New Puppy Care Instructions 

Puppy Shots

·        You should isolate your puppy from the general public and other dogs until full immunity is established! This means no pet store visits, friends' houses, or other places outside the home. 

·        The shots your puppy has are just boosters at this point and do not fully protect the puppy against highly contagious diseases such as Parvo, Distemper, etc. Puppy MUST receive all 4 puppy shots and a rabies shot to have full immunity.

Outdoor Safety

·        Limit access to outside for your very young puppy right at first especially the front yard. We recommend that a puppy is not allowed in the front yard until all shots and a rabies shot have been given. (Please stay with your puppy when in the backyard for the first few months.) Always have a leash for your puppy if it is playing in the front yard.

·        Young puppies should NOT be taken outside when it is raining or snowing. They don't understand the moisture on the ground and could get sick from being damp.

·        Check all yard and household plants to make sure none are poisonous to dogs. Common poisonous plants include: Poinsiettas, Fox Glove, Hydrangea, and Lilies. Click here for more common poisonous plants: http://www.dogpack.com/health/poisonplants.htm

·        Check your yard for holes around the fence to prevent your puppy from getting into a neighbor's yard.

·        BEWARE of hawks, falcons, owls, and other birds of prey. These birds have been known to carry off small puppies. Don't leave your puppy outside alone or unsupervised.

·        Be careful that puppy doesn’t play too hard as this can cause hypoglycemia. (See more information under Hypoglycemia.)

·        To potty train: take puppy outside after waking up, eating, every 2-3 hours, and before bedtime. (See more information under Potty Training.)

Indoor Safety

·        Think Safety First, puppy proof your home.

·        NEVER leave your new puppy with a young child or on a bed, couch, or table and walk away.  Serious injury or death could occur.

·        To protect your puppy when it is in the house purchase a collar with a bell so you can hear the puppy coming. This will help you find the puppy if it is hiding and prevent you from stepping on it.

·        When the door bell rings. Make sure you know where your puppy is before answering. Pick up your puppy or put it in a play pen when you go to the door. Puppies and dogs are curious; they might run out the door before you know it.

·        If you have older dogs (8 months or older is considered an adult) they should not be left alone with a puppy until the puppy is at least 6 months old. This will help prevent accidental injury to your puppy if the adult dog(s) play too hard with the puppy.

Car Safety

·       When traveling in the car, put your puppy in a pet carrier and buckle them in just like you would a child. The backseat is also the safest place to put your puppy because of airbags on the passenger side in the front of the car.

·        Never leave your puppy in the car. Cars can get hot even in the winter time from the sun. They are just like babies-if you'd never leave your baby in the car, don't leave your puppy (or dog).

·        Always travel with fresh water and food.  Your puppy needs to eat 3 times a day or follow your Vet’s recommend feeding schedule. (See Puppy Feeding Instructions for more information of Teacup Puppies if your puppy is extremely small.) It is not good to travel long distances (over 2-3 hours) with a brand new puppy. This is too stressful for them.