Dog ate something toxic
Move fast: take it away, call a vet or poison line, and do not wait for symptoms.
27 itemsStart
New puppy first week
Set up your home, book the vet and start easy routines for food, sleep and toilet.
Before they arrive (7)
- Remove cables, medicines, cleaning products and small objects
- Put away toxic foods: chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, xylitol gumOpen
- Check the garden for gaps and for poisonous plants
- Buy food the same as the breeder or shelter gives
- Get bowls, a bed or crate, collar, ID tag, lead and poo bags
- Get safe chew toys
- Choose a vet, and save the number of an after-hours vet
Day one (5)
- Collect vaccination and worming records, and feeding notes
- Drive home with the puppy secure and someone beside them
- Go straight to the toilet spot, then let them explore quietly
- Keep visitors and noise low
- Keep the bed close to you for the first nights
Daily routine (6)
- Feed at set times, and keep water out
- Toilet trips: after waking, eating and playing, and at regular times
- Praise or treat right after they go outside
- Accidents happen. Clean up and never punish
- Give lots of naps: puppies sleep most of the day
- Keep play short, and swap hands for toys when they nip
Health (5)
- See the vet in the first few days
- Ask about vaccinations, worming, flea care and neutering
- Get a microchip and update your contact details
- Ask when it is safe to walk outside and meet other dogs
- Call the vet for vomiting, diarrhoea, not eating or being very quiet
Start gently (5)
- Teach their name and "sit", in short sessions
- Get them used to being handled: paws, ears and mouth
- Leave them alone for a few minutes at a time, then longer
- Carry them to meet new sights and sounds in calm places
- Book a puppy class