Dog Puppy Care - How to Care For and Raise a Healthy Puppy

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A white and gray puppy with a black spot on one ear lies on a light surface outdoors, looking directly at the camera, with trees blurred in the background.

How will proper puppy care impact the life of my dog?

When you welcome a puppy into your home, it’s crucial to bring them into Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care for a check-up as soon as possible. We want to ensure that your new family member is in good health and free from any congenital conditions that you should be aware of from the start. Additionally, the vaccinations and preventive care we provide play a significant role in your puppy’s long-term quality of life.

A white and gray puppy with a black spot on one ear lies on a light surface outdoors, looking directly at the camera, with trees blurred in the background.

How will proper puppy care impact the life of my dog?

When you welcome a puppy into your home, it’s crucial to bring them into Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care for a check-up as soon as possible. We want to ensure that your new family member is in good health and free from any congenital conditions that you should be aware of from the start. Additionally, the vaccinations and preventive care we provide play a significant role in your puppy’s long-term quality of life.

Why is it so important to start good puppy care on day one?

There are numerous diseases, parasites, and viral infections that puppies can contract, including heartworm disease. Our goal is to prevent these issues or address them promptly if they arise. Some of these ailments are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted to humans, which is a concern for the health of your family. At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we take our responsibility seriously to ensure that your pet does not carry anything that could affect you or your children.

A black and white puppy with fluffy fur sits on green grass, looking directly at the camera. The background is blurred and dark, making the puppy the main focus of the image.
A black and white puppy with fluffy fur sits on green grass, looking directly at the camera. The background is blurred and dark, making the puppy the main focus of the image.

Why is it so important to start good puppy care on day one?

There are numerous diseases, parasites, and viral infections that puppies can contract, including heartworm disease. Our goal is to prevent these issues or address them promptly if they arise. Some of these ailments are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted to humans, which is a concern for the health of your family. At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we take our responsibility seriously to ensure that your pet does not carry anything that could affect you or your children.

A small, fluffy dog with gray and brown fur sits with its mouth open and tongue out, looking to the side. A blurred hand is visible in the background, possibly grooming the dog.

How soon should I bring my puppy in to see a veterinarian for their first exam?

We recommend scheduling your puppy’s first examination appointment even before you bring them home. Early evaluation allows us to start deworming and identify any congenital issues right away. We also assist in developing appropriate behavior and training plans to ensure you and your puppy start off on the right foot.

What are the most common health problems in puppies?
Puppies often encounter a range of parasites, both internal and external. Common issues can include fleas, ticks, ear mites, scabies, and other skin mites like Demodex. During the first visit, we will thoroughly examine your puppy for these issues and conduct a fecal test to check for intestinal parasites, treating them as necessary. Proper vaccinations are critical as well to avoid diseases like parvo, which can show symptoms within 24 to 48 hours. We advise ensuring your puppy comes from a reputable source to minimize such risks.

A black and white puppy with large ears lies in green grass, looking directly at the camera.
A black and white puppy with large ears lies on green grass, looking directly at the camera. The background is blurred with patches of clover and greenery.

What are some signs and symptoms of illness in your puppy?
You should ideally adopt a puppy that is at least seven to eight weeks old, which is the age by which they should be weaned. Puppies do tend to sleep a lot but are active and engaged when they are awake. If your puppy seems lethargic or “like a wet noodle,” that raises concern. Healthy puppies should have normal appetites, drink water, have regular stools, and interact positively with you. Any abnormal behavior is a reason to bring them into us as soon as possible for evaluation.

What are the signs of a healthy, thriving puppy?
Healthy puppies display normal eating and drinking habits, interact positively with family members, and enjoy playtime and cuddles. While it’s normal for puppies, especially those around eight weeks old, to sleep a lot, excessive lethargy or depression is not. These are red flags that should prompt a visit to the clinic.

A fluffy light brown and white puppy sits on green grass with its tongue out, looking at the camera. The background is blurred with dark greenery.

When should I start training my puppy?
There is a common misconception regarding the timing of puppy training, particularly the belief that training must wait until they are fully vaccinated. However, this is false and results in missed critical socialization and training opportunities. From eight weeks to 16 weeks, your puppy is most receptive to training and socialization, and it is safe to introduce them to classes where other dogs have been vaccinated. We recommend starting a training program tailored to your puppy’s personality, ensuring they are in a safe environment.

A fluffy light brown and white puppy sits on green grass with its tongue out, looking at the camera. The background is blurred with dark greenery.

When should I start training my puppy?
There is a common misconception regarding the timing of puppy training, particularly the belief that training must wait until they are fully vaccinated. However, this is false and results in missed critical socialization and training opportunities. From eight weeks to 16 weeks, your puppy is most receptive to training and socialization, and it is safe to introduce them to classes where other dogs have been vaccinated. We recommend starting a training program tailored to your puppy’s personality, ensuring they are in a safe environment.

What will my vet be looking for when first examining my puppy?
During your puppy’s first visit, our veterinarians will assess their behavior, personality, and general health metrics. We will conduct a physical examination that includes checking their fecal sample, examining their ears, eyes, and mouth, listening to their heart and lungs, and palpating their abdomen to ensure all is well. We will ask you about your puppy’s home environment to provide a thorough assessment.

Rest assured that we dedicate approximately 30 minutes to your puppy’s initial visit to cover all necessary topics and answer any questions. We also have a wealth of online resources available.

If you have further questions, do not hesitate to contact us at (657) 756-5683, email us, or reach out on Facebook. We are here to help!

A fluffy, light brown Pomeranian dog sits on green grass, facing the camera with its tongue out, against a blurred sunny background.
A fluffy, light brown Pomeranian dog sits on green grass, facing the camera with its tongue out, against a blurred sunny background.

What will my vet be looking for when first examining my puppy?
During your puppy’s first visit, our veterinarians will assess their behavior, personality, and general health metrics. We will conduct a physical examination that includes checking their fecal sample, examining their ears, eyes, and mouth, listening to their heart and lungs, and palpating their abdomen to ensure all is well. We will ask you about your puppy’s home environment to provide a thorough assessment.

Rest assured that we dedicate approximately 30 minutes to your puppy’s initial visit to cover all necessary topics and answer any questions. We also have a wealth of online resources available.

If you have further questions, do not hesitate to contact us at (657) 756-5683, email us, or reach out on Facebook. We are here to help!

At your puppy’s first appointment, we will ask a variety of questions to understand their health history, vaccination schedule, and general wellbeing. Please bring a fecal sample. Our examination will be comprehensive, focusing on preventative care that includes discussing subsequent visits and initiating a training program suitable for your puppy.

It is our responsibility to provide you with the essential information and guidance. We will inquire about your puppy’s health, but you should also feel free to ask about any concerns directly related to their care and wellbeing.

It’s vital for your puppy to have follow-up visits every three weeks until they reach four months old, followed by a recommended six-month visit. During this formative time, there will be significant changes in your puppy’s development, behavior, and dietary needs, all of which we will monitor closely to keep your puppy on the right track.

Typically, we recommend spaying or neutering puppies around six months of age. However, for larger breeds, we may advise waiting due to their bone development, which can be crucial for certain breeds like golden retrievers. It’s important to discuss your individual puppy’s situation during the six-month check-up, especially if behavioral issues become apparent.

During your first visit, our focus will include assessing your puppy’s temperament and energy levels, performing a comprehensive physical exam, and gathering insights on their behavior at home. This holistic approach enables us to provide a thorough evaluation and come up with an effective care plan for your puppy.

If you have additional questions or need assistance, please reach out to us at (657) 756-5683, email us, or connect with us on Facebook. Your puppy’s health and wellbeing are our top priority!

If you have additional questions or need assistance, please reach out to us at (657) 756-5683, email us, or connect with us on Facebook. Your puppy’s health and wellbeing are our top priority!