Puppy golden retriever walking outside of veterinary practice.

Bringing home a puppy is an exciting and fun event. But it may also be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re a first-time pet owner. Puppies require a lot of care, and starting them off on the right paw is important. At Glen Oak Dog & Cat Hospital, we understand the importance of giving your puppy the best start in life, and we’re here to help make sure that happens. In this article, we cover the essential topics of puppy care, including the importance of an early visit to the vet, common health problems, signs of a healthy puppy, and when to start training. We hope this article will help you care for your puppy and ensure you can give your pup the best life possible. If you are located in or near Glenview, IL and need help caring for your puppy, please contact us at (276) 600-2631 to schedule an appointment.

How will proper puppy care impact the life of my dog?

Proper puppy care is going to greatly impact the life of your dog. If we get started right away with good vet care and good at-home care, your puppy will live a long and happy life.

Dr. Hillary Coulombe

How soon should I bring my puppy in to see a veterinarian for their first exam?

We recommend within a couple of days of you getting the puppy. That way, we can evaluate for any signs of illness, talk about what vaccines we need to get started on, and discuss at-home prevention.

What are some common health problems that you see in puppies?

Big things you're going to want to watch out for in puppies include vomiting and diarrhea, especially if they're lethargic or don't want to eat. Puppies should want to eat all the time. Also, watch for swollen gums or if they feel like they have a fever.

Is there something I can do to prevent any parasitic stuff, or is that something I should get tested right away?

Yes, absolutely. We want you to bring a fecal sample with you to all of your puppy appointments. That way, we can guide you on how to do parasite testing. We'll definitely want to test that first time and usually a couple of other times throughout their puppyhood. We're also going to recommend monthly dewormings for them, as well as heartworm prevention and flea and tick prevention, which we'll discuss based on your puppy's breed and size.

What do I look out for if they get a cold or are having bathroom issues?

Any sort of sneezing or coughing, give us a call, and we can guide you on how best to handle that. Sometimes we want the puppies to come in, and we definitely want you to isolate them from other dogs. If they're having any vomiting or diarrhea, being that they're smaller than adult dogs, that can become serious pretty quickly, so we definitely want to see them for an exam.

How do I know that my puppy is healthy and thriving?

They should have lots of energy, want to eat a lot, and be super playful. If you're noticing that, then you probably have a pretty healthy puppy.

Do you have any advice on when I should start training my puppy?

Training should start from the second you get your puppy. Training is more than just sit and stay. Those are things you can consult with a trainer for or go to a class. But I encourage you to start working on desensitizing them. You want to play with their paws, touch their ears, stick your fingers in their ears, touch all around their mouth—just touch all of them everywhere every day and give them a nice treat for that. That way, when it comes to needing to give ear medications or having to trim their nails, it's going to be something they're very comfortable with.

For the first appointment, what is my vet going to be doing? What are we going to experience?

We're going to do a full nose-to-tail exam. We're going to look at their eyes and ears, check their teeth to make sure they don't have an underbite or overbite. We'll listen to heart and lungs to make sure those sound good, feel their belly, check for hernias, and just make sure that overall skin and coat looks good. Those are things you can expect. Like I said, we'll talk to you about vaccines and prevention based on their age.

How Soon Should I Bring My Puppy In to See a Veterinarian for Their First Exam?

The first step in providing proper puppy care is scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. You should do this within the first week of bringing your pup home. The sooner you bring your pup in for an exam, the sooner you’ll learn more about their overall health and needs. Your veterinarian can also diagnose health issues that could be problematic in the future.

When preparing for the appointment, make sure to bring any vaccination records from the breeder, shelter, or rescue organization, as well as any information about deworming treatments. Bring a fresh stool sample for testing worms, and provide information on the brand and formula of food you’re feeding your pup.

At the vet’s office, expect to fill out some paperwork. Then, your veterinarian will perform a physical examination where they will check your pup’s eyes, ears, teeth, skin, abdomen, heart, lungs and joints. They may also check for breed-specific conditions and give advice on common health issues pertinent to your pet’s breed. Make sure to ask any questions you have and raise any concerns you may have.

What Are the Most Common Health Problems in Puppies?

While adorable and joyful, puppies are susceptible to various health problems. Some of the most common issues include:

Labrador puppy at puppy exam getting vaccines.

What Are Some Signs and Symptoms of Illness in Puppies?

It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of illness in puppies in order to provide timely medical care when needed. Some common signs and symptoms include:

  • Lethargy
  • Dull coat
  • Skin changes
  • Changes in appetite
  • Ear problems
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Respiratory problems
  • Behavior changes
  • Joint stiffness
  • Swollen gums
  • Excessive thirst
  • Runny nose or eyes
  • Trouble urinating or defecating

It’s especially important to be on the lookout for any signs of parvovirus (Parvo), a highly contagious and potentially fatal virus. Symptoms include severe diarrhea, vomiting, fever, lethargy, dehydration, stomach pain, pale gums, and weakness. Another serious condition that puppies can contract is distemper, which attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems with symptoms such as green or yellow discharge from the eyes, fever, coughing, lethargy, decreased appetite, and vomiting.

What Are the Signs of a Healthy, Thriving Puppy?

Now that we’ve covered some of the common health issues in puppies, let’s take a look at the signs of a healthy, thriving puppy. A healthy mouth is characterized by relatively clean-smelling breath and clean teeth without tartar buildup. Additionally, a healthy coat should be shiny and clean due to natural oils and shedding. Consistent lean weight is also essential for a puppy’s health, while clear eyes are another indicator of good health. Clean ears and nose are also important signs of a healthy pup. Finally, consistent urine and stool frequency and texture are signs of good health.

Providing your puppy with proper care is key to their long-term health and well-being. From scheduling the first veterinary appointment to providing regular socialization and training, there are many steps you can take to ensure that your pup gets the best start in life. At Glen Oak Dog & Cat Hospital, we understand how important it is to provide your puppy with quality care, and we’re here to help make sure that happens. Please contact us at (276) 600-2631 or [email protected] today if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment for your puppy.