Preparing For A New Puppy
Preparation for a new puppy starts before you bring it home. Getting
prepared can be a little overwhelming especially if it has been awhile
since you have had a puppy to care for. We want to give you some
ideas to consider before bringing a new "addition" into your lives.
Finding The Right One
When you are considering adding a puppy to your household, you
need to think about which breed would best fit you and your lifestyle.
For example, if you love running, hiking and swimming with your canine
companion, maybe a Pug isn't the right breed for you!
You need to consider the breed's energy level, size, personality
traits and hair coat. If you are getting a pure bred dog, like a Border
Collie, you need to remember they are specifically bred to run and
herd. Herding breeds require lots of exercise and interaction. If they are
not properly stimulated, out of boredom they will become destructive.
Do a little research, find out what the breed's genetic predisposition to
health conditions. Find someone with who already owns a similar dog
and ask them about its behavioral habits, and ask your veterinarian
about possible health conditions that might arise with the breed.
TOYS
Chew toys like Kongs and other hardy toys are great for a puppy.
You want to be sure that the toys you buy cannot be chewed into
pieces and ingested. Stuffed animals have to be monitored carefully!
Puppies love to eat the "stuffing". Although you may not consider an
object a toy doesn't mean your puppy will agree. We know many
puppies who have enjoyed ingesting leashes, shoes, rocks and bark.
Providing your puppy with plenty of toys will prevent him from "finding"
them around the house.
FOOD
Young puppies need to be fed a high quality puppy food. Puppy
foods have specific levels of DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) which is a
natural Omega-3 fatty acid essential in the development of the brain
and nervous system. Dry premium pet foods generally offer more
concentrated nutrition in dense particles. This allows you to feed smaller
amounts than most cheaper foods and still meet nutritional
requirements.
Once your puppy is between three and five months of age, you can
begin to gradually switch over to an adult maintenance. The pet food
industry encourages people to leave their puppies on the puppy diet
for 1 year. Most puppies do not need the extra calories and
supplements. Choose a premium maintenance diet that your dog will
remain on for long-term. If you have questions about feeding your
puppy please contact us.
FEEDING
There are various ways you can feed your puppy. In most cases, we
recommend that you place a large bowl of food down 3 times a day
for 20 minutes. Soon the puppy will understand that it is time to eat and
consume enough food to sustain him until the next feeding time. We tell
our clients that it is best not to make a 'big deal' about meal times. If the
puppy is reluctant to eat, wait a few hours and try again. This will help
the puppy to self-regulate his own intake.
Treats - Although they are cute, avoid buying those processed,
colorful and moist treats. They contain chemicals, dyes, extra sodium
and calories. Giving your puppy a piece of its normal food as a treat
will be just as rewarding.
SLEEPING
Crate training is an excellent method for training puppies. Dogs
naturally enjoy a den for their own space to feel secure. Encourage
your puppy to go into its crate with a small treat and lots of praise.
Before placing the puppy in the crate, make sure the puppy has a
chance to go outside for a "potty" break. Once the puppy is in the
crate, he may cry but it is important that you let them get used to the
crate.
Puppies generally need to go outside once or twice during the
night. They usually wake up and start whimpering. That is your cue to
pick up the puppy and bring it outside. If you try to get your puppy to
walk outside, chances are there will be a puddle along the way! If your
puppy seems to need to go out more than normal, or is straining to
urinate contact your veterinarian.
POTTY TRAINING
A 6-8 week old puppy needs to go outside about every half hour.
Typically, smaller breeds need more visits to the backyard than a large
breed. Within a day or two, you will begin to learn your puppy's pattern.
You will want to take your puppy outside anytime they change
activities. For example:
outside long enough for the puppy to go. Most people give up, go
inside and then immediately the puppy has an 'accident'. Puppies are
comfortable and secure with their inside environment and it takes
awhile for them to become comfortable with the outside environment.
To a three pound puppy, the outside world can be very overwhelming!
VACCINATIONS
During the puppy vaccination series, it is best to avoid public parks,
Boise Greenbelt, and outdoor functions. The Parvo virus can stay in the
environment for a long time (5 months or longer) and any exposure to it
can place your puppy at risk. The Distemper-Parvo vaccination (or
Vanguard Plus 5) is first given at 6 weeks of age then boostered every
3 weeks until the puppy is 16 weeks old. These boosters are very
important because during this time the antibodies from the mother's
colostrum are wearing off. Each vaccination "boosts" the puppies
immunity against Distemper, Parvo Virus, Adenovirus Type 2, and
Canine Para-influenza.
The Rabies vaccination is given at 12-16 weeks of age and expires
after one year.
For more information about the puppy vaccination series and
vaccinations required by adult dogs, please visit our vaccination
page.
If you have any more questions about raising a puppy, we
would be glad to answer them.
Other helpful websites:
http://www.growingupwithpets.com/index2.shtml
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/tpuppy.html
http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/new-puppy.html
Preparation for a new puppy starts before you bring it home. Getting
prepared can be a little overwhelming especially if it has been awhile
since you have had a puppy to care for. We want to give you some
ideas to consider before bringing a new "addition" into your lives.
Finding The Right One
When you are considering adding a puppy to your household, you
need to think about which breed would best fit you and your lifestyle.
For example, if you love running, hiking and swimming with your canine
companion, maybe a Pug isn't the right breed for you!
You need to consider the breed's energy level, size, personality
traits and hair coat. If you are getting a pure bred dog, like a Border
Collie, you need to remember they are specifically bred to run and
herd. Herding breeds require lots of exercise and interaction. If they are
not properly stimulated, out of boredom they will become destructive.
Do a little research, find out what the breed's genetic predisposition to
health conditions. Find someone with who already owns a similar dog
and ask them about its behavioral habits, and ask your veterinarian
about possible health conditions that might arise with the breed.
TOYS
Chew toys like Kongs and other hardy toys are great for a puppy.
You want to be sure that the toys you buy cannot be chewed into
pieces and ingested. Stuffed animals have to be monitored carefully!
Puppies love to eat the "stuffing". Although you may not consider an
object a toy doesn't mean your puppy will agree. We know many
puppies who have enjoyed ingesting leashes, shoes, rocks and bark.
Providing your puppy with plenty of toys will prevent him from "finding"
them around the house.
FOOD
Young puppies need to be fed a high quality puppy food. Puppy
foods have specific levels of DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) which is a
natural Omega-3 fatty acid essential in the development of the brain
and nervous system. Dry premium pet foods generally offer more
concentrated nutrition in dense particles. This allows you to feed smaller
amounts than most cheaper foods and still meet nutritional
requirements.
Once your puppy is between three and five months of age, you can
begin to gradually switch over to an adult maintenance. The pet food
industry encourages people to leave their puppies on the puppy diet
for 1 year. Most puppies do not need the extra calories and
supplements. Choose a premium maintenance diet that your dog will
remain on for long-term. If you have questions about feeding your
puppy please contact us.
FEEDING
There are various ways you can feed your puppy. In most cases, we
recommend that you place a large bowl of food down 3 times a day
for 20 minutes. Soon the puppy will understand that it is time to eat and
consume enough food to sustain him until the next feeding time. We tell
our clients that it is best not to make a 'big deal' about meal times. If the
puppy is reluctant to eat, wait a few hours and try again. This will help
the puppy to self-regulate his own intake.
Treats - Although they are cute, avoid buying those processed,
colorful and moist treats. They contain chemicals, dyes, extra sodium
and calories. Giving your puppy a piece of its normal food as a treat
will be just as rewarding.
SLEEPING
Crate training is an excellent method for training puppies. Dogs
naturally enjoy a den for their own space to feel secure. Encourage
your puppy to go into its crate with a small treat and lots of praise.
Before placing the puppy in the crate, make sure the puppy has a
chance to go outside for a "potty" break. Once the puppy is in the
crate, he may cry but it is important that you let them get used to the
crate.
Puppies generally need to go outside once or twice during the
night. They usually wake up and start whimpering. That is your cue to
pick up the puppy and bring it outside. If you try to get your puppy to
walk outside, chances are there will be a puddle along the way! If your
puppy seems to need to go out more than normal, or is straining to
urinate contact your veterinarian.
POTTY TRAINING
A 6-8 week old puppy needs to go outside about every half hour.
Typically, smaller breeds need more visits to the backyard than a large
breed. Within a day or two, you will begin to learn your puppy's pattern.
You will want to take your puppy outside anytime they change
activities. For example:
- Immediately after it wakes up from a nap
- 20 minutes after a meal
- When the puppy stops playing
outside long enough for the puppy to go. Most people give up, go
inside and then immediately the puppy has an 'accident'. Puppies are
comfortable and secure with their inside environment and it takes
awhile for them to become comfortable with the outside environment.
To a three pound puppy, the outside world can be very overwhelming!
VACCINATIONS
During the puppy vaccination series, it is best to avoid public parks,
Boise Greenbelt, and outdoor functions. The Parvo virus can stay in the
environment for a long time (5 months or longer) and any exposure to it
can place your puppy at risk. The Distemper-Parvo vaccination (or
Vanguard Plus 5) is first given at 6 weeks of age then boostered every
3 weeks until the puppy is 16 weeks old. These boosters are very
important because during this time the antibodies from the mother's
colostrum are wearing off. Each vaccination "boosts" the puppies
immunity against Distemper, Parvo Virus, Adenovirus Type 2, and
Canine Para-influenza.
The Rabies vaccination is given at 12-16 weeks of age and expires
after one year.
For more information about the puppy vaccination series and
vaccinations required by adult dogs, please visit our vaccination
page.
If you have any more questions about raising a puppy, we
would be glad to answer them.
Other helpful websites:
http://www.growingupwithpets.com/index2.shtml
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/tpuppy.html
http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/new-puppy.html
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*For More Information Please Contact Your Vet!*
Disclaimer: Vista Animal Hospital makes sincere efforts to ensure the
accuracy of information posted on this website. VAH cannot and will
not be held responsible or liable for errors, inaccuracies or improper
use of information by the reader. Readers who rely on the information
contained on this web site or on other web sites accessed from this
one do so at their own risk and are advised to consult with their
veterinarian before acting on it
accuracy of information posted on this website. VAH cannot and will
not be held responsible or liable for errors, inaccuracies or improper
use of information by the reader. Readers who rely on the information
contained on this web site or on other web sites accessed from this
one do so at their own risk and are advised to consult with their
veterinarian before acting on it