Things Your Puppy Needs
You've got your new puppy. No, wait!! BEFORE you get your puppy, there are some things that
need to be done.
need to be done.
Here is a general list of things you'll need for a small breed puppy.
1. A crate that your puppy can grow in. A crate is like a bedroom for your puppy. It's their place.
They feel safe and it can be a refuge when the world is a little overwhelming. Your puppy wants to
feel snug in their crate, not in wide open spaces. A small size crate is a good start for your puppy.
They feel safe and it can be a refuge when the world is a little overwhelming. Your puppy wants to
feel snug in their crate, not in wide open spaces. A small size crate is a good start for your puppy.
2. A blanket or towel to lay on. Nothing special, but a little bed in their little bedroom.
3. Water and food dishes. Ceramic or stainless steel metal are best as they are easier to keep clean and
puppy can't chew pieces off them.
puppy can't chew pieces off them.
4. A few toys are optional. Some of the best toys are homemade. Just be sure your "baby" can't
swallow any of his/her toys or toy parts. Just like a human baby: "Everything goes in the mouth."
Make sure they can't chew it up because they'll try. No rawhide. The pieces aren't good for their
digestive systems. Kongs are good for puppies. They are rubberized chew toys that you can fill with
peanut butter or wet dog food and freeze. These help with anxiety and boredom. You can find these
at any good pet store.
swallow any of his/her toys or toy parts. Just like a human baby: "Everything goes in the mouth."
Make sure they can't chew it up because they'll try. No rawhide. The pieces aren't good for their
digestive systems. Kongs are good for puppies. They are rubberized chew toys that you can fill with
peanut butter or wet dog food and freeze. These help with anxiety and boredom. You can find these
at any good pet store.
5. A good quality food. You eat healthy; so should they. We use Eukanuba Small Breed Chiots. A
little canned food isn't necessary but is occasionally a nice tasty addition to a meal.
little canned food isn't necessary but is occasionally a nice tasty addition to a meal.
6. Nutri-Cal. A high calorie food supplement that is especially helpful with young, small breed puppies.
Their blood sugar can drop suddenly and you've got a puppy having a hypoglycemic attack. Not fun
and possibly deadly! If you don't have Nutri-Cal, in a pinch, corn syrup or honey can work for
emergencies. A pea size drop on your finger every couple of hours can make a world of difference in
a small puppy.
Their blood sugar can drop suddenly and you've got a puppy having a hypoglycemic attack. Not fun
and possibly deadly! If you don't have Nutri-Cal, in a pinch, corn syrup or honey can work for
emergencies. A pea size drop on your finger every couple of hours can make a world of difference in
a small puppy.
7. De-worming medication. Check with your vet on this. But, if you are comfortable giving your
puppy liquid medication, there's no reason why you can't do this yourself for the most part. A good
general de-wormer contains Pyrantel Pamoate. Give this to your puppy every two weeks until 3
months of age, then once a month until 6 months of age, then switch to an adult program of 4 times a
year. Parasites are especially hard on puppies, so this is very important for your puppy's health. Check
with your vet on other preventative measures to take for your area.
puppy liquid medication, there's no reason why you can't do this yourself for the most part. A good
general de-wormer contains Pyrantel Pamoate. Give this to your puppy every two weeks until 3
months of age, then once a month until 6 months of age, then switch to an adult program of 4 times a
year. Parasites are especially hard on puppies, so this is very important for your puppy's health. Check
with your vet on other preventative measures to take for your area.
8. Grooming supplies. For a short-coated puppy, a bristle brush is good for a quick brush to keep the
coat nice and shiny. For the longer-coated puppies, a pin brush or slicker brush should do the trick.
Your long-coated puppy should be brushed every day. It's good for their coat and your groomer will
love you. Nail trimmers. You should trim puppy's nails occasionally. Maybe once a month just check
them. Don't trim too closely. You don't want to cut into the quick. It's the pink part of the nail, just
like on your fingernails. For puppies with black nails, just tip the very end. Shampoo: dog shampoo is
fine, but so is baby shampoo. A little conditioner helps too. BUT only bathe your puppy if they need
it--no more than once every couple of months unless a mess occurs. A dog's skin is not designed to
have daily baths!!
coat nice and shiny. For the longer-coated puppies, a pin brush or slicker brush should do the trick.
Your long-coated puppy should be brushed every day. It's good for their coat and your groomer will
love you. Nail trimmers. You should trim puppy's nails occasionally. Maybe once a month just check
them. Don't trim too closely. You don't want to cut into the quick. It's the pink part of the nail, just
like on your fingernails. For puppies with black nails, just tip the very end. Shampoo: dog shampoo is
fine, but so is baby shampoo. A little conditioner helps too. BUT only bathe your puppy if they need
it--no more than once every couple of months unless a mess occurs. A dog's skin is not designed to
have daily baths!!
