Starting Off on the Right Paw
Building a Bond
In the same way you need time to learn your dogs personality, your dog needs time to learn yours. Build a bond with them by:
Playing to build trust and friendship
Training to create mutual understanding
Exercising to keep them engaged and active
A well exercised puppy is a well behaved puppy
Following daily routines
Nutrition
Pick out a clean and quiet area to place your pups food and water dishes. We recommend using stainless bowls as they harbor less bacteria than plastic and ceramic alternatives. Make sure to clean both regularly with dish soap and warm water. Follow your veterinarians recommended food type and quantity.
Some of our favorite foods include:
Hills Science Diet
Purina Proplan
Iams
This list includes veterinary formulated and tested diets.
Socialization
Once your vet confirms that it is safe to play with other dogs, your new dog will need time to adjust to their new environment and make new friends. Gradually socialize them by
Taking them to obedience classes
Introducing them to neighbors
Exploring dog parks
Dogs should always be introduced on leash to keep everyone safe.
Shopping List
Bowls
Brush
Collar/Leash/Tags
Bags for walks
Training pen or crate
Nail trimmers
Shampoo
Dog tooth brush and tooth paste
The Power of Preventive Care
Opening your home to a loving dog can be a rich and rewarding experience. Whether you brought home a brand new puppy or rescue dog in needs, your first year together will set the stage for many years. Owning a dog also means responsibility: they are counting on your for their health, safety, comfort and playtime. There are a number of serious health risks that your new dog faces. You have the power to help them stay healthy.
Vaccination
Keeping your dog up to date on their vaccinations is one of the best ways you can help protect them from various life-threating diseases. Puppies and adopted dogs with incomplete or no medical history especially need vaccines to help prevent deadly diseases like rabies and distemper.
We recommend 4 rounds of DA2PP starting at 6 weeks of age, then booster annually. Rabies can be given at 12 weeks of age and is required by law. Rabies should also be given annually.
We carry other Vaccines such as Lepto, Bordetella and Lyme. Risk can be assessed with your veterinarian to decided if these vaccines are right for your pup.
Parasite Awareness
Heartworms
Heartworms are parasitic worms that are transmitted by mosquitoes and live in the blood vessels of affected animals. Heartworm disease can permanently damage your dog’s heart, arteries and lungs, and even prove fatal. Heartworm disease has been diagnosed in all 50 states. While it is easy to prevent is it not easy to treat. Heartworm treatment is expensive, difficult and painful.
Intestinal Parasites
Roundworms, Hookworms, Whipworms and Tapeworms are common intestinal parasites in dogs and especially puppies. They can cause diarrhea, weight loss, weakness and other symptoms. Some parasites are zoonotic which means they can be transmitted from animal to human.
Fleas
Fleas are prevalent across the united states. They feed on your dog’s blood and can lead to excessive scratching, discomfort, and other problems. Just a few adult fleas on your dog can quickly cause an infestation in the home and surrounding environment.
Ticks
In many parts of the country the risk of ticks and tick born illness has increased. They are often found in places where dogs love to explore - leaf litter, underbrush and tall grasses, as well as wooded areas frequented by wildlife. Ticks feed on their host’s blood and serve as vectors for dangerous diseases, including Lyme disease.
Planning for Prevention
Preventative care is important, so talk to your veterinarian when deciding on a preventative care regimen. Below are a few of our favorite options:
Heartgard Plus
A once a month beef chew to prevent Heartworms, Roundworms and Hookworms.
Interceptor Plus
A once a month chew to prevent Heartworms, Roundworms, Hookworms, Whipworms, and Tapeworms.
Nexgard
A once a month chew to prevent Fleas and Ticks.
Simparica Trio
A once a month chew to prevent Heartworms, Roundworms, Hookworms, Fleas, and Ticks.
At home care to prevent dental disease
Home Care
The first step is to work with your pet’s mouth. This should be started as young as possible. With a little patience and positive reinforcement they should soon accept your attention.
After your pet has gained confidence in you, you will be able to rub the teeth and gums with your finger. At this point a finger toothbrush or soft bristled toothbrush, with pet toothpaste should be applied. Brushing should be focused around the gum line.
Treats and Chews
It helps to give your pet dental chews such as Greenies, Dentabone, C.E.T. Chews, or Oravet Chews.
These should be given once daily for best results. Do not exceed 1 chew per day.
Make sure you purchase the appropriate size for your pet.
All pets should be monitored when offered a chew to avoid the pet swallowing it whole or in large pieces.
A Rule of Thumb for Chew Toys
If you can’t bend it easily with your hands it is too hard for your dog.
Chew toys that are too hard can lead to painful broken teeth.
Hard or Soft Food?
Studies show that hard kibble pet foods are slightly better at keeping plaque from accumulating on teeth.
Safety
Many household items, including common foods, can be life-threatening to your dog. Keep the following toxins out of their reach.
Insecticides, snail bait and rat/mouse poison
Household cleaners such as leave-in bowl toilet cleaners
Many Plants, including lilies, sago palms,, amaryllis, chrysanthemum
Antifreeze and liquid fuels
Onions, grapes, raisins, chocolate and moldy or spoiled foods
Products containing xylitol
Animal Poison Control
888-426-4435
Source: Boehringer Ingelheim “The First Year and Beyond: A Guide”
