5 Common Health Risks To Watch Out For In Your New Puppy

Getting a new puppy can be an exciting and fun experience for a new owner, couple, or family. Once you get the new puppy you will want to make sure they are comfortable in their new surroundings and have plenty to do to get to know everyone and learn the lay of the land of their new home.

Before welcoming a puppy into your home, however, you will want to take certain precautions to make sure your home and new friend is healthy, happy, and safe. Before adopting talk to the breeder or rescue about their medical history, ensure their shots are up-to-date, and become knowledgeable about the breeds possible health problems.

Ear Infections

If your dog was born in a kennel they may have experienced ear infections that could have been overlooked while the breeder was taking care of the little as a whole. The same could happen in a rescue. If your new pet has an odor secreting from their ears or is always shaking their head or scratching you will want to take them to the veterinarian to get antibiotics or other treatments such as ear cleaning.

Another issue many dogs have is they a prone to ear troubles depending on their location. Make sure your home is nice and dry for dogs such as St. Bernards or corgis. While St. Bernards always have floppy ears that need regular cleaning, corgis need to have their ears taped as puppies to avoid serious and permanent ear damage.

Worms

You should make sure before adopting a puppy that they have had their heartworm medication already and keep up with check ups and further medication. If not treated properly worms can end your new friend’s life quickly and painfully. Watch for signs of dragging across the carpet, weight loss, loss of appetite, or lethargy. These are all signs of a possible worm infection.

Fleas

If not caught and treated quickly fleas can take over your home. Be sure that if you bought your puppy from a breeder or rescue that it has flea and tick defense that has already been applied to their coat. No one will be happy in your home if their all itching and swatting at tiny bugs.

Heat Stroke

While heat stroke may not seem like the biggest threat to a dog they can fall victim fairly quickly. While their coat is great at regulating body temperature you should still always carry fresh water for you and your dog no matter where you are. This will help them cool off.

Keep them out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day as well. This will keep them happy and safe.

If you want to have some fun fill a kiddie pool with ice. Your dog will not be able to thank you enough.

Toxic Plant Digestion

Going to a dog park or on a hike can be fun for the whole family but you must consider the possibility that your furry friend will find a few things to nibble on that they shouldn’t. Steer clear of daffodils, morning glory, mums, and foxgloves. These are all potentially dangerous if ingested.

Source:

http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/6-most-common-dog-health-problems

https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Disease-Risks-for-Dogs.aspx