Congratulations on your new addition

For some of you it may have been a while since your last pup, whilst for others this may be the first time, either way the addition of a new puppy will no doubt be a very exciting time for the family.
There are a few things to keep in mind when bringing home a new pup and we will hopefully cover any questions you may have.

 Firstly we must consider that this will be a big change for any puppy. They are leaving their siblings and parent(s) and moving to a strange place. Most pups will settle in very quickly, but for others time and patience will be needed to help them feel comfortable.

Check Lists for Your new Puppy

• Comfortable bed and blanket,
• Dog bowls for food and water
• Puppy food
• Perhaps a puppy Create
• Most Importantly Patience… Your Pup has a lot to learn

Reducing Stress For Your Pup

As mentioned it can be a very stressful period for you pup and the first few weeks of any transition is vitally important to their mental and social well being. We have definitely seen many more anxious puppies over the past few years and believe that more can be done to help them in those first few weeks of their transition and adjustment.

Read more about the challenges you pup may face after adoption

When a Pup is with their mother, they are constantly looking for reassurance that they are safe. One way that a mother does this is by secreting pheromones which help provide safe signals to a puppy’s brain. Once a pup is removed from their mother they no longer receive these pheromone signals, which can leaving them feeling alone and afraid.

One way to replicate the safe messages from their mother is to use pheromone collars such as ADAPTIL Junior, which contain special calming pheromones, similar to their mother.

How can Adaptil Junior Help you Pup?

A few tips to help them settle in :

Feeding

It is best to feed them the same food the breeder was feeding and then slowly transition to a good quality puppy food of your choice. Tummy upsets can be common especially with sudden changes to diets so please ask for more advice if required. There is a big difference in the quality of puppy foods and sometimes choosing the appropriate food for the breed and size of your pup can be confusing. We are here to help so please get in touch with one of our team.

Sleeping

Your Pup will not be used to sleeping alone, so take it slow. They will need to learn to sleep where you want them to and this can take some time. Crying and wanting attention is common, and can sometimes be trying. How to help you pup sleep at night.

Toileting

Your Pup will take some time to learn where to toilet, so be patient. Also be consistent with toilet training habits, and remember that accidents will happen so never scold or tell them off for toileting inside. make sure to watch for the signs they may need to toilet and take them out regularly, especially after sleeping, eating and playing. And, don’t forget to praise and reward them for toileting when an where you ask them to.

Remember that puppy pads can be confusing if you only want them to use it sometimes, so choose one way or the other to teach your pup. Outside is always easier as this is more natural for them.

Training

Often people want a new pup to follow instructions straight away, but take it slow. Don’t forget they will even need to learn their own name first. It is never to early to start simple manners training like come, and sit. Puppy school can also be a great way to start introducing your pup to basic training along with a fantastic social experience with other puppies.

Staying Home Alone

How to Help you Pup When you leave

Vaccinations

Why should I vaccinate my Pup?

Dogs should be vaccinated to help protect them from many highly contagious and infectious diseases. When puppies are born, mothers pass on some immunity to their puppies through colostrum in their milk, but this protection is only temporary and the best way to ensure a long and happy life for your dog is to help provide protection with vaccination against common diseases.

Read more about your pups vaccination requirements

Watch a short video of why vaccinations are important

Parasite Control

Intestinal Worming

Puppies should receive an intestinal worm treatment from 2 weeks of age. It is recommended to continue every 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age, then either monthly or 3 monthly depending on the parasite control chosen.

There are several types of worms that dogs can get, and some of them can be a risk for humans too. These include Round worm, hookworm, tape worm. To read more about the types of worms and what to look out for click here

Fleas

Flea control can begin from about 10-12 weeks of age. There is a wide range of products to choose from these days with the monthly chews being effective and popular. When you pet visits for their first vaccination and health check visit we can discuss the best option for them.

Read More about Fleas and how they can affect your dog and household

Heartworm

Dogs can contract heartworm from a mosquito bite. Heartworm is a silent infection, with the worms living in your dogs blood stream and heart, ultimately leading to heart damage. Regular heartworm prevention is recommended and can be discussed and started at your pups first health check visit at 10-12 weeks of age.

To read more about the risks and ways to protect your pet click here

Mosquitoes and heartworm and why they are not your average worm 

Puppy Pre-school

Desexing

There are often many questions owners may have about desexing. The two most common being; What does desexing involve? And, when should I desex my Pet?

What you need to know about Desexing…read more

Nutrition

Read more about what to feed your pet, how often, and how much.

Socialisation

Socialisation is the process of preparing a puppy to be calm and comfortable in the presence of other dogs or other species (like cats, rabbits, humans etc). The process also includes the exposure to different environments, places and objects (car rides, groomers, parks, footpaths etc). The ‘socialisation period’ is a unique time for different species (puppies 3-14weeks), when the brain is particularly sensitive to learning new experiences. It is especially important that the puppies have the appropriate experiences that are positive, as bad experiences, especially at this time of development can affect the individuals confidence and learning in the future.

I have a new Kitten

1. Congratulations on your new addition

2. Vaccinations

3. Intestinal Worming

4. Flea and Tick Control

5. Desexing

6. Nutrition

I have a new Bunny

1. Congratulations on your new addition