Is there anything cuter than a Puppy?? The answer is No! The internet is full on information about breeds and how to choose a puppy. The truth is there are many variables to consider when the time comes to add that special puppy to your family. Dr. Hollis and Dr. Palmer at Providence Animal Hospital would love the opportunity to give you a personal consultation to ensure your new family member is a great fit for you.
Here are a couple of items to consider:
- Your lifestyle and how much realistic time you will have to devote to proper exercise and training is your first consideration. Some breeds require a tremendous amount of attention, training and stimulating activity. Most of your larger and working breed dogs would fall into this category. Think German Shepards, Labrador Retrievers, Weimaraner, Jack Russell Terriers and German Short Hair Pointers.You may be at a point in your life you have a less active lifestyle, and you looking for a less active breed such as the Bull Dog, Bassett Hound, Whippet, French Bull Dog, or Pug. All these breeds are less active and as they mature will require less activity. Remember, most all puppies will be high energy and will need exercise and stimulation in their environment to grow and mature properly.
- A rescue puppy from a shelter or reputable rescue organization is also a wonderful option. Many breeds are surrendered due to not being a proper fit for a family. While they may not have been a good fit for one family, they may be wonderful fit for yours. Many mix-breed puppies are available as well and can make wonderful lifelong canine family members. Most rescue organizations will have an idea of the type of mixed breeds characteristics the puppy may have, giving you a better idea of their long-term needs.
- Here are a few rescue organizations in Middle Tennessee.
- The Mount Juliet Animal Shelter – https://mjshelter.com/
- Petfinder will have many shelter and rescue organizations pets featured as a part of their online platform to help connect families with their new pet. www.Petfinder.com
- Your first Vet visit should be made as soon as possible to get your puppies vaccination schedule on track and discuss the proper time to spay or neuter your puppy. Our doctors will complete a through physical exam as outline below:
- Check for umbilical hernia
- Listen to the heart and lungs
- Discuss your lifestyle to advise you on the proper vaccine schedule.
- Complete an oral exam
- Check for internal parasites- It’s not uncommon for puppies to have roundworms, but not to worry -it’s very treatable;)
- Check for external parasites and start your puppy the proper preventive
- Palpate the abdomen and lymph nodes
- Examine the eyes, ears and feet
- Discuss nutritional needs as your puppy grows
- Discuss microchipping
- Most importantly, answer any questions you may have.
- When should you seek medical attention for your puppy.
- Vomiting and diarrhea: This can be a sign your puppy has ingested a substance or object that could be harmful. Dark, bloody and extremely runny smelly diarrhea can all be a sign of more significant health issues and you should seek help immediately.
- Loss of appetite: Most puppies and dogs love to eat. Refusing to eat can be sign something more significant is going and you should seek medical attention.
- Increasing water consumption: Some puppies enjoy playing in their water bowl, but they should not be consuming huge amounts of water is an early sign of kidney or thyroid disease or diabetes. We can run inhouse diagnostic blood tests to determine if there is an underlying health issue.
- Oozing eyes: This could be a sign of infection or injury.
- Irregular urination: This could mean a urinary tract infection (UTI).
If your puppy is dribbling urine or going more frequently, we can run and in-house urinalysis to get your puppy on the appropriate antibiotic. - Unusual tiredness or extreme lethargy are a concern for sickness, and you should seek medical attention.
- Scratchy & stinky ears. This could be a symptom of an ear infection, which are common for puppies. Our inhouse diagnostics team will determine if it is a yeast or bacterial infection and your doctor will prescribe proper medication to treat it.
Once you have found your new puppy, the AKC has a wonderful resource to help you provide the best puppy safe environment, establishing house “rules” for your new puppy, guidance on introducing you puppy to your household as well as great tips to making your puppy’s transition into your home as harmonious as possible.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/preparing-new-puppy/
Providence Animal Hospital partners with Purina for your pet’s nutritional needs. You will find in the link below a great resource regarding all things Puppy, from training, vaccination schedules, parasites, and housebreaking pointers.
We look forward to meeting your new puppy and partnering with you for a lifetime of care. Give us a call today 615-553-2221
