Your New Puppy: The First Few Days
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Congratulations on your new family member. We are pleased and honored that
you have chosen Robbins run Pomeranians for what we feel may be one of the most
important purchases in your life. We know that in all the excitement of getting
your puppy; you may have overlooked some of the important points to insure your
new puppy a long, healthy, and happy life.
1: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 98% 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 you puppy about 45 minutes to an hour to
settle down – his little tummy will do just fine.
*Keep this in mind when your puppy is flying home to you as well. He/she is going
to need some rest time and probably some nutrical. Not a lot of nutrical... just a bit
on the end of your finger. If he/she will not lick it off simply open his/her mouth
and wipe it on the roof of his/her mouth. If you have long fingernails be aware of
them and do not scratch the roof of his/her mouth.
2: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 felling will pass shortly.
Nervousness or change of diet may cause diarrhea. If it lasts for more than a day,
please contact a veterinarian.
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 gentle pat on the head. The puppy will be fine after
this.
3:SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS TO BE AWARE OF
Bright red blood mixed in with stool.
Bloody stool is very dangerous, as it can be an indicator for Parvo as well as for
Cocidia. Pomeranians have NO IMMUNITY to Parvo their first year of life. Even with
vaccinations if they are too stressed they can come down with this disease. Parvo
kills, it kills quickly and painfully. If you are taking a puppy home, remember this
is a hairy little baby. Just like a human baby it needs consistent care... rest... a
consistent menu...find out what the breeder is feeding and keep the feed the same
for at least a month. Then if you choose to change it, do it gradually... not all at
once. If you are flying your baby in from a different location I would strongly
suggest either a bottled water or filtered water to start. The water is different in
different regions of the country.
The blood may also be due to broken blood vessels when a puppy defecates.
Whether the blood is due to Cocidia or to the puppy straining, it is advisable to
consult a veterinarian. Don’t Procrastinate!
Worms in your puppy’s stool.
There are many types of worms that your puppy may have. The most common types
are: A) Tapeworms: look like small grains of rice B) Roundworms: look like strands
of spaghetti. Should you see worms in your puppy, do not be alarmed. Take a stool
sample to your veterinarian and the puppy will receive worming medication. Worms
take several weeks to get rid of, so be sure to keep the puppy away from any other
dog’s defecation, or his own. Even if the puppy does not show any visible signs of
worms, it is recommended that you take a stool sample to the vet within fourteen
days after purchase of the puppy.
Kennel Cough (Tracheal Bronchitis).
Symptoms of Kennel Cough are a dry hacking cough, and a shortness of breath.
Kennel Cough is quite common, almost as common as the human cold. It is caused
by a combination of stress and temperature variations. Although the cough may
sound threatening, it is treatable with medication. Consult a vet if your puppy
shows signs of Kennel Cough. NOTE: Kennel Cough can remain in the puppy’s
system anywhere from five days to several weeks.
Hypoglycemia
This is dangerous... it can kill your puppy... their digestive systems shut down...
when it comes to hypoglycemia it's better to be safe than sorry!
Hypoglycemia can occur in small breeds. Symptoms of Hypoglycemia are white
gums, rolled up eyes, inability to stand up straight and seizures. The small breeds
can get Hypoglycemia overnight. Small Breeds are very fragile, and can get sick
quite easily, especially if they stop eating. It is important that you give small breeds
at least three to five feedings every day. This will ensure that the puppy will receive
a steady stream of nutrients. Hypoglycemia occurs when puppies get stressed out
and their blood sugar level drops below normal. Should your puppy become
Hypoglycemic, a quick dose of Nutri-Cal or Karo syrup will put the blood sugar
level back to normal.
*Important Note: Do not use honey in place of nutri-cal or karo syrup. Especially
with a very young puppy... you risk killing it.
Place the puppy in a warm place and quickly consult a veterinarian.
*Personally I recommend free feeding and observing whether your puppy eats or
not. This tends to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia, as well as helping your puppy
to not become fixated on food. In other words it reduces the risk of adult obesity.
4:PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES FOR SMALL BREEDS
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.
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.
5:CLOSING NOTE
Remember, it doesn’t matter if your puppy is a quarter pound Yorkie or an eight
pound Rottie. 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 leave your puppy near wooded areas where
raccoons or squirrels may live. Your puppy may catch the rabies virus if he gets
bitten by any wild animals. Make sure that your puppy is given his rabies
vaccination when it is due.
Most Important: Your new puppy is yours, not your neighbor’s pup. Nor is your
puppy the new friend of your neighbor’s dog. Be very careful in the decisions you
make for your new puppy – and your puppy will grow up being your best friend.
I'm not sure who wrote the original of this piece. I've edited a bit... so some of it's
theirs... and some of it's mine.
Life is a journey... Enjoy the Trip... Mary E. Robbins & the Hairballs
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