Health and Care of Your Puppy

Health and Care of Your Puppy

INTRODUCTION

The majority of dogs never have a health problem so don't be frightened by the number of diseases a dog can contract. All dogs have days when they feel lazy and want to lie around and do nothing. For the few diseases that you might be concerned about, remember that your veterinarian is your dog's best friend. When your get your new puppy, or older dog, go to a veterinarian you feel is qualified to treat dogs and with whom you are comfortable. He will give your new pet a general check-up and set up a schedule of immunizations for you. He will get to know your dog and will be glad to have you consult him for advice. A dog needs little medical care; but that little is essential to his good health and well-being.

HEALTH

Internal Parasltes - Puppies (and dogs) quite commonly have parasites, which most be eliminated in order for your puppy to stay strong and healthy. Have a stool sample checked by your veterinarian as soon as you get your new pet. Never attempt to worm your puppy or dog for parasites without the advice of your veterinarian. He will do tests to find out what type of worms (parasites) are present, if any, and he will advise you the best method of treatment. You should have a stool sample checked for parasites by your veterinarian at least once a year for adult dogs; more often for puppies.

Fleas, Ticks & Mites - (External Parasites) These are usually obvious and must be eliminated at once. If you have tried commercially available Fiea Dips and Flea & Tick Collars, and you still find even a slight problem, or if your dog appears to be itching and scratching for no reason, contact your veterinarian immediately for an appointment, Your veterinarian can help get rid of these pesky little creatures.

Teeth & Toenails - Dogs, like people occasionally need their teeth cleaned. They also need their toenails clipped regularly. Talk to your veterinarian - he should be more than willing to show you how to clip your dog's toenails and clean his teeth. See a vet or groomer if you are unwilling or unable to do this on a regular basis. It is very important for your dog's health that this be done.

Spay/Neuter - Unless you are getting a purebred dog and want to breed to improve your stock, we recommend you have your pet spayed/neutered at the earilest possible age. Most Animal Services Departments offer SPAY clinics to help reduce the cost. You will find their phone number listed in your iocal telephone directory. Or, check with your veterinarian.

General - Dogs occasionally get coughs, colds, bronchitis, pneumonia annd skin aiiments. Your veterinarian has antibiotics and other remedies to help your dog or puppy recover. Contact him as soon as possible if any symptoms occur. Examine your dog's eyes, ears, teeth and claws daily. If you see or hear anything that is not nornal, such as a discharge ftom the eyes or ears, bad smelling breath or ears, irritated gums in his mouth, coughing, or trying to ciear his throat, call your veterinarian for advice immediately

IMPORTANCE OF INOCULATIONS

With the proper inoculations (a series of puppy shots and boosters for adults), your dog will be almost completely protected against disease. The DHL (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis), Parainfluenza and Parovirus series of shots usually begin at 6-8 weeks of age. Federal regulations require rabies shots to be given at 4 months of age with a booster at one year of age and every third year after that. (Some states require annnal boosters). Your puppy's best protection against tbese diseases is early immunization. The following diseases are all highiy contagious and shots are strongly recommended.

Distemper - Infects lungs, intestines, and nervous system. Dog will lose appetite, get depressed, seem chilled with a fever, goes mto paralysis and convulsions.

Hepatitis - Viral disease. Dog will be drowsy, vomit, seem very thirsty, lose appetite, and run a high fever. May have swelling of head, neck and abdomen. Strikes quickly and death may occur in just a few hours.

Leptospirosis - Infects kidneys. Symptoms are diarrhea and a yellowish brown discoloration of the jaws, tongue and teeth. This disease can be cured if caught in time.

Parainfluenza - Symptoms similar to bronchitis in people. Often called Kennel Cough. Signs are harsh, dry cough; loss of appetite; runny nose and/or eyes; and listlessness. If not treated, permanent damage, and even death, may occur.

Parvovirus - Gastrointestinal virus. Strikes quickly and, if not caught early, death occurs within a few days. This is most common in puppies. First indication is usually loss of appetite, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration annd listlessness.

Rabies - Acute disease of dog's central nervous system. Generally dog goes through period of depression, then irritation and finally paralysis. The dog will appear cross and will change his position often. He will lose his appetite and begin to lick, bite and swallow foreign objects. Within 4 to 8 days after the onset of paralysis, the dog will die. Even if your pet should be bitten by a rabid animal, he probably can be saved if you get him to a veterinarian in time. However, no cure is possible after the symptoms have appeared. Remember that early immunization and boosters are almost certain protection agalnst rabies. If you suspect your dog has died from rabies, notify your local Animal Services Department immediately.

FIRST AID

In general, a dog will heal his wounds by licking them but it will probably make you feel hetter to help him if he is hurt. Treat his minor wounds as you would your own. Wash out the dirt and apply an antiseptic. If you are afraid your dog has swallowed poison, been bitten or stung by an insect, or bitten by a snake, call your veterinarian immediately. Amateur diagnosis is dangerous because the symptoms of so many dog diseases are similar. Too many people wait too long to take their dog to the veterinarian. Always be prepared for emergencies. Ask your veterinarian about how to handle the following:

*** Allergies***Stopping Blood Loss***

***Burns***Electric Shock***

***Fracture***Heat Stroke***

***Swallowed Objects***Drowning***

***Moving an Injured Dog***

***Giving CPR***Poisoning***

WHERE TO GET HELP

Shot Clinics: Most Animal Services Departments provide Shot Clinics periodically as a public service to help reduce costs. Call them or watch for them in your local newspapers.

Training: If you would like to train your puppy of dog formally, expand on the training you have already started, or just want a well-mannered pet, take him to a local Obedience Training Class. There are many such classes available in most areas. Phone numbers for these classes can be obtained by checking your local newspapers and telephone book or by calling your Animal Services or Parks & Recreation Departments.

Behavior Problems: (barking, chewing, aggression, biting, housebreaking, etc.) Try a local Obedience Training class. Not only will you learn how to control your dog, you will meet others with similar problems.

Literature: There are many good books on every phase of dog training and ownership. These are available at most book stores as well as local libraries.