How to Keep Puppy Healthy
In puppy training classes, Southampton, we encourage everyone to be very aware of health issues for their puppy. We have supporting videos to guide everyone through ‘how to health check’ your pup.
Whatever breed of puppy you have, it’s important to understand how to keep your puppy healthy. You will need to do some grooming and health check, so you know if puppy is unwell and can act quickly. It’s important for your puppy to undergo this calmly and enjoy it so trips to the groomers and the vets are a lot easier and less stressful for you both.
There are many things we should be aware of and things you should check your puppy for, regularly, some of them, daily. We should also brush our dogs regularly regardless of the type of coat they have.
Keep your pup’s coat healthy
with Chesters Dog Grooming about keeping your dog’s coat healthy.
In preparation for grooming, teaching puppy not to bite, is vital. Puppy biting is natural for pups, but we just need to teach them that biting humans isn’t a great idea. This article will help with puppy biting.
How to Health Check your Puppy
Initially get your puppy used to you stroking him, gently, all over, picking his paws up, stroking right the end of
his tail. Do this in short bursts to prevent puppy getting over excited and starting to play and nip you. If puppy does start to nip just get up and walk away.
If puppy is very nervous when you try to touch his feet, hold a treat on his nose as you do it for a couple of seconds, then give the treat when you stop. Build the time up that you make pup wait for the treat. Move this forward by getting puppy to a stage where you touch his paw, then give the treat. Build the time you can touch his paw, slowly and carefully. Teach pup to trust you.
What should you Health Check on your Puppy
This is not a replacement for a vet check and is not based on any medical guidance. This is pet owner guidance and you should always consult your vet if you are concerned or are unsure at any time.
Record what is normal for your puppy
It’s a good idea to record what is normal for your puppy. That way you will know if anything changes.
• Have a feel of your puppy’s heart rate when he’s lying down.
• Watch how fast puppy breathes at rest.
• Put your hand under puppy’s front leg, near his ‘armpit’ to check what his normal temperature feels like.
• Lift up puppy’s ear flaps (if you need to) to see what a healthy ear looks like – monitor for changes in colour and any discharge.
• Lift up puppy’s jowls – what colour are his gums? They’re not all completely pink!
• Look closely at puppy’s eyes – what does ‘normal’ look like – monitor for any runny eyes or changes.
• Feel puppy’s nose – what does ‘normal’ feel like – monitor for any excessive dribbling from the nose.
• Feel your puppy all over, checking for anything unusual, grass seeds, ticks or any lumps and bumps.
If you’re not sure what a tick looks like, have a look on google so you know what you are looking for. They need removing promptly.
• Check between pup’s pads – grass seeds can get lodged here and can be very dangerous. Always remove grass seeds promptly.
• Monitor pups poop. It’s true what they say, ‘garbage in, garbage out.’ If you’re not happy with your pups pooh consistency, frequency or colour, consult your vet about food.
Once you’ve checked puppy all over, end with tummy tickles.
Make the whole process of checking puppy over an enjoyable and happy experience. Keep it positive so you can keep him healthy and take prompt action if anything changes.
Always consult your vet if you are concerned
Need help with your puppy training? Check out puppy training classes in Southampton.
