You, Your Puppy & Stress

Dealing with Stress
You are the proud owner of a new pet baby which means constant tender loving care of any new baby.  TLC does not mean constant handling, petting and playing with.  PLEASE READ THIS GUIDE.

STRESS IS THE MAIN CAUSE OF ILLNESS AND DEATH TO NEWLY ACQUIRED PUPPIES.  There are many sources of stress.  Simply moving a puppy to a new home, holding him too much, contending with another pet, or being allowed to much playtime are just a few of the many sources of stress.  A new puppy is nervous and excited because they are unfamiliar with their surroundings and their new family and this causes a lot of stress.  They are like babies who need regular scheduled time for eating, sleeping, drinking, going to potty and playing.

A CRATE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ITEM TO HAVE FOR A NEW PUPPY.  It can be a cage, a playpen, or a small enclosed area in a quite room of your home.  The crate serves two purposes.  It will house train your pet and it protects its health and well being while it grows.  The crate provides a secure, comfortable place where he/she can rest, eat, drink, and play at his own pace.  The crate should be placed in an area where the temperature stays about the same all the time.  Avoid areas that are drafty, (cooling vets).  Provide a comfortable bed in the crate since puppies sleep approximately 90% of the time until they are older.  They will need food and water available to them in the crate at all times.  This allows them to eat, rest, and drink as they need to so they can grow properly.

AVOID EXCESSIVE HANDLING.  Too much of this can add stress and overtire the puppy.  A tired puppy will not eat.  He only wants to sleep.  Missing a meal can be a life threatening thing with a young, small puppy.  It can lead to a condition called hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).  This can become dangerous if not noticed and tended to immediately.  There is more information about this condition in the following literature.  Please take time to read it!  A puppy can be played with for about 30 minutes at a time at first.  Taking him out for a potty break should begin the playtime.  This schedule for playing can be increased gradually, week by week, as the puppy grows and becomes stronger. The rest time should remain the same.  He needs at least 2 hours or more at a time in his crate, undisturbed, for rest.  GIVING HIM THE QUITE TIME FOR REST IS A MUST!!!

The stress of moving a puppy can sometimes bring on illness.  If you notice any sighs of illness before or at the well puppy check, contact us immediately and if possible return the puppy to us immediately.  We do not pay any vet bills not authorized by us.  We will, however, take the puppy back, treat it at our own expense and return it to you in a healthy condition as our guarantee states.  You must check with us before treatment is started and medicine is purchased.

BATHING AND FLEA PRODUCTS.
The first bath should be after a week or so when the puppy has become adjusted so as not to add stress.  Use warm water and shampoo made for puppies that do not have a flea product in it.  Towel dry him and then use a blow dryer on low heat to completely dry him.  Keep him warm for a while to prevent chilling.  If you need to use something for fleas, get FRONTLINE SPRAY from your vet.  It is easier to apply the correct dosage for your small pet.  NO FLEA COLLARS ON PUPPIES!  NO CHEMICAL DIPS. ONLY SAFE ORGANIC PRODUCTS MADE FOR PUPPIES.  (I like the groomer’s edge shampoos made by Double-K and the Citrusil shampoo made by Esprree.  You will probably have to get these from a grooming shop or order on-line.  Also the Citrusil deodorizing spray.  It is safe for the puppy and his surroundings.  NO FABREESE ON PUPPY OR HIS BEDDING.

No advantage, Revolution, Heartguard or other tropical or oral poisons till 6 months old or 5 lbs.  Give the albon once a day till all is gone.  Dosage up to 5 lb -1cc; 5 to 10 lbs 2cc.

Make the transition easy for your new puppy with these helpful hints:

• Decide on a name and use it consistently.
• Limit visitors for the first few days.
• Keep your puppy in your line of site at all times for his/her safely and to establish correct behavior.
• Never disturb a sleeping puppy!
• Teach your family the proper way to hold a puppy by placing one hand under the hindquarters and the other under the chest.  Never pick up a puppy by the front paws or scruff of the neck.
• Do not leave a new puppy unattended with very small children or other family pets until you’re sure everyone is ready.

This is the most important training efforts you’ll ever make-but it doesn’t have to be difficult.  Purina behaviorist recommends a four-step approach:

• Establish a routine and stick to it.  Take your puppy out first thing in the morning, the last thing at night and within 15 minutes after he/she eats.

• Until your puppy is trained, keep a constant eye on him or her and prevent accidents before they happen.

• Designate a potty area.  Train your puppy to use this designated space by consistently taking him/her there and using a command like “Go potty”

• Correct your puppy’s mistake only when you catch him/her in the act.  With a firm “NO” pick up the puppy and take him/her to the designated potty area.  Accidents will happen, so remember to be patient.