Puppy

Many puppies enter their new homes around the age of 8 weeks which means they are eating solids now and have no nutritional requirement for milk. A puppy should be fed a premium quality complete and balanced diet which contains ingredients that provide the appropriate levels of vitamins and minerals to support and sustain healthy growth. For small to medium sized breeds a puppy diet should be fed until 12 months, for large to giant breeds 18 months of a large breed puppy formula. Puppies come in many sizes having different nutritional requirements to ensure healthy growth. Puppies should be fed 3-4 meals a day until 3 months old then 3 meals to 6 months and 2 meals for the duration of life. Always follow the feeding guidelines of the chosen food and allow for treats when calculating daily feeding amounts. A larger portion of a premium food should be fed in the morning to provide the necessary energy required for the day. It is important the puppy gains weight and
growth steadily and too rapidly as this can cause joint issues. Speak to the veterinary staff
for further dietary information.

Once puppy has settled into its new environment they will become very comfortable and begin exploring different sounds, smells, textures and situations. It is essential during this learning period they experience pleasant situations. Between the ages of 3 – 12 weeks puppies should have as many pleasant experiences with as many situations, sounds, people and more. Puppies should have access to various toys to stimulate both physically and mentally. Training should begin as soon as you bring puppy home, use the puppies name and a single word cue e.g. sit, stay, drop, come. Always reward positive behavior and stay patient. The puppy is looking to you to show it what you mean, this is all new after all, use your body posture (stand tall when instructing, crouch low when inviting) and tone of your voice (clear happy voice)
when introducing puppy to new situations. Puppy preschools provide a safe environment to
provide early socialisation and training continued with local obedience / training clubs

Puppies need to learn how to use the toilet, it is important not to discipline your puppy for toileting accidents. Up until the age of approximately 16 – 18 weeks they don’t realize they need to go until they are actually going. Useful tips to be successful with toilet training is to notice what the breeder was using for toileting e.g. grass, dirt, concrete, newspaper and begin with that. Know the cues – 1. Excitement 2. Waking up 3. Before bed 4. After eating or drinking 5. After a scare or startled moment. Make toilet time boring,same spot on lead and no talking other than a cue e.g. Fluffy, go wee’s. When an accident occurs remove puppy from the room and clean the spot with an odour neutralising cleaner (ensure it does not contain ammonia). Praise puppy when they go on cue or in a desired spot.

Puppies have maternal protection for up to 6 weeks of age passed from their vaccinated mother, between 6 – 8 weeks of age puppies should commence their initial course of vaccinations. Your breeder should have had the first vaccination and supplied you with a vaccination certificate / record identifying the next due date. The course of vaccinations vary between clinics, speak with your veterinarian regarding their protocol, generally initial dose is between 6 – 8 weeks with a booster required 4wks later between 10 – 12 weeks old (a third dose at 14wks may be required if instructed by the vet) then annual boosters for the duration of life. After the final puppy booster allow 10 – 14 days before taking puppy out publicly to ensure adequate immunity. Vaccinations provide protection against Parvovirus, Distemper and Hepatitis, referred to as a C3 or core vaccine with the addition of the Kennel cough components it is referred to as a C5 vaccine. Many of these diseases are extremely resilient and contagious but have been managed through increased awareness and compliance with vaccinations

Worming: Many puppies are born with intestinal worms, hookworm and roundworm. Deworming should commence from 2 weeks and continue every 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age, between 3 – 6 months de-worming should be monthly, from 6 months for the duration of life the puppy should be de-wormed every 3 months (unless an infestation occurs). Options available include puppy suspensions such as Canex Puppy Suspension or tablets such as Drontal for Puppies and Small Dogs. It is important to know the weight of your puppy when purchasing a wormer as dose is weight based, if you do not know the weight bring your puppy in with you (we love puppy weigh in cuddles….I mean visits). There are 4 main types of intestinal worms that may affect your puppy throughout its life including hook and roundworms as mentioned previously with the addition of tapeworm and whipworm. Speak with the friendly veterinary staff for any further worming information and products available.

Desexing: As of July 1st 2018 any dog that is born that is not a registered breeder is required to be desexed by the age of 6 months. Desexing reduces the risks of health problems for both male and female dogs including pyometra (infected uterus), mammary tumours (breast cancer), prostate and testicular cancers and urinary tract disease, all of which can potentially become fatal. Desexing also reduces unwanted behaviours such as wandering, leg humping and aggression. Only a qualified surgeon can perform a spay or castrate procedure which is only a day procedure with a 2 week recovery period, speak with the veterinary team if you have any further questions.

Like us dogs get 2 sets of teeth, deciduous (baby) teeth begin to fall out between 3 – 6 months old with the adult erupting and lasting a lifetime. During the teething phase of 3 – 6 months puppy will chew on just about everything as their teeth and gums ache, provide plenty of teething friendly toys and chews. On occasion you may be lucky enough to find a puppy tooth lodged in the toy! It is common for the gums to bleed a little when a tooth is lost. Dental care can begin with a premium quality dry food and maintained throughout life with annual dental checks, a good quality diet, plenty of dental friendly chews and toys and weekly brushing of the teeth. Good dental hygiene provides not only mouth health but complete digestive health as dental disease is associated with many other health concerns affecting the digestive tract. The friendly reception staff would be happy to discuss dental products available.

Pets can become injured or ill which can put financial pressure on families at an already stressful time, pet health insurance can relieve the burden of an unexpected vet bill. Pet plan pet insurance offers a wide range of policies to accommodate each budget and family needs, speak to our friendly trained pet plan representatives for more information. Many companies offer pet insurance, be sure to find a policy suitable to you and pets requirements.

Many house hold items including plants and human foods can be toxic to dogs e.g. toothpaste, snail and rat baits, human medication, grapes, avocado and tomatoes are just a few which can be fatal. Councils can apply large fines if your dog is found roaming outside your yard, ensure you have a secure yard and sturdy fences. Dogs respond to good positive situations and learn much quicker with positive reinforcement and repetition. Socialization is essential during 3 – 16 weeks but must be continued through life. Involve the whole family with the puppy from the start. Teach the puppy and children of all ages how to respect each other.