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• Buy a puppy with a clean, shiny coat; it's an indication of good health 

• Buy a puppy with bright pink gums; it's an indication that the puppy is free of parasites or worms

• Buy a puppy with clear eyes, not cloudy. It is another health indicator

• A puppy's belly should be in proportion to the rest of their body; pot belly is not a good thing

• Buy a puppy only if you are given a written health guarantee

• Only buy a puppy that you really want; hold out for exactly what you want

• Male puppies will not hike their leg if you have them neutered at an appropriate age

• Pay a professional to help you crate and potty train if you cannot do it yourself; it will pay off in the years to come

• Keep your puppy on a quality dog food to maintain a healthy immune system throughout life

• Do not take your puppy to the park or out shopping until it is over 3 months and has had all of its vaccinations

• Train your puppy to love the crate; it will make both of your lives more enjoyable

• Ask your breeder if your puppy will "blow its coat" as a teenager; some breeds lose all their puppy hair and it can be quite disturbing if you are not prepared for this

• Shipping is a safe mode of travel; most puppies tolerate it well

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HYPOGLYCEMIA: Learn this word, and ask how to help prevent it.  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 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 their new home.  Your puppy needs time to adjust.  Keep honey on hand for emergencies and if you see that your tiny puppy is just lying around, not interested in eating or drinking, SEEK HELP IMMEDIATELY!

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COCCIDIOSIS: This is a single celled protozoan that is commonly found in puppies & kittens.  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 protozoans can develop into a problem during stressful periods such as weaning, transport, and relocation, etc.   Problems will occur only if Coccidiosis goes undetected and untreated for several days, at which time it can be fatal due to weakness, diarrhea, and dehydration.  Some of the first signs that your puppy may be having trouble with coccidia are bloody or loose stool, sleeping too much, hot nose, pale gums, and generally not interested in eating or drinking. All these symptoms can lead up to dehydration & ultimate 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 puppy's life could depend on this.  Treatment should not cost an arm and a leg, if it does...change doctors! 

 

Vets and Vaccinations: Before spending tons 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!

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