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.
A percentage of Weimaraner puppies may manifest an autoimmune reaction following vaccination. Most vaccine reactions occur between 12 and 16 weeks of age. 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.
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD) is a canine auto inflammatory disease affecting young rapidly growing large breed dogs between eight weeks to eight months of age. In Weimaraners, recent vaccination with a modified live vaccine has been a suspected cause, partly because HOD often presents immediately after a vaccination, and partly because of the autoimmune nature of the disorder. Affected dogs exhibit swelling and pain in their legs with reluctance to stand or walk. In addition to orthopedic pain, there are variable systemic signs of which some or all may be present during an HOD episode. Systemic signs include fever, lethargy, depression, and loss of appetite. A diagnosis of HOD is founded on radiographic evidence of bone involvement concurrent with hyperthermia and pain, and by ruling out infectious causes of the clinical signs. The cause of the disease is unknown and current treatments are focused on controlling the fever, alleviating the pain and treating the specific systemic signs present. Currently, dog breeders have no means of selecting against HOD.
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.
Recommended age for Neuter is 6 months of age.
Recommended age for Spay is 1 year of age and after first heat cycle.
Diet
Your puppy is currently eating NutriSource Large 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 ½ cup four times a day or 2/3 cup three times a day. This will increase gradually so you will have to read the dog food bag to get the right amount as your puppy’s weight increases. You will want to feed a large 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 large 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. It can be purchased at Revival Animal Health https://www.revivalanimal.com/product/d-e-s-health-gard-1
Weimaraners are considered an at-risk breed for bloat. Bloat, or gastric dilation volvulus, happens when too much gas accumulates in the stomach. Without being able to expel the extra gas, the stomach may fill up with air and then flip over on itself and twist shut. The twisting is called torsion, and it is truly an emergency since the stomach loses its blood supply. It can also happen to the spleen at the same time. The dog will go into shock and subsequently die if untreated. Some symptoms you may see are: an enlargement of the dog’s abdomen, retching, restlessness, salivating, attempting to vomit. An affected dog will feel pain and might whine if you press on their belly. Things you can do to reduce the chances of bloat are: avoid elevated feeders, feed 2-3 smaller meals a day instead of 1 large meal, stay calm and avoid exercise or strenuous activity 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after feedings. If they are eating too fast, you might need to buy a slow feeder or put a large rock in the middle of the food bowl. Eating too fast can also cause them to vomit.
Grooming
The Weimaraner is a low maintenance breed. They do not have an undercoat and shedding is minimal. Brush your dog regularly to help remove the dead hair and bathe as necessary to keep your dog clean.
Weimaraners and other dogs with floppy ears are especially prone to dog ear problems. Because their droopy ears block off air circulation to the inside of the ears, they often develop yeast and bacterial infections or ear mites. 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 trim their nails and brush their teeth regularly.
Potty Training
At this age, they should be taken outside every 2-3 hours during the day, after naps or waking up, and after eating. Take their water away approximately 1 hour prior to bedtime. Take them out before bed and then every 4-8 hours overnight depending on their routine (some puppies can make it through the night, but if they cry to go outside to potty they should be taken out). Most puppies require being let out at least once at night until they are approximately 16 weeks of age.
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.
Temperament
The Weimaraner is known for being fearless, friendly, alert, obedient, and can also be stubborn at times. They are very intelligent dogs and do not do well with harsh words or training techniques. They work to please you. If you yell at your Weim or get angry, they can shut down.
The Weimaraner has always been a family dog and loves lots of attention. They require plenty of one-on-one attention and you can expect your Weim to follow you wherever you go. When left alone they can have separation anxiety. It is very important to crate train your puppy at a young age and to continue socialization once they leave our farm which can help with separation anxiety.
Weims are very active, athletic dogs and they do well with lots of room to exercise. Expect your puppy to be wild and crazy as the breed has tremendous energy. Your young Weimaraner can be boisterous and rambunctious for a couple of years until they start to settle down. They can accidentally knock over small children and elderly without meaning any harm. It’s important to provide them with some obedience training so that you can keep them under control. They also need plenty of mental stimulation.
Weimaraners have a strong prey drive and it can be dangerous to have a cat or other small animal in the house or yard with a Weim unsupervised. They will also chase your livestock.
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