Care and nutrition

We wanted to share some general information regarding your puppy’s care.

You will want to visit your pet store and pick up a few necessary items.  Please be sure to purchase NutriSource puppy food.

Please purchase Nutri-Cal.  Nutri-Cal is a supplement  used to prevent the on-set of hypoglycemic shock in your puppy.  Hypoglycemic shock can occur if your puppy becomes over tired, gets chilled or does not receive proper nutrition.  Use Nutri-Cal  as directed on the insert that comes with it. This is just a precautionary measure we do not see this as a problem.

Offer your puppy 1/8 cup of  Nutri-source Kibble 2x times daily, (adjust the amount to your puppy's consumption being sure the puppy is eating enough to sustain him/herself).  We currently keep food available to the puppy 24/7 and monitor his/her intake and energy level.  If the puppy is not eating enough of the Nutri-source kibble, Other things you can try to feed your puppy if he/she is not eating enough are soft scrambled eggs or some broiled, baked or boiled chicken (lukewarm).  Nutri source canned food is also a good choice of food for a puppy that doesn't want to eat.  You can order it direct from the company at nutrisourcepetfoods.com Be sure your puppy is eating enough to sustain him/her.

If your puppy won’t drink the water you offer him/her offer him/her GatorAid to drink.  Water in different locations can taste and smell much different than the water your puppy has been drinking.  Use shallow dishes for feed and water.  Be sure your puppy is eating, drinking and going potty.

Puppy will need plenty of rest.  When the puppy is not resting, the puppy should be alert and playful.  If the puppy becomes lethargic, administer Nutri-Cal immediately.  If the puppy's condition does not improve within 20 minutes you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

Your puppy will need a quiet and stable environment to adjust properly.  Loud noise and quick movement will stress your puppy.  Please be gentle and kind to your puppy.  Talk softly, handle the puppy gently and spend a lot of time with your puppy.  A puppy that is adjusting will sometimes eat small amounts of food from your hand while on your lap.  This helps build a good relationship between you and the puppy.

We recommend keeping a puppy in a confined area (not too large 6’ X 6’) when you are not immediately with him/her.  Do not place puppies in a draft.  Floor temperatures are often much cooler than the reading on your thermostat.  Do not expose the puppy to excess heat.  Keep the puppy at a temperature that is comfortable (72-78 degree).  Provide the puppy a soft towel or pillow to rest on.

Use extreme care not to step on the puppy or allow the puppy to jump or fall from your arms, furniture, stairs or any elevated surface.  Always handle puppies in a very gentle manner.  Never hit or shake your puppy.

Do not take your puppy into public areas where other animals have been until your puppy is complete on his/her puppy series of vaccinations at or about 16 weeks of age.

You will want to purchase a tearless brand of puppy shampoo and a soft brush.  Do not bathe your puppy so often that you dry the skin.  Use care when bathing a puppy not to get soap and water in the ears, nose and mouth.

Give daily attention to the eyes and rectal area.  Keep both areas clean using a soft damp cloth.

If you have any questions regarding the care of your new puppy please do not hesitate to give me a call at 417-256-6764  Your veterinarian and staff are also a great source for advice in the care of your new puppy.

Best Regards,
Gloria
Puppies-4u LLC