You have decided to get a new puppy, and you have found a place to pick one out. The next step is choosing just the right one. How do you decide? They are all just too cute! No matter which one you pick, you  want to make sure that he is reasonably healthy. You do not want to find yourself becoming attached to this new family member, and then learn that he has major health problems. That would be heart-wrenching!

Although these tips will not guarantee that your new puppy will be problem free,  they will help you to avoid some obvious health problems.

Look for a puppy that:

• is active

• is eating normally, and is not underweight.

• is not vomiting or having diarrhea.

• is not coughing or sneezing.

• does not have any hair loss.

• is not scratching excessively.

• does not have any purulent (greenish) discharge from his eyes or nose.

You will want to find out about any vaccinations that the puppy may have already had, and about his health history. Certain health problems can be inherited, so you will want to ask if the parent's health history is available. If you have any concerns about a puppy that you are considering, you should seek the advice of your veterinarian before taking him home with you.

In order to protect your emotional and financial investment,  your new puppy should be examined by your veterinarian as soon as possible. A quick exam by your veterinarian could point out any health concerns that you may not have noticed.  A lot of  breeders offer a short term guarantee on their puppies, so be sure to see your veterinarian within that time frame, and if you adopted your puppy from an animal shelter, you may be entitled to a free exam at a local veterinarian.

Vaccinations

Puppies should begin receiving their vaccinations at six weeks of age. They are usually given a series of four Distemper combinations at 3 week intervals, and a Rabies vaccine at 12 weeks of age. This series is often followed up with a final Parvo Booster.  (This vaccine schedule may vary depending on the age that your puppy was first vaccinated and the practice of your veterinarian.) Once your puppy reaches adulthood most  vaccines are administered once a year.  

At North Cobb Animal Clinic  the typical yearly vaccine program consists of a DHLP-P (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Para influenza and Parvo) vaccine and a Rabies vaccine. A Heartworm Test and a Fecal Float are done to check for internal parasites. Also, if your dog is going to be boarding, most facilities will require him to have a Kennel Cough vaccine (also known as Bordetella or Intra Nasal) every six months.

Basic Puppy Care

• Feed a good quality puppy food. (Purina or better). Follow the feeding guide on the label.

• Provide safe chew toys. Avoid rawhides, bones, and anything that could easily be swallowed.

• Puppy proof your home by limiting access to dangerous objects such as electrical cords. Keep garbage cans out of reach, and avoid leaving out personal objects that could be chewed on.

• Keep your puppy's skin and coat healthy by using appropriate flea control, bathing and brushing him.  Also, keep your puppy's nails clipped.

• Keep your puppy's vaccines up to date and start him on heartworm prevention.

• Teach your puppy basic discipline. Give him an abundance of love and affection.

• Provide your puppy with plenty of exercise.

We vaccinate for the following canine diseases:

•  Distemper
•  Corona virus
•  Hepatitis/Adenovirus
•  Leptospirosis
•  Parvovirus
•  Para influenza
•  Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
•  Rabies