Are you a new puppy owner? You’re not alone.
Over 43 million American households own a pet dog. Puppies are cute, cuddly, and little bundles of joy.
But owning a puppy isn’t a walk in the park. You need to prepare for what comes next after bringing home man’s best friend.
There are several key things you need to do to keep your dog happy and healthy as they transform from a small puppy to a full-grown adult.
Need some guidance on puppy healthcare? If so, here are 6 reliable puppy health tips for new owners.
1. The Right Vet
What’s the best way to keep your puppy healthy? You need to find a good vet.
Look for recommendations online or from friends and family. You want to find an experienced vet who also has time to conduct regular check-ups.
Take your puppy in for an initial check up to see if they have any health issues that require immediate attention.
2. Vaccinations
Vaccinations are key to puppy health. You should abide by the recommended vaccination schedule to keep your puppy disease free.
Puppies require frequent vaccinations when they are under one-year-old. Vaccines will protect them from rabies, Lyme disease, and more. The average cost is around $150-$200 for their first-year vaccines.
3. Diet
Humans aren’t the only creatures who need a healthy diet.
Your puppy needs to eat right to stimulate proper growth. Find quality dog food that meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials standards.
Your puppy’s diet depends on its size. Small dogs will need mature dog food earlier than larger breeds. You should also aim to feed your dog at least three times per day.
4. Bathroom Routine
Let’s face it: accidents happen. You should expect your puppy to have more than a few accidents in the house during their first year.
You can speed up the housetraining process by establishing a bathroom routine. Take them outside when you wake up, after eating, and before bed. Give them positive reinforcement to reduce the number of future accidents.
5. Parasites
Remember that puppies are vulnerable to parasites. You need to watch for harmful ticks, fleas, heartworm, and other parasites.
You can prevent a flea and tick infestation by giving your puppy preventative medication. Ask your vet to prescribe you medication, especially if you live near vulnerable areas.
You can also ask your vet for heartworm medication. You can start giving them this medication before they turn 6-months old. Your vet will also check your puppy for worms and other parasites during their ordinary check up.
6. Grooming
Does your dog need grooming? It depends on the breed.
Check with your vet to see if they recommend regular grooming. You can also keep your dog healthy by grooming them at home.
Try to clip their nails, brush their fur, and give them occasional baths. They will look and feel better and might even enjoy it.
Your Puppy Health
There’s no denying the appeal of owning a puppy. But you shouldn’t take it lightly.
Follow these tips to keep your puppy healthy and happy for years to come.
Are you looking for a vet? We can help. Call our office to schedule a visit today.