New Pup Primer
A few points to keep in mind:
1. Coccidia
2. Ear Problems
3. Eating & Schedule
4. House Training
1. Coccidia: First of all, humans cannot "catch" the coccidia protozoa.The pup may have or develop coccidia, but the pup will outgrow it, eventually. The symptoms of coccidia are runny stool, even bloody stool. Many other things will also cause the same symptoms, (like poop eating, which is a normal behavior --and an instinctive food conservation remnant, from their ancient ancestors --wolves).
So a stool sample must be taken to determine if the pup has coccidia. The problem with this is that oft times vets misdiagnose parasites---protozoa---which oft times leads to wrong meds, and over medication, which in and of themselves, are a problem. The ONE medication used for coccidia is Albon, and it will sometimes cause a permanent dry eye condition ---requiring drops in the dog's eyes --- permanently. Permanent dry eye may not sound like a big problem, but it can be, as when permanent dry eye occurs, the dog will go blind without the required moistening drops --- 4-6 times daily. Veterinary ophthalmologists are recommending against the use of Albon in small pups now, due to the frequency of dry eye problems occurring, particularly in small breeds.
So, with these thoughts in mind:
1. Although Coccidia is a threat to the immune compromised, and to very tiny (under 5 weeks old) pups, coccidia should not be a big problem to an 11 week old pup
2. Humans cannot "catch" coccidia
3. Adult dogs basically have immunity to coccidia
4. The only treatment approved by the FDA, Albon, can cause a life long eye problem and blindness
5. The pup will outgrow coccidia, and with simple antibiotics, like amoxicillin, if the pup has any intestinal upset, it will heal, while he outgrows the potential for coccidia
We therefore, recommend, minimal --- to --- no treatment.
Call me with questions, please.
Now the next issue: EARS:
Lap-Eared Pups, who have lots of ear hair and small ear canals, get the following problems, at this age:
1. Yeast in ears (smell)
2. Bacteria in ears (swelling, extreme redness-pus)
3. Ear Mites (brown crumbly substance appearing within hours after cleaning)
4. Fungus
Please read the ear care article well.
After reading it, please keep the following pointers in mind.
1. The Pup needs Frontline Spray in his ears, (not the other meds from vet for mites) NOW --- and every 10 days for a few weeks, as well as a spray down his spine for fleas, (not total full body saturation--- as on the directions). Use it 12 hrs. after pup's bath and do not get the pup wet for 48 hrs. afterwards.
2. The Pup needs morning and evening ear cleaning for the first two weeks, as the frequency of bathing (and, leaving some moisture in ears) and the removal of all ear hair (and, leaving the pup with tiny skin abrasions --- removal) --- or openings for bacterial growth.
3. After ear cleaning with hydrogen peroxide (please see ear care article), please remember to dry the ear with swabs and then to use an alcohol wipe.
4. Then use Ear Med for Yeast (we sent some on top of crate--or get from vet for yeast in ears)morning and night for ten days.
Eating & Schedule
DO NOT CHANGE PUP'S FOOD- CHANGING FOOD ON SMALL PUP WITHOUT MUCH BODY FAT CAN BE DEADLY
CHANGING FOOD CAN CAUSE IMMEDIATE DEHYDRATION AND DEATH!
Pups free feed here all day, and please do this there for the first few days, to be sure pup is back to normal before going to scheduled feedings.
We moisten about 1/4th cup of DRY food, ONLY USE DRY FOOD!
CANNED FOOD DOES NOT HAVE GOOD OVERSIGHT IN PRODUCTION NOR DOES IT HAVE ENOUGH PROTEIN.
"Purina O.N.E" Mixed with "Beneful Original"
Please, do not substitute unless you have no alternative. Pup should stay on this his entire life. We use a combination of 75% "Beneful Original"and 25% "Purina O.N.E. Original". Keep it moistened for 2-4 weeks, after you get the pup. Then feed dry food. Dry food is better for their teeth. Puppy formulas may have too much calcium for them. Too much calcuim can cause bone disease in Toy Dog pups.
If the dog food says "puppy" it is "puppy", and if it does not say "puppy" then it is adult.
Do not get adult maintenance formula- it has fewer calories.
When you schedule his feeding (after he has been with you for three days or so), we recommend the following:
1. Wake Up Call: 7:00 AM---quick trip to litter tray or outside
2. Moistened Food for 30 min
3. Trip to litter tray or outside--- and, repeat every hour.
4. Between 4:00-5:00 dinner---food available for 30 min.
5. Trip to litter tray or outside every hour till bedtime
6. Do not take pup out at night--even if you must clean up in the morning as it sets a bad precedent, and then you will be doing it for years---and, you need your sleep).
7. 10:00 PM --- Bedtime-- tuck in --- give warm towels. Place two towels, folded in half, on the floor of the crate. Then take two towels and fold the two towels lengthwise--- then twist them tightly, making a roll out of each towel. After you have twisted them tightly, place them in a circle, with ends adjoining--- make a donut of them on top of the towels on the crate floor. So, that is two towels on the floor of the crate and two twisted towels in a circle on top of the floor towels---a twisted donut. Place pup in donut. Cover him with a warm towel from the dryer. Give your pup a rolled up hand cloth as his pillow---he will soon catch on. Leave his Dr. Noys Frog with him, as they love their toys. Cover the pup's crate with quilts so he will keep warm. He is accustomed to 80 degrees here and we do not want him to catch cold.
Additional Notes:
1. Pups can play for 10 minutes at a time---more and they may get low blood sugar
2. Pup should have NO Treats or food other than moistened Eukanuba Small Breed Puppy
3. Pup should only drink bottled water (certainly, NO well water)
4. Water should be available all day
5. Pup should be gated in kitchen-laundry room type area---never give him the run of the house (not till two years of age)
6. Pup will cry for a few nights
7. Children should not hold or walk around with pup --- pup can jump and get killed
8. Children should play with pup on the floor in your presence
9. Pup should not be taken to play dates, groomer, training classes, parks, roadside, or public places for 6 months as pup can catch incurable diseases there during this time frame.
Sincerely,
Deb
Beloved Havanese
Cloudstepper Ranch, Box 70, Waverly Hall, GA 31831
Deborah Owens
706 577 5733 Office Hours Usually M-F 1-4:00, but call and leave message anytime
We Will Call you back as quickly as possible.
email: BelovedHavanese@aol.com
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