Congratulations on your new family member. We are pleased and honored that you have chosen New York Puppy Club Puppies for what we feel may be one of the most important purchases in your life. We know that all the excitement of getting your puppy, you may have overlooked some of the important points to insure your new puppy of a long, healthy and happy life.
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 seat belt 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 most of the time. Take a towel along just in case your puppy does get sick. Upon your arrival home, you can do any needed cleanup. Give your puppy about 45 minutes to an hour to settle down - his little tummy will do just fine.
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 of diet may cause diarrhea. If it lasts for more than two days, please contact a veterinarian.
Not eating for the first day or day and a half - that can happen. Things are different for the puppy. In our care, puppies generally do as 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 the store at which you purchased your puppy. They will have some suggestions on what to do.
After putting your puppy down for the first time, he may just stand there in fright. Back away and talk soothingly to him. Reassure him by saying "good puppy, nice puppy". Whistle very softly and your new puppy will come over to you for a sniff. When he comes over, give him a pat on the head. The puppy will be fine after this.
SYMTOMS AND SIGNS TO BE AWARE OF
Blood or mucus in your puppy's stool
Generally this is a sign that your puppy may have the presence of intestinal parasites. This is a common occurrence with puppies and is very easily treated. Parasites are normally found in the stool of young puppies, and can be easily diagnosed by your vet, who can complete a fecal test to determine this. Medication will be given by the vet and this should clear out the parasites within a week.
WORMS IN YOUR PUPPY¡¯S STOOL
Like parasites, worms are commonly found in young puppies. There are several types of worms, but the most common types are roundworms and tapeworms. These are visible sometimes when the pup defecates, but you should not be alarmed as this is an easily treated problem. A de-worming can be given by your veterinarian, once he/she has determined what type of worms are present.
KENNEL COUGH
Symptoms of kennel cough are a dry hacking cough, watery eyes, runny nose and congestion. Kennel cough is an air bourne virus and is almost impossible to prevent in a kennel environment. Kennel cough is also called upper respiratory infection and tracheal bronchitis, although it can sometimes sound very bad, it is not a life threatening problem. This condition is usually treated with proper antibiotics given by your vet, but ultimately it has to run it's course. Kennel cough can last from a few days to several weeks, so don't be concerned if it doesn't clear up immediately. Consult your vet if your puppy shows signs of kennel cough.
HYPOGLYCEMIA
This condition can occur from time to time, but will usually occur in small breeds like Yorkies, Maltese, Poodles, etc., more often than larger breeds. Hypoglycemia occurs when a puppy's blood sugar level drops below normal. This can occur for several reasons, but usually it happens when a puppy is not eating properly, due to the stress of going to an unfamiliar environment. Symptoms of hypoglycemia are white gums, low body temperatures, lethargy, inability to stand up and even possibly seizures. It is important that small breeds receive three to five feedings per day, as well as supplements like Nutri-Cal, so blood sugar levels remain adequate. If you see symptoms of hypoglycemia, give the puppy sugar immediately, keep the puppy warm and consult a veterinarian immediately.
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES FOR SMALL BREEDS ARE
Make sure that you are not constantly handling the puppy or passing it around from hand to hand. In the beginning, give the puppy a little time to rest. Make sure for the first month that you keep light Karo syrup in the puppy's water at all times. Your new puppy should have at least three to five feedings during the course of a twelve hour day. Note: make sure your puppy eats when you place the food in front of him. Most importantly, use the Nutri-Cal at least three to four times daily. This will make sure your puppy is getting the much needed sugar and nutrients. To prevent your puppy from becoming Hypoglycemic, the Nutri-Cal should be given consistently for the first two weeks.
CLOSING NOTE
Remember, it doesn't matter if your puppy is a two pound Yorkie or a twenty 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 and healthy. Make sure that your puppy is given his rabies vaccination when it is due. Most important: Your new puppy is yours, not your neighbors pup. Nor is your puppy the new friend of your neighbors dog. Be very careful in the decisions you make for your new puppy - and your puppy will grow up being your best friend.
Phone: Tel 718-886-1088/ Fax 718-886-8033 Hours : Monday - Sunday 10:00 a.m.~ 8:00 p.m. Address: 59-08 Kissena Blvd, Flushing NY 11355 If you have question mail to: NYPUPPYCLUB@LYCOS.COM Copyright ¨Ï 2008 NY PUPPY CLUB. All right reserved.