Spring is new puppy time and the warmer weather often inspires people to make a four-legged addition to the family. Once decisions have been made about which breed and gender you want and your new canine companion has been introduced into its new home, it is time to take your puppy to a first pet health check-up with your vet.
Pet parents should make sure that their puppy is healthy, well developed and fit.
The vet will examine every part of your puppy from head to toe, starting with taking the body temperature. Your vet will then look thoroughly at the eyes, ears, and nose to check if they are clear and free of any excretions, and then will check the mouth and teeth to examine your puppy's dentition.
Next your vet will listen to the heart, the lungs and the abdomen to check and see if the heart beat is regular and clear and if the airways and the peristalsis sound appropriate.
Palpation of the umbilical area can reveal any hernias, which, if present, may require surgical repair. It is also important to check if both testicles have already descended into the scrotum in male puppies.
Finally, the skin, nails and hair coat are looked at to detect any problems such as fleas, ticks or other parasites.
A baseline weight will be taken to help determine during future checkups whether your puppy is growing at a normal and healthy pace. With the weight check your vet will also to be able to determine the correct dosage of worming treatment.
If everything is fine, your vet will at this initial health check make recommendations about the vaccination schedule and how important it is to get good pet health insurance for your puppy. This is the best time to insure your dog, as at this young age he will be at his healthiest.
It is also a good idea to microchip your new dog, so he can be identified clearly in case you want to travel with him abroad or in the event that he is lost or stolen.
Another very important issue to discuss with your vet is your puppy's diet. Although most breeders will provide you with a certain amount of the dog food they have been feeding your puppy, you should get your vet's advice about what the best food is for your dog. In their first 6-8 months, canines grow very quickly and have special dietary needs to meet the demands of their rapidly developing bodies. It is critical at this point to insure that your puppy is eating the best possible diet to ensure healthy growth.
Finally, if you are a first-time dog owner, your vet will be able to give you advice about puppy training and proper socialization for your new family member.
Most veterinary practices will offer puppy classes and special clinics where you can take part with your puppy, get questions answered and discuss solutions for specific problems.
Many new puppy owners are assured by breeders, kennels and shelters that their new family members have been checked out and are in good health. That may be the case, but often it is not. For this reason, it is important to make an appointment with your vet as soon as you get your new pet to insure that he is on track for a wonderful and healthy life with you.
You can read further information on pet health questions and other interesting veterinary facts at http://www.Pet-Health-Pro.com, a website created by Dr Ellen Schmidt, a practising veterinarian in the UK.
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