Puppy Products 101

We’re very aware of what an overwhelming experience preparing for the arrival of a new puppy can be, which is why we have stocked our online store with puppy-specific products, and also want to give some general tips on what you should remember when you’re shopping for you brand new family member.

Puppy Food

Puppies that have been weaned are usually recommended to be fed three to four times a day to avoid digestion problems and to keep the puppy energetic. You’ll also need dog food specifically designed for puppies, which means it will have a higher calorie and nutritional supplement amount. The high calorie amount is necessary for a growing puppy, but once your dog begins to reach maturity, make sure to transition to regular food to avoid overfeeding your dog.

 

Crate or No Crate

There are people who aren’t enthusiastic about crates, but we think it’s important to remember that many dogs are den animals that often prefer to sleep in enclosed spaces. As long as you don’t force your puppy or dog to spend inordinate amounts of time in a crate, it can help you with training and traveling as well as create a safe haven for a tired puppy. Please remember puppies under the age of four months are recommended to be let out of the crate every 1-2 hours and no dog should ever be in a crate for more than six hours a day.

Puppy Toys

Chewing for puppies and dogs alike serves to relieve stress, bring joy and help with boredom. However, at the puppy age is when you should teach your dog the right chewing habits (for example, not to chew on rugs, furniture or your decorative cushion): buying products like Nylabone’s puppy toys is a great idea as they’re made out of materials that don’t remind the puppy of the material regular objects around the house are made out of, like your shoes or kids’ toys. This way you give your puppy a chance to naturally and easily learn what is OK to chew. You also need to keep safety in mind: you’ll need durable toys so that the puppy can’t tear off and digest parts of them.

Vaccinations

It’s generally recommended to book an appointment with a vet for your new puppy as soon as possible after the puppy has arrived, because from parvo vaccines to hepatitis vaccinations, there’s a lot to take into consideration when it comes to your puppy’s health. Your veterinarian will be able to schedule the right vaccinations for you puppy based on the medical history given by the breeder, just remember to make sure you schedule the appointment promptly.