Diana Myers
Puppies not only need loving attention but sometimes also tangible help. You can read from the tip of the puppy’s snout whether it is healthy.
Ancestors and inheritance
Health care for pedigree dogs starts with the puppy purchase. Certain hereditary diseases are common in some lofts. Therefore, take a close look at the ancestors of your dream puppy and, if necessary, have their genetic freedom confirmed. Mixed breeds are often easier and more robust, but the “end result” is not so easy to predict.
How does the puppy behave in the pack?
But you can tell a lot from the behavior of the puppies in their pack. Pay attention to the following points: Is he lagging behind? Does he take part in his surroundings with only moderate interest? Is he less developed than the other littermates? The fur should be shiny, the belly should not be overly thick, and the mouth and nose should be free of any traces of secretion. Itching can indicate parasite infestation. A close look at the deciduous teeth shows whether there are any supernumerary teeth or malocclusions.
Prepare risk-free home
Great dangers for the health of the puppy can lurk in its new home. Therefore, you should put them aside in advance: things such as live cables, household cleaning products, string, birth control pills, and cigarettes should not be within reach of the puppy.
The first vet visit
The four-legged friend should also get to know the veterinarian as soon as possible after moving in. He will examine him thoroughly again and recommend appointments for deworming and vaccination. At least the vaccinations against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis, and rabies (“SHPLT”) should be given at the age of 12 and 16 weeks respectively. Dogs that have a lot of contact with other dogs or come from problem stocks can also be immunized against kennel cough.
Watch the baby dog closely
Even after that, you should keep your eyes open in order to recognize signs of illness in good time. A warning sign should be when a puppy is very quiet, sleeps a lot, and is hesitant to gain weight. Refusal of food or water is also a concern. The causes of this can only be clarified by a detailed examination by the veterinarian. veterinarian dr Thomas Görblich advises that if the signs are unclear, it is better to seek veterinary advice immediately instead of waiting. In the first year of life, it can’t do any harm to occasionally bring the puppy in for a check-up: “Perhaps it will take away the future patient’s fears if he can see early on that white coats are not always associated with unpleasant experiences.”