Fitness is crucial for healthy pets, just as it is for people. A fit dog will appreciate regular exercise that keeps them active and provides them with lots of opportunities to play and engage with you. Additionally, it will keep puppies energetic and develop a robust immune system so that all dogs, regardless of age, are less likely to get sick.
Your dog enjoys playing with you and making friends, but some breeds won’t want to stop playing even when they are exhausted, so be mindful of their boundaries and watch out for over-exerting them. Ask your veterinarian how much exercise your dog requires if you are unsure how much to give your puppy or dog.
This is crucial if your dog is a member of a breed recognised for having orthopaedic issues, like a Labrador Retriever or a giant breed, as their needs may differ from those of smaller or toy types.
Dog Exercise
When you first get to know your new, healthy puppy, you can easily meet their desire for activity by letting them play in the backyard or a park. (However, make sure they have received each necessary immunisation before venturing out into the big wide world.) However, if your breeder doesn’t provide you with a good fitness plan, please ask for one or speak with your veterinarian.
Exercise keeps your puppy healthy and gives them a chance to play freely and socialise with other dogs and people. This can also be a good time to start training them. Just keep in mind that excessively rough play, particularly with larger breeds, can harm developing joints.
Keep your puppy’s exercise and canine fitness routine varied and fascinating since variety makes life more bearable. The interaction with you and the chase games you play with balls and toys (avoid sticks, which can splinter and hurt your puppy) can help keep your puppy interested in their exercise.
The nails of your dog or puppy should be kept short if you live in the country and go on the roads occasionally. Their behaviour in the lead will also improve as they become accustomed to new surroundings.
Your dog’s health can benefit from playing in the water in addition to on dry land. For instance, is there a doggie pool close by? Certain breeds, like Newfoundlands and Retrievers, adore practising the doggie paddle and will happily splash around for hours! Just keep in mind that dogs may have problems swimming in environments with depth variations and currents (such as rivers or the sea), so stick to a hydrotherapy pool instead.
Veterinary Visit
You should sign up with a nearby vet before bringing your lovely new puppy home to make sure you’re ready. Set up a time when you get your new puppy, and mention that it’s for a health check for new puppies. To make sure everything gets off to the right start, your veterinarian might need to spend a little bit more with your puppy than the typical 10-minute consultation.
Bring your puppy to the procedure, keeping them on your lap and away from other dogs. If your puppy hasn’t received all of the recommended vaccinations or hasn’t finished the entire course, take extra precautions to prevent them from getting sick.
For example, don’t let them explore and sniff other dogs or let them sit on the waiting room scales. Bring some treats with you to make the visit enjoyable, and ask the doctor or nurse to give your puppy some treats during the examination as well. If they see treats involved, they’ll be eager to return the following time.
Your puppy will undergo a thorough inspection at their initial visit, and your veterinarian will go over vaccines with you. It will be helpful to provide information on any prior treatments which your breeder or the rescue facility should have provided.
You’ll talk about typical issues like worming and fleas (which, once more, your breeder or the rescue facility should have explained to you), as well as microchipping, neutering, and other concerns you may have regarding puppy health care. You could also discuss nutrition, exercise, and grooming. Doctors always recommend that pet parents install portable dog fence at their homes to keep their dogs safe.
To aid your puppy with training and socialisation, enquire about puppy parties and dog-training programmes held at the office or nearby. Talk to your veterinarian about what’s best for your puppy if you haven’t already insured it. Different insurance plans have different benefits and drawbacks.
Regular Examinations
No matter how well you care for your canine companion, your puppy or dog may occasionally become unwell. Early problem detection allows for quicker treatment and faster return of your dog to its typical, bouncing self. This is why routine canine health checks at home benefit your pet and help them acclimate to being examined.
When conducting your dog’s health examination, keeping an eye out for a few common symptoms could help you identify any conditions requiring medical attention. Here are some helpful tips on what to watch out for.
Condition of Ears
Like a Cocker Spaniel’s, the longer and more beautiful your dog’s ears are, the more likely they are to become infected. Giving their ears a little examination every so often can allow you to catch any issues early and have the vet take care of them.
Your dog shouldn’t be scratching or shaking its head at his or her magnificent ears, which should be free of any thick, dark or green wax, odour, or irritation. There are many cleansers made specifically for the job that may be used on long-eared breeds, but you shouldn’t use cotton wool buds or clean too deeply as it’s quite simple to unintentionally injure their ear canal.
Condition of Eyes
Your dog should have wide-open, bright, and clear eyes. You’ll probably notice this when they display their adorable “puppy dog” eyes. Consult your veterinarian as soon as possible if your pet’s eyes are red, swollen, or runny or if they seem to be in pain when exposed to light.
Condition of Nose
You’re certainly familiar with the sensation of being poked by a warm, moist nose! However, if your dog’s nose is especially runny, there is blood, discharge, or a colour change, it’s time to visit the vet.