Questions You Need to Ask for Go Home Day

Can you believe it? Go Home Day is almost here!

The long wait is over, and you are almost ready to bring home your new bundle of cuddly joy from Majestic Manor Godlens.

But before you do, it’s important to ensure you have everything in place for a smooth transition. If you’re wondering what you should feed your new puppy or when you should book your first trip to the groomer, this guide is for you.

Preparation and knowledge are the backbone of a successful transition when bringing your new puppy home. It’s essential to understand that this is a significant change for your pup.

From leaving their mother and siblings to adjusting to a new environment, it can be quite overwhelming for them. With the right preparation, you can make this transition smoother and more comforting, setting the stage for a healthy, happy, and well-adjusted puppy.

Understanding your puppy’s dietary needs, scheduling veterinary appointments, and introducing them to grooming processes are all critical aspects of their care. Investing effort, time, and careful planning now will result in a well-behaved and healthy dog that brings joy to your home.

We’ve collected some of our top questions from new puppy parents and answered them here to help you start your journey with your bestie.

Let’s dive in!

What Should I Feed My Puppy?

When it comes to selecting the right food for your furry friend, conducting thorough research goes beyond a mere Google search. It entails delving deeper into the subject, ensuring that you make an informed decision that meets your dog’s specific dietary needs.

And with so many options on the market, finding the perfect food may feel like a daunting challenge. However, seeking advice from your veterinarian is a solid first step in the right direction.

Selecting a trustworthy food brand is of utmost importance. But how can you determine their reliability? A reputable brand is one that conducts thorough research on its ingredients and carries out feeding trials.

When searching for pet food brands, it is recommended to look for those that conduct trials through AAFCO (The Association of American Feed Control). The presence of an AAFCO statement on the packaging indicates that the food is formulated to meet nutritional requirements without any excesses or deficiencies. AAFCO also provides valuable resources on understanding the marketing tactics used on food packaging and selecting the best nutritionally appropriate option for your dog.

When Should I Switch from Puppy Food?

It is best to switch your puppy to its adult formula when it has reached twelve months of age.

Throughout the next 9 to 10 months, your pup is going to grow a lot. And while it may be tempting to make the switch (after all, have you seen the size of his paws?!), you should wait.

Puppies have specific dietary needs due to their growing bodies, requiring higher levels of fat and protein. These essential nutrients are found in puppy formula food. Switching to adult food too soon can lead to nutritional deficiencies that may hinder your pup’s growth and development.

Moreover, inadequate nutrition during this crucial stage may contribute to health issues later in life, such as joint, eye, brain, and bone problems. It is vital to provide the appropriate nutrition to ensure your puppy’s optimal health and well-being.

It’s essential to ensure that your puppy gets all the necessary nutrients to support its growth during this critical stage.

Puppy food is crafted specifically with nutrients, vitamins, and ingredients that aid your puppy in growth! If taken off puppy food too early, it can impede your puppy’s growth and even cause health issues when it’s older in life, such as joint, eye, brain, and bone issues.

When Should I Set up the First Grooming Appointment?

To ensure the well-being of your new pup, it is recommended to schedule their first grooming appointment after their second round of shots, which is typically done around the ages of ten to twelve weeks.

At this stage, their immune system is stronger, providing them with better protection during the grooming process. With these vaccinations, your furry friend will have the proper immunity against several common diseases such as parvovirus, distemper, and hepatitis.

Don’t wait too long to schedule their first appointment!

It is strongly advised to schedule the initial grooming appointment for your puppy before they reach 16 weeks of age. Why? Because the younger the puppy is, the easier it is for them to adapt to this new experience!

What Toys Should I Buy?

With countless toys available in the market, it can be challenging to decide which ones to choose and which ones to avoid.

Any toy has the potential to be ingested, which can lead to serious health issues, including blockages. That’s why it’s crucial that all toys (no matter how harmless they seem) are given under supervision. This not only guarantees safety but also provides peace of mind.

There are a variety of excellent toys available for your beloved furry companion. These options include balls, antlers (which are a safer alternative to rawhides, as they have been shown to pose choking hazards and can be dangerous for dogs), stuffed toys, and mind-stimulating toys like snuffle mats and puzzle toys.

These toys provide both entertainment and mental stimulation, ensuring your furry friend stays happy and engaged.

There are some great options to choose from at Luxury on a Lead online store. All these toys have been hand-selected and hand-tested by our team here at Majestic Manor Goldens and Royal Minidoodles.

In fact, they’re the same toys your pup has been playing with before they get to your home!

Do You Have Any Home Grooming Tips?

Proper hygiene and grooming are essential for your puppy’s health and well-being. Here are some helpful home grooming tips to keep your furry friend looking and feeling their best:

1. Keep them on a regular grooming schedule – This includes grooming tasks like brushing fur, bathing, and nail trims. Your puppy is already accustomed to these activities when you bring it home. Baths are recommended once a month but can be given more frequently if necessary.
2. Nail trims are scary but necessary – The “quick” in a dog’s nail is the cuticle that houses blood vessels and nerves. It appears as a pinkish shape on white nails. When trimming, aim to cut about 2 mm away from the quick. For black nails, trim gradually until you see a black circle surrounded by a thin white line.
3. Keep those chompers clean -Keeping your puppy’s teeth clean is crucial. You can achieve this by brushing their teeth with veterinary-approved toothpaste or giving them hard chews like antlers that help remove plaque.