Recommendations for New Puppy Owners

Amanda Healey, DVM

Bridget Peck, DVM

Alyssa Mohus, DVM

Understanding Puppy

Behavior

Stimulating play is important during puppyhood. Playing with your puppy helps to strengthen your bond, expend

some of your puppy’s excess energy, and encourages proper muscular development. There are a few signs to watch out for to ensure your puppy doesn’t learn aggresssive behaviors.

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Know the Difference Between Play and Aggressive Behaviors:

Any and all signs of aggression should be addressed right away.

• Chasing
• Pouncing
• Barking
• Play biting
• Bowing
• Running around barking
• Playful growling

Normal play behaviors:

Potentially aggressive behaviors:

• Prolonged, deep tone growling
• Stiff posture
• Steady gaze
• Biting
• Resource/toy guarding
• Lunging
• Showing teeth

Puppies require mental stimulation as well as physical stimulation. Toys like Kongs or puzzle toys promote working for food rewards. Obedience training and basic commands, such as "sit" and "come", provide mental stimulation. Asking your puppy to perform a basic command before giving food or toys is also recommended.

Encouraging Appropriate Play Activities

Encouraging appropriate play activities for puppies is vital for proper muscle development and to prevent them from using family members for play!

To prevent puppies from nipping and pouncing on family members, it's essential to provide them with plenty of safe toys. The best toys are lightweight, bendable, and large enough to avoid choking hazards. Stuffed toys can pose a risk if the puppy removes and ingests the stuffing, and edible chews and bones can cause choking, so they should be supervised.

Training Your New Puppy

Puppies can be trained as early as 7-8 weeks old with consistent guidance and positive reinforcement using food treats and verbal praise. Commands such as sit, stay, and stand can be taught. Once your puppy becomes more compliant, food treats can be phased out and substituted with verbal praise or a pat on the head. Consider seeking help from a trainer or veterinary behaviorist if you encounter challenges in training your puppy.

The following slides include some tips and techniques to help with the training process:

Training Your New Puppy

• Praising your puppy for good behavior is a strong conditioning exercise to develop good habits. Positive verbal praise, petting, and offering a small treat as a reward helps to establish and reinforce appropriate and desirable behavior.

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• When your puppy shows unwanted behavior like biting and growling, address it right away. Distract them with a toy, praise them for showing interest in the appropriate items, say “ouch” to get their attention if they bite you, and then give them a break.

• Physical punishment, such as hitting or holding a puppy to the floor, is not an effective training method. Instead of punishing bad behavior, reinforcing good behavior is a more successful way of teaching a puppy.

Crate Training Your New Puppy

• Crate training is beneficial for housebreaking and creating a safe environment for puppies. It provides a private space and can be introduced gradually by leaving the door open and feeding inside. Once the puppy is used to the crate, it can be closed with treats given for quiet behavior. Keeping sessions short and waiting for calmness before releasing the puppy can help them learn the crate is a positive place. Avoid letting them out while crying to prevent them from learning this behavior gets them out of the crate.

Housebreaking Your New Puppy

• Housebreaking should begin as soon as your puppy enters your home. Your puppy will have to urinate and defecate often and it will take time for them to have the ability to hold it for long periods. When taking your puppy outside, make sure that they know this is potty time and not play time. Wait until after your puppy has eliminated to begin playing with them. Take them to the same area of your yard each time and praise them for going potty outside.

• To housetrain your puppy, take them outside to eliminate every hour or two, and immediately after eating, playing, or napping. Correct any accidents caught in the act by saying "no" and taking them outside. Cleaning up accidents thoroughly with enzymatic cleaners is crucial, as dogs have a strong sense of smell and may continue using areas where they can smell urine and feces.

Positive reinforcement of appropriate urine and bowel habits is extremely important and much more useful than punishment. Be sure to provide plenty of praise when your puppy goes outside to go potty as he/she should!

Vaccines and Puppies

Rabies

Vaccinating your puppy in a timely manner can prevent fatal diseases. A series of injections is required at 6-8, 12, and 16 weeks of age, with the vaccination protocol tailored to your puppy's needs.

Rabies is a deadly disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. It is required by law for all pets to have the rabies vaccination, which is given initially at 16 weeks of age and annually thereafter. An official certificate and license tag will be issued upon vaccination.

DHPP

The DHPP vaccine is a combination vaccine (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) given to pets at 6, 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age, and every three years after one year of age. A titer blood test can be done to determine if a booster is required.

Lepto

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted to dogs through the urine of infected animals. It can cause liver and kidney failure and can be transmitted to humans. A vaccine is given at 12 and 16 weeks, with annual boosters.

Vaccines and Puppies

Bordetella

Vaccinating your puppy in a timely manner can prevent fatal diseases. A series of injections is required at 6-8, 12, and 16 weeks of age, with the vaccination protocol tailored to your puppy's needs.

Bordetella bronchiseptica causes "kennel cough" in dogs. The vaccine is recommended for dogs in close quarters, but dogs can still get kennel cough as multiple viruses and bacteria cause the disease. The vaccine is given orally at 8 weeks of age and boostered annually, or every 6 months for some boarding facilities.

Canine Flu

The H3N2 canine influenza strain is highly contagious and causes respiratory symptoms in dogs, even leading to pneumonia. It is recommended for dogs who are boarded, groomed, go to daycare, dog parks, or obedience classes. Although vaccinated dogs can still get the flu, it lessens the severity of symptoms and quickens recovery.

Lyme

Lyme disease is transmitted to dogs and humans by deer ticks, causing inflammation of joints, fever, and lethargy. A tick must be attached to a dog for at least 36 hours for transmission to occur, but most flea/tick preventatives kill ticks within 24 hours. Dogs frequently exposed to ticks should consider the vaccine.

• Puppies receive temporary immunity from their mother's milk, but vaccinations are needed for long-lasting immunity. Vaccinations are given in a series since it's uncertain when a puppy will lose its temporary immunity. The rabies vaccine is an exception, as a single injection produces long-term immunity.

• It is common for pets to experience sensitivity and mild swelling at the injection site following a vaccination, along with a low-grade fever and lethargy for 1-3 days. Serious reactions such as breathing difficulty, vomiting, or diarrhea should be reported to the office immediately for medication and supportive care. Pre-medication may be given in the future to prevent future reactions.

Vaccines and Puppies

Why does your puppy need mulitple vaccines?

What can you expect after a vaccine?

Parasites Found in Puppies

Intestinal Parasites

Intestinal parasites are common in puppies and can be transmitted from their mother. Fecal testing is important to identify the presence of parasites. Deworming should be done twice, and stool samples should be checked at least twice to ensure the puppy is clear of parasites. Tapeworms are another common type of parasite, and dogs can get infected by swallowing fleas. Monthly flea/tick preventatives are recommended to prevent tapeworm infestation. Tapeworms appear as white, rice-like segments in stool samples, which may not be present in every stool sample. Notify the vet if you find such segments.

Parasites Found in Puppies

Heartworm

Heartworms are dangerous to dogs and can cause major damage to the heart and lungs which could be fatal. That is why we recommend a monthly preventative year round. The preventatives kill larvae that may have infected the dog through a mosquito bite. We also recommend an annual heartworm test (which also looks for tick borne diseases!)

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Purchasing preventatives from a clinic with a prescription offers a guarantee for full coverage if the dog becomes infected, while over-the-counter or online purchases don't have this guarantee, and counterfeit products exist.

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Parasites Found in Puppies

Fleas

It is crucial to kill fleas on new puppies before they become established in your home. Fleas can cause skin irritation in dogs, transmit parasites, and bite humans. Various monthly flea preventatives are available, and purchasing them through a clinic and giving them as prescribed every 30 days provides a guarantee covering treatment of pets and homes should infection occur. However, this guarantee is not provided when products are purchased over the counter or online.

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Spaying and Neutering

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Why We Recommend Both

Neutering your male dog consists of surgical removal of the testicles. Neutered male dogs are no longer fertile. Neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and can lessen the incidence of prostatic issues. Additionally, neutering can greatly help or even eliminate unwanted behaviors such as humping, urine marking, and aggressive behaviors.

MALES

It is recommended to have your small breed male dog neutered any time after 6 months of age. Large breed dogs, around 12-18 months of age, and Giant breed dogs should be neutered at 18-24 months of age. Neutering at this age, especially in large breed dogs, has been shown to decrease the incidence of cancers and orthopedic issues .

Spaying is a surgical procedure that removes the ovaries and uterus in female dogs. It eliminates the risk of life-threatening diseases such as uterine and ovarian cancer and decreases the incidence of mammary tumors. Spaying also helps to prevent unplanned pregnancies and decrease pet overpopulation.

Spaying and Neutering

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Why We Recommend Both

FEMALES

Small dogs should be spayed at 6 months, while large breed dogs should wait until after their first heat cycle, and it is recommended that the procedure be performed at least 6 weeks after the heat period has ended. Waiting until after the first heat cycle in large and giant breed dogs helps to decrease the incidence of certain cancers and orthopedic issues.

Puppies can have very sharp toe nails. Their nails can be trimmed with your regular finger nail clippers or with nail trimmers made for dogs and cats. If you remove too much off the nail, you will cut into the “quick” which causes bleeding and pain. If this happens, neither you nor your dog will want to do this again. Therefore, a few points are helpful:

Trimming Your Puppy’s Nails

1. If your dog has clear or white nails, you can see the pink of the quick through the nail. Cut just beyond this pink area to avoid causing bleeding and pain.

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2. If your dog has black nails, you will not be able to see the quick so only cut 1/32" (1 mm) of the nail at a time until the dog begins to get sensitive. The sensitivity will usually occur before you are into the blood vessel. With black nails, it is likely that you will get too close on a least one nail.

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3. If your dog has some clear and some black nails, use the average clear nail as a guide for cutting the black ones.

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4. When cutting nails, use sharp trimmers. Dull trimmers tend to crush the nail and cause pain even if you are not in the quick.

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5. You should always have styptic powder available. This is sold in pet stores under several trade names, but it will be labeled for use in trimming nails. Corn starch or baking flour can work to stop bleeding if styptic powder is unavailable

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6. Frequent nail trimming is recommended to prevent discomfort caused by overgrown nails, prevent the nails

from growing into the paw pads, and help decrease the chance of the nails getting caught and breaking

Why is my puppy scooting?

• Just inside the anus, dogs have two anal sacs (aka “anal glands”) that produce a secretion used for scent marking. Normally, when a dog has a bowel movement, these glands are expressed naturally. In some dogs, the secretion is not expressed with the passage of stool (this may be due to stool consistency, anatomic variation, etc.) and can cause discomfort as the secretion builds up within the sac. In these cases, we express, or empty, the anal glands manually

You may notice your dog scooting its rear end on the ground or chewing/licking at its back end.

• If your dog needs to have the anal glands expressed manually, we typically recommend having it done every 2-3 months (some dogs need it to be done more frequently, some less). It is important to have this done on a regular basis if your pet requires it so your pet does not develop an anal gland abscess (an infection of the anal gland that causes pain and can even cause the gland itself to rupture).

Keeping Your Puppy Safe

Microchip

Here are a few tips to help keep your puppy safe and to give you a peace of mind!

Microchipping is a small device implanted in pets to identify them. It can be detected by special scanners in veterinary hospitals, humane societies, and animal shelters nationwide. A national registry allows the return of microchipped pets across the US and Canada. It is highly recommended to microchip all pets.

Pet Insurance

Multiple pet insurance companies offer policies for accidental, illness, and routine wellness coverage. Owners pay for veterinary services upfront and are later reimbursed by the insurance companies. We have brochures that can help determine the best insurance plan for the kitten's needs.

Knowing

Emergencies

There are several emergency situations that are common, including breathing issues, trauma, dietary indiscretion, and more. The following slides could be valuable for you to know should an emergency situation occur.

Below are links to various resources to help you navigate puppyhood! If you are looking for resources on a topic you don’t see listed below, let us know and we’ll send you additional information and also add it to our list.

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Information on spaying female dogs:

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/spaying-in-dogs

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Information on neutering male dogs:

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/neutering-in-dogs

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Information on veterinary care for new puppies:

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/puppy---recommendations-for-new-owners-part-i---veterinary-care

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How to brush your pet’s teeth:

https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/GDC-Toothbrushing-Toolkit-1.pdf

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VOHC recommended dental products:

https://vohc.org/accepted-products

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WSAVA’s guidelines for selecting a diet for your pet:

https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Selecting-a-pet-food-for-your-pet-updated-2021_WSAVAGlobal-Nutrition-Toolkit.pdf

ASPCA Poison Control Website:

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

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Sophia Yin’s website for behavior concerns/questions:

https://cattledogpublishing.com

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Tips for introducing your puppy to your resident dog:

https://cattledogpublishing.com/blog/introducing-your-dog-to-other-animals

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Information on heartworm disease and prevention:

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/heartworm-disease-in-dogs https://vcahospitals.com/shop/category/vca_master-vca-alldog-heartwormprevention#sort=relevancy&nu mberOfResults=12

Information on flea and tick prevention:

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/flea-and-tick-prevention

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Information on leptospirosis:

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/leptospirosis-in-dogs

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Information on Care Credit:

https://www.carecredit.com/vetmed

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Resources for training/behavioral concerns:

Local trainers: The Puppy Professor - https://www.the-puppy-professor.com Board Certified Behaviorists:

Insight Animal Behavior Services - https://www.insightfulanimals.com

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Tips on raising a puppy/dog in a home with young children:

https://colleenpelar.com/livingwithkidsanddogs

https://www.familypaws.com

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Questions to ask when selecting a breeder:

https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/questions-to-ask-a-dog-breeder

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Article with tips on house training challenges:

https://www.dvm360.com/view/canine-housetraining-challenges

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Book recommendations for new puppies:

Perfect Puppy in 7 Days: How to Start Your Puppy Off Right By Dr. Sophia Yin

Decoding Your Dog: Explaining Common Dog Behaviors and How to Prevent or Change Unwanted Ones By: American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, Debra F. Horowitz, John Ciribassi, and Steve Dale

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Before and After Getting Your Puppy: The Positive Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, and Well-Behaved Dog By Dr. Ian Dunbar

Puppy Start Right: Foundation Training for the Companion Dog By Kenneth M. Martin and Debbie Martin

Puppy Whisperer: A Compassionate, Non-Violent Guide to Early Training and Care By Paul Owens, Terence Cranendonk, and Norma Eckroate

Puppy Primer (2nd Edition) By Patricia McConnell

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Information on pet insurance:

Forbes overview on pet insurance: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance

Website to compare insurance policies: https://www.petinsurancereview.com

Trupanion: https://www.trupanion.com

Nationwide: https://www.petinsurance.com/dog-insurance

ASPCA: https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com

Pumpkin: https://www.pumpkin.care

Figo: https://figopetinsurance.com

Embrace: https://www.embracepetinsurance.com

Liberty Mutual: https://www.libertymutual.com/pet-insurance

**note: these links are in no particular order - there are a myriad of insurance companies and insurance plans out there which cover anything from wellness care to accidents and emergencies. It is important to compare options to determine what will be the best plan for your unique lifestyle and goals.

Emergency clinics in our area:

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VCA Aurora in Aurora…2600 W Galena Blvd, Aurora…(630) 301-6100

VCA Arboretum View in Downers Grove…2551 Warrenville Rd, Downers Grove…(630) 963-0424

Thrive in Hoffman Estates…2700 W Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates…(618)495-5010

Scout Urgent Care in Wheaton…1962 S Naperville Road, Wheaton…

Emergency Veterinary Services in St. Charles…530 Dunham Rd, St. Charles…(630) 584-7447

Emergency Veterinary Services in Lisle…820 Ogden Ave, Lisle…(630) 960-2900

Veterinary Emergency Group in Naperville…3204 Illinois Rte 59, Naperville…(630) 503-7415

Veterinary Emergency Group in Oak Brook…1735 W 22nd Street, Oak Brook…(331) 808-2720

Elk Grove Veterinary Specialty & Emergency…1050 Bonaventure Dr, Elk Grove Village…(847) 584-0200

MedVet in Chicago…3305 N California Ave, Chicago…(773) 281-7110

Blue Pearl in Northfield…820 W Frontage Rd, Northfield...(847) 564-5775

Vet Specialty Center in Bannockburn…2051 Waukegan Rd, Bannockburn…(847) 459-7535

Emergency Information:

What is an Emergency?

• Difficulty breathing: This is the most urgent emergency any individual — cat, dog or human— can face. Death occurs after three minutes without breathing, so cats with breathing difficulties are on the edge of disaster.

Here are some common issues that are considered to be emergencies and require immediate veterinary attention:

• Trauma from accidents or falls: This can include injuries such as broken bones, internal bleeding, and head trauma.

Emergency Information:

What is an Emergency?

Cont’.

• Heat stroke: This can occur when a pet is exposed to high temperatures and humidity for an extended period of time.

• Toxicity: This can be caused by ingesting poisonous substances such as plants, medications, or chemicals. The next slide outlines some common household items poisonous to dogs.

In case of suspected emergencies, immediate veterinary care is crucial. It's better to have a vet examine your pet even if nothing is wrong than to risk a fatal outcome. If you are ever unsure, please call out office at 630-690-9191.

Emergency Information:

Puppies commonly eat things they are not supposed to. If your pet has eaten something and you are unsure if it is safe, please call our office (630-690-9191) or the ASPCA poison control hotline (888-426-4435). Here are some common household items that are poisonous to dogs:

Ingesting Poison

• Chocolate (all forms)

• Avocado

• Mouse/rat poisons

• Human NSAID creams, Human NSAID medications

(ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, etc.), Human anti-

depressant medications

• Grapes and raisins

• Coffee

• Onions and onion powder

• Yeast dough

• Products sweetened with xylitol

Emergency Information:

Who to Call

• VCA Aurora: (630) 301-6100

• VCA Arboretum View: (630) 963-0424

• St. Charles Emergency Veterinary Services: (630) 584-7447)