Basic Health Check

Your puppys basic health check

Your new puppy should visit a veterinarian as soon as possible.

The first visit will probably include:

* Thorough physical examination to determine his or her state of health.

* Check for external parasites (fleas,ticks,ear mites).

* Check for internal parasites (tapeworm,roundworm,etc).

* Initial vaccinations and / or a discussion of the types of vaccinations your

puppy needs and when they should be scheduled.

* Discussion about whether your puppy should be sterilized (spayed or neutered) and when.

This first health check will give your veterinarian the information he needs to advise you on your puppy's immediate diet and care.

Plus, it will give him a "knowledge base" from which, on subsequent checkups throughout your pup's life, he can better evaluate, monitor and manage your pet's health.

Make your new puppy feel at home

Show Your puppy the special places where he can eat, sleep and eliminate and, since he's probably quite overwhelmed, give him some quiet time to himself to let him adjust to the unfamiliar sights and sounds of his new home. Be sure, if there are also young children in the home, that they are taught that a puppy is not a toy, but a living creature who must be treated with gentleness and respect. As early as 8 weeks old, your puppy is capable of learning specific lessons - so start house-breaking and teaching simple obedience commands the day you bring him home. Your veterinarian can suggest the best training methods and, if you wish, recommend a good obedience school. Your pup will find learning fun and, with your positive reinforcement, he should remember his lessons well!