 |
 |
|---|
Acclimating a New Puppy to Your Home
Friday, August 26, 2011 |
Bringing home a new puppy may invoke a “now what?” feeling once you walk through the door with your furry friend. Fortunately, these initial days can go smoothly if you take them slowly and prepare yourself for those all important first experiences. Review the following tips to acclimate your puppy to her new home:
Begin with a tour
The best way for your pooch to get the lay of the land is with a guided tour. Guide her through the house, allowing her to sniff out any rooms in which she’ll be allowed. A tour serves as the ideal time to begin setting limits as well: if your puppy tries to chew or pick up an object that’s not meant for paws or jaws, gently take the items from her and tell her no. Then direct her attention to something that is acceptable for chewing, such as a toy or a rawhide bone.
Introduce the crate
If you’ll be using a crate, show it to your dog as part of the tour. Place a treat inside the crate in advance of her arrival for him to discover while exploring her new home. If she goes in, leave the door open while she explores, and give her a few minutes to check out her new digs.
Acclimate your dog to chow time
Before you get your dog, ask the former owners what kind of dog food was used, and then buy the same food. This will make the transition easier on your puppy’s tummy and will aid in keeping her healthy during this stressful time. Talk to your veterinarian for recommendations on food types and quantities and how many times per day to feed your dog.
Make your dog comfortable at bedtime
Those first few nights can be tough for a new puppy—so many strange sounds and shadows! Help ease her anxiety by placing one of your old shirts in her crate or bed, or buy an inexpensive ticking clock or radio and place it in the room (but not the crate or bed) for comfort.
Introduce the family slowly
Surprise parties are for people, not dogs! Ask your family not to bombard the new puppy when she comes home. Give her some time to warm up, and introduce her to her new family members gradually. The same rule applies for other pets in the house: both the senior pet and the new puppy will benefit from a casual first meeting.
Remember to be patient with your puppy as she becomes acclimated, and enjoy getting to know her! Before long, she’ll be a well-adjusted dog and a beloved part of the family.
Important Safety Information
Advantage Multi® for Dogs (imidacloprid + moxidectin) Topical Solution
For Dogs Only
Product Label | Printable Version
CAUTION:
- Federal (U.S.A.) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
- Do not administer this product orally. (See WARNINGS.) Do not use this product (containing 2.5% moxidectin) on cats.
|
WARNINGS: For the first 30 minutes after application: Ensure that dogs cannot lick the product from application sites on themselves or other treated dogs, and separate treated dogs from one another and from other pets to reduce the risk of accidental ingestion. Ingestion of this product by dogs may cause serious adverse reactions including depression, salivation, dilated pupils, incoordination, panting, and generalized muscle tremors. In avermectin sensitive dogs, the signs may be more severe and may include coma and death. |
HUMAN WARNINGS:
- Children should not come in contact with the application site for two (2) hours after application.
PRECAUTIONS:
- Use with caution in sick, debilitated, or underweight animals.
- The safety of Advantage Multi® for Dogs has not been established in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs.
- The safe use of Advantage Multi® for Dogs has not been established in puppies and dogs less than 7 weeks of age or less than 3 lbs body weight.
- Prior to administration Advantage Multi® for Dogs, dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infections.
Advantage Multi is a registered trademark of Bayer.
Ask a Veterinarian
Post your pet health and behavior questions for advice from a veterinarian.