Bringing Home Your New Puppy
Bringing home a new puppy is a very exciting time for your family. Our goal for our puppies and their new owners is to ensure that we make this transition as smooth as possible.
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Feeding Your Puppy
Your new puppy will come with a 6 lb bag of puppy food. They are currently eating Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Chicken & Rice.
Please do not feed your puppy table scraps, and never give them chicken bones as they tend to break off into sharp pieces. If you would like to change your dogs food, we recommend waiting until the puppy has settled into your home then slowly transitioning the puppy to the new food. Sudden changes in food and environment can lead to stress/discomfort. Puppies will need to eat every 3-4 hrs since their bellies aren't big enough to eat all the nutrients their bodies need in 1 meal. This makes toy breeds high risk for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) due to their small size.
Symptoms of Hypoglycemia
Watch carefully for some of the most common signs of hypoglycemia
Tiredness/Weakness/Lethargic
- Puppy may not be playing at all, and seems very tired
Wobbly/Drunk Walk
- Puppy is not walking normally and seems very weak
Disorientated/Unfocused Eyes
- Puppy has a "far away" look, and can't seem to focus even if you're close
Shaking/ Shivering/Twitching
-Puppy seems cold/scared
White Gums
- Puppy normally has pink gums
If not treated promptly these symptoms can develop into seizures, loss of concousiness and coma. Hypoglycemia is usually preventable and treatable at home. If you suspect that your puppy has low blood sugar you can use a sugar source like karo syrup, pancake syrup, honey, or sugar water. You can have your dog drink this if their not too groggy, or you can rub it on their gums. You can also purchase a dietary supplement just to have on hand. We usually keep a tube of Tomlyn in our home just to be safe.
If your puppy has seizures or loss of consciousness you may still administer your sugar source on their gums and take them to the vet immediately!!!
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Grooming
We recommend brushing/combing their hair at least a few times per week. We currently use a metal comb and a detangling brush similar to the one below. (Click here for link)
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Training
We always begin some basic potty training with our puppies before they leave for their new homes. Our puppies are familiar with and have used the litter box, pads, and padholder/grates. We recommend that you continue to work with your puppy once they are home. Your puppy will need to be trained to potty inside since it is unsafe to take them on walks outdoors until they have completed their vaccines.
Puppy pads are inexpensive and pretty straight forward. However, sometimes they can get moved around, played with, and chewed on by puppies. If your puppy is going potty multiple times per day, the cost can easily add up.
Grate/Pad Holder. Much cleaner than just the puppy pad alone. Also keeps their paws dry. Works great for pet urine, but can be an absolute pain to clean for poop.
Litter box
This is the method we now prefer and so do our puppies. We use natural pine pellets similar to the ones sold for horses/other pets. (You can also use food grade pine pellets found in most hardware stores and usually much cheaper!) Using regular kitty litter can get messy really fast since the pieces are so small. We also find that the natural wood helps to control the smell. Just make sure you purchase the litter box/pan for dogs (with the opening as seen in the picture)
Puppy Potty Training Tips:
Set up a small area for your puppy with his/her bed, toys, and potty pan/pad. You can
use a crate or a doggy gate. Keep a close eye on your puppy since its much easier to correct them if you catch them in the act vs attempting to correct them after its already done. You can also try the attachment method using a harness & leash. Your puppy will literally be your shadow with limited space to roam free. While doing this you walk him/her over to their potty areas several times in case they have to go. This will also allow you to catch them in the act, so that you can correct them before they are finished.
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Puppy Safety
Before bringing your new puppy home, it is important to ensure that your home is safe and "puppy proof". Yorkie puppies are similar to toddlers, they will want to explore and just about everything goes into their mouths! Make sure to check carefully for small things like thumbtacks and pins that can be very dangerous for puppies.
Make sure all of your house plants are safe for small dogs/animals
Place electrical cords and other hazards out of reach!
Make sure any household, pest, garden, or automotive cleaners/chemicals are stored in a separate area and is inaccessible to your puppy.
Items such as keys, remotes, toys containing batteries and small parts should be placed out of reach. Small batteries are particularly dangerous as they can cause fatal injuries if swallowed.
Keep purses and bags off the floor and away from your puppy.
Clear here for more information on puppy proofing!
Vaccines
Your puppy will come with its first set of vaccines (parvo/distemper) already administered. It is extremely important to wait until they have had their second set of shots (around 12 weeks old) before taking them outside where other animals roam/walk. Parvo is deadly and can spread to your puppies by animals or even ourselves as we bring these germs indoors via our shoes! It is best to just keep your new puppy indoors with you for the first few weeks until they have their second dose administered! Some vaccines are optional depending on your dogs environment. Please click here for more information!
Finding a Vet
This can be one of the most stressful parts about bringing home a new puppy. We prefer smaller self owned vets over larger franchise/pet store vets. We find that the vets that are able to stand on their own typically care more about their reputations and work harder with pet owners to maintain it. We also find that they are less likely to try and upsell us on "deals/memberships". It is important that you find a vet that you can trust and maintain a relationship with. Always use your best judgement and never be afraid to ask questions or even get a second opinion if you don't feel confident!
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Below is a checklist of some basic items you will need for your new puppy
New Puppy Checklist
o Food/Water Bowls
o Food (We provide a 6 lb bag with our puppies)
o Bed
o Puppy Shampoo
o Comb/Brush for Grooming
o Crate/Puppy Gate for training
o Potty Pads or Litter + Dog Litter box
o Treats for Training
o Small Toys
o Harness/Leash (Always use a harness to reduce injuries, especially in small breed dogs!)
If you have any other questions/concerns regarding how to prepare for your puppy please contact me!