Have your kids been begging for a puppy for Christmas? There’s nothing better than a wriggly bundle of cuteness running around under the tree. In fact, more pets get adopted over the holiday season than at any other time of year.
Adopting a puppy can bring a lot of joy into your family, but it’s also a big commitment. Puppy care comes with many responsibilities, like potty training and taking them to the vet for vaccinations. Do your kids understand what they’re asking for? How do you know if they’re ready for their first puppy? Our vets share a few tips that will help you make a rational decision.
Explain the Responsibilities of Adopting a Puppy
Before you bring a new puppy home, make sure your kids understand the basics of pet care. Are they ready to commit to multiple daily walks, picking up poop, washing their pet’s food bowls, and using treats only for training? Do they understand how important it is not to share their own food with a puppy? Do they know that puppies need to stay away from places like pet stores and dog parks until they’re fully vaccinated? Puppies are a lot of fun, but they can be a lot of work as well.
Make Sure You Have Time for Training
Puppies need a lot of attention, playtime, and snuggles, so adopting over the holidays can be a good way to find that extra time. But if you’re all headed back to work and school after New Year’s, your new puppy is going to be very lonely. They might turn to destructive behaviors, like chewing up your kids’ toys if they’re left alone all day long. It will also take them a lot longer to learn where to go potty if no one is around to take them outside every couple of hours.
Schedule Your Puppy’s First Vaccinations
If you do decide to adopt a puppy, it’s a good idea to schedule their first checkup before you even bring them home. The sooner they can get started on their first round of vaccinations, the sooner they can safely interact with other dogs. Your vet will also want to discuss things like spaying or neutering when your puppy gets older, and giving them a microchip ID just in case they ever get lost. It’s also a good time for your kids to ask questions about puppy care! Our vets are always happy to recommend the best training methods, food and toys, or dog parks in the area.
Get the Best Veterinary Care in Gilbert, Arizona
Adopting a new puppy is always an exciting time, especially when it happens over the holidays! If your kids have been asking for a puppy for Christmas, and you’re willing to make the commitment, many shelters are offering reduced adoption rates for the holidays. If you’re ready to open your home (and your hearts) to a puppy, adopting from a shelter can make a big difference.
There are many ways that kids can benefit from caring for a pet, just make sure your family is ready for the responsibility before you go ahead with adopting a puppy. If you have any questions about puppy care or want to schedule a first checkup, the team at Anasazi Animal Clinic is here for you!
Photo by Tatjana Dimovska on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 12/1/24.