| 0
|
Log In |
Register
|
Above $80
Things you should know as a First Time Small Animal Owner

 

Things you should know as a First Time Dog Owner

Health Maintenance

  • Vitamins and mineral supplements?
  • Immunoboosters?
  • ​Digestive aids such as probiotics and prebiotics?
  • ​Skin and coat supplements?
  • ​Joint supplements (especially on large breed dogs)?

To be given only if the puppy needs it, and based on breed, lifestyle activities and any particular health concerns. It's best to discuss this requirement with someone with vet training and experience such as your Pet Care Consultant. Remember to take note of the expiration date when buying such products. Also make sure you read the expiration date correctly, as some expiration dates are formatted as MM/DD/YY, while others are formatted as DD/MM/YY.

 
  • Vaccination?
  • De-worming?
  • ​Flea and  tick control?
  • ​Heart worm prevention?
To be done promptly.
 
 
Diet and Nutrition
 
​​Main diet, canned food, treats and snacks determined?
Puppy food?
 
Puppy food is a must. There are lots of different kinds of puppy food in the market today, each with its unique nutritional blend, but all formulated to optimize the health of a new puppy dog. The main concern here is the correct amount of food to be given on a per day basis, which can be found, clearly stated on each dog food label. Most of food given will need to correspond to the age and weight of the puppy. Expiration date should also be noted. Canned food is also a necessity, as compared with dry food, as these are high in moisture content which means high in water content, making it more soft, better tasting and hence more acceptable to  your dog. Mix canned food with dry food if your puppy doesn't eat the dry food given.
 
​Got your treats and snacks ready?
 
Dogs are a smart species and can be well trained. For dog training, snacks and treats are basic requirements for imparting positive influence and reward. Treats differ in form and consistency. They can be soft, hard, or intermediate. Emphasis is given to nutrition, as its impact is significant to the life of the new pet. This includes normal developmental growth as well as bodily organ functioning.

Accessories
 
Accessories
 
Cushion? Muzzle?
A must in public for certain breeds of dogs as required by the law.
 
Leash / Collar?
This is morefor the control of the new dog in response to getting along in public or even on training.
 
Play pen or cage? Toilet training kit? Carrier?
Size of pet carrier depends on the needs of the owner. It is highly advisable not to get too small or just-the-right-size pet plastic carriers for your new dog. Bigger ones are better to at least allow your dog to have ample space to lie down. Remember in dealing with puppies, we should have good estimates of the dog's full adult size in relation to the size of the pet carrier.
 
Under-training pads? Food bowl?
It is highly emphasized that a dog's bowl should be for the dog and not people nor vice-versa. (For health reasons)
 
Water bottle? Cushion / pillows?
To make your new pet feel comfortable within the premises of the home.

Toys?

 

Toys

Dogs, especially puppies ranging 1-6 months love to bite. Toys are part of their growth for better psychomotor development. Toys differ accordingly; either for chewing, for inter action, for playing or exercise.

 
Grooming
 
​​Shampoo?
Shampoo should precisely suit the specific needs of our pets. If it is still a puppy, we suggest using puppy shampoo. Blends of unique herbs as well as natural extracts are the current trends in the market. When selecting a shampoo for your pet, the most important aspect is really whether it has been clinically tested to be safe and effective.
 
Conditioner?
Deemed necessary if the skin condition of the new pet is dry and dull. Take note that external conditioning or shampooing must always be coupled with internal skin and coat supplementation to give vigor, vitality and luster to your new pet's skin and coat.
 
Powder? Ear care?
Depending on how necessary it is. The range of products includes normal ear cleansing solutions, those for ears infected by bacteria, yeast or fungus, and those for ear mites. Choose products that legibly show when and how to use properly.
 
Eye care?
Includes tearstain removers and eyewashes. Tearstain removers are often times needed to remove unsightly discolorations on the periphery of the eyes. This is especially common in Malteses or even on toy poodles. Eyewash is required if there is mild irritation of the eyelids.
 
Oral care?
Includes products like toothpaste, toothbrush, dental sprays, and dental treats. Dental prophylaxis is very significant to a pet's life. Dental problems can lead to loss of appetite triggering a chain reaction of malnutrition that leads to low immunity.
 
Nail clipping?
A must. Regular nail clipping is highly advised to prevent overgrowth of the nails. which will increase the rish of nail inversion and injuries.
 
 
Fashion
​​
Dresses, hairpins, jackets, shoes, socks are optional and within the owner's disretion.