So, you have a new addition to the family. Congratulations! Puppies can be a lot; there is so much to do before bringing your pup to their new home. Families will go out of their way to ensure that the new dog has food, toys, beds, etc. However, other things need to be done.
The first few months of having a puppy are tough.
They are curious about everything and want to see what is going on everywhere. Think about it; it is like having a toddler. You have to keep an eye on them all the time. It can be exhausting. But there are a few things to help you ease your worries. One being puppy-proofing your backyard. You want to be sure that your backyard is safe, secured, and harmless for your new family member. Here are a few ways to ensure that your backyard is puppy proof.
How Can I Make my Backyard Puppy Safe?
With this new family member, you want to ensure that they are safe and looked after all the time, but sometimes, eyes can be averted for a few seconds, and it can make all the difference. You want to be sure that your backyard is safe, secured, and protected so that your pup can’t get themselves into any trouble while you step away for a few minutes. Here are a few things to watch for while puppy-proofing your yard.
Flowers and Garden
Check your gardens! You want to be sure that there is nothing harmful lurking in your bushes. You want to be sure that if your pup, because they will, tastes a yummy and exciting looking flower, that you are not going to end up at the vet office. Research harmful plants towards your pup, and then try to find anything that looks similar in your yard.
If you have a landscaper or gardener, ask them if you have any dangerous plants in your yard. They should know what is safe and harmful to all types of animals. They will take care of anything toxic and replace it with something that won’t hurt your new pup.
Trash Cans and Garage Supplies
Puppies are curious creatures. Anything that looks somewhat interesting, they will investigate. Be sure to lock up and secure anything dangerous towards your pet. You don’t want any self infected wounds that can cause an expensive vet visit. Anything sharp or dangerous in that way should be locked up or put on a high shelf in your garage so that they can’t accidentally step on it.
Trash cans can smell yummy to a puppy. They may smell some leftover pasta lurking inside the cans and try to overturn them to get a taste. Well, there could also be dangerous things in the garbage too, like chocolate. You want to be sure to tie and secure all lids to your cans so that if your pup does end up knocking them down, they won’t open. This will also work with keeping other unwanted creates going through your trash as well.
Swimming Pools
One of the most dangerous things to young kids can also be hazardous to young pups. Keeping your new family member away from open water, as your pool, is essential. Puppies are not born swimmers; you don’t want to test the waters with this. To ensure that your pup doesn’t get near the pool, install a fence. This will also keep any young kids out of the dangerous waters as well.
Be sure that the fence is secured and there are no holes that your pup can squeeze through. Also, you want to keep up with checking for any new holes or spaces between the fences. Sometimes harsh weather conditions can knock a panel out without you knowing, and the next thing you know, you’re diving into your pool to save your pup.
Weak Spots in Your Fence
You want to be sure to check your property fence too. Puppies can be escape artists and disappear into a neighbor’s yard without you knowing. You want to check your perimeter fencing frequently, especially after any harsh weather. Just to be safe.
Also, checking for weak spots or holes in your fence will prevent neighbors’ dogs from coming over to see the new friend they can potentially make. This is super important for puppies who have not been neutered, spaded, or haven’t had any vacations. You want to prevent pregnancies and diseases from other dogs.
Landscape Regularly
Be sure to mow and landscape your property regularly. Tall grasses can welcome unwanted critters from getting in your pup’s fur. You want to be sure that you are preventing ticks from hitching rides on your puppy’s skin. This is important because it is annoying to get those suckers off your pup and keep them safe from any diseases that a tick can carry.
Clean Decks, Sheds, and Dog Houses Regularly
Ticks are nasty, but fleas are worse! Fleas like to hide in dark, humid areas. So, your dog’s house is like a breeding ground for these things. Be sure to clean it regularly to avoid flea issues. It is not only hard to get rid of fleas when they have attached themselves to your dog, but it is uncomfortable for your pup to go through.
Treated Lawns
This is very important. You want to ensure that nothing was sprayed or laid onto the lawn that your puppy would be playing in when you let your pup outside. If you have a landscaper that tends to put down lawn treatments or pesticides, be sure to keep your pup far away from them. This can cause health issues for your new family member and an expensive trip to the vet. Some of this stuff can be fatal to your little friend.
You can talk to your landscaper about using pet-safe chemicals to ease the worry of letting your friend go out to explore or do their business. Your landscapers and Vets know what is safe out there to use on your lawn that won’t harm your pup.
Water and Shade
You want to provide water and shade for your pup. Puppies have lots of energy, and they will use every ounce of it when they are allowed to run around. To avoid overheating or dehydration, put clean, cold water out for your puppy to cool themselves with. You can purchase inexpensive dog houses to ensure that they get the proper shade and relaxation time after racing around the yard. These will go a long way.
Can I take my Puppy Outside before Vaccinations?
Your vet will recommend not letting your puppy outside in public locations until two weeks after your puppy has had its second vaccinations. This would be from 14 to 16 weeks old. I know that seems like a long time, but it is for your puppy’s own good. You want to avoid exposing them to harmful diseases or ailments.
When Should I Start Vaccinating my Puppy?
New puppies are going to need two sets of vaccinations. The first set will be given at 6 weeks old, and the next set will be 4 weeks later. Because pups don’t leave their mothers until they are at 8 weeks, if you are breeding them, usually vacations are scheduled. Also, owners don’t usually take their pups home between 4 and 12 weeks. New pups are typically set with the first set and just need to be scheduled for the second set.
How do I give my Puppy Exercise During the Wait for the Second Set of Vaccinations?
There are no worries about your own yard. Your puppy is safe. They can roam freely in the yard. If you are looking to set up puppy play dates, you want to be sure that the dogs you are associating your puppy with are vaccinated. This will ensure that your puppy doesn’t contract any diseases from them, and vise versa. You want to be safe all around.
Socializing your Puppy with Other Dogs before the Second Vaccinations
Your puppy must socialize with other dogs. This will prevent the alpha mentality, separation, anxiety, and other behavioral issues. You want to start it off young and early as possible. To socialize your puppy, be sure that you associate with puppies that are vaccinated. Also, you want it to be in your yard. There should be no public places or other puppy friend’s yards until your pup is vaccinated correctly. This is the safest way to help socialize your puppy.
What if I take my Puppy out in Public?
It is tempting; you have this new family member, and you want to show them off. But know that you are exposing your pup to diseases. Here are a few things that could happen if you take your new friend out in public.
- Your pup could be exposed to dangerous diseases.
- New places and things can be overwhelming to a young pup.
- You could risk over-exercising your pup. This can result in joint issues.
Preparing your New Puppy for the Outdoors
There are a few ways to prepare your pup for the outdoors:
- Take your puppy outside: This will help with potty training. You don’t want to leave them there; they could destroy garden beds and eat something they are not supposed to have. Again, they are like toddlers; always keep your eyes peeled.
- Exposing them to new things: When you do something like this, you want to create an obstacle course. Use dustbin lids, tennis rackets, etc. This will allow your pup to get acquainted with new things.
- Over time, increase walks: For any puppy under 6 months, three walks for 10 minutes a day is enough. As your pup gets older, you can increase the number of walks and the longer time spent on the walks. When they are young and finally allowed outside, you want to be sure to take it still slow.
Can my Puppy get Parvo from my Backyard?
Your puppy can get parvovirus in your own backyard, even though no other dogs have been back there. You can even bring parvo into your own home with your shoes and clothing. You want to be sure to put your shoes and clothing out of reach of your pup if you are working out in your yard. This will prevent your puppy from getting it from you.
This is why you want to limit the amount of time your pup is outside. You want to limit the number of puppies associated with and only those who have had their full vaccines. This is a serious matter. Exposing your puppy can be fatal and cause high vet bills, which you could prevent.
They can pick up viruses if not fully vaccinated. The key is to monitor, watch, and be vigilant at all times. You need to keep an eye on them so that you don’t get into anything dangerous. The first few months of having a puppy can be tedious, but they are worth it.
Conclusion
Puppies are much work; they can take hours out of your day and money out of your pocket. But it is well worth it when you come home to that friendly face every day. When you bring home your new friend, you want to be sure that your yard is entirely puppy proof. Your pup will try to get into things you would never imagine being an issue. Puppies always find a way.
Be sure to follow the suggestions above to puppy proof your yard. Before letting your pup roam with its friends or out in the yard, be sure that your pup is vaccinated; and if they are not fully vaccinated, be sure to keep an eye on them, limit their time, and only associate with dogs who are fully vaccinated. These are the best practices for keeping your pup healthy and safe. Your job is to love, protect, and enjoy their company.