How much are you feeding your puppy? If you are simply going from the packaging label recommendations, you may be feeding your puppy too much or too little.

Not only does a puppy need an appropriate amount of food each day, he also needs exercise. If you are increasing your puppy's food intake, be sure to increase their amount of exercise as well so they don't develop weight problems.

Obesity in dogs is easier to avoid than to correct. If your puppy is being overfed, start slowly reducing his food until his weight becomes acceptable. If you aren't sure what this is, be sure to have a vet take a look. If your puppy needs to eat more, increase his food for a couple of weeks until his weight gets to where it should be, than sustain the amount.

An overweight (or underweight) dog is more likely to get sick than a dog at a healthy weight. Starting your puppy out at a healthy weight while he is young will help him now and later.

You can avoid a fever getting out of hand by checking your puppy's temperature regularly. Two or three times a week should do it. A dog's temperature should be between 99.5 and 102.5 degrees.

Do you know how to take a dog's temperature? Simply lubricate the thermometer with petroleum jelly or mineral oil before sliding it into the rectum. Not too far - about half-way will do it.

Three minutes will do it - any more and your puppy may get uncomfortable! Hopefully your puppy is not running a fever, but if he is, he should be seen by the vet right away.

It is imperative that only a rectal thermometer be used for this purpose. Oral thermometers will most likely give a false reading. You can purchase a rectal thermometer at most pet supply stores, or ask your vet for a recommendation.