Person 1: Frankly, lot of people think those tabloids are best used for puppy training and that’s it. Speaking of puppies, they can be a lot of work but don’t worry because we’re making your life a little easier today. Rhiannon is with pet wellness and lifestyle expert, Jenn Fedal, in today’s Better Pets.
Person 2: Hi Audra! Whether you’ve just gotten a pet for the very first time, or you need to brush up on that puppy 101. Jenn is going to tell us all the rules for all those pesky flees, nutrition, all of that stuff. Do you maybe wondering which a lot of these things, I think, pet owners don’t really realize.
Person 3: Yeah. Unless you’re the type of person who does a ton of research in the beginning, you may not realize what you’re getting yourself into when you get your puppy.
Person 2: They’re a big commitment. You really need to find a vet, and do all of those things.
Person 3: Yes, find vet, find a trainer, those would be my first two things that I did. Then after that, especially if you’re in flea-prone area, start that flea medication right away and at 8 weeks, you can actually start a flea regimen.
Person 2: So, should you to be giving your pet flea medication at all times?
Person 3: If you’re in a state that has a flea problem all year long, I would say absolutely do.
Person 2: Okay.
Person 3: Talk to your vet first of all.
Person 2: We know how annoying those fleas can be.
Person 3: They are.
Person 2: They’re just gross. So, what can you do?
Person 3: I believed, you know, I’m a firm believer and do as much all naturally as you can so, there’s a great, there’s great flee shampoos out there that will kill flees. There’s great sprays in the market and they’re all natural that will prevent fleas and ticks and mosquitoes, actually. And then you have your basic front line advantage and all of the prescription topical medication that you can use.
Person 2: Okay, so what about heartworms?
Person 3: Heartworms, you know, some places are more prone to those, as well.
Person 2: We know those could be fatal to your dog.
Person 3: They can be fatal and if your dog does come down with that horrible disease, it’s very expensive to cure your dog. So, to try prevent that, have your dog take an oral pill. You can also just prevent it by using a spray that prevents mosquitoes because they’re transferred by mosquitoes.
Person 2: Okay.
Person 3: So that’s an easy way. Talk to your vets. At some areas, you don’t need as much as others.
Person 2: And vaccines for dogs, how important are those?
Person 3: Very important. So, you’re going to have vaccines; your puppy will have vaccines at 8, 12 and 16 weeks. And rabies is a must-have, parvo-distemper must-have. There are other things in the market depending n your lifestyle and your dogs, you may not have to do.
Person 2: Okay. So, what about proper nutrition, how important is this for your dog?
Person 3: Yes. It’s very important because puppies need more fat and more protein on their diet. They also need the correct mineral mix of phosphorus, calcium and a few others to make sure their bones are growing properly and at a right pace and their ligaments joins, as well.
Person 2: So, that means you can’t just feed them any all dog food.
Person 3: Not any all dog food. Look for a high quality, either for regular puppies or large breed puppies. There is a difference.
Person 2: Okay, so these are especially for puppies. And they make all natural food now as well.
Person 3: Exactly. And these two are perfect examples of that.
Person 2: Okay, so proper nutrition is a must.
Person 3: Is a must.
Person 2: Now this little thing, little toy.
Person 3: That is…
Person 2: Very cute.
Person 3: That’s a squirrel, dude. And so puppies are going to teeth and a lot of my clients always say “Jennifer this dog is biting me and I can’t stand and look at my arms.” And that’s normal from 4 months on. They can teeth until all their puppy teeth fall out in their adult teeth grow in. So, replace arm with a nice chew toy. That chew toy, actually, you can put treats on the bottom. Stuff it with treats.
Person 2: It comes out right out of the bottom. That’s so cute.
Person 3: Right out of the bottom.
Person 2: That’s going to drive them crazy. They’re going to want to chew on that.
Person 3: They’re going to want to… it’s going to make their mind work and you can even free some peanut butter in there and let them have that.
Person 2: Okay, lots of great tips for puppies. It’s time to adopt one now.
Person 3: Absolutely.
Person 2: Thanks, Jenn.
Person 3: Thank you.
Person 2: Okay, back to you Audra.
Person 1: Thanks a lot, Rhiannon, and if you need more pet advice, we have got some ways to keep the house looking and even smelling fresh regardless of how many pets you have. Just go our website, www.bettertv.com, and then click on the videos.