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Within the first week:
Puppies are bursting with energy and exploration. Prepare for some late nights, a lot of love and a few accidents on the carpet. For a little more detail, check out this puppy timeline.
Make sure your pup’s ID and microchip have up-to-date information.
Be sure to get the necessary supplies.
Accidents will happen, so it may be a good idea to begin crate training as soon as possible.
Puppies are mischievous and can get into everything. Make sure to puppy-proof your home.
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Within the first month:
Your puppy’s initial excitement will subside, but they’ll still have plenty of energy to burn. Schedule some playtime each day, but before you break the bank on toys, try building some of your own.
Schedule a veterinarian visit to ensure your puppy has a clean bill of health.
To help them interact with others, start socializing your pup with friends and family.
Try getting your puppy used to being groomed and handled — it’s also a fun way to bond!
While your puppy is settling in, consider obedience training to keep them safe around others.
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Within the first six months:
Your puppy will soon be reaching adult size, but now more than ever, sticking to a healthy routine will be vital to their wellbeing.
Make sure your puppy is ready to encounter other dogs outside of the home by scheduling a second vet visit for additional vaccinations.
While at the vet, don’t forget to ask about flea and tick control products.
With your puppy ready for outside adventures, now is a good to start leash training to help make daily walks go a little smoother.
Eventually, you and your pup will want to go on adventures beyond the neighborhood. Get prepared with these helpful travel tips.
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Within the first week:
Your dog will need some time to adjust to the new surroundings and people. Be patient, as they may still be marking, hiding and exploring boundaries.
Even adult dogs can get into mischief. Prepare your home for the excitement.
Make sure your dog’s ID and microchip details are up to date.
Help your dog feel comfortable by slowly introducing them to other pets and family members.
Your dog may already be potty trained, but you might want to crate train your new dog until they’re familiar with the home.
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Within the first month:
As your dog continues to adjust to home life, now is a good time to start reinforcing healthy routines and behaviors for day-to-day life.
To ensure that your new dog is in top shape schedule a veterinarian visit for advice and nutritional recommendations.
While at your vet visit, don’t forget to ask about flea and tick control products.
Your dog may still need other vaccinations or boosters, so check with your vet at the visit.
Your dog will have plenty of energy to burn off, so engage them in several playtime activities.
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Within the first six months:
By now, your dog will likely feel like a member of the family. This new level of comfort means that you can introduce new forms of training and share exciting new experiences together.
Your new dog’s personality will start to reveal itself. Here’s how to understand their quirky behaviors.
Your dog will no doubt join you for adventures by road, or even air. Get prepared with these helpful travel tips.
Your dog is never too old to start learning something new, so start training your dog as soon as possible.
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Within the first week:
Older dogs need different care as they age. You’ll likely have less energy to deal with, but you’ll want to keep their health top of mind.
Even older dogs can get into mischief, so prepare your home for the excitement.
Make sure your dog’s ID and microchip details are up to date.
Help lower your dog’s anxiety by slowly introducing them to other pets and family members.
Most older dogs are already potty trained, but you might still want to crate train your new dog until they’re familiar with the home.
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Within the first month:
While you’re less likely to be chasing them around the yard, some level of activity can help keep their golden years as healthy as possible.
To ensure that your new dog is in shape and for nutritional recommendations, schedule a veterinarian visit.
During your vet visit, don’t forget to ask about flea/tick control products.
Your dog might not be a puppy anymore, but they might still need other vaccinations or boosters.
Senior dogs may have slowed down from their puppy days, but you should still try these fun exercises disguised as play.
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Within the first six months:
Your new dog’s personality will start to reveal itself, so understand their quirky behaviors to give them the best care.
Older dogs still deserve the chance to go on adventures, so prepare with these helpful travel tips.
Your dog is never too old to start learning something new, so start training your dog as soon as possible.
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What things do I need before I adopt a dog?
Make room in your budget for a few necessities, such as:
- Vet bills
- Crates
- Gates
- Collar
- Grooming brush
- Leash
- ID tag
- Food & water bowls
- Bedding
- Nail clippers
There will also be smaller things that you’ll need to buy regularly. For example:
- Shampoo
- Heartworm medication
- Toys
- Dog food
- Flea and tick control products
- Treats
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How should I prepare my home for my new friend?
Before your dog enters the home, you’ll want to make sure everyone you live with understands how they will welcome their new friend, as well as what their new responsibilities entail.
Remember that puppies have LOTS of energy, and may want to chew on, jump on, and “mark” different things and places around the house.
On the other end, senior dogs often have less energy compared to younger dogs, so set expectations with children and other family members so you don’t overwhelm your new friend.
Consider crate training to establish a regular bathroom routine, as well as a way to find peace of mind while you’re not home.
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After the first year, how often should my dog see the vet?
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What should I feed my new dog?
Depending on their lifestage, you will want to adjust your dog’s food accordingly.
Puppies (Under Age 1)
It's crucial to get puppies on the right puppy food to encourage proper development and growth. Make sure to speak to your veterinarian about a puppy food that provides adequate nutrients for their age based on their potential adult size.
Adult Dogs (1-7 Years)
Healthy dogs in their prime years need an adult dog food with a balance of high-quality ingredients, plus antioxidants and omega-6 fatty acids to help support their everyday needs.
Older Dogs (Age 7+)
Older dogs don’t require the same levels of protein and phosphorus, so your senior friend will likely need to support more specific needs for mobility and brain function, such as phytonutrients and L-carnitine. Look for a senior dog food that will support your older friend’s needs throughout the golden years.
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Can I feed my dog people food?
Contrary to popular belief, regularly feeding your new dog human food can lead to obesity, dental issues, GI upset and finicky eating habits. It’s important to know which types of foods to avoid giving dogs to reduce any potential health risks.
Rather than feeding people food as treats, ask your veterinarian about a healthier alternative designed for dogs.
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How much will it cost to care for my dog?
No matter what age your dog is, there is definitely a cost to giving them a happy and healthy life. The ASPCA estimates that annual dog care costs range from $420-$780, and that doesn’t include unexpected trips to the vet or moments of weakness when you see a dog toy that your furry friend just “has to have.” Make sure you’re ready to care for your dog physically, emotionally AND financially before you commit to making a forever friend.
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What if my dog chews on everything?
Dogs experience their whole world through their mouths. It’s no wonder that they find chewing on different objects a way to relieve stress or show anxiety. Another possibility is that your dog is just bored! There are a number of ways to correct this behavior over time, so be patient and remember to explore all your options.
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Why does my dog keep having accidents or throwing up?
People tend to assume that a dog is being spiteful or intentional with marking, but there are less malicious reasons behind these types of behaviors. Peeing on objects around the house is often a sign of anxiety, or even a potential medical condition that is affecting your dog.
Dogs can also manifest anxiety in the form of digestive problems, so while it is easy to blame the food your feeding your dog, one of the worst things you can do to try and improve the problem is switch their food right away.
The important thing to remember is not to lose hope. As your dog starts to get more comfortable at home, and your vet has eliminated any potential health problems, you can work on reinforcing the good habit of doing their business outside with lots of praise.
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Where can I find Hill's dog food products?
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Nutritional Requirements From Puppy to Elder Dog Years
Discover the different nutrient requirements for your dog through each of his lifestages and how you can keep him happy, healthy and fit to play.
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How do I stop my dog barking?
Controlling the noise level of your dog is an important part of being a responsible owner. After all, excessive barking can be annoying, not just for you but for your neighbours as well.
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Dog Care: What's New? | Hill's Pet
Discover helpful ways to help train your dog, from house training to socializing with other dogs. Explore our library of articles to learn more.
