CONTENTS

1.  Purchasing a puppy 

Doggie Style recommends the following tips when purchasing a puppy:

 a. Always ensure the puppy is healthy - Wagging tail, playful, energetic!

 b. Inspect the puppy:

    * A healthy puppy always has a wet nose.

    * Puppy must not be drowsy. 

    * Stomach should not be bloated - you may notice a pot-bellied appearance.

    * Eyes must not be red.

    * Gums should be light pink.  Not white!

    * Puppy should be free from any visible infections or soars.

    * If possible ensure that the puppy does not have diarrhea.

    * The puppy should not be dehydrated or too skinny.

    * The puppy should be free of mange and have a shiny coat.   

c. Inoculation card - Ask the breeder (the seller) for an up to date history of the de-worming programme and vaccination.  This should be a booklet from a  veterinarian or the breeder. The vaccination and de-worming programme is CRITICAL!!!!!!!!

d. Questions - Ask all the necessary questions about the breed, diet, health certificate,  as well as type of guarantee on the puppy (It is the responsibility of the buyer to take the puppy for a proper veterinarian examination immediately after purchase to ensure good health. Obtain a health report if necessary and contact the breeder or seller immediately).

 
2.  Bringing  your puppy home: 

This is the fun part!!!

a. Name – Decide on a name but keep it short, this will make it easier for the puppy to recognise and respond!  Avoid names that sound like a command. 

b. Bedding – Don’t spend too much at this stage on an expensive bed that your puppy is likely to chew. Bedding should be washable, such as a blanket or towel.  Your puppy should be sheltered from the cold nights and rainy days. 

c. Toys – Give your puppy some entertainment. Buy some toys to chew on rather than your furniture!!!  This is another way to keep your dog occupied and stimulated when you can’t be there. Toys such as rawhide chips, nylon chews, hard rubber balls and stretchy tug toys are ideal.  Careful not to buy items that can be torn-up, chewed or swallowed. Avoid giving your puppy clothing items to play with such as old shoes or socks, as this will make it difficult for your dog to differentiate between toys that belong to him and items that belong to you. 

d. Identification – A name tag with the dog’s name, your name and phone number. 

e. Grooming aids – Puppies love attention and will enjoy being groomed.  Choose a suitable brush for your puppy’s coat and trim the nails with clippers.  Consult your vet for help.  You also might find helpful tips at your grooming parlour.

f. Collar and lead – Your puppy should always be on a lead when out in public places.  A collar should fit snugly, but allow for 1 -2 fingers width of space between the neck and collar.  Puppies grow quick so remember to loosen the collar!

g. Food and water - Always ensure fresh food and water for your puppy, water will keep your puppy hydrated.

Non-tippable bowls such as ceramic or stainless steel are recommended. They must be durable and cleaned daily.

 
3.  Feeding your puppy:

 

a. Start a regular feeding schedule as soon as you bring your puppy home.  Set a regular feeding time and feeding place.  It’s always recommended to feed a puppy four portions a day, reducing it to two meals after six months.   Remember:  Always take your dog outside to eliminate after every meal!!!

b. The first year of your puppy’s life is the most important, and so will be his first food.  Your choice of food will have a direct effect on its growth and development.

c.  Consult your veterinarian for best source of information.

 It is important to ensure your choice of food is the best formulated with all necessary minerals, vitamins and
nutrients a growing puppy needs.

 
FOOD TO AVOID: 

 
Despite your dog’s apparent delight in table scraps, you should avoid feeding your pet foods meant for human consumption.

Human food is typically higher in fat, and your dog could develop weight problems.  It could also cause vomiting, diarrhoea or allergic reactions in dogs.

 * Sweet biscuits – High in fat, low in nutritional value

* Bones – Raw and cooked bones, especially from poultry, may stick in the throat or digestive system.  They can also damage teeth and cause constipation.

* Grapes, onions and garlic – These have effects that can be dangerous for dogs.

* Chocolates – Contains ingredients that are dangerous for dogs and could even be deadly to some dogs. 

 4.  Puppy proofing the home:

 Puppies are inquisitive and lively, just like small children!!! You will need to take some basic precautions to prevent accidents.

 a. Store all poisonous or dangerous materials in a safe place.

 b. Keep toilet lids down!!! Your puppy could fall in!!

 c. Store plastic bags in a safe place to prevent choking or suffocation.

 d. Put away all small objects lying around.  Such as rubber bands, marbles, paper clips, needle and threads etc. as they are easily swallowed.

e. Electrical cords should either be secured to the wall or wound up and bound to prevent shocks. The doors of electrical appliances, such as washing machines and tumble dryers should be closed, to prevent climbing in.

 f. Keep kitchen rubbish and scraps away form your puppy.

 g. Don’t forget about your plants!  Some plants can be harmful or even fatal if ingested by dogs.

 h. Toilet training - Begin house training immediately!!! 

Puppies need to learn that they should only go to the toilet outside.

Take the puppy to a place in the garden where you would like him to do his business and encourage him to go.  But be patient since the garden is even more interesting at night than during the day! Repeat this process before you go to bed at night!  Your puppy will need to go after every nap, or meal, so if you see the puppy walking in circles or whining by the door, take the little one outside!   Puppies learn very quickly and it is your responsibility to teach good behaviour.  Never rub the puppy’s nose in the soiled area.

 5.  Caring for your puppy:

Brush your pet at least once a week or daily for long haired pets.

b. Oral care – Gums should be pink and healthy, teeth clean and tartar-free.  Ask your Vet for advice in brushing your pet’s teeth.  Dry pet food will also help as the kibbles wipe the teeth clean of debris and plaque as your pet bites into them.  You should have your veterinarian give your dog a dental check-up as part of each regular check-up.

More than problems to the teeth themselves, such as cavities, adult dogs are susceptible to gum disease, which can lead to bad breath, painful inflammation, receded gums, loose and infected teeth and, eventually loss of teeth.  It can also cause serious illness.  

c. Trimming nails – Keep it short and neat.  Ask your Vet to assist.

 

d. Cleaning ears – Ears should be clean of discharge and odour.  Use damp cotton wool to gently wipe inside the ear but never use cotton buds as they can damage the eardrum. 

e. Eyes – Eyes should be bright and clear.  Any discharge should be gently removed using a cotton wool soaked in warm water, use new cotton wool for each eye.  Wipe from the inner corner outwards.

f. Baths – Use a mild dog shampoo on your puppy.  Rinse clean, dry with a towel and leave to dry in the sun.  Hairdryers should be used carefully as it could easily burn the puppy’s skin.

g. Nose – You should not need to clean this area.  If you notice any discharge or sores, contact your vet.

h. Weight – Never over feed your pet.  Overweight could result in shortening your pet’s life span!!!  Always consult your vet for best advice!!!  

6.  Veterinary care:

           

a.1. Vaccination – Vets will usually recommend a combined vaccine given around 6-8 weeks and again at 10-12 weeks of age, with a final booster together with Rabies a month after that. (See a.2. below).  A 1-2 week wait is needed after the second injection before your pet can mix with other dogs.  This protects puppies against Canine Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus infection.  Ask your vet about yearly boosters.

a.2. Rabies – Rabies is a terrifying and invariably fatal disease affecting human and other mammalian species throughout the world.  The disease is spread almost exclusively by the bite (saliva) of the infected carnivorous animal, such as dog, cat, meerkat and jackal.

There is no cure for this deadly disease once symptoms appear.  One of the first symptoms of rabies is a definite change in the animal’s disposition.  There are two types of rabies.  The furious type which is typified by restlessness and aggressiveness and the dumb type, in which the animal becomes paralyzed, salivates and may have a “dumb” expression.  Any suspected rabies case must be reported to the local State Veterinarian. 

 b. Worming – Regular worming with a good quality preparation will kill any parasites in your pet’s intestines.  If the problem is in the advanced stages, you may notice a pot-bellied appearance, dull coat, diarrhoea and a slow rate of weight gain.  If your pet shows any of these signs, contact your vet immediately.  Tapeworms live in the gut attached to the wall of the intestine and are often passed as small segments that look like grains of rice.  You may be able to see them on your pet’s fur around the tail or bottom.  Fleas can spread tapeworms, so controlling them will help avoid the problem.

c. Flea prevention – Fleas are small and dark brown in colour and lives close to your pet’s skin.  Warning signs include black specks of flea dirt in the coat or bedding, frequent scratching or nibbling the fur and even small insect-type bites on our own body.  Fleas are common but modern flea preparations are very effective.  Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and re-apply the spot-on or sprays at the correct intervals to maintain the effect.

 d. Exercise and training – Exercise is very important to the physical and mental health of your puppy and you will need to walk him at least once a day.  However, it is possible to over exercise your pet, so check with your vet before you start an exercise programme.  Your puppy will also enjoy chasing a ball, but avoid throwing sticks as these can split and splinter causing damage to the mouth. 

Remember:  Playtime should be fun time and is good for your pet’s health!!!

 e. Insurance – Veterinary treatment may be expensive so pet insurance is well worth considering.  Take time to make sure you choose the right insurer as their terms, conditions and cost can vary.  Pet insurance will not cover the cost of routine health care such as vaccinations, neutering or worming.  However, it can prove invaluable for accidents or illnesses.

7.  Growing up:

a. Interaction - Puppies need to learn how to interact with those around them. This process is referred to as socialisation.  The socialised dog develops communication skills which enable him to recognise whether of not he is being threatened, and how to recognise and respond to the intentions of others.  It is important that you work out a thorough socialisation programme.  Ask your vet for advice on planning your programme.

You should keep repeating exposure to potentially frightening stimuli during the first sixteen weeks of your puppy’s life.  This will include getting used to the noise of the lawn mower, the phone, the washing machine and the vacuum cleaner, as well as meeting and greeting all shapes, sizes and types of people.  

b. Encourage good behavior – Never hit or shout at your puppy.  Instead, try squirting him with a squeeze water bottle if he misbehaves, or shake a can filled with pebbles to interrupt the bad behavior.

8.    FINAL WORD

Doggie Style trusts the above-mentioned tips will come handy when purchasing a puppy!  These are just helpful tips in getting your puppy socialised, groomed, house trained as well as the importance of Veterinarian care.

Doggie Style also highly recommends that all new puppy owners attend a reputable puppy school.  This will give the puppy the opportunity to learn good manners and to socialise, as well as to interact with other puppies and people.

 REMEMBER:  THE DECISION TO PURCHASE A PUPPY IS A LIFE LONG COMMITMENT.
IT TAKES EFFORT AND COMMITMENT AND WILL BE REWARDED UNCONDITIONALLY...

Doggie Style wishes you many enjoyable and unforgettable moments with man’s best friend…

 
Resource References:

MedicineNet.com (website)

Internet/files/htm/petshealth (www.petshealth.co.za)

www.healthandhygiene.net

Internet/files/htm/animal inc

Internet/files/htm/animal behaviour (www.ethology.co.za)

Pawprints and Purrs, Inc.

Dog Health Care

Information by Condition or Disease

For more information Doggie Style recommends to visit:

www.kusa.co.za

www.animaltalk.co.za

www.dogsinafrica.co.za

www.propacpetfood.com

www.masterfoods.com

www.pedigree.co.za

www.royalcanin.com

www.hillspet.co.za

www.healthtec.com