What you Should know before getting a dog for the Holidays.

Hello, once again friends in Tolland, CT and surrounding areas, It's Alli from Lady and the Tramp Dog Grooming in Willington. The holidays are upon us and before Santa makes it down your chimney many of you will consider getting the family a puppy for Christmas. You've seen too many hallmark movies and are getting soft on the idea of the family pulling a yellow lab puppy out of a big box with a red bow on its angelic  little head. know its a bad idea to get a puppy for the holidays, but your going to do it anyways. Behold! I am not going to preach the already mundane reasons you shouldn't get the puppy during the holidays, Or why you should get a rescue dog.  Although personally, (Pets do not make good gifts.) and (You should rescue.) Now its the what's next.

1.) For the love of God make sure the poor thing gets some rest, has water and doesn't get passed around to young children and adults trying to give it love by feeding it table scraps.

2.) Realize that you will be up at all hours of the night for the next few months potty training. Much to your horror it snows and is cold all winter and puppies no likey the cold. So be patient and go to ll bean for some warm weather wear and don't expect it to learn overnight. Your in it for the long haul.

3.) Buy Quality pet food. Pedigree and Beneful will fill it's tummy but go for higher quality food like Taste of the Wild or Blue Buffalo. Higher label dog food is better for their health and skin all year round but especially when its cold and their skin drys out, much like yours.

4.) Start grooming when their young. Lots of people wait years before they consider a professional grooming for their dog. The younger they start the more comfortable they are through their life. Also, leaving a double coated dog wet can lead to problems like hot spots and allergic reactions to cheap stripping shampoos. 

5.) When the puppy is old enough for flea and other parasite treatments go to the pro's. Don't get the grocery store brands. Although they have been approved by the EPA, many will cause terrible reactions including death. ( Don't believe me?) Just google it.

6.) Realize that dogs are pack animals. They want to be with their pack and that means you and your family. Dogs are not lawn ornaments, and if it's too cold or Hot for you outside it's too cold for them. Therefore leaving them outside all day and night is just cruel.

7.) If you bought from a pet store, make sure you get that puppy to a veterinarian especially if you have other dogs. Many pet store puppies carry Parvo and a bevy of other transmittable diseases. That's because they are from puppy mills. Puppy mills are a filthy industry and the sellers do not care about your puppy's health. Be safe and get it vetted before having it around other pets.

8.) Puppy proof your home, wires, and chemicals should all be far from a puppy's reach. Another silent danger are cheap toys and rawhides from the dollar stores. Toys fall apart quickly and can easily be ingested, and rawhide chews from any store are not easily digested. Stick to natural treats and watch your dog with their toys. Crating isn't torture either!

9.) Get a pet that fits your lifestyle. If your a couch potato don't get a huskey. Chances are if you don't like to run now, you wont after getting a dog either. If you have little kids dainty pocket dogs get hurt easily and may not be a fit for you. Therefore do your breed research.  Sounds stupid, but that's why so many pets end up at the shelter or on craigslist.

10.) Enjoy the puppy months because soon they will be gone. Hopefully you have a wonderful care plan for your new family member and this decision of yours will fill you with comfort and Joy for years to come. I always want the best for all of my clients and their dogs! Even if you didn't listen to unwanted advice about getting the dog for holidays, (you rebel) hopefully you'll take mine now! I wish you luck and hope to see you soon!

Written By
Alli Saunders
Owner/Operator 
Lady and the Tramp Dog Grooming
16 Tolland Tpke, Willington, CT
LadyandthetrampDogs@gmail.com
860-477-1300