Adopting a Shiba Inu? What health info to check for puppy and parents?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Adopting a pet is a great option and certainly helps those pets in need of a home so thank you for looking into adopting! Some shelters will have an affiliation program with nearby veterinary clinics where the clinic will provide you with a free examination to establish yourself there. I would ask the shelters if they have such a program. When going to the veterinarian, I would ensure that you are looking at preventative care (heartworm and flea / tick prevention). The shelter should have most vaccinations up to date but if it is a puppy, you may have to repeat several vaccination rounds. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

No, if he’s healthy with normal poop then he should be fine. I would take him in right away for an exam, vaccinations and a fecal check. He will need boosters again in three weeks. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you get answers to your veterinary questions.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Honestly, I think that her mom is either purebred or almost is. I would expect your pup to either be a purebred Shih Tzu or being very close to it so in terms of behavior and expectations, I would be expecting what I would expect for a Shih Tzu. She is adorable! Good luck and have a great day!

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!

Hello. It is best to have this puppy examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible to check & treat for any intestinal parasites & any possible coat or skin issues such as mange, fleas & ticks. The veterinarian can guestimate the puppies age & recommend the vaccinations that are appropriate to the puppies age & what diseases are present in your area. Thank you so much for rescuing this puppy & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Congratulations!! Bruno is adorable! Bruno needs to start his puppy vaccines. He should receive a DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvo and parainfluenza) vaccine every 3-4 weeks starting around 7-8 weeks of age until he receives two past 12 weeks. He should get his rabies vaccine between 12-16 weeks. He can start being dewormed as well. Having him dewormed and Rabies vaccination will protect your family. Keep up with his vaccinations into adulthood as they do have expiration dates. Deworm yearly. I recommend puppy food until 1 year of age. I like Purina proplan, hills science diet and Royal Canin. As a puppy his energy level is like a new born. Play for a bit then sleep. Around 4 months they are awake more. So playing with him when awake and 2-3 walks a day are appropriate. Distance can increase with age and endurance. See below for links on training. I wish you and Bruno the best! https://www.petcoach.co/article/basic-dog-puppy-training-rules/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/rewards-are-necessary-when-training-dogs-and-puppies/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/training-fitness-for-sporting-dogs/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/interacting-with-your-pet/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-obedience-commands-every-dog-should-know/

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!