8 Tips for Surviving the First 48 Hours with a New Puppy

Are you a new dog owner? If so, you know how life-changing a little extra fur on your couch can be!

New puppies are bundles of energy and cuteness, making them irresistible to pet owners of all kinds. It’s important to know how to care for them so they can flourish in the home they’ll be spending the next several years of their life in.

There are many ways to make the transition an easy one! Read on to learn about helpful tips for surviving the first 48 hours with a new puppy.

1. Prepare Your Home for a New Puppy

Caring for a puppy is one of the most exciting and joyful experiences. To prepare your home and help your puppy adjust, there are some steps you should take.

Your home needs to be puppy-proofed. Remove or block off anything that could be a hazard to the puppy. Have a designated puppy area. This can include a playpen or a crate with a comfortable bed, eating spot, and chew toys.

Lastly, have plenty of love, patience, and consistency. This will help the puppy feel safe and loved when he meets his new family.

2. Establish Routines and Boundaries

To begin, set up a feeding and sleep routine that works with your lifestyle and make sure you stick to it. Establishing a routine helps the puppy get used to a regular schedule and lets them know what is expected of them.

Also, set limits for how long and where the puppy can be active. It is also important to demonstrate that the puppy needs to listen to you. Be firm but kind when setting boundaries, and use consistency to reinforce commands.

3. Get to Know Your Puppy’s Characteristics

Take time to get to know your puppy’s unique personality and temperament. This can help ensure their survival during the transitional period.

Consider the energy level of your pup. Determine if it is an energetic pup that will require a lot of exercise and stimulation. Or if the pup is more of a laidback, calmer type that needs a more relaxed introduction.

Also, think about your puppy’s comfort level with people. Pay attention to their reactions when being handled. Socialize your puppy with people and other animals to help them feel safe and build trust.

Lastly, identify your pup’s behaviors and signals to anticipate potential needs, like when they need to potty.  By understanding your puppy’s needs, you can start building a strong owner-pet relationship.

4. Meet Your Puppy’s Nutritional Needs

It’s important to meet your puppy’s nutritional needs when he or she first arrives. A good way to do this is to provide the same type of food the pup is used to eating. This will make the transition easier and can help avoid developing an upset stomach.

Feeding should be done every 12 hours or so, twice a day, and one should make sure that the food is of the highest quality. It is also important to provide plenty of fresh, clean water for your pup to drink. Avoid giving human food during this period, as many of the ingredients may be harmful to your pet.

5. Have the Right Puppy Supplies Ready

Before bringing your first puppy home, it’s important to have all the right supplies on hand. To help your puppy transition successfully, have ready a place for the puppy to sleep.

Also, it’s a good idea to purchase puppy food, lots of safe chew toys, a leash and collar, and dog shampoo. It’s also helpful to have water and food bowls so your puppy can have access to nutritious meals throughout the day.

Having a playpen or pet gate can be useful for keeping the pup in a restricted area while unsupervised. It’s important to also have nail clippers, a puppy brush, or puppy wipes on hand for any messes that may occur. By having these items ready, you’ll be setting your pup up for success in their first few days in a new home.

6. Schedule Your First Vet Visit

If you’ve just welcomed a new puppy into your family, it’s important to establish a relationship with your pup’s veterinarian soon after. Schedule their first vet visit within the first 48 hours. This visit will help the vet get to know your pup, as well as give you access to information on how to properly care for your pup going forward.

Vaccinations, a physical examination to determine overall health, and a discussion about nutrition are all part of your pup’s first well-care visit. Bring any papers provided by the breeder, plus a list of questions you may have. Following the initial visit, the vet can recommend a regular schedule of vaccinations, check-ups, and preventative measures to ensure your pup’s health and well-being.

7. Know When Puppies Stop Teething

Puppies typically start teething when they are around 3 weeks old. Teething is a process in which baby teeth are replaced with adult ones. All pups will go through teething and it can be both uncomfortable and painful for them.

When do puppies stop teething? Most puppies will finish teething at about 5 or 6 months old. During teething, a puppy will display different behaviors such as increased drooling, biting, and chewing.

To keep the puppy from being too uncomfortable and stressing them out, provide them with a variety of chew toys and play with them. Additionally, make sure the puppy always has access to fresh water to help soothe any sore gums. 

8. Bond With Your Puppy

Bonding with your puppy can be a very important part of easing them into their new home. Spend plenty of quality time with them- go for walks and give them your attention. 

Engage with them in playtime, such as fetch, tug of war, and puzzles. This will teach them new skills and help them bond with you.

Cuddles and soft words of encouragement can work wonders when they are feeling overwhelmed. Let them sleep near you at night, as this will give them comfort and security.

Be Prepared for the First 48 Hours With a New Puppy

New puppies can be a lot of work and preparation, but with some planning and guidance, you can make their transition to their new home one that will be easy and stress-free. Remember to be patient, give lots of love, and take things a step at a time.

With these tips in mind, you can successfully navigate the first 48 hours with a new puppy. And don’t forget to enjoy this special time!

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