The owner recently bought a Pomeranian, distemper

For small animals, especially those under three months old, they are often the ones many prospective pet owners prepare to bring home. Because dogs at this age are very cute, many people cannot resist the temptation. One reason is that many people believe dogs at this age are easier to get close to, and it is harder to cultivate feelings as they grow older. Regardless of whether this view is right or wrong, many people who buy pets nowadays do not know how to take care of them. Here are some simple points.

First is the vaccination issue. Animals of this age often have not completed their full vaccination course. It is especially important to note that the immunity effect is very poor if the vaccination is incomplete, especially for those that have only received one shot. Because the first shot mainly neutralizes maternal antibodies, the antibody level in the body will be even lower at this time. Therefore, after bringing the pet home, you must pay attention to this issue and not be careless just because the pet has had one or two vaccine shots. You should know that infectious diseases among pets are very severe in most cities in China. So generally, it is recommended that if you are not sure, it is best to revaccinate once, and before that, do not take the pet outside for walks.

A little Samoyed that had one vaccine shot before purchase, parvovirus

The nutritional needs of young animals also require special attention. Because often pet owners say that when they buy pets, pet shop owners usually say to feed one or two meals a day, rarely more than three meals. This is clearly problematic. Just imagine a newborn baby; it would never eat only one or two meals a day! Animals are the same. Young animals are best fed4--6times a day, with smaller amounts each time to increase the feeding frequency. It's important not to feed too much at once, especially for stray pets or those not getting enough food at the pet shop, as this might harm them. As for the choice of dog food, it is best to select puppy-specific dog food. If you need to switch from other dog foods you were feeding before, please transition slowly by adding some puppy food into the original food, gradually increasing the proportion until fully switched.

The importance of deworming can generally begin when the pet is about four weeks old. Emphasizing this is necessary because there was once a rescue of a newborn puppy that was well cared for but suddenly died one day; the autopsy revealed worms in the stomach. This is a frequently overlooked problem that often seriously threatens young puppies, especially newborns. Moreover, early deworming also improves vaccine effectiveness because if there are parasites before vaccination, the vaccine might fail, which is one reason why some fully vaccinated dogs still contract parvovirus, distemper, or similar diseases.

Adult Samoyed, fully vaccinated, infected with parvovirus

Newly bought puppies and kittens often have some odors on their bodies, especially dogs. So many owners immediately bathe them thoroughly upon bringing them home, entering the new family with a fresh look. This idea is understandable, but the mistake is doing so right away. Puppies need a period to adapt to the new environment, during which they are in a state of tension or stress response. Under stress, their resistance is lowered, so bathing by unfamiliar people in an unfamiliar environment only worsens this stress, making pets more prone to illness—especially those not fully vaccinated!

In summary, three points must be noted. First is the issue of infectious diseases: be sure to complete the vaccination! Second is nutrition: feed several small meals a day and provide specialized food for young animals. Third is stress: stress is unavoidable but should be minimized!