It is best to choose a dry food formulated specifically for puppies. Dry foods are often better for a puppy’s teeth and seem to have less health issues. They are also often less expensive per pound than wet puppy foods. Most suggest brand name puppy food because it is difficult to distinguish better dog food from worse simply by looking at the ingredient list. Of course, after the recent recall of many brand name tainted dog foods, you can never be sure. You should always check the latest FDA recalled dog food list before purchasing. The very latest list is available on this site’s main menu, under “Bad Dog Food”.http://www.fda.gov/cvm/petfoods.htm

Should you give your puppy people food?

It is generally not a good idea to give your puppy people food. While we all like to think of our pets as part of the family, and we know they will enjoy the scraps, if overdone, they can become more picky about their normal diet, can get upset stomachs, and can develop health issues due to unbalanced diets. If you must give table scraps, it is best to keep it to a minimum. Treats designed for puppies that are reasonably balanced, such as dog biscuits are fine, but they should not become a significant part of your puppy’s diet.

How often should your puppy be fed?

Preferably, young puppies should be fed three-four small portions a day. If your puppy isn't hungry that often, you can reduce the frequency. Individual dog foods often provide suggested frequencies on their bags. Beyond 10 to 12 weeks of age, feed at least twice per day. Even adult dogs should have their food split into morning and evening feedings. When fed only once per day, dogs can become overly hungry and are more inclined to overeat at mealtime. Let your puppy eat as much as he or she wants in fifteen minutes and then pick up the food dish. If food is always available, puppies can overeat, and overweight puppies are more prone to having health and weight problems as adults. In addition, like humans, puppies don't enjoy their food as much when it is always available, unless there is some special treat. They also can become more picky eaters when food is always available.

Protecting your best friend

One of the most important things you can do to give your dog a long and healthy life is to ensure that he or she is vaccinated against common canine diseases. Your dog's mother gave her puppy immunity from disease-fighting antibodies in her milk. After that period it's up to you, with the help and advice of your veterinarian, to provide that protection through vaccination.

How do vaccines work?

Vaccines contain small quantities of altered or “killed” viruses,
bacteria or other disease-causing organisms. When administered,
they stimulate your dog’s immune system to produce disease-fighting
cells and proteins - or antibodies - to protect against disease.

When should my dog be vaccinated?

The immunity that a puppy has at birth begins to diminish sometime
between 6 and 12weeks. It is then usually time to begin the initial
vaccinations, which will be repeated once a month until the puppy is
about 3 to 4months old. Thereafter, your dog will require repeat
vaccination at regular intervals for the rest of his or her life. Above all,
follow the vaccination schedule recommended by your veterinarian - if
there is too long an interval between the first vaccination and the
booster, your dog may have to undergo the series all over again.

Which vaccinations should my dog receive?

Most veterinarians believe that your pet should be protected
against those diseases which are most common, highly
contagious and which cause serious illness. Such diseases
could include Canine Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis,
Canine Parvovirus, Canine Tracheobronchitis and Rabies.
Other vaccinations may be recommended, based on your
veterinarian’s evaluation of the risks posed by such factors as
your dog’s particular heredity, environment and lifestyle.

How effective is vaccination?

Like any drug treatment or surgical procedure, vaccinations
cannot be 100% guaranteed. However,used in conjunction with
proper nutrition and acceptable sanitary conditions, vaccination
is clearly your pet’s best defense against disease. Plus, when you
consider what treating a serious illness can cost you and your
beloved dog in terms of both money and distress, prevention
through vaccination is the better choice.