Your New Puppy

The decision to adopt a new puppy is an exciting one! To ensure your new little friend makes a smooth transition into your household we have some simple suggestions and advice.

 

 

 

 

 

Diet

We suggest feeding your pup the same (or very similar) food it was receiving before the adoption. Changing the diet quickly can result in an upset tummy. Once your pup has settled in for a few days you can slowly transition to the food of your choice. Puppies should be offered 3-4 small meals of a good quality puppy food per day, with food left down for 30 minutes at a time. Any uneaten food can be put away for the next meal. We can discuss puppy nutrition with you at the time of your pup’s first check up at our hospitals.

Environment

Ensure your pup has a warm and quiet sleeping spot. Remember the habits you establish now early on will set the habits of a lifetime. The first few nights may be rough, with your puppy crying if lonely. Crate training may be a helpful tool in establishing a good sleeping routine with your pup. Talk to our staff for further information.

Toilet Training

Toilet training your pup can be a frustrating experience. Patience and persistence are key. Ensure your pup is taken outdoors regularly and rewarded when they toilet outside. Try to pre-empt your pup’s toileting needs by taking them out after a sleep, after a meal and every hour or so. Punishing them if they toilet inside will not be helpful and is not recommended.

Vaccination

Young animals are ‘temporarily’ protected against disease by antibodies received through their mother’s milk. However, these maternal antibodies decline in the first couple of months of their lives and until they drop sufficiently they can also neutralise vaccines. This is why a series of vaccinations is necessary for puppies at specific intervals. These visits are also the perfect time to discuss diet, grooming, parasite control, pet insurance, general wellness and training with your vet.

We recommend the C5 vaccination for all pups – this protects against three life threatening viruses (Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus), and Canine Cough. Canine cough is a condition that can be caused by a variety of bacteria and virus. It is a misconception that it can only be contracted at kennels (hence the common name of kennel cough). In fact canine cough can be contracted anywhere that dogs can come into contact or use shared water bowls. How many vaccination visits your pup will require will depend on their age and any previous vaccinations they may have had.

Parasite Control

Puppies should be treated for intestinal worms every 2 weeks, from 2 weeks of age until 12 weeks of age. After 12 weeks of age we recommend monthly worming until 6 months of age, then every 3 months life long. Heartworm prevention should be started at 12 weeks of age.

Please see our “dog” page for further information, or discuss the best regime for your pup at their next health check or vaccination visit at our hospitals.

Puppy Preschool
and Training

Attending a local puppy preschool for puppies aged 8-14 weeks is a great way to socialise your puppy from an early age.

We encourage older pups to begin group or individual training once they are fully vaccinated. The investment you make in your pup’s training in their first 6-12 months will reward you with a happy, well-mannered companion for many years. Speak to our staff for information on local training groups in our area.

 

 

Puppy Health Check

We recommend a puppy health check soon after adoption  to discuss diet, parasite control and settling in.   This may coincide with your puppy 12 week vaccination visit.  Book your puppy in and we can answer any further questions you may have on rearing your new four-legged friend!