Regular Checkups

Your dog should always have regular checkups to make sure all is well. Get your puppy used to being handled; your canine should accept stroking, grooming and a thorough once-over as part of the daily routine. Once every week or so, take a good look at your puppy’s eyes, ears, mouth, paws and nails. It pays off should you find a problem early, before it becomes serious. If you notice anything unusual, be sure to consult your vet.

Eyes:

• Redness
• A half-closed lid
• Excessive watering
• A yellow-green discharge or discoloration

Ears:

• Discharge
• Excessive wax build up
• A unpleasant order

Your pup will scratch at her ears or shake her head violently if they are bothersome. Take a look: healthy ears are pale pink, clean looking and odor free. If something doesn’t seem right consult your vet.

Teeth and Gums:

Examine your canine’s mouth for any soreness, discoloration, broken or loose teeth and inflamed or receding gums. All canines require regular cleaning with ultrasonic scaler done by a vet. Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in pets.

Paws:

Keep your dog’s paws clean by removing thorns, grass seeds, or anything else that you may pick up from the outdoors. You will know if there is something wrong with your pet’s paw if they are constantly licking or favoring the paw. Examine the paw gently to make sure that there is nothing sticking to the paw. If you find something irregular or you cannot see anything obvious you should contact your vet for an examination.

Nails:

Clip your pup’s nails frequently. If you can hear them clicking on the floor when they walk they are in need of trimming. If you let them get too long they will break and get soreness. Pick a quiet time to do the clipping because this task can be very terrifying for you canine, so it is best to wait until the canine is very quiet and tired. If you are not sure how to clip a dog’s nails ask your vet for assistance.

Housetraining:

Begin housetraining immediately. If you follow the crate training recommendation, housetraining will become much easier because a dog’s instinct is not to soil where they sleep or rest. Start by regular feeding and making frequent trips outside. There are certain signs to watch for that will alert you that it is time to take your pup outside.

When do I take my dog out:
• First thing in the morning
• Right after naps
• After play sessions
• Upon returning home to a puppy who has been left alone
• Right after meals
• Last thing in the evening before bed

Always stay outside with your dog to watch and encourage them to do the right thing. When the dog is finished quietly praise the dog and bring back inside. They will soon learn to connect the dots and they will be eager to please you. If you want the dog to go in a certain area take the dog to the area on a leash and wait for “the magic moment” to happen.

Vaccinations:

DHPP (distemper) Distemper, Hepatitis, Para Influenza, Parvovirus
Lepto is a bacterial infection which can cause liver and kidney damage

Puppies:
8 weeks- 1st DHPP vaccine , fecal exam or deworm

12 weeks- 2nd DHPP vaccine, 1st Lepto vaccine
(unless small dog), deworm

16 weeks- 3rd DHPP vaccine, 2nd Lepto vaccine
(unless small dog) , Rabies vaccine, deworm

Adults:
Annual- Fecal, heartworm preventative April/May thru November

Every other year- Heartworm test

Every 3 years- DHPP vaccine

Every 3 years- Rabies vaccine