Getting a puppy might be one of the best things you can do, other than having kids. Keeping your puppy healthy can be a little stressful and overwhelming, however.
You want to make sure they’re growing normally. You also want to make sure they don’t spread any infectious diseases they may be carrying to your other pets or you.
This guide will tell you everything you need to do to keep your new puppy in the best possible health. Read on to find out how to keep your new puppy healthy.
Choosing the Right Diet
When it comes to choosing the right diet for your new puppy, it is important to ensure they stay healthy and thrive. Typically, a puppy should consume more calories than an adult dog as they are still growing. High-quality puppy food is necessary and should consist of protein, calcium, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Mighty Munch offers valuable insights into vitamins for dogs, which can be beneficial for your puppy’s overall health and development.
Be sure to serve a balanced meal and avoid containing artificial preservatives, flavors, or meat by-products. Feed your puppy on a set schedule and give them access to plenty of fresh water throughout the day. Avoid snacks or human food that can cause an upset stomach or allergies.
Make sure you monitor your puppy’s food intake and speak to your vet for advice if needed. A nutritious diet and lots of activity will help keep your dogs healthy as they develop.
Vaccination and Parasite Control
Vaccination and parasite management are two crucial components of keeping your new puppy healthy. Vaccinations are typically started by your veterinarian at 8 weeks of age.
Vaccination Schedule
Start a vaccination schedule to defend against common puppy illnesses, such as distemper, parvo, and rabies. This should include protection against harmful viruses such as parvovirus and distemper.
Vaccination Protocols
Vaccination protocols should be tailored to the puppy’s lifestyle and should be boosted as recommended by your veterinarian. Besides vaccines, parasite control is equally important.
Laboratory Sampling
Bring a stool sample to your veterinarian so they can check for worms and other parasites. Get a complete deworming schedule and follow as directed.
Heartworms are preventative and are also a must. Begin parasite management with a broad-spectrum dewormer prescribed by your veterinarian, and then consider other treatment choices.
Keep up with their parasite control yearly, depending on your pup’s lifestyle and the area in which you live. Vaccination and parasite management are critical to your pup’s general health and well-being.
Engage in Regular Exercise and Mental Stimulation
It is important to engage in regular exercise and mental stimulation for your new puppy to keep them healthy. Daily walks and playtime should be incorporated into your pup’s routine. This helps stimulate their brains and gets in some necessary physical and mental exercise.
Make sure you are taking your puppy to a designated area for their daily walks to keep them safe and observe the rules of the area. If your pup is too small for walks, curate a special indoor area for them to explore. Provide them with lots of toys, and challenge them with agility courses.
You can give your pup chew toys, puzzle toys, and food puzzles, to help keep them mentally stimulated. When playing with your puppy, stick to toys and activities that will not cause injury or harm.
Set aside time every day for regular exercise for puppies, and offer them your full attention. Keeping them active helps improve their physical and mental health.
Ensuring Safe and Clean Accommodations
To ensure your new puppy stays healthy, it is important to provide safe and clean accommodations. Start by setting up an area that is well-insulated and large enough for your pup to have plenty of space. Make sure everything your pup may need is within reach, such as:
- Food
- Water dishes
- Chew toys
- Blankets
Regularly clean the space and use a natural, pet-safe cleaner on all bedding, toys, floors, and surfaces. Wash away any waste promptly to prevent bacterial growth and other health concerns. Try to keep your pup active by providing toys that can challenge it throughout the day and help them explore the environment.
Maintain a consistent daily schedule that includes enough rest, nutritious food, and enjoyable activities that foster discovery and activity. Allowing them adequate rest will help their body and mind stay healthy.
Meeting Socialization Goals
One of the most important factors in maintaining your new pup’s health is meeting socialization goals. The early weeks of your puppy’s life are a crucial time for socialization. Puppies that do not have the opportunity to create healthy interactions with people and other animals while they are young may develop social inadequacies and fear as adults.
To meet socialization goals, take your pup outside frequently. This could be parks, cafes, and other places where there potentially be friendly dogs and people so that the pup can interact with them. Talk to your pup in an encouraging and friendly manner in these areas.
Provide treats as a reward for friendly behavior towards people and other animals. In addition to day trips, invite friends and family over to your house to allow your pup to become well acquainted with them.
With time, you’ll see your pup blossoming into a socially comfortable and confident adult. This will help your pup become confident and social and learn how to behave correctly around others.
Utilize Flea and Tick Prevention
Utilizing flea and tick prevention is essential for keeping your new puppy healthy. This includes purchasing flea and tick prevention medicated products that are specifically formulated for dogs and puppies.
Before you apply the product, be sure to read the instructions and follow them carefully. Do not apply human medications on your puppy, as many products for humans can be toxic to animals.
Puppies should also be taken on regular walks to prevent fleas from infesting their fur and environment. To give your new puppy the best chance of staying flea and tick-free, it is important to routinely check them and their environment for signs of fleas and ticks.
If any fleas or ticks are spotted, it is important to appropriately treat them right away. This helps get rid of them and prevents them from spreading to other pets or people in the home.
Grooming & Stress Relief
Regular brushing can help keep the coat clean, as well as reduce the number of hairs and dander in your home. When brushing, be gentle and make sure to reach all areas of the body, especially behind the ears and around the genital area.
Nail clipping should also be done regularly and between professional visits. Use a nail grinder or scissors to trim your pup’s nails. Stress relief is just as important in keeping your pup healthy. Take your pup to the park often and try to cuddle and play with it daily.
Routines can also be helpful, such as regularly taking your pup for walks around the block and establishing a bedtime routine. If your puppy seems anxious or stressed, provide a quiet, comfortable space such as a crate and put on calming music.
Signs of Illness to Look Out For
It is important to learn about the specific breed and health issues related to that breed. Signs of illness to look out for in your puppy can include vomiting, diarrhea, inactivity, and loss of appetite.
If they are not eating or drinking, they may be dehydrated or develop some other health condition. If any of these symptoms arise, it is important to seek advice from a qualified veterinarian.
Keep an eye out for symptoms of the most common diseases and illnesses, such as coughing, sneezing, and behavioral changes. Taking these steps will help ensure that your puppy stays healthy and happy for years to come!
Establish Regular Vet Visits
Establishing regular vet visits is one of the most important steps to keeping a puppy healthy. The vet can monitor the puppy’s progress and answer any questions you have as they come up.
They can also provide preventative care, such as vaccinations and deworming, to help keep your dog healthy. Your vet will also be able to detect health issues early on.
Early diagnosis of health issues and treating them quickly and effectively. Keeping regular visits with your vet will ensure that your puppy is receiving the best quality health care available.
They can also recommend types and amounts of food, exercise protocols, and any other advice to help keep your puppy healthy. Your vet will become a valuable partner in providing the best pet care.
Additionally, your pup will become accustomed to the vet’s office, making future visits a more enjoyable experience. Learn more about all the ways you can keep your new puppy healthy by speaking with your vet.
Monitor Your New Puppy’s Overall Well-being
Keeping your new puppy healthy is important for a long and happy life. With the right routine, exercise, food, and visits to the vet, your pup will stay in tip-top shape.
Make sure to set a schedule and stick to it to ensure your pup’s health and overall well-being. So start putting your pup’s healthcare routine in place today! If you find this article on pet health helpful, feel free to read more on our blog.
