Your Guide ToPuppy Health CareJumping UpYour puppy will often jump up to gain your attention or initiate play. This might be acceptable when your puppy is playing with other dogs. DiggingIt is very normal and natural for your puppy to dig. Digging promotes thermoregulation and provides dogs with shelter and comfort. BarkingSimilar to jumping and digging, barking is also a normal dog behaviour. However, it can become a problem if your dog barks all day, becoming a nuisance to you and your neighbours. It can also be a sign that something is wrong: dogs will bark when they are anxious, bored, or even in pain. Your puppy may bark in the middle of the night because it is looking for its pack, but it’s important that you do not go to the puppy to soothe it as this teaches it that barking is a good way to gain attention. Pet InsuranceVeterinary care these days is cutting-edge, and there are many options available if your dog becomes seriously ill or injured. However, unlike the human healthcare system, there is no government funding available to pay for veterinary treatment. Pet insurance helps to take the sting out of vet bills by reimbursing you up to 80% of the cost. There are many different policies available to suit your needs, including cover for illness and accidental injury, routine care, and emergencies. To make an appointment, book online at www.coastanimalhealth.com.au or call (02) 4392 8822. MicrochippingBy law, your puppy must be microchipped before sale or at change of ownership. This tiny chip is placed under the skin of the neck, between your puppy’s shoulder blades. If your puppy is found and taken to a vet or animal shelter, staff will use a special scanner to retrieve the unique identifying code on your puppy’s microchip. When entered into the Australian wide registries database, this code will bring up a file that contains all of your contact information, so your puppy can be reunited with you. It’s very important that you keep these details up to date.