-
DO make sure that you increase the amount of
food given as your puppy grows.
-
DO be extremely careful with electrical
cords. Puppies do have a tendency to chew and this could result in an
unfortunate accident, even a fatality.
-
DON’T ever give your puppy cooked
bones of any sort.
-
DO have him checked for worms
when he has his final vaccination. Worm
your puppy earlier if you feel it is required.
Thereafter worm your puppy every three to six months with a reputable
brand, such as Drontal All Wormer. Your
puppy was wormed at 2,4,6 & 8 weeks, with the next worming due at 12 weeks
(at the same time as their vaccination).
-
DO keep an eye out for fleas.
To keep your puppy free from worms, you must keep him flea free.
Use a good flea powder until at least three months, then you can change
to a flea collar. Never use both
simultaneously.
-
DO ensure that you wash your
puppy only when necessary and always rinse him with warm water after being at
the beach to prevent the salt drying out his skin.
-
DO watch for flies during the
warmer months, especially around the ears.
Using a good personal repellent will keep the flies away, but ensure that
you reapply it regularly.
-
DO be firm but fair, but never
cruel. There is never a need to hit
a puppy or for that fact dog. Your
tone of your voice is enough for the puppy to understand whether it has been
good or not.
-
DO register your puppy with the
local shire and ensure that he is wearing a collar with identification at all
times. This will save a lot of
heart break if your puppy accidentally gets out.
-
DO give your puppy a chew toy or
lamb flap to chew, especially during the teething period between 3 to 6 months.
-
DO socialise your puppy.
Introduce your puppy to your friends and family that come around to
visit.
-
DON’T ever leave your puppy alone
with you children. This is as much
for the puppy’s sake as the childrens.
-
DON’T forget that your puppy is a
baby for at least a year whatever size he may be, so don’t expect too much too soon
-
DON’T forget he still needs a lot of
sleep, don’t let children and visitors overtire him.
-
DON’T expect him to sleep outside in
a kennel at night as he is still a baby and cold is one of the biggest killers
of puppies.
-
DON’T forget that your Vet is your
puppy’s friend. It is better to
be safe than sorry. So if he
appears listless and off his food, don’t wait - ACT.
Watch for signs of “Parvo” as he will not be fully protected until
four months old. Signs of Parvo
include vomiting, diarrhoea and listlessness and at the first sign rush him to
the vet. Tomorrow is generally too
late.
-
DON’T ever leave a slip collar
(choke chain) on him whilst he is running free, as it can literally choke him.
-
DON’T over-exercise your puppy.
His bones are still growing and they should only exercise they should
receive is puppy play until 12 months.
-
DON’T let your puppy jump in and out
of cars. Their bones are extremely
fragile and this is putting undue stress on their joints at an early age.
-
DO ensure you speak to your vet
about Heartworm and make a decision wether you wish to give your puppy daily or
monthly heartworm tablets. You
should generally start giving a puppy heartworm tablets around 5 months of age.
