Happy New Year! Has a new puppy just joined your family? If so, your little buddy has a big year in front of him. The first 12 months of a dog’s life are absolutely crucial in terms of growth and development. Little Fido has a few big goals ahead of him for the new year! A local Columbia, MD vet lists some of them in this article.
Grow
Dogs grow very, very quickly in that first year. That growth spurt puts a lot of strain on your canine buddy’s bones and joints! Proper nutrition is extremely important at this stage of little Fido’s life: any imbalances or deficiencies now can cause or contribute to serious issues down the road. Ask your vet to recommend a good puppy-formula food.
Be A Good Boy
One of the many things we love about dogs is the fact that they really strive to please their owners. That loyalty is truly special, and is something to treasure. However, it does need to be cultivated. That starts as soon as you bring your furry friend home! Reward good behavior with treats, praise, and affection, so little Fido forms a positive association with behaving properly.
Explore
Puppies are very curious and playful, which is of course adorable. However, it can backfire: little Fido is perhaps a bit too fond of investigating how things taste … and how crunchy they are. Petproofing is crucial at this stage! Remove or secure anything that could be dangerous, such as small or sharp items, toxic plants, chemicals, and wires.
Get New Teeth
When little Fido is about 3 to 6 months old, his adult teeth—all 42 of them—will start coming in. At this stage, your canine pal will become an adorable little chewing machine. In addition to keeping up with petproofing, you’ll need to provide lots of safe, suitable chew toys.
Make Friends
Socialization is one of the most important factors that will determine your furry friend’s personality. If little Fido isn’t exposed to new places and faces while he’s little, he may grow up to be wary and distrustful. Doggy daycare, puppy playdates, and quality time with friends and family can all help with this. Ask your vet for more information on socialization.All of us here at Claws N Paws Animal Hospital, your Columbia, MD pet clinic, wish you a wonderful new year. Contact us anytime!
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