About Puppy Wellness

Introduction

Getting a new puppy can be a joyous time in your life, but with a new puppy comes lots of responsibility. A puppy must be fed, walked, trained, played with and watched carefully so that he or she grows up to be a happy and healthy dog. In addition, your puppy needs to be taken to a veterinarian regularly as part of a puppy wellness plan. Here is a look what all you should know about puppy wellness if you are thinking about adding a new dog to your household.

 

First Year Medical Care

When you get a new puppy, it should be treated like part of the family. And just like any other part of the family, you want him or her to stay healthy. This means regular visits to the doctor to get the proper vaccinations, care and wellness check-ups. This also means protecting your new pet from heartworms, fleas, ticks and other pests that can harm him or her.

Your puppy's first major veterinary visit should probably come between six and twelve weeks of age or within a week of bringing your pet home. Six to twelve weeks is the earliest age when most puppies become available for adoption. Your veterinarian will de-worm your puppy, perform an overall wellness check-up and give him or her his first set of vaccinations for diseases such as canine distemper, parainfluenza, parvovirus, rabies and kennel cough. Make sure your pet's vaccinations are given in compliance with local and state laws. Many states and local municipalities require dogs to have certain vaccinations within a specific period of time of joining your household.   

By the time your puppy is about four or five months old, you should start considering having him or her spayed or neutered. Pet overpopulation is a major problem in the United States, because many people allow their dogs to have litters of unwanted puppies. Not only does spaying or neutering your dog save the lives of other animals, but it can help you keep your pet in good health as well. Dogs who are spayed or neutered at an early age are said to have less health and behavior problems as they get older.

 

Prevention and Nutrition

No matter where you live or what time of year it is, your pet should always be protected from parasites and pests, such as heartworms, fleas and ticks. Your veterinarian can suggest various medications for your puppy. Just make sure you follow your doctor's orders, as some of these medications are not for puppies under a certain age. Heartworms can infest your pet's body, eventually killing them. Fleas and ticks are annoying and can carry disease. By treating your pet, you are also preventing these pests and parasites from infecting your human family.

Puppies also need proper nutrition. If you aren't sure what kind of food to feed your new dog, ask your veterinarian if he or she has a recommendation. Younger puppies will need to eat more often than older dogs (usually about three times a day), and it's always best to give them food made specifically for younger dogs, as it has the nutrition they need to grow up to be strong and healthy.

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