We will provide you with information on puppy care when your puppy is shipped
or picked up by you. Here are some of the general topics covered.
Safety
Have you puppy-proofed your home? Make sure that you remove, hide or cover
anything and everything that can be of danger. Important things to look
for include: shoes, electrical cords, laundry detergent, bleach, antifreeze
and cleaning fluids. Certain houseplants are also dangerous: lilies,
philodendrons, poinsettias and dieffenbachia are poisonous for puppies.
And lastly, make
sure your puppy has a safe place to play outside where he is never left
unattended!
Grooming
Regular puppy grooming helps your dog look great and makes him easier for
your veterinarian to handle. Daily brushing helps remove dead hair, dirt
and parasites that collect in your puppy's hair. Wipe away dried tear
stains which are not only unsightly, but can also be a hot bed for
dirt and bacteria
that are potentially harmful to your pet's eyes. Two products which can
be purchased from pet stores are Eye Pads and Eye Solution. These products
can also be used in grimy and inflamed lip folds by the mouth. Nail trimming
every 2-3 weeks makes your dog more comfortable and helps protect your
belongs, too. Many vets recommend regular home dental care to help prevent
periodontal disease. Bathe your puppy about every 2 weeks, unless they
get dirty or smelly. Over bathing can cause dry skin. Use a shampoo made
for puppies. Always protect your pet's eyes prior to bathing, dipping,
grooming, and tear stain removal or when placing flea and tick products
on your pet. Sterile Petrolatum protective ointment, found in pet stores,
is also good for dogs suffering from dry eye syndrome. So, start grooming
your puppy right at the beginning, making each session enjoyable by using
treats, toys, and lots and lots of praise and affection.
Nutrition
When watching your puppy play, it's hard to believe that such a little animal
can have so much energy. That is why puppies have special nutritional needs.
Not only do they need fuel for fun, they also need fuel to grow for up
to 24 months, depending on the breed. Once fed only by their mother's milk,
your puppy now depends on you to provide the quality nutrition he needs
to thrive.
Your puppy requires the same basic ingredients as an adult dog, but due
to his rapid growth, he'll need these nutrients in large quantities. They
have to be concentrated and specially formulated, since his stomach is still
developing and can't digest the nutrients as efficiently as an older dog.
Select the best quality puppy food you can find and stick
with it. Many of the low-end foods contain non-nutritious fillers that
are safe but increase
the number of daily eliminations. Sudden changes in diet should also be
avoided.
House Training
Punishing a puppy for having an "accident" doesn't work. Did
you know that dogs have a natural instinct to relieve themselves away from
their living
quarters? That's good to know, because no facet of dog ownership makes
dog owners more nervous or is more misunderstood than house training.
Correct elimination is a behavior, just like lying down, rolling over or
sitting.
The same rules that apply to tricks and obedience behaviors apply to
house training. Positive reinforcement for correct behavior is the best
way to
develop and control your pup's education.
The 12 Golden Rules of Responsible Dog Ownership
