PUPPY Health

• Unless crated, water should always be available. Some puppies like to play in their water bowls so they may dry up quickly. Consider a water dispenser that will only need to be refilled every few days. 

• At 2 months, puppies are ready to eat 2 to 3 times a day. Depending upon size, pups are eating ¾ to 1 ½ cup per day. 

There are many quality puppy foods out there. Things to look for are:

• Grain inclusive (grain free has been associated with heart problems)
• Kibble size small enough for puppy to manage
• Formulated for puppies or all life stages
• At 8 weeks, my favorites are Beaverdam Hi Energy 26/18, Purina Pro Plan All Life Stages Lamb and Adirondack Puppy Performance 30/20.
• Supplements are not needed.
• Try to keep treats to a minimum. Frequency is more important than size. Just a little bit is a good reward.

First few days at home they may not eat so well because of all of the excitement. Tricks to try are mixing kibble with a little minced meat or canned tuna. Can also mix with canned food.

Puppies should be examined by your vet within 2 business days of joining your family. This ensures the puppies health and allows you to ask questions. Should leave appointment with plans for at least 3 things: vaccinations, flea/tick control and worm/heartworm prevention.

• Please check with your veterinarian because vaccination protocols can vary. We currently give DHP at 5 weeks and DHPP at 7, 10, 13 and 16 weeks. (DHPP= distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus).
• Puppies are not considered protected until 2 weeks after the 10 week vaccine.
• Rabies is given as early as 12 weeks.
• I also encourage getting Leptospirosis, Bordetella, flu and possibly Lyme vaccines in their first year.
• Routine vaccines are usually boosted every 1-3 years.
• More information at https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/puppy-shots-complete-guide/

• Grooming should start right away to get puppies used to baths, blow dryers, brushing and nail trimming.  When playing with puppies take a moment to tickle their toes, look in ears, raise lips to look at teeth. This can make them comfortable with grooming in the future.
• Bathing frequency can be every 2-3 weeks depending upon how dirty the puppy gets. I usually bathe adults monthly. Mild puppy shampoo diluted in water is the easiest to use and makes it easier to make sure all soap is rinsed out. Next I towel them off and use blow dryer on warm to get them dry enough to stop shivering.  Some dogs instinctively roll all over towels and dry themselves. 
• Nails have been clipped weekly since around 3 weeks. Clip nails as needed, maybe weekly when really young. Infant nail clippers work well at first and then small clippers.
• More info at https://www.asca.org/the-australian-shepherd/about-aussies/grooming/
• Also, many videos available on YouTube to learn how.

• This is more than just a bug nuisance issue! It really important for your dog’s health because fleas and ticks carry diseases and worms. This is how to prevent infection.
• Again, speak with your vet as there are many ways to do this. 
• My routine (2019), is to start topical fipronil at 8 weeks and repeat monthly. Will switch to oral Nexgard when puppy is over 4 pounds. Once 6 months old, I switch to Bravecto every 3 months.

• The puppies receive pyrantel pamoate at 2, 4, 6, 8 weeks. Ivermectin is added at 6 and 10 weeks for heart worm prevention. Stool testing is done at 7 weeks. Ask your vet for the long-term worm and heartworm strategy.
• Puppies are usually carry some worms from birth and tend to pick them up from the environment. Treatments are to suppress active infection. Stress, such as moving to new home, can bring out infection. Report any diarrhea to your vet.