Medi Special – Pups

Continuing with our Medi Special we take a look at how to choose a healthy pup, plus the most common problems with puppies and how to treat them.

Becoming the proud owner of new, little puppy can be one of the most memorable moments in anyone’s life. These unconditional-loving little bundles of fluff can evoke a range of emotions that can melt even the toughest of hearts.

If you are considering becoming first time a dog owner it’s important to consider the following:

1. Sleeping Area – where will your puppy sleep when they come home? Pups need a secure and safe area to retreat to. This is also helpful with toilet training. Making a penned area with a baby gate or a crate is a great idea.
2. Food and water bowls – need to be the right size for your puppy. You will need to upgrade these as your puppy grows.
3. Food – what food will you be feeding your pup? How much do they require? Is it a large breed or a toy breed? What has the breeder been feeding them previously? If you are changing your pup’s diet from the previous diet, please do this gradually to prevent tummy upsets.
4. Veterinary care – book your puppy’s puppy-preschool and vaccinations as soon as possible. Shop around if you are unsure of what vet to use. Go with your gut instinct and ask questions.
5. Training – consider what training methods you are open to and start your research. Book your 16-week old pup into an obedience school for basic training. Training should start the first day your pup comes home with your basic commands. Puppy preschools are also wonderful, but they do fill up quickly so booking is important.
6. Toys – have a variety of toys (interactive and snuggle toys) on hand and switch them up daily to keep your pup interested. Teddies with long arms are great at soothing a crying pup at night, as too are specially designed puppy snugglers, some even come with heat bags and heartbeats for added security.
7. Fences – if you are unsure if your backyard is secure, it’s a good idea to think about this now before your pup comes home. Check for holes and gaps under your gates. Ensure that gates lock and shut correctly. Signs are also good for alerting your friends that you now have a dog, and remember to shut the gate.
8. Pooper scooper – a pooper scooper is vital for every dog home! They make the daily poo-patrol much easier to deal with.
9. Collar and lead – again like your food bowls, ensure that your pup’s collar and lead are the right size and weight. You will need to upgrade these as your dog grows.
10. Registration information – contact your local council for dog registration information.

Is my pup healthy?

It is important to give your puppy a good look over before you make your purchase. If you have purchased your beloved pup from a distant breeder, book them in for a quick vet evaluation to ensure that they are in good health. It’s a very good idea to try to see your pup in person before you take them home. Then you can meet the mum, and the breeder and ensure you are not purchasing from illegal breeders or puppy-mills.

What to check:

• Eyes should be clear and free of discharge.
• Pup’s coat should be shiny and soft.
• Pads on feet should be soft.
• Ears should be clean with no smell or discharge.
• Gums should be pink; breath should be sweet (oh puppy breath!). Also check for sores in mouth or gums.
• Teeth should be white and clean.
• Nose should be clear with no sores or discharge.
• Pup should be bouncy and happy.

Common Concerns

If you are concerned about any of the following or your pup is showing these symptoms (suddenly or chronically), please seek veterinary advice quickly:

A BIT ABOUT THE BLOGGER:
Nadia Crighton is a well-known and accomplished Australian Journalist and pet magazine Editor. As a busy mum of four humans, two dogs, 50 sheep, one cat, a handful of chickens and a goat named Billy (and let’s not forget the axolotls!), she simply adores pets of all shapes and sizes. These are her personal thoughts and advice from many years of pet-ownership and working within the pet industry.

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