Things to Do & to Avoid when first bringing your new Puppy Home.
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In order to protect your growing puppy's delicate health, there are many precautions you can and should take starting from the moment you have your puppy in your arms. As the breeder, Whimsy Doodles has been taking many of these precautions from the moment these puppies were born. Diseases such as Giardia and Parvo can be EASY to contract and hard to get rid of. These viral diseases can live on surfaces for 5-6 months. Some of these diseases can also be fatal if not treated early.
Here are some things you can do to protect your puppy from these diseases:
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1. Don't take the puppy out to public places such as pet stores, other stores or parks that allow dogs or put them in public grassy spots until after they have had ALL of their vaccinations.
2. Do not let people handle your puppy until 10 days after their final vaccines, usually around 16 wks.This is because people can carry these viral diseases on their clothing (and shoes). You never know if someone has had an ill pet or been in contact unknowingly with another animal who is carrying these diseases. It is also to protect you and your puppy from people who may get overly upset about being scratched or nipped by a very young puppy.
3. Do NOT buy toys from a pet store that lets dogs/puppies come in and try toys out. This is a HUGE risk of contracting Parvo. I have witnessed people allowing their dogs to lick and chew on toys and then throw them back on the shelf for someone else to buy. I always recommend washing any toy you purchase .
4. We keep our puppies on a schedule when it comes to feedings.Its recommended not to change this schedule much for the first 2 weeks.
5. Do NOT plan to pickup your puppy during a very busy time. Instead, it's highly recommended to pickup your puppy at a time when you have or can take a few days off work to let the puppy acclimate. It's important that they have someone home with them.
6.Remember that your contract requires a Vet checkup within 72 hrs after pickup. Its highly recommended to schedule this is advance of your puppy coming home.
7. The first three weeks are the hardest for your new puppy. It's very important to Remember the 3*3*3 Rules for puppies. (See Graphic below.) Just remember to give them time. Giving up and trying to rehome them (contract states Breeder is to be contacted first) is actually very scary and bad for the puppy.
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8.Remember that jumping is really bad for a growing dogs joints and development. Practice the no jumping rule: no stairs, no jumping off anything including beds, decks, porches, in or out of cars for at least the year.
9. Do not let smaller children carry the puppy around or anyone that may be under the influence. So many bad things can happen with either scenario. If your child wants to hold the puppy, have them sit down to do so and stand near them at all times. This is also to protect your child.
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10. Do not allow your puppy on furniture until it can get on and off the furniture on its own. A simple fall like this on the floor can do immeasurable damage.
Puppy Preperation List:
These are items you should purchase in advance and wash before use
•10-14 inch flat collar, or appropriate size for your puppy's neck. (typically people start with a small size and move up as needed.)
•6ft lead (no flexi lead leashes ever.)
•15ft long line lead for training (can be found on Chewy & Amazon)
•2 stainless steel puppy bowls (no elevated food bowls). Stainless Steel helps to keep white facial hair on dog's white. Its also healthier than plastic.
•Training Treats (anything soft, small & healthy)
•48 inch crate (no collars ever on while crated)
•Puppy toys (no stuffed toys or anything they can tear apart and swallow except when supervised)
• Kong brand chew toys.
•Puppy Shampoo & Conditioner
•Nail clippers.You can buy these online on Chewy or on Amazon.
•Dog bed. Make sure to get one that is washable.
•Baby gate or Indoor fencing (if needed).​
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•Bladder Bites by Zesty Paws. (To help prevent UTI’s)
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Quick Vet Tips Do’s and Don’t’s:
•1st vet appointment- most often they want you to take a fresh stool sample. This is normal as your vet will want to test for parasites.
•1st vet appointment- DO NOT let your puppies feet touch the ground at the vet. The vet is a dirty place and you don’t know what potentially sick animal just walked in before your puppy who is not fully vaccinated.
•Ask for either Heartguard chewables or Interceptor Plus. ***It is NOT recommended to use the all in one Heartworm, Flea/Tick/Parasite med to your puppy. This is prescribed by a vet but has killed puppies before
•Do talk to your vet about the best practice for adding additional vaccinations such as Leptospirosis or Lyme disease. The most important thing, is to do the core vaccinations. (Parvo, Distemper, Adeno virus, Parainfluenza..core puppy vaccinations).
•NO all-in-one pills for heartworm, intestinal parasites and flea/tick. These have sadly taken many dogs lives. Of course your puppy/dog needs all of these preventatives, however it is best to be given not in an all in one pill. Many of these all-in-one pills cause serious side effects.
•There are natural repellents to help prevent or get rid of fleas and ticks, aside from medications. I highly recommend Wondercide Flea & Tick. You can purchase it on Amazon.
•It is highly recommended to NOT spay/neuter your dog until they are adults. Some Vets will push for spay/neuter at 6 months of age. Simply let them know that you will not be spaying/neutering until they have reached maturity and the growth plates have closed. This is usually 12 months of age. For large breed dogs such as the Bernese Mountain Dog, this can be 18-20 months old.
