So you finally got that new puppy and now you need tips on caring for him or her.  Of course there will be some basic things to start out with to insure your dog grows up healthy and your house is also protected from the hyperactive playing of a new puppy.  Not all accidents or illnesses can be prevented but there are things you can do to take better care of your new puppy.

Of course the first thing would be to get your dog to a good local vet, if it hasn’t already been examined by one.  How do you know if a vet is any good?  The best way is to ask friends, neighbors and family where they take their dog and what they think of their vet.  Ask you vet lots of questions about the breed of your dog and make sure you find out what to expect in the way of health problems.  Be prepared to take your dog back to the veterinarian once a year.  Unlike a house cat, dogs get diseases easier as it is necessary to take them outside and expose them to more hazards and germs.

There are also things to learn about new puppy care on your own.  A good beginner’s book on dog care is a must for quick reference.  It may sound like common sense but good quality dog food, regular clean water and fresh air are a must for a new puppy.  Your vet can recommend good dog food or there are many online websites and stores which have decent advice and products to.  You will find the largest number of unique and quality items on the internet, rather in your local pet store, although local pet stores come in handy for on the spot purchases.

Keep your new puppy’s food and water bowls clean, as they are a source for growing bacteria which can cause numerous health problems. Stainless steal is a good choice for dog bowls as they are easy to maintain.  Puppies need different food than grown dogs do, because other fat and protein ratios needed by them

Along with new puppy car will come exercise for your puppy.  You’ll even get some too!  Exercising your dog, by simply walking them and playing with them will actually hell keep illnesses at bay, the same as it does in people.  Chewing is an exercise that your new dog will want to engage in with or without your help.  Gets lots of chew toys.  This will occupy your dog and save a lot of your furniture.  Chewing is a natural instinct, so your new puppy will do it.

Part of new puppy car is keeping your puppy clean and smelling good.  You wouldn’t want to be dirty and smell bad would you, and neither would your puppy.  You should be able to do some grooming on your own with time and the proper supplies.  A professional groomer is good to use ever few months though for a really thorough job.  As well you should bathe your dog every few weeks.  A clean dog is a happy dog and the pride of its owner too.

It helps your puppy and you to do regular weekly checks of your dogs body.  Your main goal here is to check for any changes that seem odd.  Examine your new puppy from head to toe and look for sensitive areas.

Along with new puppy care you will need to check your house for possible places your new and curious puppy might get into trouble.  Look for loose wires, or things that may easily fall on them.  Also look for drapes or rags the may chew on, hanging cords, and little things your puppy may chew and choke on.  A garage is not a good place for a dog due to potential poison hazards usually there.

These are only some very basic tips to get you started with your new puppy care and to prevent the most basic of accidents from happening.  Treat your new puppy with care and kindness and you will be rewarded with a best friend and good long-term companion for you and your family.

Some helpful new puppy care links are below.

Dumb Friend League Dog Behavior Guide
http://www.ddfl.org/tips.htm

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer

Los Angeles Dog and Puppy Training
http://www.doggiemanners.com/

Puppy Care & Puppy Training
http://www.placervillevet.com/puppy_care_and_training.htm