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.
Nail clipping for dogs
Understandably nail clipping can be a stressful if not frustrating time for dogs and dog owners. However keeping your dog's nails neat and tidy is essential for preventing potential breaks, tears, ingrown nails and soreness as well as other problems related to posture and back care.
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.
Boarding your dog
Many owners say that they will never leave their dog in boarding kennels. However, situations may occur in which you are unable to take your dog with you. During these times, you have the following options:
The dog stays at home and you arrange for a friend or relative to "dog sit" in your home while you are away.
You arrange for a friend or neighbor to care for your pet in their home. This works well when the dog knows the home and the people. However, there is always a risk that your dog may escape and get lost in an unfamiliar neighborhood.
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.
