New Puppy Top Ten Things to Remember

So I have a new puppy, now what?  There are ample resources available through the internet and library.  We cannot possibly cover all topics in one sheet but we can give you some quick “dos” and “don’ts” and what we know to be true about our pups.

1.  Make sure your puppy is on a regular feeding schedule.  It is nice to be able to leave the pup’s food down for him at all times but that is not always possibly, especially when house training a pup.  The amount of food for each puppy varies but a good feeding schedule is give the pup all the food that he wants (or until his little belly is round) 2 to 3 times daily.  On extremely small pups (less than 6 pounds) feed 3 times daily.

2.  Clean water must be available at all times throughout the day.  If you are still working on house training, you can remove the water bowl only if you offer the pup water 6 to 8 times a day and allow him to drink as long as he would like.  This is simply to assist in house training so that you can control how much water is coming/going and when it is coming/going.

3.  Puppies are just like children and must be kept safe and comfortable.  Make sure the temperature is appropriate; if it is too cold/hot for an infant, then it is too cold/hot for a puppy.  Adequate ventilation (fresh air supply) is also necessary.

4.  There are certain chemicals that can cause significant damage to your puppies newly developing systems.  Cigarette smoke is one of the most damaging toxins a puppy can be exposed to.  A very small puppy when exposed to it can actually die from the complications to its respiratory system…especially if a puppy is being exposed to it 24/7 inside a home.  Please do not smoke around your new baby.

5.  Puppies must have their appropriate vaccinations and wormings.  Viruses and worms can kill you new baby.  A puppy must have THREE sets of shots to be fully vaccinated.  Wormings are usually done bi-monthly.  You also need to protect you pup against heartworms by providing an additional medication for that like Heartguard or Revolution.

6.  Take precaution when small children and other pets are around you new baby.  A child should be shown the proper way to hold and carry the new puppy.  Other pets may not appreciate that you love your new puppy and may show aggression including snapping and biting; be very careful when introducing them (neutral territory with lots of baby talk and petting both animals is best).

7.  Housetraining can be a big headache.  Find an option that work best for you and STICK WITH IT.  Whether it is pee pee pads, taking them outside every few hours, or using a crate…you must be consistent and most importantly, you must be patient.

8.  Puppies do get sick…just like we do.  If he is sick, don’t assume that you know what to do about it.  CALL A VET.  Do not wait until the pup is so weak that he cannot move or bark.  

9.  Puppies like to chew.  Do not leave electrical cords in reach of your pup.  Also, swallowing a penny can cause a puppy to develop a type of poisoning that can kill him within a couple of days; don’t leave money lying around.

10.  Puppies need to sleep just like a growing child.  At least eight hours for the first few months of his life is a necessity.  As he grows older, he will then require less sleep.