How can I prevent common health issues in my Border Collie puppy?

Hi. The best things for Latte is to have regular veterinary visits as a puppy to get him vaccinated as recommended and on parasite prevention. Puppies typically receive a series of vaccines starting between 6-8 weeks and getting boostered every 3-4 weeks until almost 4 months old. This will help prevent Parvo and distemper viruses as well as other diseases. The vet will also get her started on parasite prevention. At each visit he should also get a physical exam which will help catch any illness or injury. Cockapoos may have skin or ear problems or even occasionally orthopedic disease. But the best thing to prevent and treat is to have a relationship with a good veterinarian who knows Latte and you, that you feel comfortable taking him to in the event of illness or emergency. A high quality puppy food by Hills, Iams or Royal Canin is also a good idea to ensure him the best start. Good luck and have fun with your pup.

Make sure she has vaccines including DHPPi (distemper, hepatitis, parvo, parainfluenza) and rabies. Depending on her age, the vet the can tell you her vaccination schedule. Spay her before she goes into her first heat (around six months of age) to significant reduce the risk of her developing mammary tumors and eliminate the chance of her developing a pyometra later in life. Put her on a good flea and tick prevention program, make sure to deworm her, and give her heartworm protection. I would have your pup seen by a vet this week to start all of these things to keep her healthy :-)

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and congratulations on your new puppy! I recommend having Abby seen by a vet - they can administer Abby's vaccines, deworm her if necessary, recommend a good quality puppy food, and flea/tick/heartworm prevention. At her young age, I recommend keeping Abby somewhat confined to an area of the house where she cannot get into trouble/eat things she shouldn't. She should also not go outside before she is fully vaccinated. I hope this helps and wish you luck with your new puppy!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. With Moonlight, I recommend you take him to the vet for a check-up. Your vet will likely recommend vaccines and deworming, along with flea and tick prevention. You can also ask your vet what the best food to feed Moonlight is, as this will vary from location to location. You should also get Moonlight neutered at 4 months of age. Best of luck with Moonlight!

It's very important to make sure that Bruno has yearly health checks with the vet, that he is kept up to date on his vaccines, and he is regularly treated with flea medication, heartworm prevention, and deworming treatments. He should also be exercised for at least 45 minutes twice a day, and be fed a high quality dog food. I would not recommend giving him human food, as too much of it leads to obesity and certain human foods are toxic to dogs. Finally, give him lots of love and attention, and take him to the vet if there are any health concerns.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! What an exciting time. You would need to start by getting a high quality diet (I like the Purina Pro Plan diets though there are plenty to choose from). Also, a dog bed and toys will be important as well. I recommend that you check with your veterinarian to get him in for initiation of vaccines and to start other preventative care medications such as flea and tick preventatives and heartworm preventatives. Good luck and enjoy your pup!

Jack is PRECIOUS!! Choosing a reputable, quality food is a great step. They will have all the vitamins and minerals he needs. But in both people and dogs, one of the biggest factors in longevity is keeping a slim body condition. Keeping Jack slim and fit throughout his life will improve the quality and quantity of life. Routine dental care. Whether you brush several times weekly or have a dental cleaning with your vet every 6-12 months, dental disease is associated with other diseases and shorter life in both people and animals. Routine veterinary care. We don’t just recommend vaccines and senior bloodowork to empty your pocket. An ounce of prevention and early detection of organ dysfunction and other diseases can extend quality and quantity of life significantly. For example, if a senior blood screen shows mild liver or kidney elevations, I can often keep things at that stage with diet changes and supplements. If we wait till the Pet is sick, prognosis is not as good and treatment more costly. As your pet ages and developes any medical conditions, we can help recommend supplements and vitamins at that point. Hope this helps and best of luck to you and Jack.