(2) Feed your new puppy the premium grade dog food your puppy has been eating. If you are going to change him over, then do so gradually – over about a week’s time. Mix ¾ current food and ¼ new food and feed a couple of days. Then mix ½ and ½ for a couple of days. Then mix ¼ current food and ¾ new food for a couple more days. Then your puppy will be ready to eat it’s new food all of the time. Do this any time you change foods – even to an adult ration. Some but not all puppies may need to be supplemented with a premium can dog food and Nutri-Cal for the first few weeks. Be sure they eat every 6 hours. Food and water should be available to your puppy at all times until he is 6 months then feed twice daily. If your puppy is being shipped they will be given Nutri-Cal before they are shipped. You should give them some after they arrive and we also recommend giving them a jar of chicken baby food (first meat baby food) to help keep their blood sugar level elevated.

(3) Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a health problem that affects many toy breeds of puppies between 5 and 16 weeks of age, especially, but not always, extremely tiny dogs. Hypoglycemia is recognized by a healthy puppy suddenly becoming weak, listless, depressed, unaware of its surroundings, and even unable to stand or walk. Advanced stages include seizures before lapsing into a coma, which is sometimes followed by death. If your puppy becomes hypoglycemic, it is very important that you react IMMEDIATELY!!! Give the puppy Nutri-Cal, honey or Karo syrup. Administer the honey or syrup with an eyedropper or if the puppy is too weak to take it, put it on your finger and rub it on the roof of its mouth. ITS LIFE DEPENDS ON IT!!! Nutri-Cal is a fast acting, high calorie supplement and may be given off of your finger. Keep the puppy warm at all times and rub the puppy very easy, moving the head from side to side slowly rotating it, also move the arms and legs so the puppy will not get stiff. It may be necessary to give the puppy a couple of doses. If the puppy does not respond, GET IT TO A VET IMMEDIATELY! Hypoglycemia can occur without warning if a puppy is placed in a new home, misses a meal or is otherwise stressed. You must remember that puppies eat very small amounts, yet they exert large amounts of energy. Your puppy should eat 3 times a day. DO NOT CHANGE THE FOOD FOR THE FIRST FEW WEEKS. If you wish to change food later, do so gradually, after the puppy has adjusted to its new home and life. Remember that if there is a problem with hypoglycemia, it will usually happen during the first few weeks while the puppy is adjusting. The puppy will outgrow this as it becomes adjusted.

Stages of Hypoglycemia:

FIRST STAGE: Possible signs are:
Not playful
Refuses to eat
Pale gums
Lethargy
Eyes look unusual
Stumbling, falling, staggering.

SECOND STAGE: CRITICAL-SEEK VET CARE IMMEDIATELY!
Body becomes limp
Puppy cannot lift his head easily

THIRD STAGE:
He becomes completely limp, the head may tilt backward and become stiff
Slow heartbeat
Body temp drops
Mouth is stiff and gums become white

(4) We recommend that you not leave your puppy alone for the first 48 hours so that you can monitor his food and water intake. This will combat any dehydration or hypoglycemia. After the first 24 hours, continue monitoring food and water intake.

(5) If your puppy is not eating, has diarrhea, or is vomiting contact your vet immediately!

(6) Do not let your puppy play on the ground until he has had all of his shots. He may pick up an illness that could cost him his life! For example, Parvovirus. The treatment for parvo costs anywhere from $200 to $600, yet it costs only $20 to $40 to have your vet help protect him with his vaccination. Remember, they are not safe until 2 weeks after they have had all three vaccinations. So keep them off the dirt!

(7) Do not let your puppy jump off couches, chairs or any other high place. This seems like a fun trick but it can damage your puppy's knees, hips, or can even break a leg! Take my word for that!

(8) Do NOT forget to keep up with your puppy's shots. He must have them all for them to protect him. And don't forget to get his Rabies and kennel cough shots at 14 weeks. Your puppy should also be de-wormed continuously as worms may reoccur. Your vet will advise you what to do.

(9) If your puppy has long hair please remember to keep his bottom shaved or trimmed. Sometimes the poo-poo can get caught up in the hair and keep your puppy from being able to go potty. This can cause serious problems and even death.

(10) NEVER leave your puppy or dog in your car for any amount of time, even if the window is cracked.

(11) If any problems occur with your puppy’s health, call your vet immediately! Vets are on call 24 hours a day if you need one.

(12) Give them lots of LOVE ALWAYS..............

Common Household Toxic Substances

You may have some or all of these products in your home and not even be aware they could cause problems for your family pet. Symptoms could be just a skin or eye irritation or a possible fatal reaction if taken internally. Usually if the product label has a warning on it, then it is probably in some way also toxic to your dog.

The following list will name the household product, include possible symptoms, if exposed, and basic first aid. Always contact your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has come in contact with one of these products.

HOW TO INDUCE VOMITING

Give several teaspoons (for small and medium size dogs) or several tablespoons (for large and giant size dogs) of hydrogen peroxide orally. Repeat as needed to stimulate vomiting. Another remedy is Ipecac syrup - 1 teaspoon (for small and medium dogs) or 1 tablespoon (for large and giant dogs). Allow the dog to drink 1 cup of water as this will hasten the vomiting. Repeat as needed.

HOW TO GIVE A LAXATIVE

Laxatives are used to quickly expel the plant material from the intestines. Mineral oil is safe and effective. Give 1 teaspoon for small dogs (less than 25 lbs.), 1 tablespoon to medium size dogs (25-50 lbs.), 2 tablespoons to large or giant dogs, (50-100 lbs.)