1. Buy a puppy that is clean and has a shiny coat, it's an indication of good health.
2. Buy a puppy that has bright pink gums; this is an indication that the puppy is free of parasites or worms.
3. Buy a puppy that has clear eyes, not cloudy. It is another indication of good health.
4. A puppie's belly should be in proportion to the rest of it's body.... pot bellied is not a good thing.
5. Buy a puppy only if given a written health guarantee.
6. Don't buy a puppy that you don't really want, hold out for exactly what you are looking for.
8. Pay someone to help you potty train if you are unable to do it yourself, this will make you much
happier in the long run.
7. Male puppies will not hike their leg if you have them neutered at an early age.
9. Keep your puppy on a quality dog food to maintain a healthy immune system throughout it's life.
10. Do not take a new puppy out to the park, or shopping until it is older than 3 months & has had all of it's puppy shots.
11. Train your puppy to love it's crate this will make both of your lives more enjoyable.
14. HYPOGLYCEMIA....learn this word, and ask how to help prevent it from occuring with your tiny puppy. It means Low Blood Sugar, and tiny breeds can die from it if they are not properly cared for. Ask for instructions, and follow them. This is not a condition that is your breeders fault; it indicates that your puppy is not eating often enough, and is unable to maintain proper calorie intake and thus resulting in Low Blood Sugar. Tiny breeds must eat often, stay warm, get plenty of rest & have as little stress as possible during the first few weeks at it's new home. It needs time to adjust. Keep honey on hand for emergencies, and if you see that your tiny puppy is just laying around and is not interested in eating or drinking......SEEK HELP IMMEDIATELY!
13. Shipping is a safe mode of travel; most puppies tolerate it well.
12. Ask your breeder if your puppy will blow it's puppy coat as a teenager. Some breeds loose
their puppy hair, and it can be very disturbing if you are not prepared for it to occur.
15. COCCIDIOSIS:... this is a single celled protozoan that are commonly found in puppies & kittens, but they are not visible to the naked eye; which makes them easy to go undetected. ALBON or SMZ are routinely prescribed for prevention and treatment. These protozoan's can develop into a problem during stressful periods. such as weaning, transport, and relocation, etc. These problems will occur only if it goes undetected, and untreated for several days at which time it could be fatal du to weakness, diarrhea, and dehydration. Some of the first signs that your puppy may be having trouble with coccidia is a bloody, or loose stool, sleeping a lot, hot nose, pale gums, not interested in eating or drinking. All these symptoms are leading up to dehydration & ultimately death. Coccidiosis is easily treated & prevented if you know what to look for, and what to do for it. Ask your breeder or your vet to provide you with at least 7 - 10 days of Albon, or SMZ if you are getting a new puppy. Your puppies life could depend on this. Treatment should not cost an arm and a leg; if it does......change doctors!
16. Before spending lots of money at a vet's office call your breeder, and ask if the price is reasonable or even necessary. Some vets will charge outrageous prices for their medicines or services. Prices do vary from vet to vet, but there is a major difference between competitive, and rip off!
