PUPPY CARE TIPS

Congratulations on your new family member!  We are pleased and honored that you have chosen Sutherland Purebred Puppies for what we feel will be one of the most important purchases of your life.  We know that in all the excitement of getting your new puppy, you may have over looked some of the important points to insure your new puppy has a long, healthy and happy life  So here are some pointers to make exactly that come true.

1.  THE RIDE HOME

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 seatbelt 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 home you can do any needed clean up.  Give your puppy about 45 minutes to an hour to settle down - his tummy will do just fine.

2.  THINGS YOU MIGHT EXPERIENCE THE FIRST FEW DAYS

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 in diet may cause diarrhea.  If it lasts more than 2 days please contact a veterinarian.

Not eating  for the first day and a half - that can happen.  Things are different for him.  In our care puppies generally do what 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 Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Maltese, and Toy Poodles.  If your puppy refuses to eat after a day and a half, please call us.  We will have some good suggestions.

3.  SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS TO BE AWARE OF

-Bright red blood mixed in with the stool - Generally this is the case of Cocidia.  The blood may also be due to the broken vessels when a puppy defacates.  Whether the blood is due to Cocidia or to the puppy straining, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.

- Worms in your puppy's stool - 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 don't 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 puppy away from other dogs 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 14 days after the purchase of the puppy.

- Kennel cough,   Symptoms of Kennel Cough are a dry hacking cough, and 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 medicine.  Consult your vet if your puppy shows signs of Kennel Cough.  NOTE: Kennel Cough can remain in a puppy's system anywhere from 5 days to several weeks.

-Hypoglycemia.  Hypoglycemia usually occurs with 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 to give small breeds at least 3 to 5 feedings every day.  This will insure 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 Hyperglycemic, a quick dose of Nutrical or Stat will put the blood sugar level back to normal.  Place the puppy in a warm place and quickly consult a veterinarian.

4.  PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES FOR SMALL BREEDS

- Make sure that you are not constantly handling the puppy or passing it around from hand to hand.  In the beginning, give the puppy time to rest.

- Make sure for the first month that you keep HONEY in the puppy's water at all times.

- Your new puppy should have at least 3 to 5 feedings during the course of a 12 hour day.  NOTE:  make sure your puppy eats when you place the food in front of him.

- Most importantly, use Nutrical/Stat at least 3 to 4 times a day. This will make sure that your puppy is getting the much needed sugar and nutrients.  To prevent your puppy from becoming Hypoglycemic, the Nutrical/Stat should be given constantly for the first two weeks.

5.  CLOSING NOTE

- Remember it doesn't matter if your puppy is a quarter pound Yorkie or an 8 pound Rottweiler.  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 into 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 a wild animal bites him.  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 to be your best friend.