At K9 1-ON-1 Companions For K9's, it's all about the dog! We are bonded, insured and offer full grooming services, oral care, walks, vacation management, swims & more!
Give us a call at (860) - 963-2464
The puppy vaccination series
is one of the most important aspects of your puppy's early life.
Vaccinating pets has been a controversial subject for years. Many people
worry that we are over-vaccinating out pets, possibly putting them at
risk for auto-immune issues and vaccine reactions. That's part of the reason many vets
are moving towards a three-year protocol (rather than annual) for adult
dogs. However, when it comes to puppies it's a different story. Just
like human babies, puppies (and kittens) need basic immunizations at the
very least. Plus, the vaccine visits allow your vet to examine your
puppy every few weeks and monitor his growth and overall health. Talk to
your vet about the best immunization schedule for your puppy.
More »
Your
new puppy will need certain items from the very start. Some are
essential for your pup's well-being, while others are quite helpful.
Most important items include a leash and collar with identification,
food and water bowls, and chew toys. You should also get a nice dog bed
and, preferably, a crate or kennel. Some if these items can last as
your puppy ages, but bear in mind that most of them will need to be
replaced when your puppy grows. Collars may be adjustable to a certain
point. A kennel can be purchased in a larger size for the future, but
should be blocked off with boxes or other objects to make it the right size for the puppy. Be prepared for the expenses associated with dog ownership so you can budget accordingly.
More »
Your puppy's diet can make all the difference in his future health and well-being. Before you decide on a puppy food,
do your research. Talk to your vet, other pet professionals, and fellow
dog owners. Remember that if the food you initially choose does not
meet your expectations, you can gradually switch to another food. In
today's dog-friendly world, the choices of diet seem endless. Some
owners like to feed premium foods, while many feel that holistic/natural diets are best. However, homemade and raw diets
are becoming increasingly popular. While researching puppy food,
consider the quality of ingredients, inclusion of proper nutrients, and
taste. Basically, the food should be good for your puppy and he should
like eating it.
More »
Preferably, you will find a veterinarian
before you get a puppy. Within a few days of taking your new puppy
home, you should bring him to your vet for a general exam. Your vet can
help identify any potential heath issues early on, and advise you on
caring for your puppy long-term. This initial visit also opens the doors
of communication
with you and your vet. Over the course of your puppy's first six
months, you will see a lot of your vet. This begins with vaccines and
usually leads to spay or neuter.
Typically, puppies should be spayed or neutered around six months of
age. To help keep your puppy's expenses down, you may consider
purchasing pet health insurance, which could cover up to 80% of your dog's health care costs.
Bringing a new puppy into your home will change your life forever.
Puppies are definitely a lot of work, but the also bring plenty of joy
to your world. Whether you are getting your first puppy
or just need a refresher course, this is what you'll need to know. From
welcoming your new puppy home, to training and health information,
these tips will help you get your puppy on the right track to adulthood.
Question: Should I induce vomiting after my dog ingests a toxin? Answer: Sometimes, but not always.
If you believe that your dog has ingested a dangerous substance, it is essential to act right away. However, you should never
induce vomiting without first speaking with a veterinary professional.
Begin by calling a veterinarian's office or an animal poison control
hotline. You should have the package and a sample of the toxin with you
during the phone call, if available. The quicker you can explain what
your pet ate, the faster therapy can begin.
Heartworm disease
is a life-threatening parasitic infection that invades the hearts and
lungs of dogs. Because heartworms are spread solely by the mosquito, any
dog exposed to mosquitos is at risk. Heartworm disease is a relatively common disease in dogs that has been seen everywhere in the United States. Because of this, the American Heartworm Society
currently recommends year-round treatment with a heartworm preventative
for all dogs in the US regardless of climate. However, dogs in the
Southeast are at the highest risk.
Obesity in dogs
is a growing problem. As with humans, overweight pets are at a high
risk for a variety of health issues such as diabetes and heart disease.
Weight loss is the key to preventing these health problems or helping to
treat them if they have already begun.
Weight loss for dogs is clearly not a matter of willpower for the
dog. Owners, however, may need to use willpower to resist those begging
eyes. Remember, food is not love! As a reward to your dog, try offering
personal attention and toys.
