Taking Care of Your New Puppy

The first few days are incredibly important to the well-being of your new puppy. Please read these instructions carefully and keep them for future reference.

STRESS: No matter how much you love your new puppy, it is going to experience stress. Leaving everything that is secure and familiar to him/her is going to cause some fear and confusion. It is so vital to recognize the signs of stress and help your puppy through this tough time. Signs of stress in a puppy can be timidity, failure to eat, lethargy, diarrhea or vomiting, and crying. Please be patient with your puppy. He's looking to you to comfort, protect and lead him. You should pick up your new puppy when you have at least a day or two to spend with him before leaving him alone. Please don’t bring a puppy into a completely unfamiliar environment and then leave him alone for 8-10 hours while you go off to work. If possible, come home for lunch if you work, or ask a friend to check in on him.

Failure to Eat

Your puppy must eat often to survive. Puppies are just like children they can be picky eaters. If they’re not eating their food, give them a food supplement such as Nutri-Stat (honey or Karo Syrup). This will keep blood sugar levels stable and give them enough calories to prevent weight loss. You MUST entice them to eat. We recommend supervising and measure their food. Supervising them eating is important if there are more than one dog and people in the home. If you’re not supervising them you will never know if another dog stole their food. Or misassumption of whether another family member feeds the puppy. We recommend using the feeding chart in your folder. Writing out the schedule ensures everyone is on the same page. Either one can lead to the puppy over feeding, missing feeding, or becoming fussy eaters. We recommend using a feeding chart on the back of the puppy food and asking your vet during your incoming wellness check of what their recommend amount of food. A hyper puppies may need more calories than a couch potato. In your go home folder, you will an article from VCA about picky eaters which has tips on how to handle it.

One tip is that I don’t keep the food down all day long. Your puppy will not be motivated to eat right away leading to confusion about when and how much they eat. Cook them some chicken or a hamburger if you must, but make sure that she/he eats. The Nurti-Stat is only a short-term fix. But they can be a life saver if your puppy ever gets sick, overheated, chilled, injured, or stressed. I would place the food down for 15 to 30 minutes. Try to be consistent on placement and time of feeding and try to use a phase or command word while you place the food dog. I normally call out “puppies, time to eat”. Try not to feed them in a location where they can easier get distracted. After 15 to 30 minutes, there is still food pick it up and wait until the next feeding time and try again. Until that time, please give them Nutri-Stat. Some time failure to eat can be of stress, inconsistence of food, or dislike of food. Some puppies would prefer wet food but can lead to an upset stomach. If you chose to feed them semi-moist and canned food, please understand this can lead to diarrhea and create a fussy eater.

Yorkie Health Concerns

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

Pups must be offered food at least once every two hours. If they do not eat they can become hypoglycemic. Some of the symptoms are weakness, lack of coordination, loss of appetite, pale gums. The best way for me to describe the symptoms is “they act like they are drunk”! If you notice this offer your pup warm sugar milk and notify your veterinarian. If he/she is not interested in the warm sugar milk get him/her to a veterinarian immediately! If your pup has symptoms more than once notify your veterinarian immediately!

Lactating Patella (knee cap dislocation)

Luxating Patella is a common orthopedic problem in dogs, particularly in small breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers. This condition occurs when the kneecap (patella) moves out of its normal position and becomes dislocated from the groove in which it is supposed to slide. As a result, the leg may lock up or give out, causing pain, limping, and difficulty walking. Yorkshire Terriers are predisposed to developing luxating patella or other orthopedic conditions due to their small size and genetic makeup. According to one survey, 26% of Yorkshire Terriers were found to be affected by this condition, which is the second-highest prevalence among toy dog breeds. While not all cases of luxating patella require surgery, it is important to monitor your dog’s symptoms and seek veterinary care if you suspect a problem.

Trachea

Little dogs are well known for their barking and over excitement. As cute as it looks that can lead to bigger problems down the road. Excess barking can put stress on their trachea. Combining that with smoking, candles, plugin freshener, essential oil warmer, weight gain, heat, stress can leading to a collapse trachea. To prevent this, use a harness and don’t use a retractable or long lease. Using these type of leash can not only cause major injure or death. If your dog runs at full speed on these leashes when they gets to the end of the lease it crash their trachea and/or it can snap their neck as some people also pull right when their dog gets to the end. Also when taken your dog to a groomer, they use a table that is designed to hold your dog in place using a short leash. If your dog is overly excited and they are flipping or try to jump of the table that can also lead to a damage trachea.

Try to keep them calm in stressful situations, if not remove them or ask vet for recommendations on how to calm them. During the hot day, try to keep them cool with a fan or colling mat. Limit their time outside if it is too hot to you it to hot for them. If you can’t walk outside barefoot it is too hot.

FEEDING YOUR PUPPY

Yorkies are nibblers/grazers. Make water available AT ALL TIMES-24/7. Yorkie puppies eat very small quantities at a time. A few tablespoon of Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Dry Dog Food kibble 3-4 times a day is great. This is equivalent to ¼ cups so you cannot put them on a one- or two-time daily feeding schedule like some dogs. This may be difficult if you have other breeds in the home, but it is vital that you heed this advice. If you plan to change him/her to another food, do it slowly or your puppy may get diarrhea or may stop eating. Changing food is NOT recommended for at least 6 months. It can take 7 days to transition. First two days dog bowl should be 25% new food & 75% current food, Day 3- 4 50% of new and current food, Day 5-6 75% new food and 25% current food, and the 7th day should be 100% new food.

Please ask your vet if there is a need to adjust your dog feeding amount as the information as your puppy grows. The graph I created below is based on the information from the back of Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Puppy. On the next page I provided that information.

Recommend amount of food for 2-month-old	Food Plan 1	Food Plan 2	Food Plan 3
Target Weight	2kg = 4.4lb	3kg= 6.6lb	4kg= 8.8lb
Amount of food per day	4/8 cups	5/8 cups	6/8 cups
Amount of food per day in Tablespoon measurement	8 Tbsp	10 Tbsp	12 Tbsp
Morning, 8am	2 Tbsp	3 Tbsp	3 Tbsp
Noon, 12pm	2 Tbsp	2 Tbsp	3 Tbsp
Afternoon, 4pm	2 Tbsp	2 Tbsp	3 Tbsp
Night, 8pm	2 Tbsp	3 Tbsp	3 Tbsp

NuVet Plus Immune System Supplements are supplements to boost the puppy’s immune system. They are a premier pet immune system of precise formula of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, herbs and antioxidants that perform together. I would suggest breaking the wafer into quarters for a 2-month-old puppy. Crush and sprinkle onto food. They will gobble it up. An alternative version of NuVet Plus is available in powder form. 1/2 serving for pets under 5 lbs.

Click to view informative video.

NuVet Plus Guarantee is included in Valness Yorkies LLC Health Guarantee/Contract. This is the same contract we will sign together on pickup day.

NuVet Plus is America’s premier pet immune system support supplement incorporating a precise formula of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, herbs and antioxidants that perform synergistically to bring together all of the vital ingredients required to maintain optimal health. NuVet Plus is made in the USA using natural, human grade ingredients that are formulated in an FDA registered pharmaceutical laboratory.

Veterinarian recommend, NuVet Plus was designed for dogs at every life stage; from supporting a puppy’s maturing immune system to helping to protect against issues later in life.

Due to the varying kinds of food and different environmental conditions the puppies come in contact with; and the fact that all puppies have immune systems that take time to mature, we highly recommend NuVet Plus immune systems builder to help them maintain optimal health.

We are so confident NuVet Plus will benefit your new puppy; we will extend the terms and conditions of my guarantee by 1 year. To qualify for this guarantee extension, you must give your new puppy NuVet Plus, using the manufacturer’s recommended daily dosage, until your pup reaches 1 year old. Failure to do so makes this guarantee extension null and void. We also highly recommend you continue to give your pup NuVet beyond the guarantee period to promote optimal health for a lifetime.

For your convenience you may order by phone by calling 800-474-7044, using order code 18146 or online at www.nuvetlabs.com/18146. NuVet products are not sold in stores. Customers outside the U.S. must place order by phone only.

IF YOUR PUPPY IS SICK:

Seek professional help. CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN. You have chosen to have a toy breed as your new family member. With toy breeds such as Yorkies, you must act quickly if your puppy becomes ill. Their size prohibits waiting to get help.

If you have an emergency, try to see if your current vet is open before you run to the Animal Emergency. Not all Emergency Center are close or quick. They can be expensive. As a precaution, try to call around and try to find at least three different vets including an Animal ER in the area before something happens so you had better prepare. It may sound stupid, but it will give you a lot of money and heart aches.

As I found, not all Animal ER is equipment to handle every situation. My dog broke her leg and all they did was look at the leg and wrap the leg for $2,500. They refused to do surgery because they had no one to perform it. And notify me to take it to my own vet. Which they perform the surgery for the same cost.

A lot of people like to use PetSmart, and we personally found out they are not designed for emergencies. They’re great for wellness checks and shots.

Try to find a vet that has an in-house Pharmacy or lab. More like they will not cost as much, and it may take less time to get results.

Puppies are little vacuums, and you always find things in their mouth. There is a product and plants that look harmless to you but can be dangerous to them.

These are a list of a few thing people may not know are toxic to them:

Raisins
Garlic
Onions
Avacado
The stem or green part of sweet potatoes and tomatoes
Poinsettas
Tulips
Azaleas

There is a website call “Ask A Veterinarian Online” This website let you chat with a veterinarian 24/7 and this help you to have a vet on hand around.

(ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) hotline number: 1-888-426-4435

Pet Poison Helpline Hotline: 855-764-7661

ALLOW YOUR PUPPY TIME TO REST:

A good rule of thumb for toy puppies is 15 minutes of play requires 45 minutes of rest. It is important at a young age not to wear them out. Like children, they don't know when to quit sometimes. Make sure never to leave a toy puppy unattended with small children. Teach children to allow the puppy time to rest. If the puppy has been playing hard let him sleep.

CRATES AND PLAYPEN

Puppies need time to themselves. A two door crate with divider is a very useful product for them to have a space to call their own. I use crates during the day and every evening. A playpen can be attached to end for them to call their home.

Another version is use of a plastic playpen and traveling crate. The traveling crate can be positioned inside the playpen. A nice safe space for the puppy. A sample crate training attachment is included.

GROOMING & BATHING:

Always comb/brush your puppy "before" bathing and after drying. Make sure you use an ear cleaner and blow dry the ears completely. Yorkies require regular brushing to maintain their beautiful hair coats and to avoid painful matting of the hair. For cleanliness, trim hair around buttocks and genital areas at least twice a week. Yorkies tend to grow hair that covers the anus and that blocks feces and they become impacted. Gently using beard trimmers around that area weekly will prevent this. Be careful not to injure the protruding anus. Bathe your puppy as needed or every couple of weeks with CHI Rose Hip Oil 2-in-1 Dog Shampoo or CHI Gentle 2 in1 Dog Shampoo & Conditioner. Be sure and clean around the eyes a couple of times per week. Those eye secretions can cause an eye infection. So, if you do butts, eyes, regular brushing, shampoo with conditioner every other week you can postpone trips to the groomers until after your puppy is fully immunized and on flea and heartworm protection. Most importantly, comb from the base of the hair to the top to prevent under matting. Begin doing this immediately and continue at least every other night until matting is no longer an issue. While combing EVERY night, rub your puppies’ feet and ears to get them used to being touched for future ease on them and the groomer. This combing will get to mats before they become a problem. Ask a groomer for advice at any time about different shampoo.

PADS & NAILS:

We use baby nail cutters to trim the pads of the feet, hair grows from between them and it should be trimmed to at least where the hair is level with the paws themselves. Trimming nails should be done with almost each bath. Trim the hair around the foot at this time. The feet should be rounded following the outline of the foot itself before bathing.

POTTY:

Caution should be used in selecting where your puppy goes if you take it outside. Two deadly diseases, Parvo and Distemper can stay in the soil for seven years. When traveling with our dogs never "walk" them in the "doggie areas" until all immunizations are complete. Your puppy has had his/her 1st shots (8 weeks old) and will need the entire series of 3. Rabies is given after the 3rd set of immunizations. Then they will need boosters every year. Keep your puppy away from other dog feces and urine. If you take him/her out, carry them. Do not let their feet down in strange, unprotected areas. Avoid the groomers until your puppy is immunized. When at the Vets office carry your puppy in. Remember sick dogs to the vets.

Be consistent, gentle, and understanding, as this puppy is just a baby. Training your puppy to potty on pads inside a small, confined area is by far the easiest method of housebreaking, especially since it will come naturally to them not to potty in their bed. All of our puppies are partially housebroken to go on potty pads inside and outside their playpen. A gated area of the floor is an excellent way of allowing your puppy freedom while learning to use the pads.

Use lots of praise when you puppy potties on the potty pads outside their playpen as well and when he/she goes outside. The best time for training is after the puppy eats or wakes up from a nap. They usually will potty within 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on your puppy and when they look like they are about to potty, take them to the nearest pad. If they get anything on the pad, give them lots of praise!

This process could take few weeks to a few months, so, like any other training procedure, have patience. In addition, a very young puppy will not be able to hold its urine all night, so be prepared to take her out during the night or allow them to use their pad. Rush the puppy to the door or carry her so she can avoid an accident. Watch to be sure that she relieves herself once you are outside and give a reward immediately. Attachment schedule to give additional information included.

Baxter & Bella:

Baxter and Bella, https://www.baxterandbella.com/ is an excellent resource to have and worth every penny! Use code ValnessYorkies for 25% off lifetime support. Regularly sold for $168. Minus 25% ($59.50) = $178.50

TRAINING AND SPECIAL NOTES:

Your puppy might be nervous in their new environment. Everything from sights, smells, people, etc. is strange and very new to them. You have to allow new puppies to explore their new home and encourage them to play. Try not to pick them up too much the first couple of days and play with them on the floor in their eye level rather than your couch or table. Remember to them you are a giant!! When you speak to your new puppy, you need to speak quietly and calmly in your lowest voice. Training can be effective with a can of coins rattled but the most effective method is repetition, repetition, and reward.

Click to view informative video

Toys

Boredom is disruptive for puppies. Chew toys and interactive toys are very, very resourceful. Stuffed toys, teething toys, interactive puzzles toys are great. Allow your puppy time to explore and learn at their own pace. Interactive puzzles…make sure you start with level 1. You can find in Petsmart, Petco, Chewy, or Amazon.

Teething Sticks, Rings, or Toys:

Teething sticks, rings, or toys….sticks or ring either works

N Bone is one of the brands some of our puppies like and they come in assorted flavors. Salmon, chicken, Peanut butter, and pumpkin.

Teething toys come in different material, flavors, and variety of shapes. It will help sooth their gums. The other benefits of teething toys and treats are dental health, teething relief, mental stimulation, stress, and anxiety relief, reduced destructive chewing, and bonding with other dogs and yourself.

Always rotate and clean toys. Just like you, they can get bored if they have access to the same set of toys.

Harness/collars/leashes:

My suggestion is to make sure it is returnable before purchasing. None of the brands are sized the same. The girth and weight measurement on one will be different on another brand. So be aware of that fact. We have used collars and harness from the cat section too. If I had to suggest my favorite, it would be a step in harness. Buddy Belt. I bought it on Ebay.

There are several types of harness Back clip, front clip, and dual clip. The back clip harness is one of the popular harnesses you will see. It has a D shape loop on the back of the harness, the leash is less likely to get tangled. But the downfall of this harness is it does nothing to prevent your new puppy front pulling.

To solve that problem, I suggest purchasing a front clip harness, as it is designed to help prevent pulling. The D shape clip is going to be located on the front of the harness. When pulling with the front clip it makes the puppy turn its body.

The Dual clip is a versatile harness that allows you to clip on the front or back. These harnesses can be made of cheap material and can cause chafe against skin.