Your Puppy Handbook

Unfortunately, your puppy doesn't come with instructions, so I've compiled a few important topics that people most often ask me about. Hopefully, this will help you with any concerns you come across during the development of your puppy.

SPAYING & NEUTERING

Simply stated, spaying and neutering your pet will give your pet a healthier, less stressful and longer life. Some people actually believe that having a litter of puppies helps their female dog develop more completely or become a better pet. Becoming pregnant and having a litter of puppies in no way alters the maturity level of the dog, either physically or mentally. In actuality having a litter of puppies puts your female at risk of difficult labor, puppy mortality, uterine or mammary gland infections.

Spaying your female dog involves the complete removal of the reproductive tract. This includes the oviducts, ovaries, uterine horns, and the body of the uterus. This procedure prevents your dog from ever getting pregnant as well as eliminating the twice-yearly heat cycles. Spaying your dog at a young age will significantly decrease her chances of getting breast cancer. Dogs may also have what is known as a false pregnancy. This occurs when the hormones in the body aren't at a correct level. The body actually goes through the motions of being pregnant, engorged mammary glands, abdominal swelling, etc. As a result, we may see reproductive problems such as, metritis, mastitis or pyometra. Pyometra may cause a normal 3oz uterus to weigh ten to fifteen pounds and be filled solely with pus. This is an extremely dangerous disease that is fatal if left untreated. Even after the infected uterus has been removed, the strain put on the kidneys or heart as a result can be fatal or cause lifelong problems.

Neutering your male dog involves the removal of both testicles. As a result, your dog will not suffer from testicular cancer, may have fewer hernias, fewer perianal tumors and fewer prostrate problems. None of these conditions are rare. It has been said that veterinarians would make a lot less money if everyone neutered their male dog before they were a year of age. Advantages of neutering your male dog include decreased aggression and decreased roaming. In training or working with your dog, they have increased concentration and longer attention span.

IDENTIFICATION

At the time of spaying or neutering your pet, it is also a fabulous idea to get some sort of permanent identification. A tattoo consists of a 3 digit number and 3 characters in the right ear of an altered animal. If someone finds this pet, they will be traced back to vet clinic where the surgery was done and the clinic can then contact you. A microchip is an implant that goes under the skin, and can be read with a special scanner. When a number pops up, we call the microchip manufacturer who will have the particulars on that animal. Just make sure that if you move, give the dog away or any of your information changes that the clinic and the microchip company are aware.

DE-WORMING

At Pioneer Veterinary Services, we usually de-worm our puppies at about 8 weeks with Lopatol and then monitor. It certainly doesn't hurt to do them again at 12 weeks if you notice signs of parasitic infection. As your puppy grows, you can usually de-worm them 2-4 times a year, depending on their environment. (Dogs that are outside in the dirt are more likely to be infested). Drugstore de-wormers are not something we recommend simply because they have a very narrow spectrum of worms they kill. They do not get tapeworms, which is one of the main types dogs will get. If you have small children at home, you may want to discuss de-worming them with your pharmacist. (80% of school age children supposedly are infested with worms).

NUTRITION

It's a good idea to get your puppy on a high quality type of food right away. A puppy that is fed a good quality food will be healthier and happier. There are large breed formulas of food on the market that are formulated just for bigger breeds. They contain less calcium, as we want to actually slow the growth rate of these puppies down. When these puppies grow too fast is when we tend to see hip and joint problems down the road. Science Diet and Walthams are a couple of the diets we recommend. They contain antioxidants that actually protect the cells in the body and boost the immune system. Puppies should be fed small meals throughout the day, probably at least 3 feedings. You should also follow the package recommendations on the amount of food you feed your puppy. Exercise should also be a big part of your puppy's routine in order to prevent obesity.

VACCINATIONS

Your puppy should be vaccinated for Distemper, Parvovirus, Coronavirus, Hepatitis and Parainfluenza at 6,9 and 12 weeks of age, or else 8 and 12 weeks of age. This is what is known as the 5-way vaccine. This vaccine should then be given annually for the duration of your pet's life. At 12 weeks your puppy should also receive a Rabies vaccine. This vaccine should be given at 1 year of age as well, and then every 3 years after that. If you travel to the US with your pet, it is required to have the Rabies vaccine administered every year. Bordatella or Kennel Cough as it is also known as, is required by most boarding facilities and is recommended if your dog is in nose to nose contact with another unknown dog. Giardia is another vaccine that may be helpful to your dog if you take them camping or if they are exposed to rivers and such.

DENTAL CARE

Particularly with the small breeds, you should get them used to having something in their mouth, whether it's your finger or a toothbrush. They don't necessarily need their teeth brushed right now, but it's a good time to get them in the habit. Depending on the dog, we have seen some 2 year olds with atrocious tartar buildup on their teeth. Also, tennis balls are just about the worst thing you can give a dog to play with. The fuzz acts like sandpaper and wears the teeth right down.

PET INSURANCE

This is an excellent idea as puppies are not cheap, and they don't tend to get cheaper as they get older. There are a few different companies that offer pet insurance. Depending on what exactly you want to have covered, you pay a monthly fee. Some programs cover your pet's yearly exam, vaccinations, spaying or neutering, heartworm prevention and basic dental care. Others will cover accidents, which nobody really plans on having and so the money isn't always there to provide the best care for your pet.

OTHER STUFF

Puppies should not be bathed any more than once a month. Over-bathing will cause them to have a dry, itchy coat. If you do bath your puppy you should use an actual dog shampoo, not human. It is also a good time to get your puppy used to having their feet handled, so that down the road, if they need a nail trim they don't protest to having their feet held.

As far as toys and treats go, Kongs are excellent chew toys. They are made of a durable rubber and you can put treats inside it. A good idea to keep your puppy entertained is to put wet dog food inside the Kong and then freeze it. They will work at getting it out for the better part of the day. Nylon robes and that type of thing are good as well. DonŐt give them tennis balls or toys that can easily be ripped apart and swallowed. Treats should not consist of human food. Puppy biscuits are recommended.

Raising a puppy is like raising a child. Everyone has their own opinions about how to raise them, but nobody manages to do it flawlessly. If you have any questions along the way, Pioneer Veterinary Services would be happy to offer you our suggestions. So, good luck and happy puppyhoods!