The acquisition of a new puppy can often be an emotional decision, when it should really be based upon logic.  Therefore, I thought I would offer some suggestions regarding new puppy ownership.

From a medical perspective there are certain things that are imperative to your puppy’s health.  The first is an examination by your veterinarian and immunizations.  Not only are puppy shots critical, but also the timing of them is just as important.  Puppy shots should be given at eight, twelve and sixteen weeks of age.

Often, the party you acquired your pet from will have given the shots earlier than at eight weeks of age.  If the animal is too young, the shots administered will not be effective at creating immunity.  Likewise, the breeder or seller may wait too long between vaccination intervals such that the span between the series of shots is much greater than four weeks.  This too will negate the effectiveness of the shots and the entire series of shots must be re-administered.  You should obtain a copy of the shot and any other medical records the seller has on the animal.  The consequences of an inaccurate puppy vaccination schedule can be fatal to the animal, since its own antibodies may not be sufficient to ward off diseases.

As mentioned above, you should be sure your veterinarian examines your new puppy.  The exam should be complete and not just cursory.  All portions of the body that can be seen or felt should be checked.  On puppies it is especially important to take a stool sample and test it for hook, round and tape worms as well as coccidia.  Likewise, an ear exam may reveal the presence of mites or other bacteria or yeast.  On certain large breed dogs an x-ray of the hips is advisable to check for early signs of hip dysphasia.

While the serious medical matters should be left to your veterinarian, I would like to suggest some practical tips that owners may not often recognize.  A puppy grows quickly; therefore, be sure to check the fit of its collar every week.  Allow for two finger-widths of space between the neck and collar.  Be sure to have an identification tag firmly attached to the collar.  I once found a puppy in the middle of the road with a collar but no tag.  It took an hour of ringing doorbells to reunite it with its owner.  A leash no longer than four feet is best.  Since a puppy is usually not well disciplined, the shorter leash gives better control.

Use ceramic or stainless steel bowls rather than plastic.  The plastic ones are harder to sanitize and can be used as unintentional chew toys.  Be sure to give fresh water daily and wash the bowls regularly.  It is very easy to put the pet bowls in the dishwasher with the other dishes.

Keep kitchen and bathroom trashcans covered.  They may contain attractive chewables that can cause everything from an upset stomach to a surgery or worse.  Chewables also include electrical cords, dangling blind and curtain cords not to mention chair legs, shoes and anything else not picked up.