There’s nothing more exciting than becoming a dog owner. However, it’s important you’re well-aware of the proper pet care for puppies to ensure your beloved pooch enjoys a long and healthy life. At the Robertsdale Animal Clinic, the veterinarians know that your dog is more than just a pet. That’s why they offer top care to pet owners in Alabama, including helpful information for new canine mommies and daddies.  

What First-Time Dog Owners Should Know About Proper Pet Care

1. Make Sure Your Home Is Safe

The first thing you should do before bringing home a new puppy is to ensure your home is safe and secure. While you shouldn’t leave your puppy unsupervised, it’s best to take certain precautions to prevent harm from occurring. Any elevated areas, such as decks or porches, should be cordoned off. Additionally, you should make sure your puppy can’t access any items that can accidentally be consumed. This is especially important when it comes to household plants, which can be poisonous in some instances.

2. Regular Vet Checkups Are a Must

Another aspect of good pet care is ensuring your dog undergoes regular checkups. Vaccinations should be administered by 16 weeks to ensure dangerous health complications don’t occur. Equally important is having your dog spayed or neutered, which helps keep the pet population under control. Lastly, regular exams will help ensure your pet is developing normally.

3. Obedience Training Is Also Helpful

Along with health concerns, you also want to ensure your puppy properly behaves. Obedience training is crucial in this regard, especially when it comes to house-training. When training your dog, being firm but gentle is the best course of action. Never punish your pet for wrongdoing; instead, offer rewards when your puppy does something good, which will encourage him to do his best every time.

Robertsdale Animal Clinic is beloved by local pet owners thanks to their commitment to treating your pet just like one of the family. Contact this Alabama veterinary clinic today by calling (251) 947-7297. If you’re a cat lover, feel free to visit the website for helpful hints for cat owners.