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A
puppy can be a wonderful addition to your household.
They are playful and quickly become a very important member
of your family. When
selecting your pet, remember your local animal shelter has a large
selection of puppies & dogs available for adoption.Once
you have chosen your new addition the most important thing to
do for your puppy or dog is to take it to a veterinarian for a
check-up and shots. This
is important for the future health of your new pet.
Click on our Events button for a listing of low cost vaccination
clinics at your neighborhood Petland Discounts or consult with
a veterinarian in your area.
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is a list of suggested items for the care of your new pet.
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Petland
Discounts offers a variety of premium pet food
to meet your dog's nutritional requirements from puppy hood
through adulthood. You
may choose from Hills Science Diet, Triumph, Iams, Eukanuba
or Nutro. Ask your sales person to assist you in selecting
the proper food for your pet. |
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A
necessary item that attaches to your pets collar for identification
should you and your pet become separated. |
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A
wide variety collars, harnesses and matching leashes are available.
Select a collar with enough room for growth but not
so large as to allow your puppy to chew on it while he is
wearing it. When
a collar is adjusted properly, you should be able to slip
2 fingers easily between the dog and the collar, but the collar
should not be able to slip over the head unless unbuckled.
Chocker collars, which are made to slip over a dog's
head, should only be used for training purposes while walking
your dog. When
there is no pressure applied on this type of collar it is
loose enough for a dog to remove.
Getting your puppy used to a collar and leash early
will ease the training process later. |
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Pet
bowls are made to facilitate easy cleaning.
You may choose from plastic, ceramic or stainless steel,
individual dishes or double diners.
While choosing your pets dish is a personal preference,
take into consideration your lifestyle.
If giving your new pet water is going to be your child's
responsibility stay away from ceramic, which will break if,
dropped. Non-tip
dishes are designed to make it harder for your playful new
pet to tip his dish over while pet placemats are available
to contain any dish overflow.
Remember to wash your dog's bowl daily to prevent bacteria
from forming. |
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Whether
your new dog is a puppy or an adult, you will need to provide
it with chew toys. While
puppies may be teething, chewing also provides entertainment
for your pet as well as exercise and a way to relieve frustration.
Select a variety of toys with different surfaces to
supplement your pets chewing needs and provide mental stimulation.
Choose from tug toys, balls, stuffed toys, ropes, vinyl
toys, latex, rawhide or natural products, dental toys; such
as sterilized bones or chew hooves. |
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Treats
are a great way to supplement your pet's diet.
Choices include: bones, jerky snacks, cookies or nuggets
in different shapes and sizes both vitamin enriched and regular.
You may also use treats in the training process as
a reward for a job well done. |
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Food
supplements containing additives as linoleic acid and vitamins
provide the essential fatty acids and other ingredients that
will help to make your dog's coat shiny and reduce shedding.
For breeds that are prone to skin problems a supplement
added to the food can help to alleviate dry, flaky skin that
causes excess scratching. |
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Because
the pH level in a dog's skin is different from ours, it is
important to use shampoos designed specifically for use on
puppies or dogs. Conditioners
will reduce matting and tangles, especially in longhair breeds
and make brushing easier.
Slicker brushes, pin brushes, soft bristle brushes,
combs and shedding blades
are just some of your options.
Consult your Petland Discounts representative for assistance
in selecting the proper brush.
Dental
brushes and pastes are available to care for your dog's teeth.
Brushing your dog's teeth on a regular basis will prevent
future problems. |
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Flea
and ticks can make your dogs life miserable, as well
as being a health risk.
The traditional flea sprays, powders and collars are
available as well as newer drops
and flea pills. Whatever
method of flea control you select remember to also treat the
environment using home sprays and outdoor yard and kennel
sprays. |
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House
training is essential to making your puppy an accepted member
of the family. Dog-training
crates are the key to making this happen quickly and effectively.
Dogs are den animals by nature and will feel more secure
(especially in a new environment) if they have a place that's
just for them. Pick
a crate that is big enough so the dog can stand and lie down
in comfortably but also grow with your pet.
Too much room will allow your puppy to eliminate in
one end of the crate and sleep in the other end thus making
training more difficult.
To prevent this, optional crate dividers are available
allowing you to expand your pet's space as he grows. |
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There
are various pet stain removers and deodorizers that will help
remove puppy stains from your carpet if an accident should
occur while training is in progress.
It is important to not only remove the stain but also
the odor since the odor is what will attract your dog back
to that same spot. |
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Once
trained a bed provides your pet with a place to call his own.
Most dog beds are open on the top and available in
wicker or fabric to match your décor. |
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A
book will go into greater detail regarding all of the topics
mentioned above and is an invaluable tool for the new dog
owner. |
Remember:
that a dog is a man's best friend and like any good friendship requires
trust, love, patience and understanding.
You
can print this page out, or download the entire page on
.pdf here.
If you
do not have Adobe Acrobat get it here.
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