Good feeding, daily examination and little stress - healthy puppies. Save on veterinary bills. Sometimes, it is much cheaper to consult your vet early, esp. skin diseases.
Choosing A VeterinarianDepends on you, client relationship. Tel numbers.
Post-purchase check up
Returns policy.
Regular check up
Puppy MedicineNormal body temperature
Normal heart rate
Puppies have .... teeth
Healthy ones are alert,energetic. Good appetite. Stools firm. If your puppy is sleepy, not eating, discharge from eyes or nose, panting, coughing, diarrhoea, best to seek immediate veterinary care. Do not wait as it may be too late.
Spay and Neuter To prevent reproduction.
Prevention of diseasesAdopt good advices onhousing, feeding and general care matters described in this book. Make sure environment is clean, no ticks, cage, water bowl and food bowls washed daily. Bathe when dirty.
Do not introduce new puppies or dogs - quarantine for one month.
Feed premium quality food. Food fresh and free from insects, mould and contaminants.
Do not buy in large quantities as nutrients may not be good.
Clean water.
Signs of troubleNot active, sleeps a lot.
Eating more or less than normal.
Dull coat, discharge, smelly mouth, ears, body.
Common DiseasesBite WoundsSocial creatures. Fight with each other. Play biting.
If wound not big, wash it with water and antiseptic ointment.
Infected wound will be red and not healing. Licking. Vet care.
ConstipationIf proper food and water, not constipated. If still constipation, may be a symptom of serious illness. Consult your vet.
DiarrhoeaSoft sticky stools.Blood. Too many treats, change of diet, stress, parasites, bacterial infection.
DroolingSaliva. Malocclusion unlikely in puppy.
Eye ProblemsShih tzus. Eye shut, eye irritation. Pawing at eye repeatedly, tearing
Vet
Paw Biting. Like nail biting in people.
Bored, lonely or stressed out.
Chewed Coat colour will be different from normal colour.
Review how you keep your puppy. 2 hours of free exercise?
Chew toys? Different ones.
Another puppy to keep him company?
Stress --- Environment. Lots of loud noises. Screaming children, barking dogs.
Move to new home, loss of companion.
More out of cage playtime and attention from owner.
2 puppies - chewing each other is possible. May need more out of cage exercise or separate before completely bald.
Skin Fungal Infections.
Face, anywhere. Bald patches with red rings. Contagious. Vet. Disinfect cage with a dilute bleach and water solution.
Heart Problems.Enlarged hearts, blood clots in the heart, heart murmurs and heart failure. Check with vet.
Heat stressVery dangerous and fatal. In a hot room, in direct sunlight, panting may be heat stress. Long walk in the afternoon. Before going to vet, submerge him in cold (not ice water). Keep head abovewater.
Cool room best.
Internal parasites. Giardia, coccidia, cryptosporidium, tapeworm, hookworms, roundworms, pinworms. Diarrhoea, loss of energy, weight loss, poor appearance.
Dewormed. Vet examination.
Parvovirus. Spread through contact with contaminated faeces.
Kennel CoughTooth Problems.Malocclusion - Upper and lower incisors not properly aligned.
Abscesses, loose teeth, uneven wear, retained tooth.
Important to get vet care, sicne how well he is able to eat and be healthy depends on his tooth care.
Respiratory Infections.Runny or crusty nose. coughing. Progress to lethargy and loss of appetite. Vet.Antibiotics.
SeizuresStiffen his body and curl inwards, lay on one side twitching uncontrollably. Staggering. Spasm of mouth and feet.
Abnormal electrical activity in the brain, poisoning, hypoglycaemia.
Yellow teeth A sign of problem. Tetracycline drugs. Diet? Vet
Ear troubles.Scratching. Bad odour. Itchy and irritation. Dirty waxy look. Vet.
Skin Mite Infections.
ShockInjury or illness.
The After-Effects of AntibioticsGood bacteria in the digestive tract. Diarrhoea, bloating (belly swells up). Vet.
Puppy First Aid. Take temperature yourself.
Cotton balls
Small towel
Antispectic scrub
Rectal thermometer.
Lubricant jelly
Antibiotic ointment, powder
Scissors
Dealing With Wounds
