basic information needed for owning a puppy?

Question

My family has a dog but we got it when it was full grown..now I live by myself and I'm about to get a puppy from a shelter. Therefore, I know some basics but not as much for the younger dogs. Can someone please help me with:

-What shots, medicine I should give it and how do I know what age..I dont think the dog has anything
-What kind of food to feed it and what age...the dog is 6 weeks so can I give it hard food, etc
-How often should you wash it
-How to teach it things like sit, stay, and a way for them not to chew up everything

things like that...anything would help, thanks!

Answer 1

Find a reputable vet, talk with him/her re: shots. He can have kibble at a young age. Research the food thouroughly. you want to stay away from processsed, preservative laden, cheap food. Go for an all natural or raw food. You may search both on google. Once a month bath, daily brushing. As for training, take the little tyke to obediance school. They are effective. The pup does need a bordatella vaccination b/4 he can go to classes. Above all, they need a heartful of love, patience and attention. Be aware that medical care is expensive, and payment is due at the time of a visit. You may want to look into pet insurance. Do it soon, as the last time I checked, you can't get it after the age of 6 months. A comfy bed and a proper sized crate. Chew toys, and soft, cuddly toys.Tooth brush to keep his teeth clean. Special toothpastes are available for dogs. You will need to "puppy proof" your house. Anything toxic must be out of reach or locked up. Then of coarse, there are neccessities such as food/water bowls, collar/ leash. Much luck, and thanks for being a loving, responsible pet owner. ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥♥ ♥ ♥

Answer 2

First you should call a vet and ask about shots, also most puppies can't be with other dogs or people for just a while.
You should feed it puppy food, any brand will do. Washing the dog is easy all you gotta do is wash it up to at least 2 times a month, but really just when the dog is dirty. For training you should take it to obediance school.

P.S. DO NOT HAND FEED THE PUPPY, ONLY TREATS BY HAND THATS IT! Other wise they'll only eat by hand.

Answer 3

You should have a warm bed for it to sleep in. A crate is also helpful. Needless to say you will need a food dish and a water dish, a collar and a leash. After you pick a name, you should get a name tag with your address and phone number on it in case it gets loose. You should have the vet check your dog fairly soon after you adopt it. They will inform you of necessary shots, any medicines, and review basic puppy care with you. The vet can also refer you to local training classes or"puppy kindergarten" classes. A good quality puppy food that is 100% nutritionally complete( the label should state that as well as the amount to feed according to your dog's weight.) Always provide a full bowl of fresh, cool water when offering food. Most vets will give you hand-outs on puppy care, and what to expect.

Answer 4

I would talk to the vet about the shots. If you live in certain areas you will need to get heart worm medicine and possibly tick and flea medicine. I had to do that in North Carolina, but not in a dry part of Washington state. The food should also be recommended by a vet. The bathing has to do with the breed in some cases. I have 2 pomeranians and they need to be bathed at least once a month and combed often. My parents had a Springer Spaniel and it wasn't necessary as often. I would take your puppy to obedience school. They have them at Petsmarts, Petcos, etc. I hope I was help. :)

Answer 5

Sarah : the very important thing in ownning a "Puppy
is to be responsible person "like proper training with commands
that should work yes! according towards Amnimals they
must get annual Vaccinations when needed while other things
as such ! refer http://www.puppy.ownners.org.com

Answer 6

puppys are great friends to have, but they are very misgevious, so keep impotant thin g out of reach. grooming should be once a month and care and love are definatly needed. canned food would be best for about a month or you can try mixing both foods together. discipline is the key to getting your dog to stop chewing on things. Say"no" very sternly. to train your dog, you have to praise it when you see him doing the trick. don't get frustated when ot doesn't do it, its normal, and odds are its lost interest. when puppies lose intrest, just give up for the day. also praise with treats. that will motivate them to do anything.

Answer 7

THe shelter should tell you what shots he's had, and when he needs his next.

You can get special puppy formula dry food for him. I reccomend Royal Canin brand

Answer 8

I just got a puppy and go to learn all about this stuff first hand.

shots: the vet will know exactly what the little one needs. Most pups get shots at 6weeks, 10weeks, 13weeks, and the last at 16 weeks; that's according to my vet. My initial vet visit was a little pricey though. The shelter should have those records if they have given it any shots.

food: if it will eat hard food, it can handle it. Most breeders wont release a pup until it has been talken away from the mother and is on dry food. Definately ask the shelter, but they should give you that info too.

Baths: I was planning on giving my pup once a week, but sometimes he needs one sooner, and sometimes (like now in the winter) he doesn't really get that dirty. My fiance's dog is allergic to some soaps though. It's pretty obvious, she had tiny little dots on her tummy.

Training: consistancy. First it must learn it's name! I thought that was the tricky part. The lady I got my dog from uses cat food as treats. The little pieces are great for training. My dog loves them! He will do anything for a treat. But there are certain times where it needs to know that it's not allowed to do somethings. I've noticed that a sharp NO works just fine. I slap my hards together if he's just not listening, it usually gets his attention.

But of course, there are always books.

Answer 9

my sisters dog just had puppies, and we are keeping two. ok first, at six weeks is a good time to give them dry dog food, just make sure it is small, but it doesn't have to be puppy chow. never give a dog wet food because they just get spoiled. limit the treats on young dogs because they will become fat. the puppy will need to be wormed. if you don't worm them and they get worms they will not grow full size. i washed my puppy once already, but don't use flea and tick shampoo unless it is over 12 weeks old. i used a wash cloth, but you can use a cup too. a puppy pees and poops when they first wake up and after they eat. for food if you want, you can get dry food and soak it in warm water so it is eaiser to eat. if you are getting your puppy a collar, go to the cat section because they are cheaper and have quick release in case they choke themselves. take the collar off at night. the collars also have bells on them so you know where your puppy is. if the puppy whines, ignore it. to get the dog to think of you as the boss and not bite, when you feed it, put the food down and make it wait to eat or put the food down and move it around and pick it up. that way the dog won't get protective of its food. we taught our dog to walk on a leash when it was six months old, and he is the best at it. teach obedince young, and get it used to getting wet and baths.GIVE IT LOTS OF LUV TOO

Answer 10

the first thing that you will need to do is find what kind of diet you want the puppy to go on, like do you want your puppy to become a healthy dog you will need to feed the puppy the right puppy food,Feeding instructions: Use your choice of dry and wet dog food, preferably puppy food. Mix the dry and wet food at a 50/50 ratio. In about 90 days start feeding dry food only. Make sure the puppy has food and water close at all times.

Nutrical: Give twice a day after meals or in between as a snack. Follow the proportions directions on the label.
Problems You May Encounter:



Hypoglycemia: This is when your puppy suddenly becomes lethargic, seems weak, stumbles, and begins shaking and seems to be cold, refuses to eat, and has pale gums. Sometimes they will also be depressed and do not have much of an appetite.

Solution: Immediately give the puppy Nutrical or 3 teaspoons full of honey or karo syrup, then feed. Continue to do this every 4 hours even throughout the night. You may even have to hand feed the puppy to make it eat.

Causes of Hypoglycemia: Stress, over exertion, missing a meal, and no rest or a combination of the four (4).



Coughing: If you puppy is coughing, don’t panic, it is probably nothing more than the equivalent to a human cold. It will usually only last 5 – 7 days, if longer see you vet immediately. Although the cough and hacking is annoying and concerning it usually does not develop into anything more serious. However is the coughing persists or worsens or your puppy sounds congested contact your vet immediately. If you choose, you may use Robitussin-Dm cough suppressant child’s dosage to help reduce the coughing. Use ¼ teaspoon per 5 pounds puppy weight, three (3) times daily or every 8 hours.



Kennel Cough: A dry hacking cough and shortness of breath. It is caused by a combination of stress, temperature variation, and is usually produced by a viral agent. See above for treatment and concerns.



Diarrhea: Nervousness and a change of environment and food can cause your puppy’s stools to be loose, diarrhea. If the diarrhea lasts more than two (2) days contact your vet. During the 2 days make sure your puppy is eating and drinking plenty of water, dehydration is a concern.



Worms: The most common types of worms puppies get are the Tapeworm and Roundworm. Don’t panic, all puppies get worms. Should you see worms in your puppy’s stool consult your vet for worm treatment. Usually they will give it to you over the counter to administer yourself. A tapeworm looks like a grain of rice in the stool. Roundworm looks like a thin spaghetti noodle.



Blood in the stool: You may notice bright red blood in the puppy’s stool generally this is a case of Coccidia. The blood may also be due to a broken blood vessel when the puppy defecates. Whether the blood is due to Coccidia or the puppy straining it is best to contact your vet immediately.



Genetic Disorders: Canine Inherited Disorders Database - This is a site that gives you the common genetic disorders of a Chihuahua, with possible treatment and severity of the problem. Some of the problems are: Retained baby teeth, bad bite, hypoglycemia, patellar luxation, cleft palate, heart defects, entropion, shoulder dislocation, and lens luxation.



The Teeth: Malocclusion Of Teeth - This is a site that gives you detailed information on the different bites and how the teeth should line up.

i added the teeth because, well your puppy will need them to eat and if your puppys teeth is not health then when your puppy eats it will hert your puppy or as a dog so its inportant to keep the teeth clean.Potty Training: Puppies do not have complete control over their body functions until they are about 6 months old. You will have to take your puppy to the area you want him to do his business often. Get to know your puppy, learn to predict when your puppy has to go to the potty. Usually the best times to take them are immediately after waking up, eating, or drinking. There are other signs to look for such as they will run around almost frantic, acting worried and whining. Sniffing too diligently around areas is also a good clue. As soon as any of the signs appear take your puppy immediately to the potty area. Give him or her plenty of praise for going were you want them to. If your puppy has already started his business when you catch it, pick him/her up firmly but gently and give a firm “no” command and take him to the area you wish him to go. Give plenty of love and praise for finishing the job in the right place. Blood in the stool: You may notice bright red blood in the puppy’s stool generally this is a case of Coccidia. The blood may also be due to a broken blood vessel when the puppy defecates. Whether the blood is due to Coccidia or the puppy straining it is best to contact your vet immediately. its very inportant for you to know what is happening when your puppy has some blood in the stool, as you can see its not a good thing.