Clearwater, FL 33764, US
THE VETERANARIAN
DO NOT bring your puppy out to public places until ALL vaccines are completed:Your responsibility as a dog owner is to maintain good health for your puppy. You start by scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian. Your appointment will need to be within 72 hours from the time you receive your puppy as stated in our Puppy Contract. Any health concerns must be reported back to the breeder within the 72 hours. *Your puppy will have already been checked by our veterinarian but this appointment is very important for you and your puppy to establish a relationship with your Veterinarian. Your Veterinarian will assist you with scheduling all follow-up vaccinations, de-worming, and provide preventative treatments for flea control and heartworm.
Do not socialize your puppy at dog parks, dog beaches, pet stores, office or anywhere else until they are finished with their last vaccination, which should be at the age of 16 weeks . You should have this all scheduled out with your Vet on your first visit. This is for the puppies protection. There are many deadly diseases a puppy can pick up pre-vaccination, the most deadly and dangerous is Parvo. It can simply be contracted by walking on the ground where an infected pet or carrier has been, it can live in an environment for many months and still be highly contagious.
FEEDING AND HEALTH:
Because the puppies are so young we do free feeding, which means they can eat when ever they want, but this is not good for house training. I recommend feeding them 3 times a day or as close to that as you can do until they are around 4 months old. This will also help regulate their poops. Don’t feed them after 6 o’clock if you can help it, otherwise they will want to poop in the middle of the night. A balanced eating schedule is very important. Continue feeding the same brand of puppy food we are feeding your puppy at least for the 1st week. We will provide a small bag for you to mix in with whatever dog food you decide to use however, we highly recommend Royal Canin Puppy Food .
Supplements & Health:
Pumpkin Puree - This helps with the digestive system. I highly recommend the puppy gets that daily, a tablespoon added to their food. It helps with constipation and diarrhea, especially if you are changing their food. It comes in a can and can be bought at your nearest grocery store.
Probiotics - Always keep a liquid bottle of probiotics, which you can get at any health food store, any kind is fine. This is for an upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation or even if the puppy is just crying excessively and always if you are giving the puppy antibiotics. Have a baby syringe that goes up to 5ml to help with giving them probiotics. They love the taste!
Magnesium and Calcium - Give them a magnesium and calcium drink, which you can buy at any health food store, if you see them chewing the walls, furniture etc…. The vet will have have tablets as well. Their teeth and bones are growing so they chew on these types of things to get calcium.
Allergies - Any byproducts of chicken for the food or treats, I stay away from. I find that some dogs have allergies to it. You can always get your puppy or dog tested but I stay away from it.
Cod Liver & Salmon Oil - This is a great daily supplement for you puppy or dog. You start with a teaspoon to begin with and build it up to a tablespoon. It’s very good for the joints, coat, skin, teeth and everything else and you can buy it in bulk.
GROOMING AND CARE
Ears:
Keeping the ears clean is very important to prevent any type of ear infections. These doodles have lots of hair and they grow in the ear. Having them pulled out is extremely important. To do this you can buy a powder called “Ear Powder” which you can purchase at any pet store. I highly recommend starting this process as soon as possible so your puppy gets used it. It’s also very important to keep their ears clean from debris regularly, you can simply use olive oil and cotton balls. The dog’s ears go down causing a lot of bacteria to build up in the ear, this is why it is very important to keep up with cleaning them and making sure they stay dry.
Eyes:
Make sure to clean the dirt from your puppies eyes everyday. As well as trim any hairs that cover their eyes.
Nails:
Trim your puppies nails weekly. Sometimes they won't always need it but it is good to still go through motions so your puppy can get used to it when they start going to the groomers or if you continue to do it yourself.
Coats:
These puppies will be going through changes with their coats up until 2 years old. Brushing (Not a de-shedding tool) will help with their hair and skin. If you bathe them regularly, make sure to also condition their skin so the shampoo doesn't dry them out.
Teeth:
It’s always very important to keep your dogs mouth clean and brushed. Giving your dogs fresh apples, carrots and deer antlers also help with keeping your dogs teeth and mouth clean.
Neuter or Spay:
Don’t neuter or spay your puppy before they're 4 - 6 months old, they need the hormones to help develop their bodies. When you are ready, make sure it's between 4 - 6 months old.
Fleas:
In my house we have been flea free for years now. I handle my fleas by attacking the source, outside. I do a very specific treatment for the yard. They are called “Nematode Worms”. Beneficial Nematodes are microscopic, non-segmented roundworms that occur naturally in soil throughout the world. These microscopic predators locate flea and tick larvae in the soil and enter the prey infecting them with toxic bacteria killing them in 24 to 48 hours. I get mine from: http://www.arbico-organics.com/ . When buying these worms, make sure you fully understand how to apply them to your yard(It is very easy and effective).
If your puppy or dog does get fleas I recommend a couple of things.