May 3, 2017 The Skanner Page 9
News
Puppy Fever
By Jasmine Streeter, DVM
Special to The Skanner
News
P
uppy fever is in the
air and there are
bound to be pup-
pies everywhere.
Last week, while driving
past the Tom McCall Wa-
terfront Park, I saw mul-
tiple puppies happily
strolling with their new
families. This month I
want to focus on the joys
and responsibilities of
puppy ownership.
Most of us, at one time
or another, have wished
for a little fluffy ball of
fur to call our own. Pup-
“
considerable amount of
time to potty train, teach,
and socialize. Remember,
a well- trained puppy
will most likely become a
well-trained dog. There-
fore, consistency is key
when it comes to train-
ing.
Some major factors of
puppy ownership to con-
sider are the size, breed
and temperament of the
dog you will be acquir-
ing. A St. Bernard puppy
may reach 260 pounds
or more as an adult and
may not make the best
lap dog. A talkative, in-
telligent breed like the
German Shepherd or
Some major factors of pup-
py ownership to consider
are the size, breed and tem-
perament of the dog you will
be acquiring
pies bring us joy, love,
numerous kisses and al-
ways have the sweetest
puppy breath, but they
are a serious undertak-
ing. Just as we grow up,
so do they.
If you are considering
adding a puppy to your
life, consider your sched-
ule. Puppies require a
Standard Poodle may be-
come bored or destruc-
tive without mental stim-
ulation and enrichment.
The American Kennel
Club’s website has an
extensive list of breeds
with their characteristic
traits to help you choose
the breed that is right for
you. Visit www.akc.org/
Dr. Jasmine Streeter, Veternarian relaxes with her dog Sheba
dog-breeds.
Financially,
puppies
require a lot of work on
the front end. They must
visit the veterinarian ev-
ery few weeks until the
age of 16 weeks for well-
ness exams, vaccinations
and parasite prevention.
They should be spayed
or neutered to decrease
unplanned litters and
prevent certain diseases.
Other expenses like food,
toys, bedding and life-
long healthcare should
also be factored in for the
life expectancy of your
pet.
For owners that cur-
rently have pets in their
households, ask yourself
if you are ready finan-
cially, emotionally, and
time wise for another
puppy. Are your cur-
rent pets receptive to
having another member
in the home that may
vie for their attention?
Will you be the prima-
ry care provider for this
animal or will others as-
sist you? Consider that
even though a child may
claim to be the primary
caregiver, it is ultimately
the responsibility of the
adult to make sure all of
the animals’ needs are
met.
Commitment is the
greatest
contribution
you can give your puppy.
Commit to:
• care for that animal
for their entire life,
through good and bad,
thick and thin;
• giving the best quali-
ty of life you and your
family can provide;
and
• not discarding your
pet when they grow
larger and the puppy
phase has waned.
These are the commit-
ments you should make
to the puppy you have
chosen as your own.
And, if you do, I guaran-
tee your years of loyalty
will be returned tenfold.
Send your pet questions
to drjasmine@theskan-
ner.com.