One of the most important things that puppy owners need to consider is the importance of health screenings for their puppies. Health screenings are critical for detecting potential health problems in puppies before they become serious and provide the opportunity for preventative treatment or early detection and management.
When a puppy is brought home, they should be taken for a health screening with their veterinarian as soon as possible. This allows the veterinarian to identify any medical problems that may be present, as well as any congenital or inherited disorders that a puppy may be prone to.
The health screening should include an overall physical exam, vaccinations, and tests for heartworm, fleas, and ticks. The physical exam should include an evaluation of the puppy’s eyes, ears, mouth, and skin, as well as checking their heart rate, temperature, and pulse. Depending on the age of the puppy, specific tests may need to be done, such as a fecal exam and blood work.
In addition to the physical examination, vaccinations are necessary. Generally, puppies need to be vaccinated for Distemper/Parvovirus, Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Adenovirus, Bordetella, and Rabies. Vaccinations are the only way to protect puppies from these highly contagious diseases and should be done at the appropriate times to ensure the best protection.
De-worming is also important for puppies and should be done at least once a month until the puppy is six months old. Dewormers can be administered orally, topically, or by injection. It is important to talk to your veterinarian about the best type of dewormer to use for your particular puppy.
Finally, regular checkups are important to ensure that your puppy is healthy and to address any health issues that may arise. Your puppy should receive an annual exam and vaccinations, and some health screenings should be done even more frequently. Making sure to take your puppy to the veterinarian regularly is important so that any health conditions can be identified and treated early if needed.
Overall, health screenings are important for puppies to ensure they are healthy and to detect any possible problems as early as possible. Having regular checkups with a veterinarian is the best way to keep your puppy healthy and happy.
