Your New Puppy Checklist
This New Puppy Checklist is for all new puppy owners, who are wondering exactly what they've let themselves in for!
That adorable little bundle of fur is going to need a lot from you if he (or she) is to grow up to be a happy, healthy dog and that can be a bit daunting - especially if this is your first puppy.
The first few days with a new pup is always exciting and special, but it can be worrying too.
You might be worried because your new puppy won't eat, not sure what behavior is 'normal' and what isn't, or confused about the best way to housebreak your pup.
New Puppy Checklist - Starting out with a well-bred puppy from healthy parents gives you the best foundation to build on, but even the strongest and healthiest little pup needs certain things to stay that way!
Knowing how to pick the right puppy food, what vaccinations he needs, what symptoms may signal illness/disease and what to do in an emergency are vitally important.
Here are the most important things you need to know about new puppy care....
New Puppy Checklist - In The Beginning....
A - Bringing Home A New Puppy
Is it normal for my puppy to sleep all the time? Why won't my new pup eat his food? Is my new puppy okay? All these are questions that I get asked over and over again, so I thought I'd put together a quick guide to what to expect during the first week or so with a new pup.This page has the answers you need right now.
1 - New Puppy Care
This plan will get you on the right track quickly and easily. It has easy to follow tips and advice on puppy health, diet and nutrition, behavior and training and much more.
The amount of work involved in new puppy care can sometimes seem a little overwhelming if you're a brand new puppy parent (especially a 'first-timer').
But don't worry, it's really not that hard! That cute little furball in your arms definitely has needs...
Step 1: Good Health
One of the first, and most important, things on the list of new puppy care information,(or any kind of pet care for that matter), is to make sure your precious furbaby is healthy, and to keep him that way.
I wanted to mention here that many puppy owners worry about their new puppy's behavior during the first few days after they get them home. They are often concerned about the possibility that their pup is sick, due to the fact that he/she seems to sleep a lot, isn't very hungry, and may seem 'sad or depressed'.
Now, although these symptoms can be early signs of some serious illnesses or diseases, even Parvo, a puppy can exhibit these behaviors due to the stress of leaving his canine family and joining yours.
A new pup may sleep a lot as a way of 'shutting out' what is making him feel scared, and the loss of appetite can be due to anxiety. If your puppy has periods of happy activity during the day, isn't suffering from recurring diarrhea and/or vomiting, and shows interest in his toys, treats and so on, chances are he will soon be the active, playful puppy you expected. This adjustment period usually only lasts for a few days, to a week or so at most.
However, if your puppy seems sick in any way, is showing any of the symptoms of illness mentioned above, or even if you're just concerned, always check with your veterinarian. Sometimes the stress of leaving his canine family, travel, vaccinations and so on, can weaken a pups immune system and leave him susceptible to conditions such as Giardia or Mange.
It's always far better to be safe than sorry.
Regular health check-ups
As soon as you bring little Fido home for the first time, make sure you take him to your veterinarian for a thorough check-up.
Approved puppy vaccination schedule
A vital part of new puppy care is making sure that little Fido keeps up to date with all his puppy shots. There are several very dangerous, and potentially fatal, puppy illnesses that can easily be prevented by following a recommended vaccination schedule.
Parasite prevention
There are a whole host of parasites such as puppy worms and fleas and ticks who can make your puppy's life miserable if they get the chance. Follow the de-worming schedule recommended by your vet (and only use the medication she prescribes, not OTC products which can be ineffective and have unwanted side-effects too). As soon as your puppy is old enough, use a flea and tick preventative, such as Frontline Plus, on a regular basis.
Heartworm Prevention
Heartworms are parasites that are deadly to your dog, and unfortunately by the time your pooch shows signs of infestation, he's already very, very sick. So, Heartworm prevention is really essential.
The cost of even routine veterinary care is increasing all the time, and emergency/surgical care costs can easily run into thousands of dollars. Protect your precious puppy (and your savings account) by getting a pet insurance plan right away.
Pet health insurance coverage works pretty much the same way as your family's health plan does. It's easier and cheaper to get pet health insurance while your puppy is young and healthy, so why not get a free insurance quote right now?
Step 2: Good NutritionStep
One of the most important parts of new puppy care is making sure that you feed a premium quality dog food.
What you feed your puppy during those early, fast-growing months, has a direct impact on his future growth and development.
Be absolutely certain to choose a well-balanced, highly nutritious, and breed-appropriate puppy kibble. There are many brands of commercial dog food to choose from, or you may want to consider organic or all-natural dog food.
Trying to decide which dog food is best for your pup, is definitely not an easy task! To make this aspect of new puppy care just that little bit easier, we've got a unique and valuable method of comparing different brands of food according to the quality of their ingredients.
Step 3: Good Hygiene
New puppy care can involve the occasional bath and always requires some degree of grooming.
Keeping your furchild clean and his fur from getting snarled or tangled is important. It helps to keep him free of parasites, and his skin healthy.
Another important part of grooming is cutting those little puppy nails on a regular basis.
Step 4: Good behavior and training
New puppy care doesn't just involve the physical stuff either. Being a responsible puppy parent means teaching little Fido how to be a well-behaved member of the family.
The first task you'll want to tackle is housebreaking (aka potty-training). An untrained puppy, and eventually dog, is not pleasant to share your home with, so put this at the top of your 'to do' list. Crate training is the simplest and quickest way to housebreak a puppy...highly recommended!
You want your puppy to grow up to be a friendly, confident dog - one you can take anywhere with you. This won't just happen by itself though! To help your puppy mature into a sociable, well-mannered adult you'll need to provide him with plenty of positive socialization experiences. This will show Fido that the world is one big happy place, and that people or places he doesn't know are not necessarily scary.
As soon as he's had all his puppy shots, start taking him out with you on errands, to the park, to Petsmart, to play-dates with other vaccinated dogs, to puppy classes etc. etc. Make these outings fun for him and you'll be rewarded with a sociable family pet in the years to come.
New puppy care involves many different kinds of training and basic Puppy obedience training is important.
Once again, as soon as Fido has his full set of shots, enroll him in one of your local dog obedience training schools. Puppy obedience classes are usually fun and informal places where Fido can learn some basic manners, and how to get along with other puppies. You get a chance to meet other new puppy parents too, and experience your own learning curve!
Step 5: Make good decisions
Taking care of a new puppy involves lots of decision-making. Some of them are pretty straightforward, others a little less so.
Once you've picked out your new puppy, knowing what to expect when you first bring him home will make the transition much easier.
After that you'll want to choose a puppy name that's just right. Take your time over this, there's so many different options, and once you've named your puppy it'll be a bit tricky to go back and redo it!
If you didn't pick a show-quality puppy with the eventual intention of breeding, the responsible decision is to spay or neuter your puppy as soon as he/she is old enough. There's a staggering number of unwanted, abandoned dogs and puppies already. Don't add to the problem.
You'll need lots of dog toys to keep your puppy busy and entertained. Puppies may be small, but they can be a lot stronger than they look. You'll be surprised at the damage those little teeth can cause.
For safety reasons, any large-breed puppy needs super-strong, durable toys that will stand up to his powerful jaws. Check out our great selection/recommendations for indestructable dog toys that will keep him safe and happy!
Big puppies grow into BIG dogs, and you can help protect their growing bones/joints by giving them the right type of dog bed to sleep on. I'd personally recommend an orthopedic dog bed, and one made from memory foam is the ultimate in both comfort and support.
Large and giant breed puppies have some unique needs in terms of feeding and health issues. If you've added an 'XL or XXL' Puppy to your life, check out my Extra Large Breed Dogs page for all the information and advice you need.
Keeping your puppy healthy is really important, and it can be costly at the best of times. As mentioned earlier on this page, pet insurance coverage can be a lifesaver if your puppy should become seriously unwell, be involved in an accident or need surgery.
Step 6: Give him lots of love!
This is the easiest step of all! Now we've covered all the serious sides involved in new puppy care, we've come to the good part!
Puppies are basically just little babies in fur coats. They're totally dependent on you, their 'parents' and they desperately need lots of love and attention.
Don't worry too much about spoiling your little one, at least at first. New puppy care involves plenty of love, patience and petting, which will help him to settle into his new home with the minimum of trauma. However, there are limits, and a young puppy can get overstimulated if handled too much in the early days. Be sure to give him plenty of 'space' and peace and quiet so that he can recharge those little puppy-batteries.
Lots of time spent playing with your puppy, exercising him, talking to him and generally just 'hanging out' with him, is definitely time well spent.
2 - Puppy Development
Puppies go through stages and phases as they grow, just like human children do. It's always helpful when you know what to expect from your pup at a certain age, that way you're prepared and less likely to panic or think you have a canine delinquent on your hands!
A basic understanding of puppy development, and the phases and stages that puppies go through, can really help to make your puppy parenting adventure less stressful for everyone!
Raising puppies is very similar to raising children, but puppies grow and mature very quickly when compared to humans. It's also important to realize that not all sizes and breeds of dog develop at the same rate.
Puppy Growth Stages
FIRST STAGE OF PUPPY DEVELOPMENT: 0 - 3 Weeks
This is the very beginning of your puppy's life and he's a tiny, vulnerable creature!
Puppies are born with their eyes and ears firmly closed and without any teeth. Although you won't see much external activity in a puppy during this period (all they want to do is eat and sleep!), there's a LOT going on inside.
In fact this is a very critical developmental stage and all that sleeping is actually playing an important role as puppies do most of their growing during that time.
Towards the end of this period your puppy will begin to open his eyes (at around 2 weeks old) and his ears (at around 3 weeks old), then his little teeth will start to peek through the gums.
By the time he's 3 weeks old your puppy will be toddling around, trying out his voice and beginning to play with his siblings.
SECOND STAGE OF PUPPY DEVELOPMENT: 3 - 7 Weeks
During this period your puppy will grow very quickly and will seem to mature at the same sort of pace.
He'll be very busy learning how to interact with other dogs (both puppies and older dogs) and with other animals and, of course, humans.
Puppies also learn a lot from their momma during this stage. She'll teach him basic 'canine manners' and he will follow her lead in terms of how he reacts to the people and situations he encounters. A calm, well-behaved momma dog will usually raise calm, well-behaved puppies but a fearful or aggressive momma may transmit those behaviors to her offspring.
A puppy will also learn from his littermates, and one of the most important lessons is 'bite inhibition' - this is basically how hard he can bite without getting in deep trouble! This lesson is very important and one of the reasons why puppies should remain with their canine families for at least 8 weeks.
During this puppy development stage, your puppy should receive his first set of puppy shots and be treated for puppy worms by a veterinarian.
THIRD STAGE OF PUPPY DEVELOPMENT: 7 - 12 Weeks
That little puppy has grown up pretty quickly and by 8 weeks old he's ready to leave his canine family and go to his new home. Tiny breeds may mature more slowly and it's better to keep these pups with their momma for up to 10 - 12 weeks.
He may be a little guy, but a puppy of this age is curious, outgoing and intelligent. He's ready to find out all about the world around him and is eager to please his people, it's the perfect time to get started off on the right foot when it comes to basic manners and puppy training.
There's also a very real need to get him familiar with lots of people, places, animals and environments, so it's important to socialize your puppy on a regular basis.
BUT it's also very important to protect him from being exposed to infection, as at this age he is at his most vulnerable. Continue with the recommended puppy vaccinations and don't allow him to come in contact with other unvaccinated dogs, or areas where they may have been.
During this stage a puppy often moves to his 'forever home' and family. Many new owners aren't sure what to expect at first and there is often an adjustment period, you can learn more about the first few days/week with a new puppy on my Bringing Home A New Puppy page.
There is also the first 'fear period' to deal with. This usually comes on around 8 weeks of age and the pup may seem scared of his own shadow, wanting to stick close to you at all times. It's natural and nothing to worry about, don't coddle a pup who is behaving this way though. Just maintain a positive attitude and tone of voice so that he realizes there is nothing to be scared of. Also, never push him to do something that he's clearly terrified of - that will cause more problems than it will solve.
FOURTH STAGE OF PUPPY DEVELOPMENT: 12 - 16 Weeks
This is a very demanding stage of puppy development and the well-behaved little pup who stuck right by your side will suddenly want to challenge you, ignore you and generally 'act out'.
Again, this is a normal part of the growing process but it can definitely be a challenge!
It's very important to maintain your routine and house-rules, even in the face of defiance. Your pup is simply trying to find his place in his world and he will figure it out faster if he's surrounded with consistency and love.
Don't ever use harsh or punitive methods to correct him though, stay with positive rewards-based training and be loving, but firm when dealing with misbehavior.
Your puppy will be in the throes of the 'teething' stage and unwanted behaviors such as puppy biting and puppy chewing are likely.
Physically your puppy will have lost his 'chubby' baby shape and will likely be a bit 'leggy' and out-of-proportion. He's looking less like an infant and more like a grade-schooler.
By 16 weeks he should have received his third set of puppy shots and his Rabies vaccination, which means it's safe for him to go out into the big, wide world! Now is the perfect time to get him enrolled in a basic class at one of the local dog obedience schools/
FIFTH STAGE OF PUPPY DEVELOPMENT: 17 - 40 Weeks
This stage of puppy development is pretty close to the human 'teenage' years and you'll see a lot more of the generally 'bratty' attitudes you may have already encountered.
The advice for Stage Four still holds true and you will need to be patient and consistent with him. Some strong-willed pups may try to 'show you who's boss', but it's important to make sure that you stay in charge.
Physically your pup will likely look like a teen as well... long limbs, slender, maybe a bit awkward and ungainly. All normal and you may find his appetite will fluctuate as he goes through growth spurts.
During this period your pup should lose his last baby teeth (the front 'fangs' or upper canines) and will have a full set of adult teeth.
It's a good idea to get your puppy neutered (or if you have a female, have her spayed) during this period, definitely before 6 months of age.
SIXTH STAGE OF PUPPY DEVELOPMENT: 40 - 52 Weeks
Small breed pups may reach maturity by the end of this period, but for the large or giant breed puppies there is still a long way to go!
Some of the extra-large dogs don't become adult until they are somewhere between 2 and 3 years old.
There will be a more noticeable difference between the development of small and large breed pups. Small or tiny breeds should be starting to settle down in terms of behavior, and they will have reached their full height and weight.
Large or giant breeds will still be in the adolescent stage and there will be the same sort of behavior that you've been seeing for the last few months. Just continue to be patient, loving and firm and give your pup sensible guidelines for behavior.
These big puppies will still have lots of growing to do. To get an idea of how big your puppy may be by the time he's fully grown
SEVENTH STAGE OF PUPPY DEVELOPMENT: Over 1 Year
There won't be much change in terms of growth or development for small and tiny breeds, but somewhere between 18 months and 3 years of age the large breed pups will reach their full height, then their full weight.
You can now switch your pup over from his puppy food to a premium dog food, as his nutritional needs are changing.
They will become adults - at last! If you've spent time training and socializing your puppy and taken good care of his both his physical and emotional health, you can now breathe a sigh of relief! You have raised a happy, healthy and confident dog. Well done :)
How To Potty Train A Puppy
Housebreaking your pup is one of the first, and biggest, challenges you're going to face as a new puppy owner. And it's very important to start out the right way. This page explains the process and gives you all the advice and tips you need to get your pup housebroken quickly and easily. Don't miss this one.
Puppy Shots
Making sure that your pup is up to date with his vaccinations is one of the most important steps in this section of the your New Puppy Checklist. There are many contagious dog illnesses/diseases that your little guy is vulnerable to, and regular puppy shots are the only way to protect him.
Find out which vaccinations your puppy needs, and when he should get them here.
Starting out with a well-bred puppy from healthy parents gives you the best foundation to build on, but even the strongest and healthiest little pup needs certain things to stay that way!
Knowing how to pick the right puppy food, what vaccinations he needs, what symptoms may signal illness/disease and what to do in an emergency are vitally important.
Puppy Shots
Why are puppy shots such a big deal? The answer is simple. It's because PUPPY VACCINATIONS SAVE LIVES
Canine vaccines protect your precious puppy from some of the most common and contagious dog illnesses around, including Parvo, Distemper, Hepatitis and Rabies.
Keeping your puppy's vaccination schedule up to date is one of the most important things you can do to keep your new family member happy and healthy.
What puppy shots does my pup need?
Puppy vaccinations are designed to make sure your pup doesn't catch one of the many serious and contagious canine diseases that are often seen in unvaccinated puppies and dogs (and kill large numbers of them every year).
Depending on the country, or even the region, that you live in dog vaccination regulations may vary a little.
Generally the standards shots for puppies include a combination vaccine that protects against several different canine diseases.
There is a 5-in-1 shot that covers:
Distemper
Hepatitis
Leptospirosis
Parainfluenza
Parvovirus
and there is also a 7-in-1 puppy shot option which includes protection against:
Adenovirus
An additional strain of Leptospirosis
Additional puppy shots that your veterinarian might recommend (depending on the area you live in and your pups exposure to large numbers of other dogs) include vaccinations for Bordatella (commonly known as Kennel Cough), Giardia and Lyme Disease.
If your pup will be boarded, kenneled, attend dog training classes or be 'out-and-about' a lot (which hopefully he/she will to get those valuable puppy socialization experiences ) you need to have the Bordatella vaccine given.
There are two options for administering the Bordatella vaccine - a 'shot' or nasal drops. Personally I prefer the nasal drop option as it works faster and doesn't need to be repeated in 4 weeks the way the shot does. If your dog isn't a hugely social animal, then annual boosters are enough. BUT if he travels a lot, goes to doggie day care, is boarded or at the dog park regularly then having the vaccine given twice a year is recommended.
You can find lots of information on the symptoms, method of transmission, and treatment of these diseases on my Dog Illnesses page.
If you feel comfortable about using a syringe, and you don't own a dog from one of the more reaction-prone breeds (see below), you can actually give vaccinate your puppy yourself.
This can save quite a bit of money, and isn't difficult to do. But, it's very important to get the right vaccines, to administer them properly and at the right times.
Puppy Shots Timeline
Giving puppy vaccinations is good, but giving them at the right time is essential if you want them to work!
Very young puppies have a certain amount of natural immunity that they get from their mothers milk, but that wears off somewhere between 5 and 8 weeks of age.
After that they are at significant risk of contracting potentially fatal diseases, and you need to follow the recommended puppy shots schedule in order to keep your little one safe.
The box below shows a 'puppy shots timeline' that covers the general recommendations for a puppy immunization schedule here in the USA:
9 - 11 weeks...... DHLPP + Corona
12 - 14 weeks...... DHLPP + Corona
16 weeks...... Rabies + 4th Parvo shot if needed
Once your puppy has had three sets of the combination puppy shots (aka the five-in-one canine vaccinations), plus the Rabies shot, she will generally be protected for one year.
Some dog breeds are particularly vulnerable to Canine Parvovirus and should have a 4th Parvo vaccination to improve protection. This is usually given at around 16 weeks of age. These breeds include, but are not limited to, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Pitbulls and American Bulldogs.
If you own one of these breeds, be sure to discuss this additional Parvo vaccination with your veterinarian.
It's also important to realize that puppy shots don't take effect right away. It can take between one and two weeks for the antibodies to build up, and one (or two) sets of shots don't guarantee immunity.
Actually, even 3 sets aren't a 'guarantee', but for most pups three combo vaccines will keep them safe and healthy.
Adult Dog Shots Timeline
Adult dogs must by law receive annual dog 'booster' vaccinations for Rabies (although some vaccines provide 3 years of protection).
A dog shot timeline will also often include annual 'boosters' for Distemper, Canine Parvovirus and Hepatitis.However many vets no longer recommend yearly dog vaccinations, preferring to leave a longer period between the shots (except for Rabies as mentioned above).
Your vet can check the antibody 'titers' (basically the level of antibodies in your dog's bloodstream to any particular disease) and vaccinate only if they are too low. These tests do cost money, but they can help to prevent over-vaccinating your dog, which may lead to auto-immune problems and other illnesses.
Some canine vaccines are only effective for somewhere betweeen 6 and 12 months. These include the vaccines against Bordatella (Kennel Cough), Leptospirosis and Lyme Disease. You'll need to have these redone annually.
The best advice I can give you is to ask your own veterinarian about this, and follow his/her advice and recommendations about canine vaccination procedure.
If you've adopted an older pup or adult dog and don't know their puppy shots history, then the minimum vaccinations you'll need to get them are against Distemper, Parvo and Hepatitis. They will need two rounds of shots, given 3 weeks apart.
Again though, individual areas (and each veterinarian) may have different recommendations, so talk to your own vet to find out what he/she thinks is best.
To get a fast and professional answer to your (non-urgent) puppy health question from a veterinarian, just use the box below.....
Puppy Kibble
What you feed your puppy has a huge impact on his future health and development, so choose wisely. Generic or poor quality puppy foods won't give him what he needs, and could lead to health issues.
Find out what to look for in a puppy food, and learn more about dog food, ingredients and more on this page.
Puppy Food Reviews
It can be tricky to know which puppy food is the best choice for your little one... there are a whole lot of choices out there and no 'one-size-fits-all' solution. Get info. on what goes into some of the most popular brands and help picking the perfect puppy food for your new 'baby' here.
Dog Illnesses and Diseases
Knowing what symptoms can spell trouble, and how to tell if your pup may be suffering from a contagious dog illness is very important. It's often not clear-cut with puppies, and only a veterinary exam can make an accurate diagnosis, but having an idea of how to distinguish between a minor problem and a major one could save your puppys' life.
Puppy Worms
It may surprise you to know that most puppies have worms (usually Roundworms) to begin with! However, reputable breeders usually de-worm their pups several times before they leave for their new homes. It's then up to you to continue to have this done routinely (at the same time as their vaccinations) to complete their protection.
Learn about the different types of worms, how to recognize them and what to do about them in this article. And while we're on the subject of parasites, check out my Fleas and Ticks page to find out how to prevent your little one from the dangers and discomfort of these nasty little critters!
Worried about puppy worms?
Although puppy worms are an irritating (and 'yukky'!) part of life when you're a puppy parent, they're actually pretty normal - and there's no need to panic.
In fact, they're so common that most newborn puppies have roundworms which have been transmitted to them from their momma. The other types of worms most often seen in dogs include
tapeworms
whipworms
hookworms
heartworms
The bad news is, that if left untreated, a minor dog worm problem can turn into a major infestation surprisingly quickly, leading to some serious health problems.
The Facts About Puppy Worms
Worms are parasites that set up shop inside your precious puppy. The most common worms found in puppies are roundworms, followed by tapeworms, whipworms, hookworms and heartworms.
Intestinal worms are parasites that steal all the nutrition that should be going to your puppy. They also multiply and grow rapidly, and a few puppy worms can turn into quite an army in a pretty short space of time.
If little Fido has worms which are left untreated he can get quite sick, and will probably look and feel like it too. Luckily prevention and treatment are fairly straightforward and, in a healthy puppy, very effective.
Dog worm medication is most effective when given, or prescribed by your veterinarian. Over the counter dog worm medications that you can buy in your local store are often ineffective at best, and they can even have unwanted side effects.
If you bought your puppy from a responsible breeder they will most likely have started their puppies on a schedule of de-wormings several weeks before they go to their new families.
Roundworms
These are the most common type of dog worms and are often transmitted from mother to puppy.
In puppies, symptoms of a roundworm problem can include a thin, scrawny (or skinny) appearance, often the puppy also has a round, distended tummy. A dull, coarse and out-of-condition coat is another sign.
The roundworms can generally be easily seen in your puppys' stools, and if he has a lot of roundworms he may even vomit, cough or have frequent diarrhea.... sometimes even coughing up worms. Not nice!
They're then transmitted through the puppies feces and if proper hygiene isn't followed it's possible that these parasites could be to transmitted to human members of your family.
Children are especially susceptible to this as they're not known for their effective hand washing technique! Make sure that your family always washes their hands after playing with, or handling, Fido.
Your veterinarian will most likely do a fecal exam (test Fido's poop to see if he has worms) and then administer the appropriate medicine. Although you can buy over-the-counter worm medicines, it's not advisable to treat your puppy yourself.
Leave that kind of stuff to the professionals!
Tapeworms
The most common type of tapeworm is spread by fleas. The worms are then shed in the puppy's feces... these are usually in segments which look a lot like single grains of white rice.
If you check Fido's poop you will most likely be able to tell whether or not he has tapeworms. However, the definitive test needs to be done at your veterinarians office, where they can prescribe the right medication to fix the problem.
The most common tapeworms are not easily transmitted, or dangerous to, people. But there is a variety that can cause serious health problems and even death in humans so again, good hygiene is a MUST.
Treating your puppy with an effective topical flea preventative is very effective in protecting both your puppy, and your family, from this type of puppy worms.
Whipworms
These particular worms in dogs are more common than most people think, perhaps because they're generally difficult to detect. Fido is at risk of catching whipworms if he eats something that's been in contact with contaminated soil or feces.
Your veterinarian can make a diagnosis and give the appropriate treatment, which needs to be repeated at specific intervals in order to get rid of all the worms at different stages of development.
Hookworms
There are four kinds of hookworm and unfortunately the most common one (which prefers a warm climate) is the most dangerous. Transmitted through feces, the hookworm thrives in warm soil and is contracted when the larvae penetrates the skin of it's host (aka your puppy/dog!).
Humans can also contract hookworm so it's best not to walk barefoot in the yard or parks where dogs eliminate.
Hookworms can be fatal in young puppies and can cause severe anemia due to internal blood loss, diarrhea or pneumonia in older pups. Your veterinarian is the best person to diagnose and treat this parasitic infection. A regular heartworm preventative such as Heartgard can also control and prevent hookworm infestation.
Heartworms
Of all puppy worms, this is the most dangerous. As it's name suggests it isn't an intestinal worm, but one that attacks the heart.... and it's always serious, and often fatal.
Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes. As it isn't easy to detect in the early stages, regular tests by your veterinarian (often yearly) for these parasites are recommended.
Treatment for heartworm is long, complicated and expensive so this is definitely a case where prevention is WAY BETTER than cure.
Using a monthly medication to control fleas and ticks such as Frontline Plus or K9 Advantix.gif)
prevents and eliminate external parasites. Visit my Fleas and Ticks page for more information on this.
Natural Treatments For Puppy Worms
If you're interested in the natural approach to healthcare for your puppy, there are a few excellent holistic options that you can use.
Canine Inulin PK for Dog Worms is a gentle herbal product that can help remove any worms from your pup's digestive tract. It also heal and repair any damage done by the worms, and strengthen his immune system at the same time.
Another effective, yet natural, dog dewormer is FourGuard Herbal Parasite Formula from Natural Wonder Pets.
This product is a scientific blend of four of the world’s most powerful herbal de-wormers, with NO drugs, poisons or pesticides.
It kills worms and other internal parasites safely and naturally, without nasty side effects.
After De-Worming...
Some puppies may have a mild reaction to the de-worming medications.
Symptoms of a reaction to a product designed to treat puppy worms can include tummy upset, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite or feeling extra tired.
This type of reaction is similar to a mild reaction to vaccinations and is generally nothing to worry about. Most pups who have been treated for puppy worms feel better within 12 - 24 hours.
You may also notice that your pup passes worms in their stool, or occasionally they will vomit them up. This shows the medication is working and again isn't usually cause for concern.
However, if your pup vomits or has diarrhea repeatedly, excretes a large number of worms, or seems to be feeling really unwell (rather than just a bit 'under the weather'), do call your veterinarian for advice.
It's always better to be safe than sorry with young puppies, so if you're at tall worried, check with your vet.... and remember, although your pup may experience a mild reaction, it's still vital that he be treated for puppy worms, as the health risks of the worms are far, far more serious!
You can get a professional answer to any deworming, or other veterinary, question by using the box below. Answers generally come back within a few hours (often much sooner) and for an average cost of about $12 it's an affordable way to get peace of mind!
Dog First Aid Kit and Treating Dog Wounds
Puppies get into everything (and I mean, EVERYTHING) and even in the best puppy-proofed homes accidents can, and do, happen.
If the worst happens, having a canine first aid kit at home can really be a life-saver. These pages tell you how to put together the right dog first aid supplies, and how to use them to treat wounds/injuries and more. Also, I'd recommend visiting my Poisonous Foods and Dog Poisoning pages for life-saving information and telephone numbers.
