5 minute read
A checklist for your new dog or puppy
Research the Breed Sources: Places such as The Kennel Club will give you an indication as to what size, temperament and life span each breed will give you. If you are adopting a mixed breed dog, shelters such as Wood Green Animal Charity or Battersea Dogs and Cats Home will give you information about finding the best breed for your family fit. Consider other pets in your home: If you are adding a new dog to your pack, you will need to consider the impact on your lifestyle and on that of any other pets in the home. Consider your other pet’s breeds, personalities and preferences before exploring further. It may be fine to bring another pet into your home, as many cats and dogs get on well together, but you will know your pets better than anyone else and can make that judgement call. Alternatively, you might be looking to get your new dog from a breeder. A reputable breeder, or shelter will guide you through the process. Be mindful that some breeders can be expensive. Therefore it is important that you take this, plus additional costs such as day care, insurance, toys, food etc. into account during your planning phase. Here are a few other tips to look out for before you bring your dog home:
1. Always meet the parents Before bringing your new pup home, insist on visiting them with their mum, litter and with dad too, if possible. Normally happening at 5 weeks, this will give you an opportunity to select the right pet personality fit for your family.
You will see them interact with their mum and siblings (if they have any) and this will enable you to see whether they are playful, placid, submissive, or dominant in the pack. This will give you an idea of their future personalities; go armed with as many questions as possible.
2. Fur and Body Condition When you meet your new canine companion, take a look at their general appearance. Is their coat glossy and nose shiny? Check for their body condition; a healthy body can be assessed on the ribs, shoulders and belly. There should be a curve of the tummy up to the groin area, with no protruding ribs or shoulders. You can get a vet to do a health check — a reputable breeder will already have had a vet check the whole litter.
3. Check for Worms It is never too early to check for worms as these can be passed from the mum to the litter and multiply up quite quickly. A good breeder or shelter will have a vet check the pups, however in some instances, worms can go unnoticed. Sickness, diarrhoea and weight loss can be signs. Other key signs can be: a dull coat, lack or energy or general lethargy.
REMEMBER
To check for flea dander. Reddish-black flecks would be an indication of fleas themselves.
4. Ears and eyes can often be additional indicators of pet health. Check ears for mites and eyes for any mucus, which could indicate a more serious condition. It is important to keep on top of their eye and ear healthcare routine. The Beaphar Ear Cleaner and Beaphar Eye Lotion are a great help to continue ongoing ear and eye healthcare.
A checklist for your new dog or puppy
Are you ready for them?
You probably have a date for your new family member to come home. So what additional items do you need? Food Bowl: Plastic, metal, or a multiple feeder. Find the right feeder to fit your lifestyle. Food: Some puppies might need a little extra help with their nutrition; maybe they are from a large litter or your vet has noticed a slow growth rate, Beaphar Lactol is an ideal supplement. You’ll also need to decide on wet vs dry food, or a mix of both.
Your breeder or shelter will probably provide you with a sample of food to take home, but explore the market for how you would like to feed your pet, going forward. Make any changes gradually, over a longer time frame, to avoid upset tummies. Beaphar IntestoPro for Upset Tummies: If your pup does experience an upset tummy, it could be due to the effect of the move, or even just switching to a new food. Beaphar IntestoPro will support your dog through this period and help restore normal bowel movements. Water bowl: Choose the right one for you – there are hundreds to choose from – but as dogs are messy drinkers, put a tray or mat underneath their bowl and place away from their food.
Puppy Pads: Older dogs may well have been toilet trained, however, it is likely that they will have accidents in the early days, as they adjust to their new environment. Puppies have very little control, so be prepared for accidents to happen regularly. Beaphar Puppy Pads can be used to support toilet training (and capture any accidental messes). You can also take a look at online guides for toilet training, or ask your local pet store or vet for help if problems persist.
Beaphar Lactol Milk has been used by top breeders for over 100 years and is made from whey protein. It’s easily digestible and mimic’s their mum’s milk.
Durable Lead, Collar and Harness: It is a legal requirement for you to have identification on your dog’s collar, so if you choose to use a harness for walks, you will more than likely need a collar for identification, too. For some dogs, getting out is so much fun and over-excitement can result in undesirable behaviours such as pulling on the lead. To stop this, a training headcollar, such as the Beaphar Gentle Leader®, which has been designed with veterinary behaviourists to help train your dog using natural cues and behaviours, will make walks more pleasurable for you both. Calm Environment and Cosy Bed: You might want to consider using a Beaphar CaniComfort® Diffuser, in the room they use the most. The diffuser releases Dog Appeasing Pheromones, mimicking natural pheromones produced by mum when she is nursing her pups. This will make settling in a whole lot easier.
