Castlekeep Danes
Bringing
your Puppy Home
Your New
Puppy: The First Few Days
Congratulations on your
new family member. We are pleased and honored that you have chosen Castlekeep
Danes for what we feel may be one of the most important purchases in your life.
We know that in all the excitement of getting your puppy, you may have
overlooked some of the important points to insure your new puppy of a long,
healthy and happy life.
Puppies may become car
sick during the first couple of trips. Consider taking another person along to
hold your new puppy. Your passenger should wear a seat belt and open the window
about 3” to 4” from the top. Constantly, but slowly, rub the underneath of the
puppy’s neck. This proves to be effective 98% of the time. Take a towel along
just in case your puppy does get sick. Upon your arrival at home, you can do
any needed cleanup. Give your puppy about 45 minutes to an hour to settle down-
his little tummy will do just fine.
Your puppy may be a bit
nervous (the puppy is no longer experiencing familiar sounds and smells). This
unsettling feeling will pass shortly.
Nervousness or change of
diet may cause diarrhea. If it lasts for more than two days, please contact a
veterinarian.
Not eating for the first
day or day and a half-that can happen. Things are different for him. In our
care, puppies generally do as other puppies do; when one eats, they all eat.
The adjustment period should last a day or so.
NOTE: This does not
pertain to small breeds such as
After putting your puppy
down for the first time, he may just stand there in fright. Back away and talk
soothingly to him. Reassure him by saying “good puppy, nice puppy”. Whistle
very softly and your new puppy will come over to you for a sniff. When he comes
over, give him a pat on the head. The puppy will be fine after this.
Bright red blood mixed in with stool:
Generally this is a case
of Cocidia. The blood may also be due to broken blood vessels when a puppy
defecates. Whether the blood is due to Cocidia or to the puppy straining, it is
advisable to consult a veterinarian.
There are many types of
worms that your puppy may have. The most common types are: A) Tapeworms: Look
like small grains of rice. B) Roundworms: Look like strands of spaghetti.
Should you see worms in your puppy’s stool, do not be alarmed. Take a stool
sample to your veterinarian and the puppy will receive worming medication.
Worms take several weeks to get rid of, so be sure to keep the puppy away from
any other dog’s defecation, or his own. Even if the puppy does not show any
visible signs of worms, it is recommended that you take a stool sample to the
vet within fourteen days after the purchase of the puppy.
Kennel Cough (Tracheal Bronchitis):
Symptoms of Kennel Cough
are a dry hacking cough, and a shortness of breath. Kennel Cough is quite
common, almost as common as the human cold. It is caused by a combination of
stress and temperature variations. Although the cough may sound threatening, it
is treatable with medication. Consult a vet if your puppy shows signs of Kennel
Cough.
NOTE: Kennel Cough can
remain in the puppy’s system anywhere from five days to several weeks.
Hypoglycemia:
Hypoglycemia can occur in
small breeds. Symptoms of Hypoglycemia are white gums, rolled up eyes, inability
to stand up straight and seizures. The small breeds can get Hypoglycemia
overnight. Small breeds are very fragile, and can get sick quite easily,
especially if they stop eating. It is important that you give small breeds at
least three to five feedings every day. This will ensure that the puppy will
receive a steady stream of nutrients.
Hypoglycemia occurs when
puppies get stressed out and their blood sugar level drops below normal. Should
your puppy become Hypoglycemic, a quick dose of Nutri-Cal or Karo Syrup will
put the blood sugar level back to normal. Place the puppy in a warm place and
quickly consult a veterinarian.
Make sure that you are not
constantly handling the puppy or passing it around from hand to hand. In the
beginning, give the puppy a little time to rest.
Your new puppy should have
at least three to five feedings during the course of a twelve hour day.
NOTE: Make sure your puppy
eats when you place the food in front of him.
Most importantly, use the
Nutri-Cal at least three to four times daily. This will make sure your puppy is
getting the much needed sugar and nutrients. To prevent your puppy from
becoming Hypoglycemic, the Nutri-Cal should be given consistently for the first
two weeks.
Remember, it doesn’t
matter if your puppy is a quarter pound Yorkie or an eight pound Rottwiler. The
puppy is extremely fragile and must be treated like a baby. Do not roughhouse
with the puppy. Be very cautious when you take the puppy outside. Keep the
puppy away from public parks where dogs defecate- until the puppy is fully
vaccinated. Do not let your puppy come in contact with another dog unless you
know that dog is fully vaccinated. Do not leave your puppy near wooded areas
where raccoons or squirrels may live. Your puppy may catch the rabies virus if
he gets bitten by any wild animals. Make sure that your puppy is given his
rabies vaccination when it is due.
Most Important: your new puppy is “Yours”, not your neighbor’s
pup. Nor is your puppy the new friend of your neighbor’s dog. Be very careful
in the decisions you make for your new puppy – and your puppy will grow up
being your best friend.