Veterinary Viewpoint: Raising healthy puppies
Dr. Joanna Bronson
Lack of sleep is normal for new puppy owners. Puppies play hard, eat, and sleep. Potty training should rotate around any change in activity. Puppies will have to relieve themselves after playing, eating, and sleeping, and any other form of excitement, usually every hour for puppies a month old or younger.
Thankfully, the potty-training process usually goes smoothly when consistency is followed. There may still be occasional accidents, and during inclement weather, an indoor potty-training pad may come in handy. The important thing is not to punish the pup when an accident happens. He’s doing what nature tells him to do. Praising him when he does go outside is a good thing.
If an accident is discovered, and he is close by, pick him up, take him outside and walk a bit. Do not rub his nose in it his accident.
Any new puppy should be closely chaperoned inside and outside. New puppies want to chew anything in sight. Rocks, twigs, leaves, etc., all taste and crunch satisfactorily. Watch and remove any objects before they get lodged or swallowed.
Until your puppy is fully vaccinated, it’s best to avoid dog parks and contact with other dogs. If your puppy is small enough to carry, you may expose him to watching other animals, while keeping him safe from touch.
Puppies like to bite, you and everything in sight. Their teeth are horribly sharp. Exchange your flesh for a toy and trying to keep him occupied with appropriate chew toys, but make sure that toys cannot be easily dismantled and parts swallowed or get stuck in his mouth.
Also, be aware of poisonous substances and plants. Keep the garbage and all human food out of reach. Medications should always be kept out-of-sight. Electrical cords are very tempting to chewers and can be deadly through electrocution.
Cords can strangle a puppy, puppies can chew and swallow small objects, and clothing. Stairs should have a baby gate for protection from falling.
One of the saddest causes of death in dogs is the consumption of poisonous substances like anti-freeze. It just takes a few minutes to cause lethal damage to kidneys. Keep all dogs from exposure to areas that may contain harmful chemicals or fertilizers.
Accidents do happen. Place the emergency contact numbers for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center which is open 24/7, 365 (888) 426-4435 in a prominent location along with the emergency contact for your veterinarian.
At night and when you’re not around to supervise, a cage serves as protection for the puppy, other animals, and your possessions. Line it with soft blankets and toys and create a safe haven for him to rest and watch. During the first few weeks, expect nightly walk abouts for his natural elimination
Puppies do not understand when they are not welcome and need to be taught barriers from other animals and people. Keeping your puppy on a leash when introductions are made makes it easier to control negative behavior. Some dogs do better with a harness, if they tend to pull on the leash.
Feeding a puppy should follow his needs. Giving small portions, instead of big meals is best. After exercise, when he has quieted down, a small handful of food should help satisfy him. This may amount to many small meals a day.
This is also the time to schedule spaying or neutering. Unless the dog is specifically purchased to breed and has been vetted for this purpose, there is no good excuse to not neuter him/her.
Each year, around 670,000 shelter dogs are euthanized in the United States. These are the recorded statistics. What is not known are the numbers that are not listed from non-registered home breeders and puppy mills, or from national and international breeders that ship their puppies, many of whom do not survive.
There is nothing wrong with a Heinz mutt. In fact, they make some of the best dogs. However, many of these dogs have the disadvantage of not being properly cared for from birth due to their origins.
Shelters abound with pregnant dogs and dogs infected with various diseases including a growing number of heartworm positive cases.
Despite the efforts of generous and caring animal shelters, the overpopulation problems with dogs and cats does not seem to diminish.
Many shelters will not adopt a puppy/dog until it has been neutered or spayed.
Raising a puppy can be fun and tiring, but well worth the effort.
Dr. Joanna Bronson of Bronson Veterinary Services, located at 452 W. Central Road, Coldwater. Contact her at (517) 369-2161 or visit www.bronsonvetservices.vetstreet.com.
