There are lots of things you need to be aware of when raising a new puppy and keeping your puppy's health in check is the most important.
Puppies, like small babies are vulnerable to picking up infections, and getting into all kinds of health hazardous situations. So it's up to us as responsible owners to make sure our puppies are safe and healthy.
I have compiled a list of the top 5 most important things you should consider or lookout for in your puppies first years.
1. First of all it's imperative that you find a reputable veterinarian, some one that you can trust and someone who has an excellent reputation. Word of mouth is often the best way to find a suitable vet, so ask friends and relatives if they have a local vet they use who they can recommend. Vet fee's can be rather expensive, so it may be a good idea to look at insurance for your new puppy, as this can sometimes help pay all or part of your veterinary costs, and often works out less expensive than not having insurance.
2. Your puppy's vaccinations are extremely important. Although puppies take a lot of nutrients and antibodies from either mother during the first few weeks, they still need additional vaccinations to boost their immune systems. The standard vaccination consists of canine parvovirus, Rabies, distemper and adenovirus. Your puppy will need several vaccination boosters throughout the first few months, to build up a strong immunity as he or she grows bigger.
3. Puppies are often born with worms, contracted from the mother at birth. It's essential to make sure you get the correct worming treatment from your veterinary. This is usually in a tablet or medicine form, and can also be purchased at many reputable pet supply stores. It is crucial to make sure you buy the correct dosage for the age of your dog, please read all the instructions carefully. If left untreated, the worms can grow with your puppy and cause some uncomfortable and often serious problems.
4. Puppies often have one or two fleas, and if they don't have them from the mother then they are sure to pick one or two up before you treat them. Be careful which products you use, only use products that are suitable for puppies. Some flea treatments tend to be exceptionally strong and if applied to your puppy's tender skin can cause problems. It is also advisable to keep all bedding and sleeping areas clean to avoid the chance of infestation.
5. Puppies can start teething from as little as 8 weeks old, and you will notice with the increased chewing. This is the time to start to puppy proof your house. Apart from chewing a range of unwanted items, you puppy can get into all sorts of costly health problems from chewing inappropriate items. So it's a good idea to look round for anything that can be harmful to your puppy's health, should he decide to start chewing it, and move it out of harms way.
Author - Miss Julie C Davies
Http://puppyfeeding.org
Puppies, like small babies are vulnerable to picking up infections, and getting into all kinds of health hazardous situations. So it's up to us as responsible owners to make sure our puppies are safe and healthy.
I have compiled a list of the top 5 most important things you should consider or lookout for in your puppies first years.
1. First of all it's imperative that you find a reputable veterinarian, some one that you can trust and someone who has an excellent reputation. Word of mouth is often the best way to find a suitable vet, so ask friends and relatives if they have a local vet they use who they can recommend. Vet fee's can be rather expensive, so it may be a good idea to look at insurance for your new puppy, as this can sometimes help pay all or part of your veterinary costs, and often works out less expensive than not having insurance.
2. Your puppy's vaccinations are extremely important. Although puppies take a lot of nutrients and antibodies from either mother during the first few weeks, they still need additional vaccinations to boost their immune systems. The standard vaccination consists of canine parvovirus, Rabies, distemper and adenovirus. Your puppy will need several vaccination boosters throughout the first few months, to build up a strong immunity as he or she grows bigger.
3. Puppies are often born with worms, contracted from the mother at birth. It's essential to make sure you get the correct worming treatment from your veterinary. This is usually in a tablet or medicine form, and can also be purchased at many reputable pet supply stores. It is crucial to make sure you buy the correct dosage for the age of your dog, please read all the instructions carefully. If left untreated, the worms can grow with your puppy and cause some uncomfortable and often serious problems.
4. Puppies often have one or two fleas, and if they don't have them from the mother then they are sure to pick one or two up before you treat them. Be careful which products you use, only use products that are suitable for puppies. Some flea treatments tend to be exceptionally strong and if applied to your puppy's tender skin can cause problems. It is also advisable to keep all bedding and sleeping areas clean to avoid the chance of infestation.
5. Puppies can start teething from as little as 8 weeks old, and you will notice with the increased chewing. This is the time to start to puppy proof your house. Apart from chewing a range of unwanted items, you puppy can get into all sorts of costly health problems from chewing inappropriate items. So it's a good idea to look round for anything that can be harmful to your puppy's health, should he decide to start chewing it, and move it out of harms way.
Author - Miss Julie C Davies
Http://puppyfeeding.org