Of course, you know puppies will get into everything! In addition to puppy proofing your house, you need to check what things your new puppy could get into in your yard. This is an area that can often get overlooked.

If you have a fenced yard, check the perimeter. Puppies grow fast. But your puppy may be small when you first bring them home. Even a small space in a fence line can be enough for a small puppy to get through.

Also, there are many dangers in a family’s backyard that can make a puppy sick. Make sure there has been no recent use of fertilizers or pesticides/insecticides. It can also be dangerous if a puppy gets into mulch products or eats wild mushrooms.

ALWAYS KEEP THE PET POISON HELPLINE ON HAND (855) 764-7661 FOR 24/7 LIFE-SAVING CARE

NOW ENJOY THAT NEW BUNDLE OF FUR!!

Puppies are a wonderful addition to a new home! But with great joy, come great responsibility. A few simple steps can build the right foundation for your puppy that will start a journey of a lifetime with puppy love and kisses! 

What things did you get your new puppy when you first got them? Post in the comments below.

Check out these other posts you are sure to love!

• Easy steps to potty train your new puppy
• How to survive the first 48 hours with a new puppy
• Finding the perfect vet for your pet
• Top rated mental stimulating dog toys

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