Happy New Year! Are you ringing in 2019 with a new puppy at your side? Congratulations! Little Fido has a big year in front of him, as he’s got lots to learn and lots of growing to do. Read on as a local Tampa, FL vet discusses your pet’s plans for the next year.

Make New Friends

One of the best things you can do for your four-legged pal is to let him experience new places and faces while he’s young. This will help him form a positive, open-minded opinion against the world, so he grows into a friendly, polite pooch. Take the little guy to parks or host some puppy parties with gentle, well-behaved dogs.

Grow

Don’t forget to take lots of pictures of your cute new pet this year! Puppies grow very quickly, and that adorable toddler stage will be over before you know it. It’s also important to make sure your furry friend is eating good, nutritious food. Ask your vet for nutritional advice.

Learn Things

Get your little buddy started out on the right paw in life by teaching him good petiquette from the start. Your adorable student should learn basic obedience commands like Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. Housebreaking should also be on the agenda, as should crate training.

Meet The Doctor

Puppies should see the vet a few times during that crucial first year. Little Fido will need to be microchipped, spayed or neutered, and started out with key vaccinations and parasite control. Your little pal will also need a thorough exam. Ask your vet to recommend an appointment schedule.

Eat Everything

Little Fido has a lot to learn about the world. Dogs like to investigate things with their mouths, so your canine companion will spend quite a bit of time figuring out what he can eat, chew, or play on. This can be a dangerous habit! Do some puppyproofing, and remove anything that isn’t safe and/or appropriate for your furry pal to eat.

Give Kisses

Puppy smooches are one of the best things in life, and we suspect that you’ll be getting a lot of them this year! Get little Fido used to getting his teeth brushed now, so you don’t cringe every time he licks your face.

Here at Baycrest Animal Clinic, we love watching puppies grow! Please contact us, your Tampa, FL vet clinic, anytime.