Special Puppy care tips

 
I thought that I would put a few things that I have  learned on paper as a reference for you and your new puppy.  Some of  them I have learned the hard way, but most of the bits of advice have  come from my friends who have been raising dogs for a long time and know  what they are talking about!  

1.    See your vet  regularly. Your puppy has had its first and maybe second round of shots  when it arrives. You will need to continue worming the puppy at regular  intervals, and you will need to also continue with the vaccines.  You  will also need to protect your puppy from heartworms and should talk to  your vet about how.
2.    For the prevention of ticks and fleas, I  recommend Nexgard. It is used once a month. It is a oral chew given  monthly. Nexgard must be purchased at your vet. I like to use along the  side of Heartgard for my heartworm prevention.  
3.    Feed your dog a  quality dog food that is high in protein. I am currently using Purina  Pro Plan Chicken and Rice, a dog food that is available at TSC & all  pet stores.  I recommend using Eukanuba, Iams, or Purina Dog Foods,  which can be purchased at pet stores, grocery stores, etc. I use the dry dog food and soften it or my puppies so that  it is easier for them to eat. Canned dog food often causes stomach  problems. Make sure that your puppy has access to fresh water all the  time. Also, some people feed their dogs the same food that they  eat. Please don’t do this. Your dog will have a much longer life if you  refrain from feeding it “table food”.
4.    Your puppy will begin to  chew on things because he/she is teething. You will need to supply  rawhide chews, or other toys for her to chew on. When the puppy chews on  things that are inappropriate, please offer them the chews instead. You  can clap your hands (to get their attention) and tell them “no” when  they have unacceptable behavior. Your dog is highly intelligent, and  will learn what no means. You can also use a rolled up newspaper to  discipline the puppy (it is effective, and won’t harm him/her).
5.     Treat your puppy like a new baby. Keep it away from unvaccinated  animals and places that those animals have been until all of the shots  are complete.  Any public place, especially rest areas, and places that  other animals have visited may be dangerous to expose your new baby to.
6.     Sometimes small dogs are stressed by changes, travel, or if they are  injured.  When this happens their sugar level drops. If you notice your  puppy lying around an excessive amount, try to entice him to play. If he  will not, give him a tablespoon of water and sugar or ½ to 1 teaspoon  of honey or corn syrup depending on the size of your dog.
7.  To  house train your dog, I recommend crate training. It is the easiest way  that I have found to train my dogs. They like to be in their crate as a  safe haven sometimes as well.  There is lots of info on the internet to  help with that!
 

If you have any questions, please ask your  vet. I also don’t mind phone calls, texts, and e-mails when it is  something that I can help you with.
 

Thanks! Enjoy your puppy as much as our family has enjoyed ours!
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