Congratulations on your new Puppy! Here are some suggestions to help you keep your puppy healthy and safe. Please click here for Housebreaking, Crate Training and New Puppy Tips Vaccinations: Your new puppy has had his-her first set of shots and has been wormed. Please see the puppy’s shot record for the specific vaccinations and wormer given. Puppies are very susceptible to disease and illness during their first year and require 3 or more sets of vaccinations and boosters, depending on where you live and the conditions in your area. Please take vaccinations very seriously and understand that your puppy could die within a day if he contracts a serious disease that he/she has not been properly vaccinated for. Don't assume that because the puppy received his/her first shots that they will be okay. Please be extremely diligent in protecting your puppy from exposure to dog and puppy diseases. Don't take them places where there are lots of dogs until they are 12 weeks old and have had all three rounds of vaccinations. For example: I know you want to show off your new baby, but don't take them to Pet stores, Feed stores, dog parks, etc. Keep them at home and safe. When you take your puppy to the vet, please keep them in a crate or in your arms. Don't let them come into contact with the floors, trash cans, etc. Only place them on the exam table if you know it has been cleaned since the last dog was there. You'd be surprised to find out how many puppies get sick at the vet. Where do sick puppies go? THE VET!!! That's where you can pick up a lot of nasty diseases. Just be careful and read my canine illnesses page to learn of the symptoms and how diseases are spread. Your puppy will need booster shots at 9 and 12 weeks with a rabies shot at 12 weeks. The rabies vaccination can only be administered by a veterinarian in most states. Please check with your vet to see what vaccinations they recommend and at what age. We do sell boosters for your puppy’s subsequent vaccinations. They are available for $10 each. Adjusting to a new home: Puppies commonly shows signs of anxiety and fear when they are taken from their mother and litter mates. To help ease the transition to your puppy’s new home, try and make sure that you have a day or two to stay at home with the new puppy. Try to keep the home environment quiet and friendly. Puppies are just like newborn babies – don’t over-handle them. They sleep around 80% of the time and tire very quickly. Let them have as much rest as they need. We recommend crate training your new puppy. It will give the puppy a place to feel safe and a place to sleep. (Please see info on crate training above) Your puppy may whine and cry the first week at his new home, especially when in the crate. Just be patient and calm and he will adjust. Keep in mind that puppies are like children and will become accustomed to sleeping with you in your bed – if you don’t want a dog in your bed forever, don’t start it as a puppy!!! New puppies sometimes get diarrhea. This can be from anxiety or changes in food/water, etc. Diarrhea can also be caused by parasites, diseases and parasites brought on by stress as well as puppy diseases such as parvo. Please see my Canine illnesses and Safe Vet Visit pages for more information. Food: To ensure your puppy’s stomach stays calm, please continue to feed him/her Purina Puppy Chow or slowly switch to the food of your choice. If you do decide to feed a different food, slowly mix the two foods together over a period of a week and phase out the old food. I cannot stress enough how important it is to feed your dog quality pet food. Not only does it add years to your dog’s life, it cuts down on “poop production” and makes your dog’s coat and eyes bright and attractive. Some suggestions for food are: Purina One and Purina Pro Plan. Please make sure your puppy has dry food and water available at all times. Please see my Dog Food information page for more info. |
| Kanine Kisses ~ New Puppy Info |
