Microchips
A few things to consider when choosing a microchip...
Frequency - 134.2 kHz is the universal frequency and can be read by all scanners in the US and abroad.
Size - New mini microchips are not advisable for dogs. They are harder to detect and can be missed when scanned.
Fees - Ensure your registry does not require continuous, recurring or additional fees to remain public.
You must register your microchip online! Make sure to update any changes and add multiple points of contact in case you are unable to be reached.
Recognizing Puppy Scams
A few red flags...
1. Communication - You will see lots of spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. They will sometimes repeat themselves, are vague when answering questions, or just don't quite make sense.
2. Payment -
They quickly ask for and demand you send payment. They rush and pressure you or threaten to sell puppy to someone else.
They run your credit card and tell you it didn't go through. They then ask for another credit card or alternative payment method. They could be stealing your card info.
You are asked to pay with a gift card.
You are repeatedly and unexpectedly asked to send additional payments. Often for expenses related to shipping (ex: crate/insurance).
3. Price - If the price is too good a deal to be true or significantly less than others you have seen, this is a warning sign.
4. Pictures - Scammers often steal photos from the internet. A legitimate breeder will be able to provide you with pictures of puppy from birth up to their current age, as well as parent photos.
General Puppy Info
Additional Information
Feeding
Feed puppy a high-quality food. It will have more nutrients, and less fillers. Puppy will grow up stronger and live a healthier, longer life. Before choosing a puppy food, do a little research. Look at reviews and recent recalls. Make sure the first ingredient is a meat or a fish, not a by-product. Feed canned food only sparingly. It should be an occasional treat and is a great way to administer medications. Feed puppy three times a day. Let puppy eat as much as they want during the first year. Puppy is growing and active and will need all of those calories and nutrients!
Parasites
There are two main types of parasites that invade our dogs - worm and non-worm. There are four types of worms - hook, round, whip and tape and the most common non-worm parasites are giardia and coccidia. These are single celled organisms contracted from drinking standing water. It is important puppies be dewormed on a consistent schedule. They are not effective in killing the eggs adult worms leave behind. When these eggs hatch, it becomes necessary to repeat treatment. After treating for any parasite, it is important to promptly dispose of stools to prevent reinfection.
Vaccinations
We vaccinate our puppies at 6 weeks. Prior to this age, a puppy has no immune system and relies soley on antibodies from their mother's colostrum. It is critical that they ingest as much as possible in the first 24 hours and that mom is boostered regularly. She can only pass on antibodies for what she has been recently vaccinated for.
A puppy's immune system is not fully functional until they receive a complete series of vaccinations. Vaccinate for as many things as possible as age permits. This way, puppy's immune system will learn to handle multiple viral and bacterial strains. Should they ever encounter them, their immune system will be ready to mount an appropriate defense.
Communicable Disease
Communicable diseases are those which are passed from one dog to another. The best way to prevent your new puppy from becoming ill due to communicable disease is to keep them isolated until they are fully vaccinated. Do not bring puppy to places where people frequently bring their pets.
The more dogs and environments you expose puppy to, the greater the probability that you will encounter a virus that will infect puppy. It's just not worth the risk!
Signs of Illness
One of the first signs of illness is loss of appetite.
Stools - should be firm. If stools are extremely loose, have an unusual color or odor, or are bloody, bring puppy to the vet.
Behavior - puppies sleep a lot, but when they are awake, they are filled with energy. If puppy is lethargic, less active, laying down or sleeping more than usual, a trip to the vet is necessary.
Gum color - Puppy's gums should be red or pink. If they are pale, a parasite is likely taking their blood. Another possibility is internal bleeding which requires immediate attention.
It is extremely important to keep a close eye on puppy for the first few weeks. Puppy is extremely vulnerable until they are fully vaccinated and any changes should not be taken lightly.