Everything you need to know about caring for your dog including owning a new puppy, giving your pet medication, diseases and parasites, maintaining your pet's health and wellness, pet identification, pregnancy and more.
Caring for your puppy - training, feeding, socialisation, healthcare
When they first arrive home your puppy will probably feel a little apprehensive and will be missing the companionship of his/her mother and littermates. To make this transition stress-free, allow him/her to explore their new surroundings without too much interference or noise. Children should be reminded that the new puppy needs lots of love and also rest therefore should not be overhandled. Any other family pets should be introduced to the new arrival slowly and under close supervision.
Caring for your dog - vaccinations, worming, flea, heartworm, feeding
Vaccination
Some canine diseases are very serious and can be fatal even with treatment. To prevent your dog from getting these diseases we recommend regular vaccination. The vaccinations we recommend are highly effective and have a very low rate of side effects.
Boarding your dog
Leaving your pet with someone you don't know can be a daunting and confronting task however for some pet owners it is a matter of necessity. Here are some tips on how to select a facility for your pet and make their stay as comfortable as possible.
Breeding - Birth Problems
What happens if my dog has trouble delivering her puppies?
Although the majority of dogs will give birth without the need for veterinary assistance, problems can arise which require veterinary attention. It is important to closely monitor your pet during birthing and seek veterinary care if you have any concerns.
Breeding - Finding Homes & Vaccinations
When will I be able to place the puppies in homes?
Most puppies can be placed in their new homes at around eight weeks of age. Puppies should remain with the litter this long to ensure proper weaning and social development. Puppies that are taken from the litter and mother earlier than this are known to have an increased amount of behavioral problems.
Breeding - Growing, Lactation, Weaning
What should I expect during the puppies' first few weeks of life?
Breeding - Pregnancy
How long does pregnancy in the dog last?
Pregnancy, also called the gestation period, normally ranges from 57-65 days with an average of 63 days.
With a planned breeding, the date of mating should be carefully recorded. If there are two matings, make a note of the exact dates and expect birth to occur between 63 and 65 days later.
Breeding - Rearing Puppies and Caring for a Mother
If the delivery was without incident, what do I have to do to care for the newborn puppies?
For the next two months, even if everything went smoothly with the birth, you have a lot of work to do! After the birthing process, clean up the mother as much as possible without upsetting her. Remove any of the soiled newspaper or bedding from her whelping box.
Breeding - Whelping or Birth
What should I do to prepare for the birth of the puppies?
From the time of mating, many females will show changes in behavior, often becoming more affectionate. However, some pets will become uncharacteristically irritable and may even act aggressively during pregnancy. Be sensitive to your pet's behavioral changes and be sure to alert your veterinarian if you observe any abnormalities that you are uncomfortable with.
Bringing home your new pet
Bringing a new family member into the home is often a much awaited event for existing members of the family. However, there are many factors that need to be considered to ensure your new pet settles in to the family.
