Every good vet will tell you that prevention is better than cure. So in addition to a nutritious, balanced diet, you can make sure your puppy thrives by providing regular exercise, regular check ups and effective dental care.

Exercise
Keeping fit is as important for your puppy as it is for you. A healthy exercise regime will help puppies to stay full of energy, keep in shape, and build a strong immune system so they are less likely to fall ill. At the same time, they should never be over-exercised.

Initially, playing free in the garden or a park will be all a puppy needs. Your breeder will probably give you a safe exercise program to follow - and if they don't, just ask for one. Apart from keeping your pup in top condition, exercise also provides a vital way to socialise and play freely with other dogs and people. Avoid extremely rough play, especially with larger breeds, as it can damage growing joints.

Train your puppy to walk properly on a lead without pulling, even if they will rarely be walked on a lead. A head collar will help you teach them kindly, but never use a choke chain: they're long out of date and can be very dangerous, especially with
puppies.
 
Remember that variety is the spice of life, so keep exercise interesting. Trudging around the block three times every morning and evening is boring for your puppy, not to mention you. Playing chase games with balls and toys (never sticks as these can be dangerous) can really help retain your puppy's interest, whilst getting members of the family to hide on a walk is a great favourite and improves tracking skills. If you live in the country, include some road-walking to keep your puppy's nails trim and improve behaviour on the lead.

Also, think about trying other forms of exercise. Is there a canine swimming pool near you, for example? Some breeds, such as Newfoundlands and Retrievers, love to practice their doggie paddle.
 
Visiting the vet
Assuming you have already selected a local vet, try and arrange a visit the very first day after collecting your new puppy. Tell them it's a new puppy health check, as they may want to allocate a bit more time than the usual 10-minute consultation. Once you get to the surgery, keep your puppy on your lap and away from other dogs. They may be ill - and your puppy is extra sensitive to disease. It's worth taking along some treats, so you can ask the vet and nurses to reward your puppy during the check up.

At the first consultation, the vet will give your puppy a general examination and discuss vaccination requirements with you, so take along the details of any previous treatments (vaccination certificates should have been provided by the breeder). Your vet will also want to have a chat with you about worming and fleas, microchipping, and neutering, as well as answering any questions you have about health care, feeding, exercise or grooming. Remember to ask for details of puppy parties and dog training classes held at the surgery or nearby.

Regular check ups
Every so often puppies do fall ill. Most illnesses and diseases are treated more effectively and cheaply sooner rather than later. It's important to give your puppy a regular monthly home health check yourself. And it's always better to be safe than sorry, so if you suspect anything might be wrong, play it safe and take your pup straight to the vet. Here's a list of what to be look out for:

Body condition - you should just be able to feel the ribs and nothing more. There should be a 'waist' between the ribs and hips, but the belly should not sag. Click here for more information on how to check your puppy's body condition.

Ears - should be clear of any thick brown (or green) wax and shouldn't smell. Some long-eared breeds benefit from regular ear cleaning with special ear cleaners (available from your vet), but be careful when you use them - the skin is very sensitive. Don't clean too deeply or vigorously as the eardum can be easily perforated.

Eyes - should be bright and clear rather than runny, red or sore. Your puppy should not shy away from light as if it hurts their eyes.

Nose - there should be no crusting of surface, or any runny discharges or bleeding. The colour of your dog's nose may vary over time. In many instances this is normal, but there are circumstances when a change in pigment colour is an indication of a health concern. It's always sensible to consult your vet if you notice a change.

Breath  - bad breath can mean a digestive upset or bad teeth, which could potentially lead to organ problems. Teeth should be white with no excess tartar (which looks thick and brown). The gums should be pink, not red or swollen.

Skin and coat  - skin can be pink or black, depending on your puppy's natural pigments, and free of any scruffy dandruff or sores. The coat should be thick (depending on breed) and shiny with no broken hairs. Hair can be shed all year around, but it's normally worse in summer and autumn - you'll need a good vacuum. Some breeds like poodles don't shed, but need clipping regularly, so remember to include this is your budget if you're unable to do this yourself.

Nails - should be smooth and can be white or black. Nails that are roughened and break easily may require attention. When checking the nails, remember the dewclaws found on the inside of the leg just below the wrist. Some dogs have them on the front legs only; some have them on both front and back; and some don't have any at all. Ask your vet to show you how to clip your puppy's nails so you can keep them in good condition at home.
 
Dental care
Your puppy's teeth and gums are as vulnerable to disease as your own, and could become a source of discomfort, halitosis and even kidney or heart disease if not treated properly. A simple brushing routine can help to prevent gum disease and tooth loss, and is best started while your dog is still a puppy to get him used to it early. Use an enzymatic canine toothpaste (flavours include meat, mint and malt). Never use human toothpaste.

Start by simply lifting the lips on either side of your pup's mouth before progressing to rubbing the teeth with a finger wrapped in gauze or a washcloth. Don't bother rubbing or cleaning the inside surfaces of teeth because, unlike humans, dogs tend to accumulate plaque primarily on the outside surfaces. And after every clean, give the 'patient' a treat - they've deserved it!

If your dog resists you handling his mouth (a common problem when good dental care starts later in his life) there are a variety of other solutions and aids: oral hygiene gels, available from your vet, that contain enzymes to inhibit the bacteria responsible for plaque formation; dental pads that stick to the gums; chew toys and specially formulated dental chew products designed to reduce tartar and massage the gums. Dry dog foods can also help scrape away plaque and tartar.