260.489.5611
NewPuppyHandout
Congratulationsonyournewpuppy!We feelthat your initialvisit with your newpuppyisveryimportant. Since a lot ofinformationwillbe covered,wehavewrittendownsomepointsyou maywishto remember. If you are immunocompromised, please inform the doctor.
1. Vaccinations
6-8 weeks= Puppy Shot (DHPP, Cv)12-14 weeks= 2nd Adult(DHP-Parvo, 4L)
9-11 weeks=1st Adult (DHP-Parvo, Cv)15 weeks+ = 3rd Adult (DHP-Parvo, 4L)
DA2PPvorDHPP: Distemper,Hepatitisor Adenovirus type 2,Parainfluenza, Parvo-virus, and Coronavirus).Thisvaccineis givenin aseriesandis oneof the mostimportantthings you will everdoto protectyourdog’shealth.Many of these diseases, such as the Parvo-virus, can even be picked up by you walking around outside and tracking it back in.
Coronavirus (Cv):Canine Coronavirus is one of the leading viral causes of diarrhea in puppies. It invades the rapidly growing cells of the intestinal lining causing nausea, lack of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. It is primarily a disease of young puppies.
Leptospirosis (4L):Leptospirosisis abacteriaspreadbywildlifeandingested bydogsdrinkingoutof water sources, including puddles.Itcanbecontracted bypeoplesoitis also a human healthconcern.Itis givenin a seriesof twoinjections3 weeksapartfollowedbooster 6 months later. Then yearlyboostered.
Rabies: Is a fatal disease that can be passed to your pet by wildlife. Once contracted, it can be passed to humans. Thisvaccinationis firstgivenat or after12weeksof age.Thenextboosteris giveninoneyear.
Bordetella: Thisvaccinationis given topreventcontagioustracheal-bronchitisor“kennelcough” on an annual basis.
Influenza: Dog flu is an emerging infectious disease in our area. It is spread by close contact and infected materials. It causes severe upper respiratory symptoms and high fever. It can be fatal. It is boostered once, then given annual.
2. Internal Parasites
We routinelyadministerwormingmedicationateachpuppyvisitbecausepuppies arefrequentlyborn withascarids(roundworms)andseveraltreatmentsmaybenecessaryto eliminatethem.Itis agoodideatohavea fecalexamdoneas soon as possibleandthen yearlythereafter.
Puppies canbecomeinfectedwithparasites before theyareborn orlaterthroughtheirmother’smilk. Modern deworming preparationsaresafeandeffectiveandwerecommendtheiruseattwoweekintervals starting at two weeksofage. Itisimportantthatthemedicationisrepeatedsinceitis usuallyonly the adultwormsthatarekilled. Within3-4weeks,thelarvalstageswill havematured andwill needtobe treated.
Roundwormspose a smallbut definiterisk toimmunologicallysusceptiblechildren thereforeitis goodpracticetoregularlyadministerdewormingpreparations toyourdog throughoutitslife.
Tapewormsarea commonintestinalparasiteofdogs. Puppiesbecomeinfected withthemwhentheyswallowfleas;theeggsofthetapewormliveinsidetheflea. When thepuppychewsorlicksitsskinasafleabites,thefleamaybeswallowed. Dogsinfectedwithtapewormswillpasssmallsegmentsofthewormsintheirfeces. Thesegmentsarewhiteincolorandlooklikegrainsofrice. Theyareabout 3mm(1/8 in)longandmaybeseencrawlingonthesurfaceofthefeces. Theymayalsostickto thehairunderthetail. Ifthatoccurs,theywilldryout,shrinktoabouthalftheirsize, andbecomegoldenincolor. Ifyoufindthematanytime,pleaseletusknowandwewill provide the appropriate treatment.
Giardia & Coccidia are microscopic parasites that are commonly found in puppies, and can cause malnutrition due to diarrhea (even bloody) and poor absorption.
3. Heartworm/FleaPreventative
Dogs are considered the definitive host for heartworms. When a mosquito carrying infective heartworm larvae bites a dog and transmits the infection.The larvae grow, develop and migrate in the body over a period of several months to become sexually mature male and female worms. These reside in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels. As mature adults, the worms mate and the females release their offspring (microfilaria) into the blood stream. All dogs, regardless of their age, sex, or habitat, are susceptible to heartworm infection. While treatment of canine heartworm disease is usually successful, prevention of the disease is much safer and more economical. There are a variety of options for preventing heartworm infection, these products are extremely effective and when administered properly on a timely schedule, heartworm infection can be prevented. We recommend Sentinel Flavor Tabs or Proheart 6. Sentinel works as a heartworm preventative by killing the immature form of the heartworm. Sentinel is also flea control by acting as a flea egg sterilizer, which breaks the flea life cycle. They also control adult hookworms, and remove and control roundworms and whipworms. It is given every 30 days with a meal. Proheart 6 is a single injection that is a heartworm preventative that lasts for 6 months. It also is a dewormer, but does nothing for fleas.
**The American Heartworm Society recommends year-round prevention, even in seasonal areas. Most monthly heartworm preventives also have the activity against fleas and intestinal parasites. Many of the same intestinal parasites that infect dogs can also infect people, with estimated infections occurring in three to six million people every year. So this added benefit of monthly deworming makes great sense. Interceptor is also available, this is the heartworm preventative in Sentinel without the added flea control ingredient.
4. WhatshouldIfeedmy puppy?
Dietisextremelyimportantinthegrowingmonthsofadog'slife,andtherearethree importantcriteria thatshouldbemetin selecting foodforyourpuppy.
1. The dietshouldbe nutritionally adequateforpuppies.
2. The dietshouldbe complete, balancedand AAFCOtested
3. Thedietshouldhavephysicalqualities(textureabrasiveness)thatwillhelp control plaque andmaintainoral health.
4. Grains and “meals” are absolutely appropriate for your dog, and can provide excellent nutrition sources.
Feedingadry, canned, or semi-moist form of dogfoodisacceptable.Eachhas advantagesanddisadvantages. Dryfoodisdefinitelythemostinexpensiveform. Itcan beleftinthedog'sbowlwithoutdrying. Thegoodbrandsofdryfoodarejustas nutritiousastheotherforms. Semi-moistandcannedfoodsarealsoacceptable. However,bothareconsiderablymore expensivethandryfood. However,dietsconsistinglargelyofsoftfoods,bethey commercial or home prepared, even if nutritionally complete, may be physically inadequate. This canfavordevelopmentofperiodontaldisease. Ifyouchoosetogiveyour puppytablefood,besurethatatleast90%ofitsdietisgoodqualitycommercialpuppy food.
5. Dental Care
Appropriatedentalcaremaybethemostimportantthingthatyoucandotoimprovethequalityandlongevityofyour dog’slife.Ourfirstareaof concernisthatyourpuppy’spermanentteetheruptinaproperfashion.Allofyourpuppy’spermanentteethshouldbepresentbysix monthsof age.If primary (baby)teetharestillpresent(retained),theywillneedtobeextractedor theywillcausebiteandperiodontaldiseaseproblems.
Forlongtermdentalhealtha combinationofhomecare(brushing)andperiodicprofessionalcleanings isrecommended.Nowisthe timetograduallytrainyour puppyto allowyou tohandlehis/hermouth.Sinceyourpuppyis stillteething,simplehandlingofthemouthis allthatis recommendeduntilsix monthsofage.Brushingtheteeth shouldbeginaftersix monthsofageandshouldbedonedaily.Rememberthat onlytheoutside surfacesof the teeth needtobebrushedand thatpettoothpaste(dentifrice)is optional.Soft bristled brushes,finger-brushes,gauzeor adedicated wetwashclotharoundone’sfingerareallacceptable.Trytomakeit afun andpositiveexperiencewithplentyofpraiseandtreats.Dentaldietsarealsoavailable (to be used a full time diet or as treats – Hill’s T/D). Oravet is a dental product offered only by veterinarians that has brand new enzymes that are significantly more effective than over the counter dental bones.
6. Chew toys
Avoidchewtoysthatareveryhardor thatareless than3inchesindiameter.Theruleof thumbis thatachewtoyshouldbesoftenoughtobendorbeableto indentwith your thumbnail.We donotrecommendrealbonesastheyhavethepotentialto fractureteeth or cause serious issues in the digestive tract,asdonylabonesandeven freshrawhidebones.Avoid fabrictoysthatcanbechewed upandswallowed. Puppiesliketo chewonalmostanything!Bevery carefulofwhatyour puppyis allowedtochewandswallowasintestinalforeignbodiesrequiringsurgicalremovalaremostcommonindogsunderoneyearofage.
7. WhyshouldIhave my female dogspayed?
We recommendthatfemaledogsnot intendedforbreedingbespayedatapproximately4-6 monthsof age(priorto their first heatcycle). Spayingoffers severaladvantages. Thefemale'sheatperiodsresultinabout2-3weeksofvulvarbleeding. Thiscanbequiteannoying and unsanitaryifyourdogiskeptindoors. Duringthisperiodsheisattractivetoanyneighborhoodmaledogsandthesecan sometimescauseconsiderablenuisance. Yourfemalewillhaveaheatperiodaboutevery6 months. Insomecases,despiteofyourbestefforts,shewillbecomepregnant. Spayingistheremovalofuterus andovaries. Heatperiodsnolongeroccurandthus unplannedlittersof puppiesare prevented.Femaledogsspayed priortotheirfirstheatcycleenjoya99% reductionin theincidenceof mammary(breast)cancer. New research has shown that some giant breed dogs may benefit from waiting up to a year of age to be spayed to provide a nominal decrease chance in certain breed related cancers.
8. WhyshouldIhave my male dogneutered?
Neuteringoffersseveraladvantages. Maledogsareattractedtoafemaledoginheat andwillclimboverorgothroughfencestofindher. Maledogsaremoreaggressiveand morelikelytofight,especiallywithothermaledogs. Asdogsage,theprostategland frequentlyenlargesandcausesdifficultyurinatinganddefecating. As male dogs age they also develop profuse rectal tissue that can become cancerous, prostate cancers, and testicular cancers.Neuteringwillsolve, orgreatlyhelp,all of these problemsthat come withowninga maledog. The surgery can beperformedanytimeafterthedogis4-6monthsold.
9. IfI chooseto mate my female dog, when should that be done?
Ifyouplantomateyourdog,sheshouldhaveatleastoneortwoheatperiodsfirst. Thiswill allowhertophysicallymature allowinghertobea bettermotherwithoutsucha physicaldrainonher. Wedonotrecommendbreedingafter5yearsofageunlessshehasbeenbredfrompriortothat. Havingherfirstlitterafter5yearsofageincreases theriskofproblemsduringthepregnancyand/ordelivery. Onceyourdoghashadher lastlitter,itis worthconsideringspayinginordertopreventuterineinfectionsand otherreproductive problems.
10. Can Itrimmy puppy's sharp toenails?
Puppieshaveverysharptoenails. Theycanbebluntedandshortenedusingan emery boardorapieceofcarpenter'sfinesandpaper. Theycanalsobetrimmedwithnail scissorsorwithclippersmadefordogsandcats. Howeverif youremovetoomuch nail,youwillcutthequickandcausebleedingandpain. Ifthepuppyhasclearorlight colorednailsitispossibletoseethequickasapinklinerunningthroughthenail. With blacknailsthisismoredifficultandthereforetheseshouldbetrimmedatonlyabout1 mmatimeuntilthepuppyisbeginningtoresistit.This is whenitislikelyyouaregettingvery neartothequick. Itisusefultohaveamen'sshavingstypticpencil or cornstarchavailablesothatif you inadvertently cut the quick you can stop the bleeding without causing pain or discomforttothepuppy. Ifindoubt,pleaseconsultusandwewillshowyouexactlyhow totrimthe nails.
11. Training
Responsibleownershipinvolveshavingawell-traineddogandthistrainingshouldbe commencedassoonasthepuppyisacquired. Puppiesarecontinuouslylearningfromthe momenttheireyesareopenandresponsiblebreederswillensurethattheelementsof traininghave commencedlong beforeyouacquirethepuppyat6-8weeks ofage. Remembertrainingisnota formalprocessbutshouldoccurallthetimeweare togetherwitha dog.
Trainingandsocializationareintermixed,awellsocializeddogisinvariablyawelltrained dogandviceversa. Thuspuppiesshouldbesocialized. Theyshouldbehandledbyfamily membersand strangersassoonaspossibleandthenbeintroducedtootherdogs, preferablytopuppies, assoonastheirvaccination statusallows.
1. Keepthe taskssimple andonly goone stepata time.
2. Teach soundsandwordsas commands andnot sentences.
3. Beeffusive withyourpraiseanddon'tbe afraidtouse foodrewards.
4. Beconsistentandthisapplies toall membersof the family.
5. Take frequent breaks, as puppies have a very short attention span.
Localtrainingclubsorpuppypre-schoolsareanidealwayofensuringsocializationwith both thedogandownerparticipatinginbasictrainingmethods. The Gentle Leader is a type of training collar that can be purchased at the pet store and provides excellent help in training and heeling.
12. Howdo I ensure that my puppyis wellsocialized?
Thesocializationperiodfordogsisbetween4and12weeksofage. Duringthattime, thepuppyisveryimpressionabletosocialinfluences. Ifithasgoodexperienceswith men,women,children,cats,otherdogs,etc.,itislikelytoacceptthemthroughoutlife. Iftheexperiencesareabsentorunpleasant,itmaybecomeapprehensiveoradverseto anyofthem. Therefore,duringtheperiodofsocialization,weencourageyoutoexpose yourdogtoasmanytypesofsocialeventsandinfluencesaspossible. Howeversincethe puppywillnothavebuiltupacompleteimmunityfromthevaccinationseriesuntil approximately16weeksofageyouhavethedilemmaofendeavoringtosocializehimon theonehandandtryingtoisolatehimfromexposuretopotentiallyharmfuldiseaseson theother.Theaimistostrikeabalanceandobviouslynotexposehimtotheriskof diseasebutatthesametimeensurethatasmuchsocializationaspossible.
13. Can Idiscipline a puppy?
Disciplining a young puppy may be necessary if its behavior threatens people or property,butharshpunishmentshouldbeavoided. Handclappingandusingshakercans orhornscanbeintimidatingenoughtoinhibitundesirablebehavior. However,remote punishmentispreferred. Remotepunishmentconsistsofusingsomethingthatappears unconnectedtothepunishertostoptheproblem. Examplesincludeusingspraybottles, throwingobjectsinthedirectionofthepuppytostartle(butnothit)it, andmaking loudnoises. Remotepunishmentispreferredbecausethepuppyassociatespunishment withthe undesirableactand notwithyou. Positive reinforcement is the preferred method to help end unwanted behaviors. Only reward the dog when appropriate behaviors are observed.
14. Identification
Weoffer Avidmicrochips, apermanentform of identification. Thisis given byasimpleinjectionduringanofficevisit or while under anesthesia during your dog’s routine spay or neuter.Visittheirwebsite at outmore.
15.Emergencies
ForafterhoursemergenciescontactNortheast Indiana Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital (NIVES) at 260-426-1062.(This is a24hour emergency/critical care/referralcenterandprovidesexcellentcare).
It is ourgoalto provide youwiththe highest qualityservicesandinformation so youcanhavethe bestpossiblerelationshipwith your dog.Pleasecallusifwecanhelpyou inanyway!