Puppy Health Care
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Health Care
Look after your dog by following these simple tips and understand more about the importance of pet health.
1. What should I have ready in my home before I bring my puppy home?
One of the most important things to take with you on puppy-picking-up day is a travel crate or cage. Think of the other puppy essentials such as food and water bowls, and these need to be in place before you bring your puppy home. It might be worth asking your vet or breeder about the best food for your new puppy. Get the bedding sorted too and have a few toys ready for your puppy to play with when it comes home. Make your first appointment with the vet to get your puppy checked over.
2. How do microchips work?
When looking at dog health care tips, it is always a good idea to look at microchipping. A microchip is a very tiny device that is injected underneath the dog’s skin, usually at the neck. Then, should your dog ever run off and get picked up by a shelter, they can read the microchip and place it back in your safe hands. Do you need to microchip your dog? If you are always with your dog, then a microchip might not be necessary. Please remember though that microchipping is harmless and safe, so it is definitely worth considering. Some dogs are always with their owners, but they can still run away given half the chance.
4. I’m concerned that my dog might have worms – how can I tell for sure?
Knowing more about dog health care means delving deeper into the world of potential health problems, and one such issue can be worms. There are some common types of worms that you should be aware of and these include hookworms, tapeworms and whipworms. All can cause internal irritation and damage to your dog, but heartworms can be fatal. Get your vet to check for worms on a regular basis so your dog can stay fit and healthy.
5. Neutering – is it worth it?
Many ask this question, and if your dog is purely for pet purposes, you should get the dog spayed or neutered as soon as possible. There are just not enough homes for all of the puppies and kittens born each year; and, as a result, over 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized annually. If there are no complications, your dog can usually come home on the same day.
In addition to its being an effective pet population control measure, spaying and neutering can also benefit your dog’s health. You can reduce the risk of cancer and infection by getting your dog spayed or neutered before the age of 6months.
