Basic Puppy Care

There are few companions in life more loyal than a dog. But for all the companionship that a dog can offer you, it requires a great deal of time, effort, love and patience in return. More than cats, dogs need a lot more human contact.

Before you bring home one of our adorable puppies, it's important that you are willing to make this dog a part of your family for the rest of its life. Dogs can live up to 16 years or more, depending on breed type, size, genetics and care. Your puppy will need training, exercise, grooming, time and a lot of love.

If you're willing to welcome a dog into your family , it will not only return your affection tenfold, but it will provide you with years of loyal companionship.

Basic Supplies

You will need food and water bowls, a training crate, a collar, a leash, a brush, a comb and suitable toys. Our staff will take the time to show you which supplies will best suit the dog breed you have chosen.

Diet

Make sure to feed your puppy at least twice a day. Dry food provides a well-balanced diet, but we request you keep the puppy on the same food as we feed at our store, by changing food and the dogs living situation, you can stress the dog and it may end up with diarrhea, or other problems. You may also mix the food with water or broth. If you do decide to change brands for whatever reason, you should consider a premium brand. Even though they are a bit more expensive, they are more digestible, have fewer fillers and tend to produce less solid waste. Always make sure to have clean, fresh water available at all times, and wash the dishes often.

Housing

Have a warm, quiet place for your dog to rest. We have a small the variety of Soft comfy beds here at our store. You may wish to line the bed with a blanket to make washing easier.

Coat

Brush your pet thoroughly every day depending on the breed. This helps keep its hair in good condition by removing dirt, spreading the natural oils throughout the coat, and preventing tangles from forming and keeping the skin clean and free from irritation. It is best to start brushing your pet at an early age. We do groom the animals well they are here at the store, so some may already be used to the handling. Do not despair if the puppy does not like it at first it is possible to train it to enjoy grooming. Proceed slowly, and be sure to use treats and a lot of praise to make the experience fun.

Fleas

Fleas are parasites that can transmit tapeworms and irritate an animal's skin. We always start the puppies on Advantage for fleas as soon as they arrive at the store, or before. Advantage is a liquid applied directly to the skin. It can be less toxic and more effective than traditional sprays, powders and collars. No matter what your plan of action is, you'll need to treat all animals in the house - not just the ones who have obvious infestations.

Bathing and Nails

Bath your dog no more than once every two months. More frequent bathing can dry out the skin. We carry a few different selections of shampoos and conditioners specially formulated to suit the puppy's type of fur. Spot clean if he or she is dirty and make sure to brush your puppy before each bath to get all of the mats out of its coat. Trim your pet's nails about once every two weeks with pet nail scissors.

Veterinary Examinations

Healthy dogs should be taken in at least once per year, dogs that have medical problems may require more frequent veterinary visits. Each of our puppies are sold with a one year congenital health guarantee, and a free vet check with our veterinarian.

Vaccinations

Each of our puppies are sold with "Up to Date" shots. Puppies need a combination vaccine at 2, 3 and 4 months of age. These shots provide protection from distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, parainfluenza and leptospirosis. Dogs should also need to be given annual booster shots. Make sure to ask us here at the store, or our vet during your free check-up for more information about your new puppies vaccinations.

Heartworms

Heartworms, which are carried by mosquitoes, can cause heart disease; medicine to prevent heartworms should be given once per month. Heartworm preventative can be started as early as 6 weeks of age.

Worms

Many dogs get intestinal worms, a fecal evaluation is often required to detect them. Heartworm preventative also often prevents intestinal worms.

Vomiting and Diarrhea

Intestinal parasites, viruses, foreign bodies or a change in diet can all cause vomiting and diarrhea. Puppies will dehydrate very quickly, so they must be taken to a veterinarian immediately if they show any signs of diarrhea. Older dogs should be taken in if there is blood in their vomit or diarrhea, or their condition persists for more than 24 hours.

Dental Health

Dogs develop periodontal disease, so their teeth should be cleaned with pet toothpaste at least twice per week. Use a small toothbrush that has soft bristles. Milk bones are also a great treat, not only for the dog, but for his teeth. They help remove plaque and tarter, which are the leading causes of tooth decay. Occasional cleanings performed by a veterinarian also are required.

Spaying and Neutering

Spaying a female or neutering a male ensures that a dog won't add to the pet over population problem and will help prevent many health problems.
Neutering a male dog by 6 months of age prevents testicular cancer, prostate disease and hernias. It also can reduce aggression. Spaying a female dog helps prevent pyometra (a pus-filled uterus) and breast cancer; having this done before the first heat offers the best protection from these diseases. Treatment of pyometra requires hospitalization, intravenous (IV) fluids, antibiotics and spaying. Pyometra that is not treated is fatal. Breast cancer can be fatal in about 50 percent of female dogs because the tumors can spread to the lungs. With any older, seriously ill animal, anesthesia and surgery are complicated and costly. Both procedures are performed with a similar general anesthesia to that used in human medicine, and require minimal hospitalization.