What you need to know




Sometimes we get first time pet or dog owners that feel a little overwhelmed by the thought of purchasing a new pet. Are you one of these people? If you are, or you have had dog's in the past but still would like some information, this is the right place to be! Many people are worried about what vaccination's and medication's their dog may need after they have left our kennel. Your veterinarian is the place to go and of coarse they will tell you everything you will need, but it is always a good idea to know before hand so you have a general idea going in.
Searching for what your pet needs online can be quite frustrating, especially when there are so many websites out there, some of which that are not creditable. On this page is a list of recommended vaccinations along with flea and heartworm prevention, all simplified with what you NEED to know!

Bringing Your New Puppy Home



The Supplies You Need

Before you bring your puppy home, be sure you have the following supplies:
1. Premium pet food to get your new puppy off to a good start.
2. Stainless steel, non-tip food and water bowls.
3. Identification tags with your puppy's name, your name, phone number and your veterinarian's name and phone number. A collar and a leather or nylon 6-foot leash that's 1/2 - 3/4 inches wide (consider using a "breakaway" collar with plastic clips that will unsnap in case your puppy gets hung up on something).
4. A home and travel crate that's airline approved and will accommodate your puppy's adult size. This crate will serve as your puppy's new "den" at home, when traveling or riding to the veterinarian's office. His scent in the crate will provide comfort and a sense of security during these stressful times.
5. Stain remover for accidental soilings.
6. Brushes and combs suited to your puppy's coat; ask your veterinarian or breeder about an appropriate brush or comb for your dog.
7. Dog shampoo, toothbrush and paste.
8. High-quality, safe chew toys to ease teething.
9. Flea, tick and parasite controls.
10. Nail clippers.
11. Treats

Helpful Hints

  • Use stainless steel, non-tip food bowls, which won't break or absorb odors.

  • Toys with parts that squeak or whistle can be dangerous if swallowed.

  • For a comfortable collar fit, allow for two-fingers of space between the collar and your dog's neck; consider using an an adjustable collar.


    • Making a Home Safe

    To make your home safe for your new puppy, eliminate potential hazards around the house and pay attention to the following items:
  • Keep breakable objects out of reach.

  • Deny access to electrical cords by hiding or covering them; make outlets safe with plastic outlet plugs.

  • Safely store household chemicals.

  • Keep the following house and garden plants out of reach: poinsettias, azaleas, rhododendrons, dumb cane, Japanese yew, oleander and English ivy among others.

  • In the garage, be sure engine lubricants and other poisonous chemicals (especially antifreeze) are safely stored.

  • If you own a pool or hot tub, check the cover or the surrounding fence to be sure they're in good condition.

  • If you provide your puppy with an outdoor kennel, place it in an area that provides sun and shelter in the pen; be sure the kennel is large enough to comfortably accommodate your puppy's adult size.


    • The First Days at Home

    The ideal time to bring home a new puppy is when the house is quiet. Discourage friends from stopping by and don't allow overnight guests. First establish a daily routine and follow these steps:
    Step 1: Before bringing him in the house, take him to the area in your yard that will serve as his "bathroom" and spend a few minutes there. If he goes, praise him. If not, proceed into the house but be sure to take him to this spot each time he needs to use the bathroom.
    Step 2: Take him to the room that accommodates your crate—this restricted area will serve as his new "den" for several days. Put bedding and chew toys in the crate, leave the door open and line the area outside of the crate with newspaper, in case of an accident. Let him investigate the crate and the room. If he chews or urinates on his bedding, permanently remove it from the crate.
    Step 3: Observe and interact with your puppy while he's acclimating to his new den. This will help forge a sense of pack and establish you as the pack leader.


    Special Puppy Concerns

    Don't treat a puppy as young as 6 to 12-weeks old like an adult dog. Treat him the same way you would your own infant: with patience, constant supervision and a gentle touch. The way you interact with your puppy at this age is critical to his socialization. Use these tips:

  • Don't bring home a puppy while you're on vacation so you can spend a lot of time with him. Instead, acclimate him to your normal, daily routine.

  • Supervise your puppy at all times and interact with him regularly.

  • Be alert for signs (sniffing and circling) that he has to go to the bathroom, then take him outside immediately.

  • A young puppy has no bladder control and will need to urinate immediately after eating, drinking, sleeping or playing. At night, he will need to relieve himself at least every three hours.

  • Don't punish an accident. Never push his nose in the waste or scold him. He won't understand, and may learn to go to the bathroom when you're out of sight.

  • Praise your puppy every time he goes to the bathroom outside.

  • * Feed your puppy a formula designed for puppies. Like a baby, he needs nutritious, highly digestible food.



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    Meeting Resident Pets

    Keep resident pets separated from your new puppy for a few days. After your new puppy is used to his new den area, put an expandable pet gate in the doorway or put your puppy in his crate. Give your resident pet access to the area. Let pets smell and touch each other through the crate or pet gate. Do this several times over the next few days. After that, give the resident pet access to the den area with your new puppy out of his crate. Supervise their meeting and go back to through-the-gate/crate meetings if trouble arises.
    VACCINATIONS


    DHLPPV
    When your puppy leaves the kennel they will have received their first shot at 6wks, DHLPPV. This is a combination shot of annual inoculations, which is commonly referred to as the distemper or distemper/parvo vaccination. If you receive your puppy at 8wks, which is the earliest we let a puppies go, then you will need to take the puppy for it's booster shot at 9wks of age, and again at 12 weeks. It is also recommended by some vets that a dog have a fourth booster if under 16wks of age. After the last booster the shot should be given annually.

    RABIES
    The rabies vaccination is definitely a must and most states say by law your pet must be up to date at all times. They will need this shot at 15-16weeks of age. The first vaccination is good for only a year, then the second and so on is good for three years. For more information please visit: http://www.cah.com/dr_library/rabies.html

    BORDETELLA
    Is the vaccination to prevent what is commonly known as "kennel cough". You don't have to get this annually (some vets recommend every 6 months) but if your dog will staying at a kennel for any reason I would definitely recommend it, and most reputable kennels require it! not only kennels but anywhere your dog will come into contact with other dogs, pet stores, dog parks, etc...For more information on this please visit: http://www.thepetcenter.com/gen/kenc.html

    FLEA PREVENTION


    One thing I strongly recommend against is buying flea prevention at a local grocery store, Walmart, K-mart, or Target. You may have seen these brands such as Hartz or sergents. Please use US FDA/EPA approved products found at your veterinarian or purchased on-line from a creditable website. The flea collars and drops you find at a local store can actually cause health problems, especially in younger animals. Here are the products that are proven safe along with estimated prices, prices may vary from vet to vet:


    *Get Your Free Advantage Coupon*

    Advantage: The cost of the product depends on the weight of the dog. For 11-20lbs, the avg. cost is $45.00 for a four month supply.
    * Stops biting fleas in three to five minutes!
    * Kills 98 - 100 percent of fleas within 12 hours
    * Kills reinfesting fleas within two hours
    * Kills flea larvae within 20 minutes
    * Remains effective after swimming or shampooing
    * Protects from fleas all month long

    Comfortis™: Again the cost of the product depends on the weight of the dog. A little cheaper than your other leading brands. Good for dogs and puppies you must bath regularly even if only for show. Comfortis™ is the first FDA-approved, chewable, beef-flavored tablet that kills fleas and prevents flea infestations on dogs for a full month.
    * Beef-flavored, palatable, chewable tablet
    * Easy to give with no mess
    * Starts to kill fleas in 30 minutes
    * Lasts a full month
    * Kills fleas before they can lay eggs
    * Approved by the FDA
    * Demonstrated safe for dogs and puppies 14 weeks and older
    * Spinosad, the active ingredient, is environmentally friendly

    Frontline: The cost of the product depends on the weight of the dog. For the up to 22lbs the avg. cost is $45.00 for a three month supply. Kills and prevents fleas and ticks.



    HEARTWORM PREVENTION


    Heartworm disease is often an issue overlooked by many pet owners. Heartworm disease is caught and spread through the mosquitoe population and needs to be treated for year round. The only way you can make sure your pet is safe is to give them a preventative tablet once a month year round for life. Please also ask your veterinarian about annual heartworm testing.
    Click *Here* for more information on heartworm disease.

    Heartgard: The cost of the product depends on the weight of the dog. For up to 25lbs, the avg. cost is $40.00 for a year supply.


    Iverhart MAX: The cost of the product depends on the weight of the dog. For up to 25lbs, the avg. cost is $45.00 for a year supply. Also a chewable tablet.





    "Plus 10 Things To Know About Your Puppy"




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