Why is it important to start good puppy care on day one?
Puppies have very little resources to fall back on and don’t have a developed immune system for the first 4 months of life. We want to give them the very best support for their growth to make sure they are healthy and happy. This starts with a good diet, careful environmental management and timely veterinary care.
How soon should I bring my puppy in to see a veterinarian for their first exam?
We usually start seeing puppies around 5 or 6 weeks of age for their first vaccinations, internal parasite check, and getting started on flea, tick and heartworm prevention. If the puppy is a neonate and is not gaining weight or is doing poorly, we of course will see them sooner.
What are the most common health problems in puppies?
Puppies are prone to a variety of health conditions that we screen, treat, or prevent. One of the most common is intestinal parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and coccidia. We will check for these frequently over the first few puppy visits. We vaccinate for distemper, parvo, and bordetella to help prevent some of these potentially life threatening diseases. Early vaccines do not necessarily prevent your puppy from getting the disease (as their immune system isn’t fully functional) but does help to reduce the severity of disease. Puppies can be prone to nutritional diseases, so a good diet formulated for the size and age of your dog is appropriate. Small toy breeds, for example, can be especially prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar.) Giant breeds, such as Great Danes and Mastiffs, have specific requirements for calcium.
What are some signs and symptoms of illness in your puppy?
- Lethargy
- Not wanting to eat or drink
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive urination
- Difficulty urinating or defecating
- Swollen face or gums
- Itchy, red skin
- Hair loss and crusting
- Discharge from ears, nose, eyes, or genitals
What are the signs of a healthy, thriving puppy?
Healthy puppies are very like healthy babies! They have bursts of energy, followed by a lot of sleeping, eating, and pooping. Puppies generally are active and inquisitive, and into trouble! Puppies should be steadily growing without becoming too thin (ribs are apparent) or too fat.
When should I start training my puppy?
Puppy training should start very early! Prime time for socialization is between 3 and 14 weeks of age. “Socialization” is a bit misleading, as we don't recommend going to dog parks or pet stores where unvaccinated dogs congregate. We do, however, recommend early exposure to a variety of different things, people, and pets so they aren’t as skittish later in life. It is OK to have a puppy around a fully vaccinated, healthy adult dog.
What will my vet be looking for when first examining my puppy?
When you come in for your first puppy appointment we will take an overall look at your puppy, check for heart murmurs, dental problems, and make sure that your puppy is developing appropriately (i.e. have both testicles dropped into the scrotum.) We will also check their joints to screen for luxating patellas or other congenital joint issues.