How To Keep Your Puppy Healthy.

Puppies are so cute and adorable that you'll end up bringing one home before you know what to do with it.  After all, you were looking into those big puppy dog eyes, not reading his owner's manual that starts off with "Owning a puppy is a big responsibility..."

Yes, owning a puppy and keeping him healthy does take some responsibility on your part, but it doesn't have to be hard.  Here are some guidelines in regards to your puppy's health:

1.  Feed your puppy quality food with a balanced diet.  Spend a little time doing research in the beginning and find a dog food that is right for your puppy.  You can find quality products in pet stores and also online.  Check the first five ingredients on the dog food packaging.  They should be things you would want to eat yourself like vegetables and meat; not by-products and grain fillers that can be hard for your puppy to digest.

2.  Puppies need a TON of exercise.  (Having said this, some caution is advised if you have a "giant breed" such as a Great Dane, Wolfhound etc)  This is crucial to their well-being.   They need physical exercise, such as running around and playing with other pups and they also need mental exercise like learning to retrieve a ball or play hide and seek.  Also keep in mind that a bored puppy is a mischievous puppy who can get himself into trouble.

3.  Constant fresh water is a must.  Puppies get thirsty and they need fluids to aid in good health and growth.  Keep an eye on the water bowl at all times and keep it filled. 

4.  I'm sure you've figured it out by now that puppies are like two year olds.  They need to have a safe place to be when you're not around to supervise them.  They're also like young children in that they like to put things in their mouths that they find laying around.  Keep your valuables up and out of reach of your puppy until they're old enough to control themselves.

5.  Take care of your puppy's teeth by brushing them and/or giving them safe, hard bones.  Get them used to teeth brushing, nail clipping, and brushing when they're young.

6.  Puppies need to have routine checkups and vaccinations for their good health.  Find a good vet upon recommendation and take your puppy in on a pre-determined schedule.  Most vet offices will send you a postcard reminder when the next appointment is due.

7.  Lastly, it probably goes without saying that a puppy needs lots of love for both physical and mental wellbeing.  This shouldn't be so hard to do because you fell in love with him before you even brought him home.

If you take care of your puppy's health requirements, such as keeping him safe, sticking to a schedule of checkups and vaccinations, and feeding him quality food, you should have many years of happiness with your new best friend.