So you've taken home your very first puppy! What happens next? Hopefully, you've at least acquired the basics by this point: pet beds, toys, food and water bowls, leashes and ID tags. But puppies need so much more. Located in Middletown, OH and serving surrounding areas, Liberty Veterinary Hospital is an accredited medical facility that provides all the medical services and animal vaccines a growing puppy needs for a long healthy life. Make sure your pup is off to a good start:

• Prepare your home. Cover all electrical outlets, hide loose cables, and store breakables in a safe location. Puppies get pretty rambunctious! Buy plenty of chew toys so your puppy has something other than your furniture to destroy, but avoid toys with small parts or colorful dyes, as these can be harmful if swallowed. You will also need a dog bed. It may be tempting to let your puppy sleep in your bed, but you may not want him to get used to that if he's destined to grow large.

• Schedule your first vet visit. Your new puppy is going to need to be vaccinated. They should also be spayed or neutered if you don't plan on breeding. You may also need to treat your puppy for fleas, heartworm, and other parasites, as puppies often inherit the same pests as their mothers. Liberty Veterinary Hospital provides a full range of routine services including animal vaccines, check-ups, and dog medication.

• Start dog training and socialization now. Dog training technically begins the moment your puppy comes home, as all of your interactions have a massive impact on how your dog's behavior will develop. If you have never trained a dog before, Liberty Veterinary Hospital would be happy to recommend a qualified dog training center in your area. Attendance usually requires a recent physical exam and up-to-date vaccines, so definitely schedule a vet appointment as soon as possible.

For more information on their services and special programs, including pet surgery, pet adoption, and pet boarding, call Liberty Veterinary Hospital at (513) 755-9700.