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New Puppy Guide

Ticks


Ticks are a common parasite, which, if they attach and feed, may transmit harmful diseases to dogs. Tick-borne diseases can cause itching, pain, appetite loss, lethargy, fever, and swollen joints, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Erlichiosis, are common diseases which can be transmitted by ticks.


Fleas

Fleas are tiny parasites, but they can cause big problems. Beyond the itching and irritation caused by flea bites, these bites can lead to flea allergy dermatitis. Severe infestations can lead to anemia and even result in the death of puppies. In addition, ingested fleas can cause tapeworm infection. Fleas are an unusually hardy parasite, able to pierce thick skin, feed on their host's blood and abundantly reproduce with great speed. In fact, just 10 female fleas may be able to multiply to more than 150,000 adult fleas 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. It's essential to provide a puppy with an easy-to-use armor - flea control or triple-protection flea, tick and mosquito control. 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," says 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

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. 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 over do 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.