How does caring for a puppy differ from caring for an adult dog?
Caring for a puppy differs from caring for an adult dog because they have different needs. Puppies need a puppy-specific food, which contains different amounts of vitamins, minerals, and calories to support their growth. If you have a large breed puppy, ensure you have a large breed puppy food. Puppies cannot hold their bathroom needs as long as adults. Generally, for every month old they are, they can hold going to the bathroom for that many hours. For example, an eight-week-old puppy should not be expected to hold it for more than two hours, so they need to go out more frequently.
When can a puppy be separated from its mother?
Ideally, a puppy shouldn't be separated from its mother until about 8 weeks of age. They should stay with their mom until that age to nurse and learn some behaviors. Taking them away before six weeks is generally frowned upon. In cases of orphaned puppies, the situation is beyond control.
When can I bring my puppy around other dogs and people?
That's a tricky question. We want to socialize our puppies with other dogs and people as soon as possible, but also keep them safe. They're not fully protected with vaccinations until they're about 16 weeks old from diseases they can contract from other dogs. Ensure they meet well-vaccinated dogs and people you know. The goal is to socialize a puppy with 100 people and 100 dogs by the time they're 16 weeks old.
What vaccinations does my puppy need and when should they be administered?
Vaccinations for puppies are divided into core and non-core. Core vaccines include the distemper parvo combination, given every 3 to 4 weeks starting at 7 to 8 weeks of age. The rabies vaccine is another core vaccine and cannot be given before 12 weeks of age in New York State; we usually administer it at about 16 to 18 weeks of age. Non-core vaccines include bordetella (kennel cough), given as early as 7 to 8 weeks, leptospirosis at about 12 weeks, and Lyme disease vaccine also starting at 12 weeks. At 8 weeks, start your puppy on a preventative against fleas and ticks.
How often should I bring my puppy in for checkups?
When you first get your puppy, it should see your veterinarian every 3 to 4 weeks to complete the vaccination schedule. We avoid giving more than two vaccines at a time to prevent overwhelming their immune system.
What is the best diet for my puppy and how much should I feed them?
The best diet for your puppy is a well-balanced puppy food, either dry or canned. Many breeds have different preferences for brands. I recommend the upper ends of Purina, Hills, or Royal Canin Foods, as they have veterinarians on staff and extensive research behind their diets. Feeding guidelines are on the back of food packages, but they are often slightly higher than necessary. Feeding depends on the puppy's activity level. Ideally, a puppy should eat at least three times a day until they're 6 months old.
How do I know if my puppy is at a healthy weight?
Determine if your puppy is at a healthy weight by looking and feeling their sides. You should be able to feel their ribs easily, but not see them. If you can see the ribs, the puppy is underweight. If you need to press firmly to feel the ribs, the puppy is overweight.
When should I start training my puppy? And what methods do you recommend?
Training should start as soon as you get your puppy. Begin with crate training, sit, down, and stay commands. Make the crate a safe, happy place, not a punishment. Clicker training is a method some use; the click acts as positive reinforcement, followed by a treat as a reward. This method can make rewarding the exact behavior easier.
What should I do if my puppy has diarrhea or is vomiting?
If your puppy has diarrhea or vomiting, contact a veterinarian immediately. Puppies can become dehydrated or have low blood sugar quickly, and these symptoms could indicate a more serious issue like a bacterial or viral infection, or an underlying parasite.
How can I prevent fleas, ticks and other parasites in my puppy?
Preventing fleas, ticks, and other parasites relies on a good preventative protocol. We recommend Sentinel monthly for heartworm disease and some intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. We use Bravecto for flea and tick prevention. The administration and frequency depend on your puppy's size and age.
When should I spay or neuter my puppy and what are the benefits?
Spaying or neutering age is under discussion in the veterinary world. I believe spaying before the first heat cycle is best, except in large breeds like Great Danes or Bernese Mountain Dogs, which benefit from longer hormone exposure for hip and knee development. Spaying before the first heat cycle reduces breast cancer risk by 200 times. We balance hormone exposure with spaying before the first heat cycle, usually around 7½ to 8 months of age.
What are some common health issues in puppies and how can I recognize them?
Common health issues in puppies include diarrhea, often a sign of an underlying parasite infection or a result of changing food too quickly. Parvo virus, a deadly condition, can present with vomiting and diarrhea. Vomiting and diarrhea are common issues in puppies.
How do I care for my puppy's teeth and gums?
Teach your puppy to have their teeth brushed at an early age. Use pet-friendly toothpaste, which is safe to swallow. Start by letting them taste the toothpaste, then use your finger, and gradually move to a finger or regular toothbrush. Brush in circles on the outsides of their teeth.
What are the signs of allergies in puppies and how can they be treated?
Allergies in puppies usually manifest as itching, paw licking or chewing, and potentially runny eyes. True allergies aren't common in puppies, as they need time to develop. If a puppy is over-scratching, it might have underlying demodectic mange, which can overgrow when the immune system is still developing.
How much exercise does my puppy need and what kind is best?
Puppies generally need a lot of exercise, depending on their breed. Working and hunting dogs require more exercise than toy breeds. Allow your puppy to gauge their needs, but avoid over-exercising them until they're a year old and their growth plates have closed. Keep exercise sessions under one to two miles, and stop if they become overheated or out of breath.
What should I do if my puppy is exhibiting aggressive behavior?
If your puppy shows signs of aggression, call a trainer to come to your house immediately. Also, consult with your veterinarian to discuss techniques, but having a trainer evaluate them in their home setting is most beneficial.
How can I socialize my puppy with other dogs and people?
Referring to a previous question about safety, socializing physically involves both dogs on a leash, allowing them to approach each other and figure things out. If they become too forceful or aggressive, you can easily separate them.
What are the most common symptoms of parvo virus and how can I protect my puppy from it?
The most common symptoms of parvo virus are vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, and fever. Vaccination is the best protection, along with avoiding places or dogs with unknown vaccine statuses.
At Rondout Valley Veterinary Associates, your pet always comes first. Whether they need routine care or something more urgent, call (845) 626-5555 or email [email protected] to schedule a visit. Our team is here for you and your pet.