Busy Pet Parents: How to Ensure the Best Care for Your New Puppy

Bringing home a puppy can be the start of a rewarding relationship, whether you want a companion or a playmate for your kids. Dogs bond better with their owners at a young age, and raising them brings joy to one’s life. But it is also a commitment for the long haul because you need to ensure good nutrition, training, health, and quality time for your pet. 

Despite the workload of pet parenting, 44.5% of U.S. households owned dogs as of 2022. Most owners prefer adopting them young to experience the true joy of pet ownership. However, the workload may seem taxing for busy people who have a lot of things to handle at home and work.

Imagine the stress of scheduling vet visits amid client meetings and school runs. A weekly store pickup of supplies may also seem taxing. Things get more challenging if you live alone and travel a lot because you need to ensure proper pet care while away.

A little planning and creativity can help you address these challenges and excel as a dog parent, regardless of your tight schedules. In this article, we will share a few proven puppy care tips for busy owners. 

Establish a Routine

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Accommodating puppy care in a jam-packed schedule is easier said than done. However, establishing a consistent daily routine can help you and your canine companion. Moreover, it is crucial for a new puppy’s well-being. Dogs thrive on predictability, so a routine helps them feel happy, secure, and confident. Set aside specific time for feeding, training, walks, and toilet breaks.

At the same time, a well-established routine will keep you sane amid your daily workload. It enables you to cope with daily chores and unexpected emergencies. You can even get tips and inspiring stories from other puppy parents going through a similar situation. You may learn a secret or two to maintain a balance.

Invest in Quality Time

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When it comes to raising a puppy, quality time is as crucial as taking care of your pet’s daily needs, stocking up supplies, and scheduling vet visits. Young dogs require bonding time with their owners. However, the benefits extend beyond your pet’s well-being. Research shows that spending time with a pet can also enhance the experiential well-being of older adults. It applies to people of all age groups.

Set aside dedicated time each day to bond with your furry companion. Avoid feeling guilty about not being able to give hours because quality matters more. Invest in training sessions, interactive play, or simply cuddling on the couch. Making the most of the time you have together can strengthen the bond between you and your puppy.

Simplify Pet Care with Online Resources

Did you know that ordering a prescription medicine for your puppy can be as simple as a few clicks? You can even get virtual vet support to address day-to-day health issues and pre-existing conditions in your new companion. The PetPlus membership program helps with local pharmacy pickups and online vet sessions for pet parents running short of time.

According to PetCareRx, dog owners should look for personalized solutions when it comes to pet medications, food, and supplies. The good thing about subscription memberships is that you can access pharmacy products and store supplies easily and get price discounts as well. The membership fee is worth the price for busy puppy parents.

Utilize Professional Services

According to a recent survey, 76% of dogs experience separation anxiety. Expect your canine companion to be at high risk if you are away for long hours or travel frequently for long hours. Being home alone is even harder for dogs belonging to solo owners. A new puppy may suffer in silence, and you may not even realize its pain if you are a new dog owner.

Recognize the need for external support when you cannot spend enough time with your pet. Consider hiring a professional pet sitter or dog walker to help fill in the gaps when you are unavailable. These services offer the necessary companionship, exercise, and mental stimulation for your pup. They are worth every dollar because they contribute to your pet’s overall happiness and health.

Prioritize Training

Training your dog from a young age is the secret to raising an obedient and well-mannered canine. However, fitting daily training sessions into a tight schedule can be challenging. At the same time, it isn’t something you can overlook. Set aside an hour for training daily to ensure that your furry companion learns the basic behavioral skills. If you fall short of time, hire a professional trainer to do the heavy lifting.

Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, and come, and move to more complex ones as the animal learns to obey. Training strengthens the bond between a pet and its parent. Additionally, it creates a harmonious living environment and ensures proper social behavior. Moreover, a trained pet is easier to manage.  

Create a Safe Space

Like children, pets need a safe space to thrive, specifically when they are young and new to an environment. The last thing you want is for your puppy to hurt itself while you are away at work or shopping. You can prevent mishaps by designating a comfortable and safe space for it when you’re not at home.

You can use a crate or allocate a spare room in the house for your puppy to stay safe and comfortable. Equip the area with bedding, water, and toys. A comfortable space provides a sense of security to a new puppy. Moreover, it keeps them from getting into trouble when you are not around. 

Get Regular Vet Check-Ups

No matter how busy you are, you should not miss the scheduled vet check-ups for your furry friend. Look for a reputable and licensed vet to get the best care and nutrition advice for your growing puppy. Also, visit them regularly to identify and address potential health issues early on. Likewise, proper nutrition ensures a healthy weight and optimal growth.

Schedule appointments according to your convenience and adhere to routine check-up recommendations. Using a virtual vet service is a good idea if you cannot take your pet to the clinic for minor problems. Also, get your pet’s medicines delivered from an accredited pharmacy to avoid wasting time.

In conclusion, being a busy puppy parent comes with challenges because you may often fall short of time. Feeding, training, quality time, and vet visits may be hard to fit into your tight schedule. You can try these simple and actionable ways to give the best care to your fur baby despite your time constraints.