We buy a puppy – basic care to prepare for

Puppies are irresistible, but their acquisition requires time and a high level of commitment not only to us but also to our whole family. What do you think about care before you decide to bring a young dog home? Hornbach’s veterinary adviser advises what to look out for primarily.

Needless to say, getting a pet is a big decision that needs to be approached responsibly – a new addition to the family is not just about cuddling and having fun. It is necessary to think outside the upbringing and walking of a lot of things that a puppy cannot do without during his adolescence. Choosing the right food, regular visits to the vet and care for fur, teeth, ears or claws are a matter of course for every owner. How about them?

Feeding during the first year of life

Choosing food can be difficult, puppies require more protein, fat, calcium and phosphorus compared to adult dogs. “When buying a puppy, a good breeder will explain everything in detail and give you a few doses of food that the puppy was fed. If the puppy prospers, I see no reason to change the feed. The immune system of young animals is constantly evolving and a sudden change “change it, change it gradually. Feed the puppy with special food for juniors, which ensures its proper development. If you give unsuitable food, various problems can occur, such as deformed limbs. A good veterinarian will warn you about these problems at regular inspection,” advises the veterinary Hornbach project market advisor Milan Kopčok. When choosing food, care must be taken with the size of the dog. Large breeds mature more slowly and have different nutritional requirements than small breeds.

TIP: FINEVO Junior dog dry food offers quality, easily digestible proteins and minerals that are adapted to the needs of young dogs. Higher energy content supports proper and healthy development. This food covers your dog’s overall nutrient needs and supplies him with all the important minerals, vitamins and trace elements for a long and healthy life. It does not contain any dyes, genetically modified foods or aromatic substances.

Veterinarian and regular medical examinations

The puppy needs several visits to the vet during the first year of life. “At the first visit, don’t forget to bring with you all the documents provided by the breeding or adoption group. Your veterinarian will do an examination and discuss the vaccination schedule with you. The puppies need several basic vaccinations starting six weeks. Some vaccines also require a re-dose. a dog that has already been vaccinated and with a basic vaccination, which must be repeated gradually. When buying a dog, therefore, do not forget to ask for this basic information, “emphasizes Hornbach veterinary adviser Milan Kopčok.

Regular vaccinations – the immune system of the puppies is not strong enough until the eighth week. Prevention in this period is ensured by the so-called passive immunity through mother’s milk. However, breast milk can also neutralize most vaccines. It is for this reason that the first vaccinations are planned at the earliest from the sixth week of life. The basic vaccination is given via a combination vaccine. Each country has different recommendations for mandatory vaccinations. Vaccination against canine distemper, rabies, parvovirus and infectious hepatitis predominates in the Czech Republic.

Basic care for a puppy

The puppy needs to be led to the right habits from an early age. Dental hygiene, deworming or combing during the moulting period are only a fraction of what you need to prepare for.

Dental hygiene – Even if the puppies have lost their milk teeth and will grow new ones before the age of one, it is important to teach them to accept brushing their teeth as soon as possible. “Dental care is extremely important, because dental problems occur at the age of four,” says Milan Kopčok. There are many toothpastes with different flavors and special brushes that will make your work easier.

Paw care – if you leave your claws too long, they may twist, break or even grow into your paws. Long claws can get caught on objects, carpets or cause severe pain when running. “If you hear the claws clicking on the floor, it’s time for a manicure. Take care of the skin on your paws just as well. In summer, hot asphalt can cause burns and in winter frosty ground or salt cracks,” warns veterinary adviser Milan Kopčok.

Ear cleaning – some breeds need more frequent and thorough cleaning than others. This is especially true for dogs prone to ear infections. “Always use the liquid intended for cleaning. Drip a few drops of cleaning fluid into the ear, gently massage the ear and let your dog shake his head. Then wipe the ear canal with a towel or cotton wool. Repeat the same procedure with the other ear,” Milan Kopčok recommends.