Congratulations on your new pet. Together you and your dog will embark on a wonderful journey.

Having a new dog or puppy can be a little overwhelming at the beginning: we are here to help you with any queries and to give advice on puppy training, toilet training, biting behaviour, puppy discipline etc.

There can be so many things to take on board when you get a new dog so Anicare vets have compiled a 9 point checklist to get you started.

Susan Barry, our vet in Palmerstown veterinary hospital, Dublin recently adopted a new dog and used the checklist to ensure Peggy is fit and healthy:

HEALTH AND WELL BEING CHECKLIST:

1. Vet examination- your dog will be examined from nose to tail to ensure they are perfectly healthy.
2. Vaccinations- necessary to prevent your dog from contracting a fatal disease. Boosters need to be given yearly for the rest of the dog’s life. Ensure your dog is also vaccinated against Canine cough- you vet will explain the importance of this.
3. Flea and worm treatment- many products available- always get your products from your vet. Combined flea and worm treatments, which are liquids applied to the back of the neck every month are now very popular. Flea and worm treatments keep your pet healthy and your house and family free of parasites!
4. Microchip and dog license. All dogs must be microchipped- your vet will do this. The dog license can be purchased at your local post office. Dog licenses are renewed yearly.
5. Pet health insurance- highly recommended by all of the vets and vet nurses in Palmerstown, who all have insurance for their own pets:  “it allows you to avail of all of the diagnostics and treatments without the financial constraints” says Paula Sanfey, vet nurse, Palmerstown.
6. Food- try and stick to a dry dog food, no table food, and minimal treats. Feed puppy food to puppies, adult food to adult dogs and low fat food to neutered adults. Our vet hospital receptionist and nurses are trained in pet nutrition and are delighted to advise you on the optimal diet for your new puppy / dog.
7. Neutering- although not done until 6 months of age onwards, it is good to be aware of it and its many health benefits now. Your vet will explain why this is so important.
8. Training and puppy classes. Here at Palmerstown veterinary hospital our vet nurse. Catriona Higgins. runs puppy preschool where puppies up to 18 weeks old and their owners will learn the basic commands, how to socialise with other dogs and people and all about disciplinary procedures! There are various other adult dog training courses around Dublin which we would be happy to recommend

SHOPPING CHECKLIST:

1. Dog bed, something that can be washed in the machine/ wipes clean is ideal- some people like to buy a crate for their puppy to help with the toilet training and confine them at night/ while out.
2. Dog bowls- one for water and one for food
3. Chew toys- puppies love to chew so having plenty of toys (suitable for puppy/ adult dogs) will save your house and belongings!
4. Wipes and disinfectant! – There will be plenty of accidents in the early days while and puppy is being toilet trained/ adult dog is getting used to their new surroundings.

Remember also to dog proof your house. Keep remote controls, phone chargers, electrical cables etc out of reach. You can use a baby gate to confine your dog to certain rooms/ stop them going up or down stairs.

We are always available at Palmerstown veterinary hospital to take a call and answer any queries you have. Just call us on 01 6237044

You can also pick our brains on FACEBOOK!

Socialisation involves meeting and having pleasant encounters with many adults, children, dogs (puppies and adults), and other animals.
Puppies need to get used to a wide range of events, environments and situations early in life.

Why? is it important to socialise your puppy?
Socialisation is vital to ensure your puppy grows into a well-balanced and stable dog. Lack of socialisation is the most common reason for aggression in adult dogs. By preparing your puppy to live in our human world you are considerably reducing the risks of them developing many behavioural problems as they get older. Dogs that were taken out regularly as puppies can take different situations in their stride and enjoy going anywhere with their owners. Dogs that like people can be taken anywhere and live life to the full. Undersocialised puppies grow into adult dogs that can be frightened not friendly.

When?
The sooner the better!
During the early weeks, a puppy will approach anything or anybody willingly and without fear.By the time it reaches about 12 weeks of age, any new encounter will be approached with caution and trepidation.Therefore it is vital that a puppy meets a wide variety of people, situations and other animals between 3 and 12 weeks of age. Puppies usually go to new homes from the age of about 6-8 weeks.This means you should make a real effort to socialise your new puppy well during your first few months together.Socialisation after this time is also necessary to build on the foundation or to make up for lost time, particularly if your puppy was not socialised adequately in the litter.

Where?
Until your puppy is fully vaccinated you can not take him into public places. Newer vaccines such as the one we use at Anicare allow your puppy to start his vaccination course as young as six weeks allowing for earlier socialisation than was once possible.
Also our puppy classes run at Anicare Clontarf   Anicare Glasnevin   &  Anicare Palmerstown are open to puppies who have had their first vaccination allowing them a head start on the socialisation process.

So if you have a new puppy or are thinking of getting one give us a call at any one of the Anicare Veterinary Hospitals so that your puppy can have the best start in life!