Choosing a vet

Choose a vet in your local area and be sure to make a visit during your pup's first couple of weeks at home. A good vet will give your new friend a complete health check and recommend a vaccination and worming routine. If your vet seems disinterested or doesn't take the time to adequately explain things to you try another one - a good, trusting relationship with your vet is an integral part of maintaining your puppy's health so don't be afraid go elsewhere if you feel your pup is not getting the level of care it needs.

Teeth

Just like babies, puppies go through teething, so don't be concerned when you puppy loses milk teeth. This also means that your pup will need to chew. You can limit the damage to your shoes and furniture by providing a couple of chewing toys and snacks. As your puppy gets older, continue to offer these items to ensure its teeth are regularly cleaned.

Worms

Many puppies are born with intestinal worms so it is important to start a treatment program as soon as possible. Treat your puppy at two, four, eight and 12 weeks of age, then every month until it is six months old. Thereafter treat every three months.For more information on wiping out worms click here.

Heartworm

Heartworm disease is a painful and debilitating condition that affects thousands of Australian dogs every year. This parasite is often transmitted by mosquitos and, while heartworm disease is difficult to treat, it is easy to prevent. There are many easy-to-use heartworm prevention products available from your local supermarket or vet. If in doubt, talk to your vet about the most appropriate treatment for your pup.For more information on Heartworm click here.

Fleas/ticks

All dogs scratch but if your pup seems to scratch excessively it may have a flea problem. The best way to keep your little one flea-free is to implement an integrated flea control program.

That means destroying all visible adult fleas, treating bedding, the surrounding environment and any other pets at the same time, and using an ongoing flea prevention product. If you live in an area where ticks are a problem you should regularly check your puppy for these parasites, particularly in the warmer months when ticks are most active. If you find a tick, contact your vet immediately for advice. For more information on fighting fleas click here.

Desexing

Deciding on whether or not to have your puppy is a big decision. Puppies can be desexed from six months of age and there is little difference between male and female pups once they have been desexed - both make affectionate and home-loving pets. Ask your vet to explain the pros and cons of desexing so you can make an informed decision.

Vaccination

All puppies must be vaccinated against a number of common viruses. In general, puppies are vaccinated three times before 18 weeks and then once a year for life. If you have purchased your pup from a registered breeder or pet shop, your little friend may have begun a course of vaccinations. If this is the case, you should have received a vaccination certificate. Take this certificate to the vet upon your first visit. The vet will advise what subsequent vaccinations or booster are required. Click here for more information.

Grooming

The breed of your pup will determine the amount of time you'll need to spend grooming. Long-haired breeds will probably need brushing every day, and short-haired breeds only once a week.

Your puppy should be accustomed to being combed and brushed as this will allow you to regularly check your four-legged friend for fleas, ticks or any other potential problem.

Regularly grooming, with particular attention to problem areas such as ears and body folds, will help maintain a healthy coat.

Bathing is another very important part of looking after your pup - bathing puppy with a medicated shampoo will remove excess dirt and promote healthy skin. Click here to find out more on grooming.

FAQ's

• When do we need to see the veterinarian?
• How much exercise does my puppy need?
• My puppy sometimes has soft or even runny stools – why could this be?
• My puppy seems to scratch all the time. What should we do?
• How often do we need to bath the pup?