Becoming a new dog parent is an exciting adventure with a new puppy! But it can also be a scary time trying to provide the very best for that little creature especially in the face of some puppy behaviors.
So when should you consult your vet?
Welcoming Home the New Puppy!
Congratulations on that new bundle of fur with sweet puppy breath!
Make sure you take your new puppy to your chosen vet for a “well puppy visit” within the first few days after bringing him home. Your vet will do a “wellness check” and create a “baseline” for your puppy’s medical history and any potential health issues. This visit helps ensure you have a healthy puppy.
Early Puppy Development: What to Expect the 1st Two Months.
We understand you want to do the very best for your puppy, so below we’ve outlined some of the common puppy behaviors you’ll no doubt experience to help put your mind at ease!
Here’s Your Checklist for Adopting a New Puppy!
Normal Puppy Behavior
Imagine if you went to a new place with new people without being able to understand a single word or what’s going on! That’s how your puppy feels! There will always be an adjustment period. So be very patient and calm while your puppy is learning to adjust to his new environment, smells, sounds, people and even other pets.
“New Puppy? 4 Needs to Address on the First Day!”
The following puppy behaviors are completely normal at the beginning of his new life with you.
My Puppy Isn’t Eating
Puppies are different from their humans when it comes to stress and eating. While many people will binge eat when they are sad, unhappy or anxious, dogs do not usually follow this pattern.
If your vet gave your puppy a clean bill of health, don’t be overly concerned if he doesn’t regularly eat, especially in the early days.
Even sudden schedule changes (like kids going back to school) can make your puppy anxious and suppress his appetite. Puppies are rarely finicky eaters; so don’t create a fuss if he doesn’t eat. This could create future issues with eating his food. Also, create and adhere to a feeding schedule and do not leave his food out all day.
Puppies may also be less inclined to eat when they are teething which is uncomfortable and painful for your puppy. Offer puppy-safe, cooling teething toys to help soothe their inflamed gums.
My Puppy Hasn’t Gone to the Bathroom
Provide regular bathroom breaks on a set schedule throughout the day and your puppy will learn to follow a dependable bathroom schedule. Also remember, if he is not regularly eating during his adjustment period, he won’t need to relieve himself as much.
My Puppy is Crying During the Night
Again, your puppy is doing his best to adjust to his new home, schedule and people without his mom and litter, so give him lots of patience! With time, he will learn to adjust and self-soothe himself in his new home. Create a bedtime routine to calm your puppy down (also make sure his bladder is empty). Include a toy, blanket or towel with his mom’s scent on it in his sleeping area to help comfort him.
My Puppy is Breathing Too Fast
Another potentially scary behavior is how your puppy breathes when he is sleeping. Understand that young puppies breathe more rapidly than adult dogs and try not to panic; your puppy is ok. This is a completely natural behavior and will change as your puppy grows up and matures into an adult dog. Read our previous blog to learn more about sleeping puppies!
As a new puppy parent, reach out to your vet’s office if you are worried or unsure what to do. Most vets are happy to help new puppy owners within reason.
Watch our blog for which puppy behaviors may be potential
red flags requiring a vet visit!
ARKANSAS BEAR CREEK
GOLDENS AND DOODLES
F1b Labradoodle Puppies Available!
We are a small family breeder located in the heart of the Ozarks in Northern Arkansas. We strive to raise healthy, happy, well-socialized, quality Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, Mini Labradoodle, and Aussiedoodle puppies.
All our puppies come with a health guarantee for their first 12 months of age.
Please email, text or call us at 870-404-0127 or 870-404-1189 for more information about upcoming litters.
