Seven Tips for Buying (and Caring For) a Puppy in Tampa, Florida
By Space Coast Daily // May 26, 2022
Buying a cute puppy can be incredibly exciting. But before you start looking for a puppy, you should make yourself aware of the following seven tips for buying and caring for your new canine pal.
1. Consider Which Breed Is Best-Suited to Your Lifestyle
Before you buy a puppy in Tampa, Florida, you will want to consider which breed of dog you want.
Take a look at the puppies available from the reputable breeder Your Puppy FL to get an idea of the options available.
But you need to consider more than just which breed of dog you find the cutest. You need to look at your personal circumstances to help you determine which breed is right for you.
Factors you need to consider include your working hours, your family commitments, and your energy levels.
You should also think about whether you have enough space for the dog in your home when it is fully grown, whether you have the time and energy to handle an active and energetic puppy and whether the dog you choose needs to go on lots of long walks.
Figure out your needs and the needs of the breed you are considering to find the right puppy for your lifestyle.
2. Perform Checks When You Visit the Breeder
When you visit the dog breeder, you should do several checks before you proceed with your purchase.
You should make sure that the puppy is happy and healthy, find out whether a vet has checked the puppy, and determine whether the puppy has had worm treatments regularly since birth.
Also, you need to know whether the puppy has been vaccinated and microchipped.
3. Puppy-Proof Your Home
Before you bring your puppy home, you will need to puppy-proof your home.
For example, you should keep all chewable objects that could be swallowed out of harm’s way, block access to rooms where your pup could cause damage, and ensure all electrical cables are covered or safely positioned behind your furniture.
4. Register with a Vet
When you own a dog, you will need to regularly take it to a veterinarian, so make sure you find a good local vet ahead of time.
You should also find out where your closest emergency clinic is in case you need it at some point.
5. Get the Right Supplies
To care for your puppy correctly, you need to ensure you have all the right supplies before you bring your pup home.
In addition to a dog bed, water and food bowls, and a collar and leash, you will need to purchase toys, puppy food and treats, a brush and comb, and cleaning supplies like disinfectant and disposable paper. You will also need a crate for potty training.
6. Know What to Feed Your Puppy and How Often to Feed
Before you bring your puppy home, you need to know what to feed it and how often to feed it.
You should do some in-depth research about puppy care in general beforehand to ensure you provide the right care, and that includes the food you provide.
Different breeds will have different needs. But you should always give puppy food, rather than adult dog food, while your puppy is still growing.
You can feed your puppy a combination of wet food and dry food.
Typically, it is best to start off by feeding a young puppy small portions throughout the day. After a puppy is three months old, it should have three meals a day. After six months, cut feeding time down to twice a day. But make sure you find out what is best for your specific breed of dog.
7. Learn How to Potty-train Your Puppy
One important thing you need to learn in order to take care of your puppy is how to potty-train it.
It is important that your puppy learns the right place to go to the toilet to prevent indoor accidents.
To toilet-train a puppy, offer lots of toilet breaks, praise your pup when it goes to the toilet in the right place, and be ready to pop your pup outside every time it starts squatting.
Typically, you should offer your puppy toilet breaks every twenty to thirty minutes as well as during walks, fifteen minutes after meals, and before bedtime.
You should also give your pup a treat after it goes to the toilet in the right place.
