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Puppy Health: Vaccinations, Puppy Diet And Exercise
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Published: January 15, 2008
More and more studies are confirming what most people already know—pets have been shown to significantly reduce their owners' blood pressure, cholesterol, and depression. Puppies, in particular, have a way of making even the stiffest, most uptight individual melt in to a pool of relaxation.
Because puppies do so much to enhance human health, pet-owners are also responsible for ensuring superior puppy health.
The foundation of puppy health is receiving the right shots. Puppy health is very sensitive because their immune systems are not fully developed yet. To protect them from diseases, puppies must undergo a series of vaccinations, usually up until they reach approximately 4 months old. Strong puppy health does not require every vaccine available. In fact, puppy health vaccines can be divided into core and non-core categories depending on the pet's geographic location and exposure to other animals. For instance, one required vaccine is distemper; these shots protect pets from canine distemper and several other infectious diseases that can be detrimental to puppy health. Rabies shots are another commonly required vaccine because this illness is fatal and can be spread to humans. For dogs that live in areas where ticks are located, veterinarians recommend the Lyme disease vaccine to guard against this ailment. Yet another non-core vaccine is for bordetella, a virus that causes kennel-cough. This medication is essential for dogs that stay at kennels.
In addition to vaccinations, puppy health depends greatly on the proper nourishment. Owners should choose a dry food made specifically geared for puppy health. Puppy food is further categorized by the animal's size and activity level, so be sure to pick a product formulated for the specific pet. Compared to canned food, dry food is better for puppies teeth and is generally cheaper. Due to the recent dog-food recalls, owners may have difficulty choosing the right diet for the best puppy health. Regardless of the brand name, owners should check FDA recalled dog food list before feeding it to their pet.
Because of their size, young puppies should be fed small meals, three times per day. Once they reach 10 to 12 weeks, their meals can be reduced to two per day. Each feeding session should only last a maximum of 15 minutes and then the food bowl should be taken away. Having food constantly encourages overeating and lead to obesity. Human food should not be included in their diet because it can wreak havoc on the digestive system and complicate puppy health.
Playing is a key element in promoting puppy health. Because the animal's growing body is sensitive to high-impact activities, a strict exercise regimen is not necessary in supporting puppy health. Owners only need to regularly indulge in their puppy's fun-loving nature to ensure they receive enough exercise.
Underneath the multitude of fuzz is a special animal that requires a lot of attention. But by fulfilling their basic needs, owners can create a nurturing environment for their cherished pet. Puppies and other pets can increase their owners' quality of life. Pet owners should return the favor by playing close attention to puppy health.
Sources:
"Health Benefits of Pets." Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 2008. 14 Jan. 2008. http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/health_benefits.htm .
Holmes, Cynthia. "Dog Health and Care." Doghealthandcare.com. 2007. 14 Jan. 2008. http://www.doghealthandcare.com/puppy-care.html.
"Puppy Care and Training." Placerville Veterinary Clinic. 1995-2006. 14 Jan. 2008. http://www.placervillevet.com/puppy_care_and_train ing.htm.
"Why do Puppies Require Vaccination?" PuppyCare.com. 2008. 14 Jan. 2008. http://puppycare.com/content/view/18/43/.
The foundation of puppy health is receiving the right shots. Puppy health is very sensitive because their immune systems are not fully developed yet. To protect them from diseases, puppies must undergo a series of vaccinations, usually up until they reach approximately 4 months old. Strong puppy health does not require every vaccine available. In fact, puppy health vaccines can be divided into core and non-core categories depending on the pet's geographic location and exposure to other animals. For instance, one required vaccine is distemper; these shots protect pets from canine distemper and several other infectious diseases that can be detrimental to puppy health. Rabies shots are another commonly required vaccine because this illness is fatal and can be spread to humans. For dogs that live in areas where ticks are located, veterinarians recommend the Lyme disease vaccine to guard against this ailment. Yet another non-core vaccine is for bordetella, a virus that causes kennel-cough. This medication is essential for dogs that stay at kennels.
In addition to vaccinations, puppy health depends greatly on the proper nourishment. Owners should choose a dry food made specifically geared for puppy health. Puppy food is further categorized by the animal's size and activity level, so be sure to pick a product formulated for the specific pet. Compared to canned food, dry food is better for puppies teeth and is generally cheaper. Due to the recent dog-food recalls, owners may have difficulty choosing the right diet for the best puppy health. Regardless of the brand name, owners should check FDA recalled dog food list before feeding it to their pet.
Because of their size, young puppies should be fed small meals, three times per day. Once they reach 10 to 12 weeks, their meals can be reduced to two per day. Each feeding session should only last a maximum of 15 minutes and then the food bowl should be taken away. Having food constantly encourages overeating and lead to obesity. Human food should not be included in their diet because it can wreak havoc on the digestive system and complicate puppy health.
Playing is a key element in promoting puppy health. Because the animal's growing body is sensitive to high-impact activities, a strict exercise regimen is not necessary in supporting puppy health. Owners only need to regularly indulge in their puppy's fun-loving nature to ensure they receive enough exercise.
Underneath the multitude of fuzz is a special animal that requires a lot of attention. But by fulfilling their basic needs, owners can create a nurturing environment for their cherished pet. Puppies and other pets can increase their owners' quality of life. Pet owners should return the favor by playing close attention to puppy health.
Sources:
"Health Benefits of Pets." Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 2008. 14 Jan. 2008. http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/health_benefits.htm .
Holmes, Cynthia. "Dog Health and Care." Doghealthandcare.com. 2007. 14 Jan. 2008. http://www.doghealthandcare.com/puppy-care.html.
"Puppy Care and Training." Placerville Veterinary Clinic. 1995-2006. 14 Jan. 2008. http://www.placervillevet.com/puppy_care_and_train ing.htm.
"Why do Puppies Require Vaccination?" PuppyCare.com. 2008. 14 Jan. 2008. http://puppycare.com/content/view/18/43/.
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