Ten Tips for Raising a Healthy Puppy

1.    Regular visits to your veterinarian

• Your veterinarian is your pet's best advocate for proper health and behavior care
• Your puppy should see the veterinarian several times during the first months of life, then at least yearly for the rest of their life. 

2.    A complete set of vaccines

• Many diseases can threaten your puppy but are preventable with a vaccination from your veterinarian. 
• The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) vaccine guidelines establish vaccines as core [universal], non-core [optional], or not recommended
• Your veterinarian can determine a timeline to administer vaccines to your puppy to provide proper immunization

3.    Spaying or neutering

• Spaying or neutering can prevent some diseases later in life, such as reproductive cancers and infections. 
• This also can help to avoid unwanted behaviors related to hormones
• Spaying or neutering helps to reduce pet overpopulation
• Discuss the proper time to spay or neuter your puppy with your veterinarian.

4.    Proper Socialization

• The primary and most important time for puppy socialization is the first three months of life
• The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recommends enrolling your puppy in a socialization class during this critical time to gain experience with other puppies and people.

5.    House Training

• Commit to taking your puppy outside after every meal, when they wake up, and after every play session
• A regular schedule will help teach your puppy the appropriate places to potty
• Consistency, repetition, and persistence are key.

6.    Dental Care

• Periodontal disease is one of the most common afflictions in dogs, affecting 80% of dogs over the age of 2 years.
• Bacteria from teeth can affect other body systems
• Discuss a good method for maintaining your puppy's teeth with your veterinarian -- and stick with it. 

7.    Diet and Exercise

• Choosing a proper diet for your puppy is essential for proper nutrition -- consult your veterinarian for a recommendation
• Provide access to fresh water at all times
• Proper daily exercise can avoid obesity and help facilitate good behavior 

8.    Protection from Household Dangers

• Puppy proof your house -- puppies are curious and will investigate everything!
• Never leave your dog in a hot car.  This can cause overheating and lead to a medical emergency. 
• Have a proper collar, identification tag, and leash to walk your puppy safely.
• Keep electronic cords our of reach of puppy teeth
• Keep all chemical and food toxins away from your puppy
• Chemicals:  Antifreeze, bleach, other household chemicals
• Food:  Grapes, raisins, onions, xylitol (in sugar free gum and candies-sometimes peanut butter), and chocolate

9.    Companionship

• Remember, your puppy would rather be playing with you than just about anything else
• Show your puppy attention and praise proper behavior
• Ensure that your puppy has appropriate toys to keep them busy when you are away. 

10. Year-Round parasite prevention
The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), the American Heartworm Society (AHS), and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommend year-round parasite control to protect against heartworms, intestinal parasites, and fleas for all pets. 
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• Fleas

1)    Fleas can cause severe discomfort for dogs, including scratching, chewing, biting, and restlessness. 
2)    Fleas are the source of flea allergy dermatitis [FAD], the most common veterinary dermatological condition
3)    Severe flea infestations can cause anemia, especially in puppies or debilitated adult dogs. 

• Intestinal Parasites

1)    Intestinal parasites can affect your dog in various ways:  weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, and even intestinal inflammation or blockage.  In the most severe cases, intestinal parasites can kill your pet. 
2)    These parasites are found throughout the United States.  They life and reproduce in animal feces, bodies of dead animals, and in infected soil that dogs can access. 
3)    Moreover, intestinal parasites can be contracted by humans through contact with an infected environment, potentially resulting in serious health issues.

• Heartworms

1)    Clinical Signs of heartworm disease may be absent but can include coughing, exercise intolerance, and difficulty breathing.
2)    Heartworm infection is acquired from the bite of an infected mosquito and if left untreated, can be life threatening.