Health and Care
Your puppy will need to visit the veterinarian regularly for puppy vaccines, deworming, and routine check-ups between the ages of 8 to 16 weeks. During this time period, it is important to keep your puppy away from unknown animals and public spaces where other animals may have been. When vaccines are completed, and your vet gives the all-clear, your puppy can begin to go on walks, visit the park, and play with other dogs (under careful supervision, of course).
After four to five months of age, most puppies will not need to see the vet for a routine visit until adulthood with the exception of a planned spay or neuter. At the final puppy visit (usually when the rabies vaccine is given, around 16 weeks of age) be sure to ask any remaining questions. Talk to your veterinarian about the best way to care for your fast-growing puppy.
If your dog will be spayed or neutered, this is often done between five and six months of age but varies greatly. Ask your veterinarian for individual recommendations for your dog. The ideal age to spay or neuter may vary based on breed and size.
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» Your Puppy’s Second Round of Vaccines It may seem like yesterday when you took your pup in for his first round of vaccines but it’s time again to make a trip to the vet. The second round of vaccines is as important for your dog as the first. Your puppy needs the full three rounds to ensure he is safe against illnesses such as Distemper, which is often fatal. Here’s what to expect from round two »
» Tips for Dealing with Your Puppy’s Growth Spurts Your puppy’s first growth spurt will likely be around 15 weeks of age and halt for a while come 20 weeks. During this time, your pup may suddenly be all limbs and all tail, knocking over precious vases and glasses full of soda. Just how much a puppy shoots up at this time depends on his breed (or mix of breeds), his diet and his health. The growth spurt affects several things including his appetite and his sleeping patterns. Read more about what to expect »
Much to the joy of dog owners everywhere, most puppies develop better control over their bladders at the three-month mark, alongside the ability to sleep through the night. But be forewarned that the start of your pet’s teething period is just around the corner.
» Navigating the Pet Health Insurance Maze The minimal medical costs per year for a dog (meaning his annual check-up and shots) comes out to around $240 on the average. This does not include other common procedures such as dental cleaning or blood tests. A dog with cancer can rack up bills as high as $7,500. So, how can you provide your pet the health care he needs without worrying about the cost? Pet health insurance can help. Find out why it’s often a good choice »
In your puppy’s third month you’ll see a resurgence in the confidence he had as a wee pup, wiggling about and exploring everything in sight. Your pup’s brain is now at the stage where is he ready to learn his name and the most basic of commands. He’s also more interested in earning your attention and affection.
Puppy’s Third Month: Health & Safety
Once you bring your new puppy home its a really good idea to take him to your own veterinarian for a thorough check up as soon as you can.
The most important health & safety topics are:
The biggest risk during your puppys third month is that hell catch a contagious disease.
Illnesses such as Parvovirus, Coccidia and Giardiosis are serious, potentially deadly, and are relatively easy for an unvaccinated puppy to catch.
So its absolutely critical to make sure that your puppy isnt exposed to areas where he could pick up viruses or bacteria, or be around sick dogs.
Vaccination can provide some protection against diseases, and personally I would recommend at least one set of shots (to include Parvovirus and Distemper) at around 16 weeks.
Research is beginning to show that there are definite risks and adverse reactions to puppy vaccines, especially when associated with over-vaccination, including both short-term acute reactions and long-term chronic health problems.
To get a comprehensive look at the vaccination big picture, visit this page Puppy Shots – Pros & Cons
What your pup eats is also hugely important because hes growing fast and his little body needs quality nutrition in order to grow healthy and strong.
Large/giant breed puppies and extra-small or toy breeds have very specific (and different) needs when it comes to food. Make sure you choose a kibble that has been formulated for your pups BREED size.
During your puppys third month his body really starts to change from chubby baby to a leaner, more leggy child.
Pups can be clumsy at this stage, especially the bigger breeds.
With puppies its worth being proactive in the area of health.
Its much easier, quicker, more effective and less expensive to treat a problem early than to let it turn into something more serious.
They fall over their paws, their tails knock things off coffee tables and low shelves, they run into door frames and corners.
It can be a mess, and there are often a few scrapes or knocks.
Puppy proofing your home is important, and this is a good time to get a first aid kit put together too.
Finally, Rascal starts to lose his baby teeth (aka milk teeth) during his third month.
So chewing and nipping are still behaviors that little Rascal is totally committed to… in fact hes upping his game!