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Caring for Your New Puppy

by Merck Animal Health


Congratulations, you have a new family member! The next years are going to be filled with tons of fun and unconditional love. There are also many things to consider as you start this adventure. Nutrition, behavior, and preventative care are so important in maximizing your pet’s life.


There is a lot to learn! Remember, the most important first step is to make an appointment

with your veterinarian. Your veterinary team will review your pet’s lifestyle and make recommendations for preventative care that is the very best for your new friend. Your veterinary team is your partner in helping your pet live a long and healthy life!


Learn here about the different infectious diseases of dogs and cats that can be prevented through vaccination! Below is a very brief review to help you better understand your pet’s care.

  1. Make an appointment to see your veterinarian – ideally within the first 48-72 hours of bringing your pet home.

    1. Take a fecal sample and all records

    2. The veterinarian and staff will recommend all appropriate preventative care and testing that we will discuss below

    3. A complete exam will be done to identify any health concerns such as congenital or infectious diseases

  2. Testing recommendations

    1. Puppies – fecal exam and depending on age possible a blood test to screen for tick and mosquito borne diseases

  3. Vaccines

    1. Canine Distemper

      1. Caused by Canine Distemper Virus

      2. Highly contagious

      3. Occurs naturally in a wide range of animals (fox, coyotes, minks, racoons)

      4. Transmitted via inhalation of the virus particles

      5. Wide range of symptoms – respiratory and nervous system

    2. Parvo

      1. Caused by Canine Parvo Virus

      2. Transmitted by direct contact with virus containing feces or indirectly with contact with fecal contaminated environment or equipment

      3. Attacks the lining of the digestive tract

      4. Causes severe illness that can result in death

    3. Hepatitis

      1. Caused by adeno virus

      2. Transmitted by ingestion or inhalation of virus particles from urine, feces, respiratory secretions

      3. Wide range of symptoms from mild fever to acute death

    4. Parainfluenza

      1. Caused by Parainfluenza virus

      2. Transmitted by inhalation of the virus

      3. Causes damage to the cells lining the upper respiratory tract

    5. Lyme

      1. Caused by the bacteria Borrelia Burgdorferi

      2. Transmitted by a bite from the Black Legged Tick

    6. Leptospirosis

      1. Caused by a spirochete bacteria

      2. Spread by contact with urine or water, soil or vegetation contaminated with urine from infected animals

      3. Causes liver and kidney disease – can be fatal

      4. Can be transmitted to humans

    7. Bordetella

      1. Caused by the Bordetella bacteria

      2. Transmitted by inhalation of the virus

      3. Attack the lining of the respiratory tract

    8. Canine influenza

      1. Caused by two strains of the Canine influenza virus

      2. Transmitted by inhalation of aerosolized particles

    9. Rabies

      1. Caused by Rabies Virus

      2. Transmitted by bite of an infected animal

      3. Can be transmitted to humans


This post written and sponsored by Merck Animal Health


 
 
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