A Munchkins To Love Article:

Medical and Health Care for your Puppy

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Things to Know and Do

What should you know?

* Your puppy is not human. That seems obvious doesn't it? But your puppy should not eat human food. They do not have a human body, they have a canine body. A canine body has different nutritional needs than a human body. A puppy has different nutritional needs than an adult dog. They need a quality puppy formula food.

* Spoiling this baby is not a good idea. Dogs have the developmental abilities of a human toddler. Any human parent will know or can tell you that if given the chance their toddler will become the worst sort of dictator. You need to be the leader of your pack. You need to set boundaries (obedience) for your puppy. This is how your puppy will know his/her place in the pack and will feel much more secure.

* Your puppy is still a baby. Although they will progress at a much faster rate than a child, you still need to consider their developmental abilities. Patience and consistency is key here.  A schedule or routine is invaluable.

* Your puppy needs regular health care.  They need to become comfortable with the vet and possibly a groomer.  Starting them now can help them become accustomed to the process and make for a better experience for everyone later.  Discuss with the vet the healthcare needs of your area.  If you need to find a vet, check with friends, or co-workers and ask for recommendations.  If you have a breed that needs grooming, you'll want to find a groomer that has knowledge of small breeds.  Take your puppy for their first visit after they've had all of their shots.  A groomer can aid in the health care of your puppy.  They can trim nails and express anal glands, and clean ears, along with keeping the coat healthy.

* Your puppy is not protected against vaccinated diseases with only one or two shots.  Your puppy needs the full set of three series of shots and their rabies vaccine before you can safely consider taking them out in public.  They can still contract Parvo, distemper and all the others!!

* Your puppy will love and trust you unconditionally.  They don't judge.  They don't demand (unless you've spoiled them).  They will always be your best friend if you let them.

What should you do?

Make sure you have all your supplies on hand BEFORE you get your puppy.

Make an appointment with your vet to see your puppy within three business days of getting him/her.  We want you to be assured your puppy is healthy.  You also want to discuss the vaccination/parasite control program your vet follows.

Discuss with your small children (if you have them) the requirements and care a small puppy needs.

Begin obedience the day your puppy comes home.  Learning their name and to come when called are essential and possibly lifesaving.

Give your puppy time to adjust to their new surroundings.  Give them a few days (or more) to settle in before you start adding new things.  Most puppies will adjust very well to their new home, but sometimes a puppy can feel intimidated by all the new things and people.

Set up a routine for your puppy.  All of you will benefit from having one.  Your puppy will be less anxious if they have a feeding schedule.  Very young--under 12 weeks and very small--under 3 lbs. puppies should have food and water always available until they have reached these milestones.

DO NOT take your puppy to public places (where other dogs have been) until they've had all three sets of shots and their rabies.  They are still vulnerable.

Love and trust your puppy.  They could be the best friend you've ever had.  A properly raised puppy is a joy to be around and a credit to your commitment to responsible pet ownership.