Puppy Care

Congratulations on your New Puppy!

Below, we have put together some needed information to help get you started. Remember to always seek veterinary
advice if you are concerned, your pet needs medical attention or you need guidance.

Core Vaccines:

• DA2PP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) - Administered every 3-4 weeks starting at 6 weeks of age until the last dose is given at 16 weeks of age or older
• Rabies - Administered between 12-14 weeks of age older. Required by law.
• Bordetella - Administered once yearly starting at 6 weeks old, but some boarding facilities or daycares require every 6 months.
• Leptospirosis - Administered at 8 weeks old or older, this is a one-year vaccine that needs a booster 3-4 weeks after initial dose. This is a core vaccine in this region.
• Lyme - Administered at 8 weeks old or older, this is a one-year vaccine that needs a booster 3-4 weeks after initial dose. This is a core vaccine in this region

Optional Vaccines:

• Influenza (CIV) - Canine Influenza Virus is an upper respiratory infection that can be more severe than kennel cough, and causes pneumonia and may lead to death. It is extremely contagious between dogs and thus HIGHLY recommended if participating in boarding, grooming or doggie day care and is REQUIRED at our boarding facility Hickory Pet Inn. It can be administered as early as 6 weeks of age. It is a one-year vaccine that needs a booster 3-4 weeks after initial dose.

Sample Puppy Vaccine Schedule

• 6 weeks - Start DAPP, Bordetella - begin CIV series (optional)
• 9 weeks - DAPP booster - CIV booster (optional) - (Lyme/Lepto can be started as early as 8 weeks, booster in 3-4 weeks)
• 12 weeks - DAPP booster, start Lepto + Lyme series
• 16 weeks - Final DAPP, Lepto, Lyme booster, Rabies

Vaccine Reactions:

• It will be normal after vaccines for your puppy to be tired and quiet until the next day.
• We usually will have you wait 10-15 minutes after initial vaccines are given to make sure there is no immediate emergent reaction.
• CALL US if your puppy is sore to the touch, won’t move at all, is limping, having vomiting or diarrhea or is not eating or drinking.
• COME IMMEDIATELY BACK to us or the closest emergency clinic if your puppy’s face is swelling or your puppy is having any trouble breathing.

Vaccinations for Your Puppy.

• Why does my puppy need vaccines?
  • Vaccines stimulate the body’s immune system to detect infection and help the body fight against infection if necessary.
• Why does my puppy need a series of more than one vaccine?
  • Puppies get some antibodies from their mother when they nurse the first few times. If these antibodies are too high when vaccinated, it may interfere with the puppies own body’s immunity creating cells and therefore they need a series of vaccines.

What are the vaccines you are recommending for my puppy?

• Bordetella vaccine – Bordetella Bronchiseptica is a bacterial infection that is another potential cause of “kennel cough” or canine infectious cough.
  • This is not a core vaccine but is required for most boarding kennels and recommended for any pets that will be around other dogs at grooming, training courses, dog parks or boarding.
• DA2PP – (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus) combo vaccine
  • Distemper is a paramyxovirus related to measles and rinderpest that attacks multiple body systems causing coughing, fever, vomiting, diarrhea and sometimes neurological signs that can be lethal and difficult to treat.
  • Adenovirus can cause either respiratory signs or hepatitis in canine patients
  • Parainfluenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus that is one of the causes of canine infectious cough or kennel cough.
  • Parvovirus is a potentially lethal virus causing vomiting, dehydration and diarrhea in young dogs.
• Canine Influenza is a virus that causes respiratory disease with severe symptoms of cough, fever and spreads quickly through a canine population.
  • This is not a core vaccine but is required for boarding at Hickory Pet Inn and Hickory Veterinary and Specialty Hospital.
• Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that is spread by animal urine (mice, rabbits, raccoons, deer, squirrels).
  • Exposure happens when your dog licks puddles or walks through wet grass and licks their paws.
  • If your dog or you go outdoors at all they are exposed!
  • This infection causes kidney and/or liver failure.
  • This disease is also zoonotic, and humans can also be infected.
• Lyme disease is a tick-borne bacterial infection that can cause fever, lethargy and limping, and also kidney failure.
  • This disease is a zoonotic disease that humans are also at risk for.
• Rabies is a highly contagious virus that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) in mammals.
  • This vaccines can only be administered by a veterinarian and it is required by law.
  • It is a zoonotic disease (can be given to humans) through bites, scratches and saliva.
  • It is 100% preventable by the vaccine.

Diet:

• Recommended diets: Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin, Purina ProPlan, Iams and Eukanuba  or any other AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) certified brands, all formulated by veterinarians, with food trials performed
• Feeding: Puppy diet until 9-12 months of age - Frequency: 3-4 times daily in smaller amounts
• Frequency: 3-4 times daily, feeding requirements are based on size of puppy and breed, we can discuss what is ideal for your puppy - it is best not free feed. Pick up excess food when your puppy finishes eating. This will be helpful when determining if your puppy is eating enough and how much daily.

Flea/Tick/Heartworm Prevention:

• Recommended year-round as these parasites NEVER go away in this area
• We recommend prescription flea/tick/heartworm products that have been proven to be effective in treatment and approved by the FDA. These products come with a guarantee that includes a refund or product replacement. When purchased through a veterinary clinic, customers may also be eligible for a pest control service reimbursement.
• Heartworm prevention is important. Heartworms both adults and larvae live in the bloodstream and cause major damage to the heart and lungs, this can be fatal.
• Monthly preventatives can 100% protect from heartworm disease.
• Puppies who share households with cats must be careful on which flea/tick/heartworm prevention is used since there are some that are not safe around cats. We can discuss which products would be best for your puppy.
• Ear mites can be very common in puppies and is very treatable. One option is to be treated with a monthly topical application of a Flea/Tick prevention that may also treats mites. There are other pharmaceutical products that can be dispensed to treat ear mites.
  • If your puppy has thick black discharge in the ears or is scratching incessantly at the ears, please let us know!

Heartworm Disease in Dogs

•  It is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms living in the blood vessels of the lungs and heart.
•  They are transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
•  While this is a treatable disease it can be 100% prevented with monthly prevention.
•  Yearly heartworm testing is required for annual refills of the heartworm monthly prevention.

There are many flea/tick/heartworm preventative options in our online pharmacy COVETRUS. Let's discuss what product would be best for your puppy. There is always a risk using parasite preventatives. The most commonly reported adverse reactions include vomiting, itching, diarrhea, hair loss, decreased appetite, lethargy, and scabs/ulcerated lesions. Please monitor for these signs when using any parasite prevention If your pet experiences any of these symptoms please CALL US right away. 

Canine Zoonoses (Diseases you can get from your dog!)

• How are they spread?
  •  Saliva, bites, respiratory secretions, skin or hair, feces or urine.
• Tick-borne diseases are diseases that are transmitted to humans via bites from infected ticks.
  • Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Ehrlichiosis, and Babesiosis
  • It is important to treat your pet with flea/tick prevention to help protect you and your pet.
• GI Parasites (there are many, here are some common examples: Tapeworms, Roundworms, Hookworms, and some strains of Giardia).
  • Avoid by deworming your dog, using monthly preventatives can help treat for intestinal parasites on a regular basis.
• Ringworm, is it really a worm?
  • Ringworm is a fungus that infect the kitten's skin, hair and nails, which can then infect humans.
  • Puppies may present with red, scaly, or crusty lesions on the head, ears, legs, or tail. Puppies may also appear very itchy.
  • Ringworm remains contagious for about 3 weeks from the start of treatment in pets.
  • It is very treatable and requires some regular housekeeping to control spread.

Intestinal Parasites:

• We will screen your puppy on their first visit for intestinal parasites by submitting a fecal sample. If you did not bring with you on your first visit, you can drop it off at any time.
• Most puppies are born with roundworms, it is not uncommon for puppies to have other intestinal parasites that we can treat.
• It is important to deworm your kitty more than once to make sure intestinal parasites are treated in different stages of the life cycle.
• If you are noting any worms at home in the stool, please call us!

Spay/Neuter:

• We recommend spaying your intact female dog around 6-8 months of age, after all adult teeth have erupted.
  • Smaller breed dogs may have a delay in teeth eruption until 7-8 months but they will also likely have a later heat cycle start.
• We recommend neutering your intact male dog around 6-8 months of age, except for certain large breed dogs.
• On your next puppy wellness we can discuss when is the ideal time to spay/neuter your puppy based on their breed and size.
• A preoperative exam and bloodwork is recommended before scheduling their procedure.

Why should I have my female dog spayed?

• Several advantages: lack of heat and bleeding in the house, prevention of unplanned litters and a decreased risk of breast cancer and uterine infections (pyometra)
•  It is recommended she be spayed before her first heat cycle or around 6-8 months of age depending on the breed.

Why should I have my male dog neutered?

• Several advantages: less likely to have roaming behavior, decreased risk of urine marking in the house, decreased risk of enlarged prostate (an enlarged prostate can cause difficulty urinating or defecating)
• It is recommended to neuter your dog as early as 6 months of age depending on the breed.
  • In some cases, large breeds benefit from neutering at a later age (after 1 year). On your next puppy wellness we can discuss what is ideal for your pet.

Microchipping:

• We recommend HOMEAGAIN microchipping around the time you have your pet spay/neutered.
  • If you are worried about chipping your mini breed, it can be done during their neuter or spay surgery so your pet is not awake for the injection.
• A rice size microchip is implanted via injection into your puppy, subcutaneously, between their shoulder blades. Your puppy would be registered in the microchip data base with your information.
• Microchipping is your permanent link to your pet, your pet’s ID code can be easily scanned by vet or rescue shelter.
  • If your dog were to get out, almost all shelters and veterinary hospitals carry microchip readers that can obtain your dog’s microchip number, the facility would contact the universal microchip website and acquire your information to contact you.
• Newer microchips have temp scan capability allowing temperature checks without using rectal thermometers.
• A yearly membership for the peace of mind that lost pets will get back to where they belong with 24/7/365 Pet Recovery, Medical Hotline and Found Pet Assistance.
• International Travel requires microchipping.
  • If you are thinking of traveling with your dog or moving out of the country, your dog should be microchipped before their Rabies vaccine. This is very important to remember to avoid any paper work issues.

Pet Insurance:

• Strongly recommended, as emergencies come up at ANY time and our pets are family!
• Trupanion offers a free trial - 30 days accident and illness coverage. 
• At Hickory, we use Trupanion Express, where your bill is immediately approved by Trupanion and they pay the hospital itself. You only have to pay your portion at time of service based on your deductible. 
• Trupanion is one of many insurance companies, please be sure to do your homework and find the one that is right for you and your puppy.

Puppy Classes and Training:

• Gently give puppies opportunity to be familiar with people and other animals that they will encounter frequently in their adult lives.
• Gently expose puppies to new things they will deal with regularly as adults so they can react confidently.
• Be patient, some animals have personalities that may play a factor in interaction with others even if socialized properly
• Puppies go through a socialization period from 7-14 weeks old. This is when they are least likely to be afraid of things and most likely to make good associations about people, other animals and different places and things.
• Training can start as early as 8 weeks of age, within the week you bring them home. At this age they are able to learn quickly common commands such as sit, stand, stay and come.
• Puppies should receive a minimum of one set of vaccines at least 7 days prior to the first class and a first deworming.
• Help them focus! Some play time and a potty break right before class begins helps to ensure their bladder/bowels are empty and they are a little tired ready to pay attention.

Our behavior team researched trainers and created a list of recommended puppy/dog trainers. We will provide you with this list of trainers in your courtesy puppy kit!

What type of play behavior should I expect from a healthy puppy?

• Provide stimulating play for your puppy, especially during the first week at home.
• Stalking and pouncing are important play behaviors – provide puppy-safe toys

How do I housebreak my new puppy?

• It should begin as soon as your puppy enters the home.
• Take your puppy outside on-leash frequently.
  • Take the puppy outside immediately after it wakes up in the morning or from a nap.
  • Take the puppy outside after playing, after eating/drinking, and if the puppy seems restless or is sniffing
• Reward the puppy for eliminating outside.
  • Bring their favorite treats outside with you.
• When the puppy squats to urinate or defecate, praise them and slip them a treat.
  • It is very important that the treat happens while the puppy is eliminating or just as they are finished, otherwise they won’t learn that they are being rewarded for urinating or defecating outside
• You can also reward outside elimination by playing with the puppy or allowing them off-leash if you (in enclosed yard)
• Be Safe - have a safe, fenced area for off leash play
• If you are not able to take your puppy outside, they should be confined (in a crate, pen or with baby gates in a small area) or tethered to you
• If you find that your puppy “had an accident” DO NOT punish them, especially after the fact.
  • A dog’s brain cannot link the punishment to something that happened minutes or hours earlier.
  • Just clean it up and remind yourself to do a better job supervising your puppy.
  • Positive reinforcement is key, negative reinforcement can create unwanted behavior.

Puppy Bathroom Break Schedule

This schedule is broken down by your puppy’s age and how often they may need to go. 

• 2 months old - Every 2 hours
• 3 months old - Every 4 hours
• 4 months old - Every 5 hours
• 5 months old - Every 6 hours
• 7 months old - Every 8 hours

 My puppy has episodes of hiccupping and a strange odor to its breath. Are these normal?

•  Yes – these hiccups can last several minutes and usually last only weeks or months

Puppy Dental and Grooming Care

• It is important to introduce home dental care (tooth brushing, pastes/gels or dental treats) - ask for a free dental kit.
• Dental kits come in different sizes. Some include small dental brushes or finger brushes for easy dental brushing. Some owners find it easier to use a moisten wash cloth to apply and rub the specially formulated pet dental tooth paste. 
• You can start this as early as 6 weeks of age to get your puppy more familiar with the process.
  • At 8 weeks, puppies typically have deciduous or “baby” teeth visible by 8 weeks of age and get replaced with adult teeth starting around 4 months of age.
  • At 7-8 months of age all baby teeth are lost and adult teeth should be present.
• Sometimes puppies can retain deciduous teeth where an adult tooth and a baby tooth are both present.
  • often your veterinarian would recommend removal of that deciduous tooth (often done under anesthesia during spay or neuter) to avoid dental issues such as misalignment, crowding and oral pain.
• Dental health is extremely important in overall health, especially in breeds that are prone to dental disease such as all small breeds, greyhounds and brachycephalic dogs
• “Puppy breath” is a characteristic of all puppies and will only last until maturity.
• Regular bathing may be required in some breeds verses others.
  • A mild hypoallergenic shampoo especially formulated for dogs is recommended.
  • Young puppies may require some basic - wash cloth wiping after meals, an eager hungry puppy can make a mess.
• They will need their nails trimmed once monthly. As they get older the nail trims can vary between 6-8 weeks.
• Some puppies will need their ears cleaned. Be sure not to over clean ears as they more start to produce excessive wax to make up for excessive drying of the ear canal.
• Long hair dogs should be brushed daily to avoid excessive matting. Areas to focus is the back of ears, neck, axilla (armpits) belly, hind legs and tail/tail base. Start brushing them when they're young so they can get use to handling and grooming.
• As your puppy gets older matting may occur, we offer professional grooming services to shave mats or help you maintain a mat free coat. 

How do I ensure that my puppy is well socialized?

• Socialization period is between 6-14 weeks of age.
  • It is very important to give your puppy lots of positive experiences during these early weeks.
• Your dog should be exposed to as many types of social events and influences as possible.
  •  Introduce them to different types of people (young, old, genders, etc.) and other vaccinated puppies and adult dogs who like puppies.
• Take them for rides in the car and walks in different locations.
  • Try to make sure all these interactions are positive.
• If your puppy looks scared or overwhelmed during a socialization period, stop and bring them back home.
  • Your puppy can attend a puppy socialization class with other young puppies, starting after the first vaccination in a place where no unvaccinated dogs are allowed.
• Be patient, some animals have personalities that may play a factor in interaction with others even if socialized properly

 What if your puppy isn’t fully vaccinated?

• It is okay to socialize with fully vaccinated animals, but try to avoid unvaccinated animals.

Nothing-in-life-is-free/Sit-to-say-please (NILIF)

• This is a behavioral method to help dogs be better prepared for human society
• NILIF uses only positive, reward-based training to teach valuable lessons such as “please” and “thank you” like we teach to human children
  • This helps to dissuade puppies from getting things via pawing, whining, jumping or barking
•  There are 5 rules to NILIF:
  • 1.Your dog should “work” for the “good things” in life
    • a. Work = follow a cue the dog knows well (i.e. sit, down, stay, etc)
    • b. Good things = anything your dog wants or likes
  • 2. Pushy, demanding behavior is ignored
    • a. Pushy, demanding behavior = anything your dog does to get your attention and “make” you do something for him or her.
    • b. Ignored = no attention AT ALL (turn your back or even walk away)
  • 3. Give the cue only once
    • a. If he doesn’t obey, walk away, turn your back on him or just ignore him. In a half a minute or so give him another chance to earn something good
  • 4. Everyone in the household and anyone who interacts with your dog on a regular basis must follow the NILIF rules
  • 5. Be patient, especially in the beginning
    • a. Puppies are like sponges and they soak up what we teach them

Puppies Who Bite

• Why do puppies bite?
  • Play biting or mouthing during play is extremely common
  • Puppy teeth start to fall out around 4 months of age and are replaced by adult teeth
  • You can expect chewing until about six to seven months of age
  • Biting can be a form of communication, telling a person or other animal that what they are doing is making the puppy uncomfortable and “asking” them to stop
• How to manage biting
  • Do not encourage mouthy play or play biting between the pet and humans
  • Find a way to meet the need to bite through play
  • Use time outs to de-escalate biting – remove yourself from the pet
  • Redirect the puppy with something more appropriate to chew such as toys
  • Treat or food puzzles
  •  Reward for good behaviors
• If your puppy is growling, snarling, snapping or biting contact us immediately.
  • These are not normal puppy behaviors and may be a sign of illness.
  • We have a behavioral team that can help you determine the appropriate way to address this type of issue before it can escalate.

Vacationing without your Pet

• We recommend a reputable pet sitter to ensure your dog is doing well while you go away for a time.
• We offer boarding at Hickory Pet Inn.
• We also have medical boarding options at Hickory Veterinary and Specialty Hospital for your pet that needs a little extra care!

Requirements for boarding at our facilities:

• Rabies vaccine
• DA2PP vaccine
• Bordetella vaccine
• Influenza vaccine
• Wellness exam (if medical boarding)

Reasons to bring your dog/puppy to the emergency veterinarian:

•  Not urinating for 12 hours or more.
•  Not eating or drinking for 1 day.
•  Vomiting.
•  Diarrhea.
•  Difficulty breathing.
•  Possible toxin exposure.
•  Neurological issues or seizures.
•  Limping or lameness.
•  Vaccine reaction of hives or trouble breathing.
•  Trauma, bite wounds or bleeding.

Are there any emergency tips that I should know?

• ABC!
  • A – airway: anything that obstructs the airway prevents oxygen entering the lungs
    • Do your best to clear the airway but be careful of your puppy’s teeth
  • B – breathing: if your puppy isn’t breathing
    • Try gently pumping the chest with the palm of your hand
    • Close the muzzle with your hand and blow into the nostrils
  • C – cardiac function: if you cannot detect a heartbeat by feeling just below the elbow.
    • Try pressing on the chest with your palm - initiating chest compression. 
    • This is an emergency and you should seek veterinary help immediately

We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays for any emergency. If you are not sure if your pet is experiencing an emergency - COME RIGHT IN! Better safe than sorry. There are online courses that offer CPR training for pets . Here is a link to the Red Cross, there is information about pet first aide, CPR training and about CPR procedures for cats and dogs.

• First aid: use caution as your pet may be in pain or extremely frighten and may bite or scratch
  • Blood loss: Apply pressure and a dressing if the bleeding is from a small wound.
    • If the bleeding persists, this is an emergency.
    • Wounds are treated within 4 hours, they can often be sutured close – longer time periods increase risk of infection and complication
  • Burns and scalds: Cool the burned area with cold water
    • Cover the area with damp towels and contact us.
  • Eye injuries: these are always very painful.
    • If a foreign body can be seen, it may be possible to remove it by rinsing the eye with eye wash.
    • Bring them in as soon as possible.
  • Heat stroke: Most commonly occurs in hot weather with dogs left in cars or if a brachycephalic dog is running around in the heat. The dog’s body temperature rises dramatically.
    • Signs are excessive panting and distress quickly followed by coma and death.
    • Reduce body temperature as quickly as possible with cool water and get to the vet as soon as possible.
    • Do not use ice as this may cool the body too quickly and cause a shock type reaction.
    • Falls:
      • Restrict activity, confine in a small area, smaller dogs/puppies can be confined in a box or carrier and contact us
      • If your puppy is vocalizing and unable to walk - confine immediately. This is an emergency, please bring them in immediately.

Common Household Poisons

• Certain foods: grapes/raisins, macadamia nuts, avocado, onions, chives, milk, raw meats/fish, uncooked eggs, yeast, dough, coffee and alcohol
  • Symptoms: mild to moderate GI upset, nausea, vomiting, respiratory irritation, incoordination and at times organ failure
    • Contact poison control if you suspect your pet has gotten into any of the foods listed - visit the ASPCA website for a more detail list.
• Chocolate: darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is, 
  • Baker’s Chocolate and Cocoa Powder are the most dangerous
  • Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity
    • Severe symptoms: increased heart rate, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors and seizures
• Xylitol – common sugar-free sweetener also called Birch Sugar
  • This will decrease blood sugar and cause life-threatening liver failure
• Rodenticides and insecticides
  • Symptoms: fever, vomiting, diarrhea, pale or brown gums, weakness or lethargy, labored breathing, tremors and/or seizures
• Fresh paint or open containers of paint in non-ventilated areas
  • Symptoms: mild GI upset, nausea, vomiting, respiratory irritation and incoordination
• Ice melt products (sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium salts, etc)
  • Symptoms: GI upset and local dermal irritation
•  Antifreeze
  • Symptoms: depression, staggering, seizures, increasing drinking and urinating, and vomiting
    • Symptoms may seem to get better within a day, but they will worsen to include kidney failure and likely death
  • Medicines not meant for puppies or prescribed from your veterinarian
• Some plants
  • Symptoms: mild to advanced GI upset, nausea, vomiting, respiratory irritation, incoordination and at times organ failure
  • Especially Sago Palms, all parts of the sago palm plant are poisonous, but the seeds are the most toxic. 
    • Contact poison control if you suspect your pet has gotten into any of the plants listed - visit the ASPCA website for a more detail list.

Some serious effects of toxins can be: hemorrhagic (bloody) vomiting or diarrhea, raised sodium levels in the blood, irregular heartbeat, rapid and shallow breathing and hyperthermia. These are all considered emergency and require immediate care.