Top Tips for New Puppy Care: Essential Guidelines!

Can't Take a Bath

When a dog returns home, many owners can't wait to give their furry friend a thorough bath, eager to snuggle with a fresh and fragrant pet. However, bathing a new arrival is a big nono. Puppies, especially when they first come home, are not used to their new surroundings and their immune systems are particularly vulnerable. Bathing them can easily lead to respiratory infections, and in severe cases, pneumonia. It could even be lifethreatening to the little ones.

If the puppy is quite dirty, you can limit its play area or use a petfriendly norinse shampoo for a quick clean. Just remember not to get the puppy completely wet, as this could lead to illness and the need for injections and medication, which would be quite可怜 for the little one.

Stay Indoors

Why is it important to keep the puppy indoors? It's because the puppy hasn't completed its vaccination series, and its body hasn't developed enough antibodies to fight off infectious diseases. If it goes outside, there's a high risk of contracting serious illnesses like canine distemper and parvovirus, which can be devastating for young dogs. Parents must be cautious and protect their puppies.

Ensure Adequate Hydration

Provide a clean container with fresh, clean water. In cold weather, parents should offer their puppies warm water to drink.

Keep the Puppy Warm

Puppies have delicate constitutions and are prone to catching colds in chilly weather. Parents should provide them with cozy bedding to stay warm.

Ensure Sufficient Sleep

Puppies sleep a lot, spending most of their time in slumber. It's best not to disturb them, especially if there are children in the home. Puppies need plenty of sleep to maintain their health and wellbeing.

Keep Up with Vaccinations

Vaccinations should ideally be administered around the 2month mark. Popular vaccine brands include Intervet, Merial, and Pfizer. Parents should consult with their veterinarian for recommendations and ensure that the full vaccination series is completed on time.

Regular Deworming

Deworming is crucial as parasites can rob puppies of nutrients, leading to weight loss. It's important for parents to take this seriously. Deworming involves both topical and internal treatments, with fleas and ticks being common external parasites, while roundworms and tapeworms are typical internal ones. However, with safe deworming medications, these issues can be easily resolved.

Observe the Puppy's Ears and Skin

Under normal circumstances, a puppy's ears should be free of odors and discharge, and its skin should be a pale pink. However, some dogs may have dirty, smelly ears with brown discharge, especially those with long ear hair like Poodles, Bichon Frises, and Shih Tzus. Some puppies may also develop red rashes, itching, or sores on their skin. If parents notice these symptoms, they should take their puppy to the vet promptly.

Healthy Diet

Choose highquality puppy food and soak it in a little warm water before feeding. Aim to feed three to five times a day. If there's any leftover food, it's best to discard it to avoid bacterial growth that could cause diarrhea. Parents can supplement their puppy's diet with goat's milk powder for added nutrition, but avoid giving them milk or human food, as these can harm their digestive systems.

Below, we'll delve into the foods that puppies should never be fed (both puppies and adult dogs should avoid these):

1. Avoid feeding onions, garlic, and other similar foods. These can cause acute hemolytic anemia in dogs, with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and red or brown urine, which can be fatal.

2. Chocolate should never be given to dogs. Dogs are sensitive to the caffeine and theobromine in chocolate, and since they lack the enzymes to break down these substances, they can accumulate in the body, leading to poisoning. Symptoms can include neurological issues when the concentration exceeds 200mg/kg.

3. Grapes are a big nono for dogs. Eating grapes can cause acute kidney failure, and in severe cases, it can be fatal.

4. Avoid feeding highsugar, highfat, and highsalt foods. These can lead to obesity, which in turn can trigger a host of diseases like fatty liver, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and coronary heart disease. Excessive salt can also burden the kidneys and disrupt the balance of minerals and vitamins, affecting skin health and immunity, leading to various skin conditions.

5. Avoid feeding bones, corn cobs, and other hard foods. Dogs often swallow their food whole without much chewing, especially when they're excited about their favorite treats. These hard foods can be difficult to digest and may require surgery to remove if they cause blockages.

Parents' approach to raising their dogs is crucial for their health. To ensure your furry friend grows up healthy, be extra careful with their care.

Tip: Click on "How to Raise a Dog for Optimal Health" to learn more about responsible dog ownership.