Congratulations! Coco is the happy mother of an adorable litter of poodles, each as lovable as the next! Welcoming these cute and cuddly puppies into the world is an exciting time. While Coco will take on the initial care, there will come a moment when these little furballs must be weaned and prepared for regular health check-ups to secure their health certificates.
Highland Pet Hospital, a trusted name in animal reproductive services, supports breeders in Orlando and Central Florida, regardless of their experience level. With our expertise, we provide everything from routine wellness visits to urgent care, ensuring the well-being of your puppies.
When to Wean Newborn Puppies
A common question for new puppy caregivers is when to introduce solid food. According to Dr. Barstow at Highland Pet Hospital, puppies can typically begin the transition to solid food, a process known as weaning, at approximately 4 weeks of age. We suggest starting with Puppy Mousse. This stage marks a significant step in their growth and development.
Do Puppies Need a Health Certificate?
Yes, obtaining a health certificate is a vital step in preparing puppies for their adoptive new homes. The health certificate documents the puppy's vet examination findings, detailing any health conditions or concerns that the new owner should be aware of, such as allergies or pre-existing medical issues. The certificate also includes the puppy's vaccination history, ensuring that all necessary vaccinations are up to date, such as those for parvovirus, distemper, and rabies. Additionally, it often includes information about the puppy's deworming status and any treatments it may have received before adoption.
Routine Puppy Care
Regular veterinary visits are fundamental to responsible puppy care. These appointments are scheduled at key stages of a puppy's early life for routine check-ups, vaccinations, parasite screening, and overall health assessment. Additionally, procedures like dewclaw and tail removal are typically performed early for certain breeds, like poodles, often within the first three to four days of birth.
Neonatal Puppy Care
Caring for newborn puppies is very rewarding but presents unique challenges. In situations where natural feeding isn't possible, tube feeding may be necessary due to a lack of mother's milk. While a vital technique, tube feeding requires careful attention. As Dr. Webster at Highland Pet Hospital points out, if milk comes out of a puppy's nose during feeding, it can indicate that fluid has been accidentally inhaled into the lungs, a serious neonatal emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention. If your puppy requires tube feeding, our vets will happily train you on the correct procedure.
When To Seek Urgent Care For Puppies
Certain symptoms in puppies can indicate a potentially life-threatening situation that requires urgent or emergency care. One critical symptom to be aware of is milk coming from the nose, which may suggest an airway obstruction, particularly if the puppy is nursing. It could indicate aspiration pneumonia or a severe respiratory issue, which are serious conditions needing immediate medical attention.
Additional signs of distress include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Excessive lethargy
- Persistent vomiting
- Severe diarrhea
- Whimpering or reluctance to move
Other alarming indicators might be a sudden change in behavior, such as extreme aggression or withdrawal, as well as noticeable swelling in the abdomen or any wounds that are bleeding profusely. If you observe any of these concerning symptoms, it is vital to seek prompt veterinary evaluation.
Urgent Care for Puppies in Orlando, FL
Highland Pet Hospital understands that puppy emergencies can happen at any time. We provide urgent care services for puppies in Orange and Seminole Counties, including Kissimmee, Winter Park, Oviedo, and Winter Garden. Our experienced team, including specialists like Dr. Barstow and Dr. Webster, is equipped to handle critical neonatal cases. If you have a puppy emergency, contact Highland Pet Hospital immediately by phone or through the AirVet app. We deliver personalized pet care for life!