New Puppy Guide
Nutrition
Up until the time they are about 6 months old, puppies need
more protein and fat than adult dogs. And with their tender
digestive systems, they need highly digestible food. Make
sure to buy a food specifically for puppies.
Grooming
Some breeds have special grooming needs. If your puppy needs it,
contact a groomer for specific help. For puppies with less specific
needs, you can do most bathing and grooming at home.
Before attempting to groom your puppy, spend some time handling
his or her paws, looking in the ears, etc. so they are used to being
handled. Unless your puppy is really dirty or has a skin problem,
bathing more than a couple times a month is not necessary.
Most puppies like to be brushed so brush him or her often.
Brushing helps remove debris and loose hair, making your puppy more
comfortable.
Dogs with big or long ears are prone to ear infections so check
their ears frequently. But dogs with all ear sizes need their ears
cleaned every so often. Ear washes are recommended to loosen
any dirt. Then, with a cotton ball in the ear, rub the outside
of your puppy's ear. Chances are he or she will learn to love this
"massage"!
Anyone who has had a puppy before will agree that battle scars
are part of puppy hood - puppies have sharp nails. By
handling their paws early, your puppy is more likely to let you cut
his or her nails. Start with 1 or 2 nails a day. Praise or reward
often so your puppy equates nail cutting with fun and getting
treats! If you've never cut a dog's nails before, talk to your vet
or vet tech for the proper way to cut nails.
Your puppy's teeth may look beautiful right now and that
is the best time to start brushing: when they don't need it. There
are toothpastes just for dogs in flavors like beef or liver.
Human toothpaste can upset your puppy's tummy so use only toothpaste
made for dogs. There are also toothbrushes made just for dogs, but
that is not necessary.
Start by working the toothpaste down between the bristles and
letting your puppy chew on the toothbrush. If you leave the
toothpaste on top like when you brush your own teeth, they will lick
it off before you have a chance to brush! Brushing your puppy's
teeth will help prevent gum disease and "dog breath" and will give
you the opportunity to observe their teeth and mouth, so you will
notice if anything is wrong.
Training
Training should begin as soon as all vaccinations are complete.
Puppy kindergarten is a great place to start, where the puppy
learns some basic commands and has the opportunity for interaction
with other puppies. Socialization is important to having a
well-behaved, happy puppy. After your initial puppy class, you can
decide if you want to continue with classes or buy some good books
and do it on your own.
Puppies respond best to positive reinforcement so look for
instructors and books that use positive reinforcement to train
puppies. While books are great resources, new puppy owners may
appreciate the extra attention and knowledge from a trainer or
behaviorist.
Exercise
Puppies seem to have unlimited energy so it is up to you
to make sure they don't overdo it. Exercise is fun, burns off their
energy, and helps you and your puppy bond, but puppies' bones are
soft and still growing; so you have to be careful until they are
done growing.
Health
Puppies need a series of shots starting at around 6 to 8
weeks of age. Until they have been completely vaccinated, they are
at a much higher risk of getting sick or catching diseases from
other dogs. Diseases like distemper are highly contagious and it is
much easier to prevent the disease than try to treat it.
Puppies are also susceptible to worms, such as heartworms,
hookworms, and whipworms, so make sure to ask your vet about worming
when you are in for vaccinations.
Spaying or neutering your puppy not only prevents unwanted
litters, but also has numerous health advantages: less
likelihood of many forms of cancer, less chances of tumors, and, for
females, you don't have to deal with a dog in heat and the mess it
causes, or the problems that come with unwanted pregnancies.
Behavior benefits include less wandering, less chance of
aggression, and less distraction from YOU.
It's not necessary to wait for your puppy to have her first heat
or reach 6 months of age. Talk to your vet about pediatric (or
juvenile) spay or neuter to find out when the best time would
be.
Before you bring your puppy home, find a vet that you like
and trust. Make sure you can ask questions and that you are
comfortable with the vet and their staff. A good relationship with
your veterinarian is as important to your puppy's health as the
loving home you provide.
This season, new puppy parents will undoubtedly enjoy time at the
park, take walks and lounge in the cool shade of trees with their
furry friends. However, warm weather marks the beginning of parasite
season and the inevitable onslaught of "The Big Three"-fleas, ticks
and mosquitoes. These pests will find their way to your new puppy
and only you (with the aid of your veterinarian) can stop them.
"Pet owners shouldn't wait to protect their puppies against
fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, the most common parasites that can
shorten not only the warm-weather fun, but in some cases, a dog's
life," says Dr. Jeff Werber, DVM and former host of Animal Planet's
Petcetera. "I strongly encourage new pet parents to visit their
veterinarian and learn ways to prevent and protect their pets from
the discomfort and health risks associated with parasites." While
none of these facts are meant to scare new dog owners, they are
meant to alert them to the health risks that exist. Whether in town
or country, without added protection, no puppy, no matter how
well-groomed or loved, is safe from the havoc these three parasites
can wreak.
Ticks
Tick-borne diseases can cause itching, pain, appetite loss,
lethargy, fever, and swollen joints, according to the American
Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Ticks can carry Lyme disease
and Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tick species found in the U.S.
can easily infest dogs in very large numbers.
Fleas
Not only are fleas carriers of dog tapeworm, but they can cause,
flea allergy dermatitis a common allergic skin condition affecting
pets. The uncontrollable itching and scratching associated with flea
allergy dermatitis can be a major discomfort for dogs. Fleas are an
unusually hearty species of parasites, able to pierce thick skin,
suck blood and abundantly reproduce with great speed. In fact, just
10 female fleas may be able to multiply to more than 150,000 in only
30 days, according to the AVMA.
Mosquitoes
And it only gets worse. There are about 3,000 species of
mosquitoes in the world, 150 of which can be found in the United
States. While only the female mosquitoes are dangerous because they
are the only ones to bite, it causes discomfort to puppies, similar
to the itching human's experience.
Providing a puppy with the armor that easy-to-use products such
as Advantage® flea control or K9 Advantix® triple-protection flea,
tick and mosquito control, (both from Bayer Animal Health) is
essential. To find out what product is right for your puppy and how
to get a FREE TUBE, visit www.Nofleas.com and www.K9advantix.com.
It's not enough to merely kill the fleas, ticks and mosquitoes
present today, but puppy owners must prevent future bites, as well.
"Each of the three types of parasites present their own kind of
peril," notes Dr. Werber, "which is why it's important to protect
your pet year-round by using products that are effective against
them all." ~
Warm Weather Puppy Health Tips
- Pets can suffer heatstroke, so keep your puppy hydrated and
avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest time of the day
- Apply a monthly parasite preventative such as Advantage® or K9
Advantix®
- Reduce exposure to mosquitoes by avoiding walking at dawn and
dusk (mosquito feeding times) and remove standing water from your
property
- Visit your veterinarian regularly to keep your puppy healthy
- Avoid extreme temperatures and never leave your puppy in the
car
|
