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Bringing a new furry friend home is one of the most exciting things you will experience. And as a pet parent, the first thing you need to do is lay down a puppy vet care plan. Hence, it is essential that you take your new, little pet for a general check-up within the first week of bringing it home. During this vet visit, you can learn about your dog’s vaccination schedule, nutritional requirement, training needs, and more. It is crucial to seek professional medical advice to make sure that you do not overlook any aspects that may need immediate attention. If you are not sure why and when you need a vet for your dog, this article is for you. It gives you a gist on how often you should visit your vet, vaccinations, annual check-ups, and more.
A veterinarian is going to help you keep your floofy healthy and in check. A puppy, just like a senior dog, will require more attention. So, if you are wondering how often a puppy should go to a vet, here’s your answer: once every 3-4 weeks. If your puppy requires special attention, your veterinarian will recommend frequent follow-ups. If this is your pup’s first vet visit, contact the breeder for information on vaccination and any other medical history. If you have a rescue pup, let your vet know. It will help your doctor assess your pup’s case better.
Moreover, take your puppy to the doctor immediately if you notice any of the following issues:
Note: Even if your dog comes with a documentation of up-to-date vaccination shots, you should take it to the vet at least once to get a green signal.
We humans visit our family doctors at least once a year even if we do not exhibit any symptoms. Similarly, even your fur baby needs to be taken to the vet once a year for annual vaccination and a general medical check-up The vet will check your baby’s heart, lungs, ears, eyes, look for any abnormal growth, and do other basic tests.
Based on the medical examination, your vet may recommend certain dietary changes, physical activities, and a dental care routine. Follow their recommendations religiously to improve your puppy’s health! Here are a few things you can carry during your dog’s yearly appointment:
Puppies are born with some immunity passed on to them by their mothers. However, they start losing their inherited immunity once they turn 6 to 8 weeks old. Therefore, it becomes imperative that you start vaccinating your puppy around that time. Their innate habit of sniffing and licking everything that strikes their fancy exposes dogs to a plethora of diseases. Thankfully, a vaccination plan can shield them against fatal viruses and diseases. Vaccine shots are administered when puppies turn 6-8 weeks old, and they are repeated every 2-4 weeks until the puppy is 16 weeks of age or older. Sometimes, a vet may recommend an earlier vaccination regimen, starting at 4 weeks of age in the face of an outbreak or when the mother has an unknown vaccination history. You can ask your vet for a vaccination schedule customised for your puppy.
As kids, we were inoculated against several health issues with different types of vaccination. Similarly, your dog too needs to be vaccinated against multiple diseases such as rabies, distemper, hepatitis, etc. So, Let’s take a look at the types of vaccines commonly administered to your dog:
The above vaccines may come in different combinations; hence, consult your vet and get a proper understanding of
During the first year, your puppy will visit its vet frequently to get vaccination shots. Once your dog is fully vaccinated, you can consult your vet as and when required. However, do not forget to go for annual vet examinations to rule out serious health problems.
If this is your puppy’s first vet visit, you should speak with the breeder or shelter to understand if they have already administered any vaccinations on your puppy. Moreover, your vet must know if the deworming process has already begun. In case your pup is on any medicines or supplements, carry it along. Inform the veterinarian about its diet or any concerning issue.
If the puppy is less than 4 months old, you should take your pup to the vet every 3 or 4 weeks. Once it is eligible for vaccinations, your veterinarian shall provide you with a schedule. Take your puppy to the vet as per that schedule to ascertain that your puppy is fully vaccinated.
It is a sight no dog owner wants to see – your beloved pet heaving and uncomfortable, its body racked with nausea. For many, the sound of a dog vomiting sets off alarm bells. But why do dogs vomit, and what causes an upset stomach in dogs? More importantly, when is a dog's upset stomach merely a passing concern, and when does it indicate a more serious issue? Let's delve into these questions to better understand our four-legged friends' health.
Vomiting in dogs is a common occurrence and can be triggered by various factors. This process involves the forceful ejection of the contents within a dog's stomach or upper intestine. This action is often preceded by signs of nausea, such as drooling, licking lips, and swallowing excessively. Sometimes, the cause of vomiting is fairly benign – your dog may have just eaten too quickly or consumed something that didn't agree with its stomach. In other instances, it could be a sign of something more serious, such as ingestion of a toxic substance or a serious illness.
The reasons behind a dog's upset stomach are varied and can range from mild to severe. Upset stomach, medically termed as gastroenteritis, is caused by inflammation or irritation in the stomach or intestines. This can be triggered by a sudden change in diet, food intolerances, ingestion of foreign substances, bacterial or viral infections, and even serious conditions like pancreatitis or kidney failure.
One common mistake dog parents make is confusing vomiting with regurgitation. When a dog regurgitates, it's typically soon after eating and is a passive process, where undigested food comes up without much effort. On the other hand, vomiting involves active abdominal contractions and results in the expulsion of partially digested food mixed with bile.
Any dog owner knows that an upset stomach can leave their furry friend feeling less than their best. Recognising the signs of an upset stomach can help in providing prompt care and relief for your pet. Typical symptoms include:
More serious signs include:
If your dog appears to be in pain, loses appetite, shows signs of dehydration, has a fever, or exhibits unusual behaviours such as lethargy, restlessness, or shivering, it's a clear indication that something is wrong.
In extreme cases, an upset stomach can result in weight loss and frequent vomiting in dogs, which can be a sign of serious medical conditions such as liver or kidney disease, pancreatitis, or even cancer. It is also important to monitor stress in your dog, as this can often exacerbate or trigger stomach issues.
When it comes to treating a dog's upset stomach, the appropriate treatment will largely depend on the underlying cause. If it's a mild case, such as a dietary change or eating too quickly, simple home remedies might be sufficient. However, if the condition persists or is associated with other serious symptoms, it's essential to consult with a vet.
Some common dog vomiting treatments are:
The best remedies for your dog’s upset stomach are probiotics such as IAMS™ Proactive Health™ Digestive Health Supplement and pumpkin, which can aid digestion. However, it's essential to remember that these are not cures but temporary solutions. If your dog continues to vomit or display signs of an upset stomach, a trip to the vet is necessary.
It's essential to remember that while some instances of dog vomiting or upset stomach can be managed at home, more frequent or severe symptoms necessitate a visit to the vet. Early detection of symptoms can make a significant difference in your dog's health. If your dog vomits multiple times in a day, shows no signs of improvement after 24 hours, or frequently throws up mucus, it's time to take your pet to the vet. The age and overall health of your dog also play a crucial role in this decision.
While home-cooked foods like skinless chicken, boiled potatoes, or rice can be good short-term options for a dog with an upset stomach, they are not nutritionally complete for long-term care. It's also crucial to avoid feeding your dog raw food, which can contain harmful germs like salmonella. Always follow your vet's recommendations to ensure your dog's health and safety.
In addition to following your vet's advice, consider integrating a digestive health supplement into your dog's diet. IAMS™ Proactive Health™ Digestive Health Supplement is a soft, chewable supplement that combines prebiotics and probiotics to regulate your dog's gut health. It contains no artificial colour, flavour, preservatives, or fillers, making it a safe and effective choice for enhancing your dog's digestive health.
Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments of dog vomiting and upset stomach, and consulting with a vet, when necessary, can help ensure your furry friend's well-being. Remember, their health is in your hands.
