What to Expect in the First 48 Hours with a New Puppy

By: Kelli Rascoe

Penny the puppy laying on the floor

The first 48 hours with a new puppy is an exciting time for your family. Obviously, this is a brand new experience for your furry friend. Whether you are a seasoned or new puppy owner, each puppy you invite and introduce into your family is unique. As with any new situation, a puppy is likely to react differently upon meeting new people, places, and things. We sat down with on-site Trupanion veterinarian, Dr. Caroline Wilde, to prepare for the first 48 hours with your new puppy and learn what to expect next for your best friend.

Pet owner guide: First 48 hours with a new puppy

Penny the puppy snoozes on the couch

Little puppies are curious and certainly love to explore and roam. Without a doubt, a new puppy is both absolutely adorable and a big responsibility for the entire family. Consider the following pet care items and puppy supplies to have set and ready for your new pet according to Wilde.

Must-have new puppy supplies

Leash and collar
Food and water bowls
Safe toys that cannot be swallowed
Food that is creating specifically for puppies
Comfortable bed
Crate

In particular, there are two items that are beneficial for puppies, and that you should have before your new best friend arrives. For example, “a crate can be used for transportation and training. Also, talk to your veterinarian about food options for your puppy.

Further, a puppy-specific food is important, as they have increased nutritional needs to facilitate growth and energy requirements. Different breeds can have different needs, so I would recommend consulting with your veterinarian to determine which food would be best for the puppy’s needs,” says Wilde.

Puppy care 101

Between puppy-proofing your home or starting potty training, a new puppy owner is busy from day one. Naturally, one of the most important responsibilities of new puppy ownership is finding a veterinarian for your best friend.

“I would recommend making an appointment with a veterinarian as soon as possible, even if it doesn’t appear your puppy is due for any vaccines. The veterinarian can then discuss their specific recommendations regarding diet, vaccine schedule, appropriate preventative care, recommended socialization, among many other things. Also, it’s really important for the puppy to be examined right away to ensure that your puppy is as healthy as possible. Even a puppy with normal stool should have a fecal and a veterinarian and can discuss their recommendations regarding anti-parasitic therapy,” points out Wilde.

Also, take into consideration the opportunity for food schedules for your puppy and the importance of interactive play. By introducing your puppy to a food schedule, they can get used to a routine for their day. “Consulting with your puppy’s veterinarian will provide recommendations for feeding. But in general, I prefer to feed puppies 2-3 times a day daily, sometimes more, depending on the nutritional needs specific to your puppy,” says Wilde.

And certainly, taking the time to play and cuddle with your puppy is a wonderful way to solidify your relationship and ease transitioning into the household.

Trupanion historical data

Sometimes curious puppies get into things they shouldn’t.

“Our dog Mustard has been to the veterinarian a lot in the first years of his life! At 10 months of age, Mustard began limping on his front leg. On his first birthday, he was diagnosed with elbow dysplasia and had surgery at a specialist to remove fragments in his elbow,” – Amanda, Trupanion member since 2011

Finally, we sat down with our Trupanion data team to look at our historical claims data for the most common claimed conditions for puppies under one year of age. Consider the following –

Vomiting and diarrhea
Ear infection (otitis)
Ingestion of foreign material
Lameness/limping
Allergies

As a puppy owner, the health and safety of your pet is number one. “If at any point, you have any cause for concern, check in with your veterinarian,” states Wilde.

Penny the puppy sleeps in a doggy bed

First 48 hours with a new puppy: a new experience for the entire family

In the first 48 hours with your new puppy – the entire family will experience something new and exciting together. It can give you the chance to learn, grow, and introduce your new furry family and take the time needed to be there and get to know your new best friend.

By having the proper pet care items and checking in and under the supervision and guidance of your veterinarian, your new puppy will be settled in your house in no time at all.

If you recently brought home a new addition, to learn more about Trupanion, call to speak to one of our pet-loving specialists at 888.626.0932.