Caring for Your Pet

In the first three months of your puppy's life, your veterinarian will probably want to see your puppy every two or three weeks for vaccinations. Initial vaccinations for many diseases start at about six weeks and are repeated every two to three weeks until your puppy reaches 14 weeks of age.

After six months, veterinarian visits will probably taper off. You'll need boosters at regular intervals. Vaccination protocols may vary; follow your veterinarian's recommended immunization schedule.

A Quick Puppy Check-Up

Your puppy can't talk and tell you if he's not feeling well. Here is a quick "Top-to-Bottom Physical" you can do on your puppy (and he'll love the attention!) to make sure everything is "all systems go." Remember, the information below is not intended to diagnose illness or to be used as a substitute for qualified veterinary care. Also, to maintain the puppy's health make sure he has regular veterinary visits.

Eyes, nose, and ears

Check to make sure his eyes are bright, clear, and shiny, without discharge or discoloration. His nose should be cool and moist, without any discharge. The ears should be clean. Pay attention if he scratches his ears excessively.

Mouth

Check his gums for swelling or bleeding, his teeth for any tartar buildup, and ensure that his tongue is clean and his breath doesn't have a bad odor.

Abdomen

Check for any tenderness or swelling that's firm to the touch. If there is excessive vomiting over several days, visit your veterinarian.

Paws

Check between the toes for any foreign materials, the pads for excessive abrasion or cuts, and ensure that his nails are trimmed short.

Fur

Check for clumps, matting, bare patches, and any foreign matter. Plus, look for signs of fleas or ticks (the signs are small black specks or raised red lumps). His fur should be soft and shiny. To see if he is properly hydrated, pick up a fold of skin in the middle of his back area and then release it. If the skin falls slowly or remains up, he is dehydrated. Contact your veterinarian immediately to determine the cause, and to administer fluids.

Urine and Stools

When you take him out to do his business, look for signs of blood in his urine, and any mucus or blood in the stool, and note if it is foul smelling.

Behavior

Make sure he has an appetite (it is normal for him to occasionally go off his food for a day or two, but a loss of healthy appetite is cause for concern). If he wants to hide in dark places, or displays a general lack of interest in what's happening around him, he may need to see his veterinarian.

When in Doubt, Consult His Veterinarian

Whenever you have concerns about your puppy, avoid the advice of well-meaning friends and talk with his veterinarian. He or she will be familiar with your puppy's medical history, and has the skill and knowledge to diagnose the problem.

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