Pet Expert Shares Tips for A Healthy Puppy

April 27, 2004--Pet Expert Shares Tips for A Healthy Puppy

1.    PINK GUMS
Check the dog for pink gums- this is an indicator of good health

2.    BRIGHT COAT
Make sure the dog has a shiny coat- another sign of a healthy dog

3.    LOOK FOR A PLAYFUL PUP
Puppies have lots of energy. Make sure the dog you are about to bring home is not lethargic. A lethargic pup can be a sign of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels). Hypoglycemia is especially prevalent in toy breed dogs and can lead to seizures or a hypoglycemic shock. If this appears to be happening, give your dog sugar in the form of honey, syrup or jam or the pet calorie/ energy supplement called Nutri-CalÒ. `   

4.    2-7 DAY RULE
After you've taken your pet home the most important time is the next 2-7 days. This is the period when your new pet is most vulnerable to catching something. Moving from its original environment can be very stressful on an animal. And, when an animal stresses it's immune system drops (sound familiar)?!

Bonfini suggests watching for:
·    Sneezing
·    Coughing
·    Not eating (It is important to call your vet if the dog stops eating)

In South Florida in particular hookworms are a very big problem and can be caught while a young puppy is walking on the grass.

TIPS TO KEEPING YOUR NEW PUP HEALTHY AT HOME
Now that you've brought your baby home, Bonfini offers the following tips to maintain good health:

1.    Make sure your puppy eats throughout the day.

2.    Limit playtime to periods of 10-15 minute intervals.
It takes longer for a new puppy to produce the energy used while playing.

3.    Plenty of rest- puppies should sleep for about 80% of the day.
Keep your puppy in a crate when you can't watch it. This tip is for your pets safety, when confined to the crate, your pet can't get into anything dangerous such as electrical outlets or household cleaning agents.




This article courtesy of http://lovealabrador.com.
You may freely reprint this article on your website or in
your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author
name and URL remain intact.

Submit Your Article