Puppies give unqualified love,
affection, and devotion
The following are suggested as essential items for the new
puppy:
- Health records including dates of
vaccinations and dewormings.
- High quality food
- Food and water bowls that can be
sanitized easily
- Shipping create for a bed
- Shampoo, proper grooming
tools
- Collar, leash and Nyla-Bone chew
toys.
The change of environment can cause
many stress related problems.
- Coccididiosis (a type of intestinal
infection)
- Tracheobronchitis (a relatively
minor upper respiratory problem).
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar from
a poor appetite or poor diet.
- Dehydration (usually from not
drinking enough water)
These physical problems are often
brought on my unavoidable stress, and are similar to problems you
might have if you were moving to a new area. Just like you, the
puppy may not sleep or eat as regularly as it would in more
familiar surroundings. Some puppies ease through the transition to
their new homes, while others may have a harder time. If stress
related problems are ignored, secondary problems can become
serious, even life threatening
Call your veterinarian for advice
ANYTIME the puppy seems lethargic, or looses it’s appetite. The
most important objective is to get the puppy to eat. Small breeds
are more susceptible to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and may
need additional feedings in small quantities. Some puppies require
privacy, coaxing, or companionship to eat. Every puppy is
different.
The puppy’s diet should NEVER be
changed rapidly. The puppy might not eat the strange new food, or
if it does eat, develop diarrhea leading to dehydration and other
complications. Diet changes should be made over a 2-4 week period
to prevent digestive upsets. Water is even more important than food
in the puppy’s excited first few hours in it’s new home.
To encourage the pup to drink and
reduce the risk of low blood sugar, you might put some honey in
it’s mouth or on a dish. Too much honey, however, will depress the
appetite. If the puppy does not eat after these methods have been
tried, you might try warming the food. Many foods are coated with
an outside flavor layer that enhances it’s appeal when warmed. Most
foods can be warmed in the microwave, oven, or by adding warm water
or broth and soaking the food for a few minutes. Notify the clinic
if your puppy does not eat within 8-12 hours.
Rest is very important to the puppy.
Puppies generally sleep throughout the day, waking only to play for
a short time, eat, and eliminate waste. Do not expect the puppy to
run and play all day. A human baby does not play all day either.
Treat your puppy just the same as if it was a newborn infant being
brought home from the hospital, and you won’t go wrong.
