Your New Small Breed Puppy

Microchip Information  (If you opted to have your puppy microchipped)

Your new puppy is implanted with a microchip.  The microchip is located between the shoulder blades under the skin.  If your pet is lost, the first thing that is done is they are scanned to see if they are chipped.  They can then contact the database and get your information to get your pet safely back to you.

You are responsible for registering the microchip.  I have included the information to register with National Microchip Registry, but you may register with any microchip registry you choose.  Remember to keep your information updated with the registry, so that you can be notified if necessary.

Register your puppy’s microchip for the low lifetime price of $35 with NMR.

1. Go to the website NMR.pet

2. Register my microchip

3. Enter promo code “OHF4” at checkout for a $5 discount courtesy of Old Oak Hill Farm

Health and Vaccinations

Your puppy’s shot record is included.  Give this record to your vet and they will set you up on a schedule to finish out the puppy’s shots.  Usually the next vaccine booster will be at 12 weeks of age and will also need a monthly wormer at that time. Every vet is different, but usually your puppy does not have all of their shots until they are 16 weeks of age, and then they have boosters.  It is very important to follow through with their shots.

Small breed dogs have a greater risk for vaccine reactions.  The use of NON-CORE vaccines such as Corona, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme, etc. are not recommended unless these diseases are prevalent in the area; and should NEVER be administered along with the CORE vaccines (Canine Distemper, Adenovirus Type 2, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus), but rather separately, and at a time when the pup’s immune system is mature.  Rabies vaccinations should be given as required by law, but NOT coincident with any other vaccinations and preferably the puppy should be at least 16 weeks of age or older.

PARVO is a particularly devastating disease which is almost always fatal.  There are several ways to transmit this disease including being carried in on your shoes or other objects or carried on a dog’s hair or feet.  It is also very hardy and resists most household cleaners.  It can be active in the ground long after contamination.  It is not recommended that you take your puppy to public parks or other areas where other dogs will be present (such as pet supply stores) until they have had all of their shots or allow other dogs into your home until they have had all of their shots.

Diet

Your puppy is currently eating NutriSource Small & Medium Breed Puppy Food, Chicken and Rice.  You can visit https://nutrisourcepetfoods.com/where-to-buy/ to find out where the food is available to purchase in your area.  I always leave food out and available to puppies at all times when they are here.  However, for potty training purposes you may want to feed 3-4 times a day.  Once they reach 6 months of age, you can start feeding them twice a day instead.  It is important to establish a regular feeding schedule.  You will want to start out with ¼ cup four times a day or 1/3 cup three times a day (refer to the daily feeding guidelines on the dog food bag for the appropriate amount for the weight and age of puppy).  The feeding amount will increase gradually so you will have to refer to and follow the amount recommended on the dog food bag.  You will want to feed a small/medium breed puppy food until your puppy reaches 1 year of age.  At that time, we switch our dogs to Tuffy’s Gold Premium Adult Dog Food which is made by the same company.

You may feed a different brand of food if you prefer as long as it is a small/medium breed puppy food.  Avoid grain free diets as the FDA has shown a link between grain free and heart disease in dogs.  If you choose to feed your puppy a different brand you will want to transition them to the new food slowly instead of all at once.  For 3 days feed ¾ old food with ¼ new food, then 3 days of ½ and ½, then 3 days of ¼ old food with ¾ new food.  If at any point vomiting or diarrhea occur go back a step and make the transition longer.

The health of our dogs and puppies are our top priority.  Therefore, we highly recommend all of our families to order NuVet Plus for your new puppy so that they may continue taking it at their new home.  NuVet Plus is not just a vitamin.  It’s an immune system builder with a precise balance of vitamins, minerals, omega fatty acids, amino acids, and high-potency antioxidants.  It is guaranteed to work through all stages of a dog’s life.  For puppies (under 2 years old), it strengthens their immune system, while building and strengthening the cardiovascular, skeletal, and nervous systems. For dogs in their prime (age 2-8), complete, balanced nutrition helps maintain  the luster of their skin and coat while protecting against skin and coat problems, digestive problems, discharge, foul odors, ear rubbing, eye problems, lumps and bumps, and more.  For older dogs (over 8 years old), NuVet helps improve the vitality and increase longevity.  NuVet is not available in stores and will need to be ordered.  You can order by calling 800-474-7044 with order code 532145 or online at www.nuvet.com/532145.

We also provide a daily probiotic to all of our puppies and dogs and highly recommend that it be continued once going to their new home.  There are several options available, but we use D.E.S. Health-Gard and give 1 ml daily. https://www.revivalanimal.com/product/d-e-s-health-gard-1.

Grooming

Poodles, Oodles and Poos are known as being hypoallergenic (there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs) and are low to non-shedding.  Brush your dog daily to help prevent mats. I prefer to use a pin brush without rubber tips. 

Bathe as necessary to keep your dog clean. You will want to brush them while the fur is still wet.  After that, dry the coat with a towel or blow-dryer.  If the coat is allowed to air-dry, it can become extremely matted.  Repeat the brushing process after the coat is completely dry.

The eyes should be checked regularly for hair or lashes that may irritate their surface. Hair growing inside the ears need to be plucked.

You will need to trim their nails regularly. 

If you prefer, you can have your puppy/dog professionally clipped and groomed every 6 weeks starting a few weeks after they have completed their puppy vaccination series. 

You will want to make sure that their ears are kept clean and dry.  Clean ears regularly at least every 1-2 weeks.  You can purchase an ear wash/ear flush to use or you can make your own ear wash using ½ apple cider vinager and ½ water.  Pour into the ear and massage.  Remove excess with cotton balls.  You will want to use daily if they are having any symptoms (redness, inflammation, scratching ears, smelly ears) until symptoms have resolved.  Another good ear flush for fungal and bacterial infections is TrizULTRA + Keto (use for one time a day for 5 days and then once a week for maintenance).

You will also need to brush their teeth regularly (2-3 times a week) or provide dental chews.

Exercise

Your puppy/dog will need daily exercise.  A walk around the block once or twice daily, plus a vigorous game in the yard will meet it’s exercise needs. You will also want to provide mental stimulation.

Potty Training

At this age, they should be taken outside about every 2 hours during the day, after naps or waking up, and after eating.  Some smaller puppies may not be able to hold it for 2 hours and may require being taken outside to potty every 30 minutes. Take their water away approximately 1 hour prior to bedtime. Take them out before bed and then about every 2 hours overnight depending on their routine (some puppies can make it longer through the night, but if they cry to go outside to potty they should be taken out).

You can also train your puppy to use indoor potty systems such as the artificial grass potty trainer mat or the doggy bathroom dog litter box.

Crate training is also a great idea for potty training, bedtime, traveling, time-outs/confinement, alone-time.  You will want to choose a crate that is the proper size.  They will need to be able to stand up and turn around in it.

If you had a great experience with us, please leave a review on our website https://oldoakhillfarm.com or Facebook page OldOakHillFarmPoodlesOodlesAndPoos.