From the moment you bring your new puppy into your home, you are responsible for keeping her safe and healthy. Puppies, like babies, have unique needs and require special attention. In addition, the routines you develop today can help put your little one on the right track for a long and happy life.

You need to find a vet you are comfortable with to bring your puppy for her first exam and begin her vaccinations. You should keep the vet’s name and number on your refrigerator door as well as a 24 hour emergency number in case your puppy has an emergency in the middle of the night.

Puppies are more prone to certain diseases and conditions than adult dogs because their immune systems are not as fully developed. These diseases and conditions include puppy acne, roundworm, demodectic mange and upper respiratory infections. In addition, almost all new puppies have a bout or two of diarrhea. Diarrhea can be no more than a minor gastrointestinal upset, or it can be a symptom of a more serious problem requiring immediate care. If your puppy begins to have diarrhea that contains a lot of blood or mucous, if her stomach seems bloated or if she seems upset, lethargic, weak, in pain or if her gums are pale, she needs to go to the veterinarian immediately. If your puppy has diarrhea, but seems otherwise normal, you can try a homecare remedy to see if the diarrhea resolves itself. To treat diarrhea at home, first do not give your pup any food at all for about twelve hours, but allow her all the fresh water she wants to drink. It is important that your puppy drink because diarrhea can lead to dehydration. After 12 hours, you can begin feeding her a small portion of three parts plain boiled white rice and one part plain white meat boiled chicken breast. Feed her this plain diet in small quantities four times a day until her diarrhea resolves. If her diarrhea does not disappear after a day or two on this diet, take her to the vet.