Congratulations! You are about to discover the joy and love a new puppy can bring. As a new pet owner, you will be faced with many decisions concerning your pet's health and well-being. The first year of a puppy's life is critical to future good health. Start with regular veterinary visits, loving home care and proper nutrition.

Regular Veterinary Care
Take your new puppy to the veterinarian as soon as possible. It is important to immunize at an early age. The doctor will start your puppy on a vaccination schedule and will advise you when boosters are needed. During the first year of life, your puppy will age approximately 20 human years. That is why it is very important to see the veterinarian every month until 5 months of age and annually thereafter. Pet Vet offers a free, initial physical examination ($35 value) to help get your puppy off to a good start. During the physical exam, the Pet Vet doctor will feel your puppy's abdomen, listen to the chest for heart and breathing sounds, check the condition of the coat, look in the ears for infection and ear mites, examine the eyes to make sure they are clear and free of disease, and inspect the mouth for normal structure. The veterinarian will also ask if you have noticed any problems with your pet's health. Don't be afraid to ask questions. The veterinarian is your best source of information regarding your puppy's care. Pet Vet will maintain your pet's health records and send you reminders when checkups are due.

After the physical examination, the doctor may recommend some common diagnostic tests such as a fecal examination to detect intestinal parasites and blood tests for more serious disease.

Intestinal Parasites
Virtually all dogs will have some form of intestinal parasite during their life span. These parasites can be fatal if not treated. Fortunately, there are several fine preventives available through your veterinarian that are economical and easy to administer.

Heartworms
Heartworms are large spaghetti-like worms that live in the heart and larger blood vessels of dogs. The veterinarian can diagnose heartworms by examining a blood sample. Treatment is risky because the medicines are toxic and the dying worms may obstruct a major artery to the lungs. Prevention is preferred and is easily and economically given at home. Pet Vet doctors can recommend a testing schedule and medication to be given routinely.

Intestinal Roundworms, Hookworms and Tapeworms
Puppies may be born with roundworms or hookworms, or develop them from their mother's milk. Tapeworms are spread by fleas. These intestinal parasites rob your pet of nutrition, cause poor growth and even death. Puppies are particularly vulnerable. You should have your puppy's stool sample examined at least every six months, as well as two months after each deworming to be sure treatment is effective. Your veterinarian can diagnose intestinal parasites and administer appropriate medication. Feces in the yard or kennel should be frequently disposed of to prevent the spread of larvae.

Neutering
Many new puppy owners don't think about neutering when the puppy is young, however, it may be the best time. Whether your pet is male or female, neutering makes good sense. Neutering can help prevent pet overpopulation and the destruction of thousands of unwanted, homeless pets every year. Neutered dogs may not roam as much, which can help prevent them from getting lost, hit by a car, or fighting with other dogs. Early neutering has also been shown to help lower the risk of certain cancers, particularly cancers of the reproductive organs. Ask your Pet Vet Veterinarian when the best time is to neuter your puppy.

Loving Home Care
When it's time to bring your new puppy home, make sure you have a food and water dish, a puppy bed, collar and name tag (with your own name and phone number), leash and veterinarian recommended puppy food. Your puppy depends on you to provide all the basics including love, shelter, proper nutrition, grooming, exercise and veterinary care.

Create a confined area for your puppy. A small, warm area will make your puppy feel secure in the new home. It should be the primary living space until your pup is completely housebroken. Old newspapers can be used to cover the floor of the living area. When your puppy eliminates be sure to clean the mess immediately and thoroughly, so no smell remains. If the puppy can smell a spot where it has eliminated, it is likely to use that spot again. Make sure the puppy is not isolated from the rest of the family. Family interaction will help the puppy feel like a member of the household. The space can be a fenced area, or a crate can also be used. The crate should be large enough for the puppy to stand, turn around and lie down. You can put a piece of your old clothing in the puppy area. Your scent will help comfort the new puppy.

Try not to remove the puppy from its living area when it is barking. This will reinforce the message that barking gets attention. It is best to remove the puppy and give her the attention she craves when she is quiet and still.

Proper Nutrition
It is very important for correct growth, good health and long life to provide your puppy with proper nutrition. Avoid the temptation to give human foods such as chocolate, milk and table scraps as these are known to cause health problems in dogs. With the proper nutrients in correct amounts, your pet's body can repair vital organs, muscle, bone and the immune system. Ask your Pet Vet veterinarian to recommend a high quality, life-stage food for optimum nutrition.

Water
Your new puppy must have access to water at all times. A ceramic or heavy pottery bowl is best. Metal bowls can be knocked over and plastic can be chewed apart.

Medications
Do not give any medication including aspirin or Tylenol to your pet without first consulting your Pet Vet doctor as it can be fatal.