4 questions on one new puppy - answer any you like

• 08-20-2007 12:04 AM

  mjp29 Joined on 08-19-2007 Posts 26 Points 0

  4 questions on one new puppy - answer any you like Reply Contact Briefly - the 6 week old puppy is a miniature schnauzer To the 4 questions: 1) Flees. Wife said she read it is not recommended to put a collar on pup until he is out of the cage I put him at night when I go to bed [wife and children already asleep when I bed him down in the cage]. So seems like a flee collar is also likely not recommended to put on him at this early age [you forum users tell me what you think]. We really liked the flee liquid capsules one puts on dogs backs with a past adult dog [Lhapsa sp?] we got from pound as it was so easy to use and apply and lasted for months - but can this even be put on such a young pup - we will ask Vet on scheduled visit in next few days. 2) Chain link fence and gate. The backyard has a chain link fence and 2 chain linked gates. The most rear gate is good to go as it certainly appears so close to ground that you couldn't even squeeze a golf ball underneath it - but I wonder if the sides of even this gate have enough space for pup to squeeze through [a visual inspection by me tells me no he can't possible get through the sides of that gate but you know puppy with hair may look wider than puppy squeezing through actually is]. The other gate to the side of house that leads to front yard is definitely a problem area - I already told wife he can get under that gate - and sure enough just today she told pup to go to me and closed that gate behind her and went to front of house to do something and she said she doesn't know how he got through it but was right behind her before she could even do what she went to do [I told her that she is a married to a man of wisdom which I've already told her several things pup will do that she doesn't think he can do which my words of wisdom quickly cam true (one comical example is that she thought she could put pup in babies play pen no longer used while she worked upstairst cleaning out a room and he wouldn't cry and I told her yes he will and she quickly learned he cried to get out of it much like he cries to get out of his cage) - how very wise I am feeling these days as the past few days I've already heard my wife tell me I was right [which I can't remember hearing so often in the past 10 years of marriage - LOL!] Question is: What to buy to sure up spaces in chain link fence - chicken wire is cheap but when he grows older is easily bended by him to escape - what material [wire-like or other wise] is suggested - should I just buy some chain link fence material and somehow hook it to bottom [or sides of gates] that is equally as strong as fence? any other material recommended and how do users recommend I attach it and so forth? 3) I.D. tag. Since I "think" he can't wear a collar yet [due to his age and still being caged] how do we tag him where people can easily see a tag on him [when we "think" he can't wear a collar yet - geez!] We obvioulsy need some publically viewable way to tag him so he can be identified by someone we don't know to call us if I do put the little mostly black colored pup in yard to do his business and drop his prizes and he somehow escapes and I lose him [goodness help me as which time all my wisdom and being a wise man quickly goes down the drain to wife! - LOL haha]. 4) three out of four ain't bad baby as meatloaf sang and thus i can't remember the fourth question so instead of asking the question i forgot just tell me any tips that you can give me with a new 6 week old puppy [LOL!] p.s. sorry to all as i really meant this post to be a short-list of 4 brief questions but i'm finding out that a new puppy is more complicated than what first appears on the surface much as i've already discovered my two young daughters (both less than 5 years old) had much much more maintenance than originally anticipated - so more or less a new pup is like having another baby child in the family!

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• 08-20-2007 1:50 AM

  In reply to mjp29

  fuzzy_dogs_mom Joined on 09-10-2007 Davis, CA Posts 6,766 Points 200

  RE: 4 questions on one new puppy - answer any you like Reply Contact OK -  I'll take #3.  Just because a flea collar isn't a good idea it doesn't mean the pup can't wear a regular collar with ID tags. They make collars for very small dogs.  You just have to be sure you run your fingers under it every day to make sure it isn't getting too tight.  It won't be long until he's wearing the size collar that he'll have permanently.   Joyce

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• 08-20-2007 6:01 AM

  In reply to mjp29

  glenmar Joined on 09-10-2007 Northwestern Michigan Posts 11,511 Points 405

  RE: 4 questions on one new puppy - answer any you like Reply Contact Flea collars are a no for a dog or pup of any age.  Nasty, toxic things.  You should use a flea comb and smash the fleas you find with the flat side of your fingernail.  You can also give the pup a bath.  Leave him lathered up for a good 5 minutes and when you rinse many of the fleas will be dead, some stunned, so smash all you see, again with the flat of your fingernail.  Then be sure to run lots of hot water down the drain and use either a bleach or white vinegar chaser to kill any that are clinging to the pipes waiting to come back up.  With a pup this young, you really need to be sure that the AC is turned off and that you bathe him in a warm, draft free room and dry him as completely as possible.  I don't like hair dryers for pups this young, but if you must use one, use it on a low heat setting, with the lowest possible air flow.  Even a warm draft is a draft and can chill a pup.  When I bathe pups that young, I dry with fluffy soft towels and then snuggle them up in a dry towel and cuddle with them.  Bathes tend to make pups tired for some reason.....that or they fake it with me for the extra snuggle time!   Collars are fine.  When I have pups they start wearing them a whole lot sooner than 6 weeks.  You might have to use a cat collar for now.  Just take it off at night if you have concerns about the pup wearing a collar in the crate.   The pup shouldn't be going outside to potty alone.  Not now and not for several weeks.  You need to be there to praise the toileting OUTSIDE.  Nor should he be left alone to play for more than literally a minute or two.  He left his litter way too young, he's frightened of all the changes and he needs to be part of the pack, not left alone to be afraid he's been abandoned.  So, if he's being studiously watched, chicken wire will be fine for now.  Eventually he'll be bigger and you will have taught him to stay away from any gaps.  And yes, it honestly can be done.  I put a baby gate up at the beginning of the hall when all the dogs are in the house just to keep track of everyone.  The gate just leans on a piece of furniture and is propped up by the wall.  They could jump it from a stand still, they could knock it down, but they respect the barrier.  So much in fact that if it isn't there, they will still pause and wait for permission to go down that hallway.  It's simply a matter of consistent training.   I had a totally awesome answer to your fourth question, but darned if I didn't forget it![] A house without fur is not a home. Glenda

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• 08-20-2007 6:15 AM

  In reply to mjp29

  janet_rose Joined on 09-10-2007 DFW area, Texas Posts 3,748 Points 330

  RE: 4 questions on one new puppy - answer any you like Reply Contact mjp29: Briefly - the 6 week old puppy is a miniature schnauzer  <snip> 1) Flees. Pups should stay with their moms until at least 8 weeks.  In that case Frontline Plus on the mom would take care of most of the pup's fleas.   At this point you have few options: (1)  Give a bath with original Dawn dishwashing liquid.  Lather it well and leave on for 5-10 minutes to suffocate the fleas.  Comb the fleas off and rinse the pup well.  Pour a little bleach or vinegar down the drain when you are finished to kill any fleas that were just stunned.  Do not let the pup get chilled. (2)  Capstar tablets.  These only last 24 hours and are about $3 a tablet, so they are not intended for use on a regular basis.  Good for the initial treatment of infestations.  You can order some or go by your vet. (3)  Frontline Plus or Advantage.  You can not use these on your pup until 8 weeks.  Always investigate the ingredients in a pest control product before you use it.   If the pup came to you with fleas, then the pup probably also has intestinal worms, so I am glad that you have a vet visit planned.  Diarrhea (especially with any blood) is very serious for a puppy (dehydration), so watch for that.  Safe OTC wormers include Nemex-2 (pyrantel pamoate) and Safe-Guard (fenbendazole).  There are several brands of pyrantel pamoate.   Nemex-2 will kill roundworms and hookworms.  Safe-Guard will kill roundworms, hookworms (little vampires), whipworms, and Taenia tapeworms.  Note that the tapeworms that can be picked up from fleas are not Taenia tapeworms.    Deworming Guidelines for Dogs & Puppies    The site www.peteducation.com can answer a lot of health questions for you.

  Filed under: hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms, intestinal worms, whipworms, Safe-Guard granules, new puppy info, fleas, Frontline Plus, Advantage, Nemex-2, Capstar Post Points: 0

• 08-20-2007 6:49 AM

  In reply to mjp29

  janet_rose Joined on 09-10-2007 DFW area, Texas Posts 3,748 Points 330

  RE: 4 questions on one new puppy - answer any you like Reply Contact mjp29: 3) I.D. tag. There are plenty of collars small enough for a 6-week-old pup.  Just be sure that you regularly check that the collar has not gotten too tight.  A good place to get tags is www.boomerangtags.com.   On the tag include at least: (1)  your phone number (cell phone preferred) (2)  the word "Reward" (3)  the phrase "Needs heart meds"   The latter does not need to be true!     It will, however, discourage people from keeping a lost dog.   Please consider getting your pup microchipped.  Someone could easily remove the pup's collar, but removing a microchip requires surgery.  A microchip gives AC a way to locate you and it allows you to prove that the pup is yours if someone disputes that.  Be sure that your microchip is the type that can be read by the readers currently in shelters.   Before you get a microchip, investigate the charges.  There may be charges to change your data (e.g. address).  Also, some people have found after they got their microchips that a yearly fee was required.  That is ridiculous!   Right now your pup should not be spending time alone in your yard.  That is like leaving a 3-year-old out alone.  He could escape, chew on inappropriate things, swallow items he shouldn't, etc.  He will also not be happy alone.  At 6-weeks all of his instincts will tell him that being alone is very dangerous for him.

  Filed under: ID tags, microchips Post Points: 0

• 08-20-2007 7:16 AM

  In reply to mjp29

  janet_rose Joined on 09-10-2007 DFW area, Texas Posts 3,748 Points 330

  RE: 4 questions on one new puppy - answer any you like Reply Contact Two things you didn't ask about are heartworms and vaccines.    This post has my choices for heartworm and flea meds, plus info on the heartworm life cycle: http://forum.dog.com/asp/m.asp?m=305506    Understanding puppy shots: http://forum.dog.com/discus/messages/46/121233.html#POST405242    My suggested way of doing vaccines: http://forum.dog.com/asp/m.asp?m=326568  and http://forum.dog.com/asp/m.asp?m=428538 (read the whole thread?)   Important points: (1)  Six weeks is too young for vaccines!!  There is research showing that vaccines this young actually delay the first effective vaccine.  Eight weeks is the earliest I would consider vaccines, but 9-10 weeks is better. (2)  At your vet's clinic your pup will be exposed to a small amount of Parvo.  There is just no way to avoid that.  You and your pup should touch as little as possible at the clinic - includes doors, walls, counters, etc.  Take a towel and cover the vet's exam table.  Bleach the towel when you get home.  Step in a shallow tray of 1:10 bleach solution before you wear your shoes in the house.  [Yes, I am paranoid about Parvo!!] (3)  If your vet recommends a Lepto vaccine and you decide to get it, do not get it before 12 weeks!  There is a high risk of a severe allergic reaction in pups under 12 weeks.

  Filed under: new puppy info, puppy shots Post Points: 0

• 08-20-2007 7:59 AM

  In reply to mjp29

  janet_rose Joined on 09-10-2007 DFW area, Texas Posts 3,748 Points 330

  RE: 4 questions on one new puppy - answer any you like Reply Contact Good beginning info for new puppy owners (including how to get some sleep): http://forum.dog.com/asp/m.asp?m=296285 http://forum.dog.com/asp/m.asp?m=316689 http://forum.dog.com/asp/m.asp?m=412061 (entire thread)   A must have book for you: Wood, Deborah, Little Dogs: Training Your Pint-Sized Companion, 5/2004 http://tinyurl.com/6ffqd    Some of my favorite info sites: www.peteducation.com www.dogaware.com www.dogfoodproject.com www.b-naturals.com    Other favorite sites: www.dog.com www.drsfostersmith.com www.sitstay.com www.dogwise.com www.revivalanimal.com www.petedge.com www.petguys.com    Must have first aid items: (1)  Benadryl (anti-histamine) - Dosage: 1-2 mg/lb of body weight 2-4 times daily (2)  To induce vomiting: Syrup of Ipecac -or- hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) - 2 tsp per 30 lbs every 15 min (3)  Kwik Stop (styptic powder) for bleeding nails Benadryl tablets or liquid are OK, but do not use the "sugar free" liquid (contains an artifical sweetner).   Good health book: Giffin & Carlson, Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, 11/1999 http://tinyurl.com/4zf2q

  Filed under: Benadryl dosage, favorite dog sites, canine first aid kit, Syrup of Ipecac, Kwik Stop, hydrogen peroxide Post Points: 0

• 08-20-2007 8:27 AM

  In reply to mjp29

  polarexpress Joined on 02-14-2007 Posts 712 Points 35

  RE: 4 questions on one new puppy - answer any you like Reply Contact Congrats on your new puppy. It sounds like you and your wife are enjoying him so much!   Six weeks is too young to leave his litter, so you'll need to pay special attention to teaching him some things that his mother would have been teaching him in the next couple of weeks especially something called "bite inhibition" Check out this book "Before and After Getting Your Puppy: The Positive Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, and Well-Behaved Dog " by Dr. Ian Dunbar and I think it will be a big help.   1. Now, as for flea collars---he's too young to handle the chemicals. Flea collars traditionally work in two ways---emitting something to scare bugs off and giving off a chemical that is absorbed into the pet's system to kill fleas. He is physically too young to handle the chemicals which are designed for olders pups and dogs...    2. Don't have him outside alone to potty yet. Stand with him and praise him like crazy and give him several treats when he potties outside. This will speed up housebreaking tremedously.   3. Get him a small collar and an id tag as suggested and just keep checking the size DAILY until he needs a new one. I say daily because pups grow so fast and it is easy to have a couple of weeks slip by and suddenly you realize the collar is getting too tight.   4.A tip---keep him off the ground and away from other dogs. Don't let him walk around where others dogs walk/run/play. When you go to the vet carry him in a small crate and do not put him down or let him come into contact with other dogs. This is very important because he does not have all of his shots yet and there are highly contagious diseases that could kill the little guy. Your vet can start him on some vaccinations, but he won't be fully protected from things like parvo until he's a few months old. Parvo germs can live outside for MONTHS and there is no cure for it---only the symptoms can be treated. (Google parvo virus and you'll see I'm not exaggerating.)   Enjoy your new pup and don't forget to post photos.         The difference between the almost right word & the right word is really a large matter--it's the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning. - Mark Twain, 10/15/1888

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• 08-20-2007 9:46 AM

  In reply to mjp29

  mudpuppy Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 5,492 Points 100

  RE: 4 questions on one new puppy - answer any you like Reply Contact A tip---keep him off the ground and away from other dogs. Don't let him walk around where others dogs walk/run/play. When you go to the vet carry him in a small crate and do not put him down or let him come into contact with other dogs. This is very important because he does not have all of his shots yet and there are highly contagious diseases that could kill the little guy. Your vet can start him on some vaccinations, but he won't be fully protected from things like parvo until he's a few months old. Parvo germs can live outside for MONTHS and there is no cure for it---only the symptoms can be treated. (Google parvo virus and you'll see I'm not exaggerating.)   I disagree. Young puppies need to be socialized, especially when they are taken from the litter too early like this pup.  He needs to go to puppy kindergarten ASAP and play with other puppies or he will end up with serious behavioral problems. Balance 100% risk of serious behavioral problems against a very low risk of disease. He should still be under his mother's immunity protection for a few weeks. Assuming she was properly vaccinated.

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• 08-20-2007 11:45 AM

  In reply to mjp29

  jennie_c_d Joined on 09-10-2007 Southeast Georgia Posts 8,707 Points 75

  RE: 4 questions on one new puppy - answer any you like Reply Contact On the tag include at least: (1) your phone number (cell phone preferred) (2) the word "Reward" (3) the phrase "Needs heart meds" As the owner of a dog with serious medical needs, I don't like the idea of everyone putting "needs meds" or "needs heart meds" on their dogs' ID tags. It's also not very believable in a 6 wk old puppy... Not leaving the pup outside alone would be a much better safeguard against people stealing it. Mischeif N Miracles, CGC, RE (PRT, 10/13/2003) Libby's Monkey N The Middle (Chinese Crested, 1/26/2008) Teenie Weenie at the Bridge (Dachshund, ???-12/28/2007)

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• 08-20-2007 2:21 PM

  In reply to mjp29

  janet_rose Joined on 09-10-2007 DFW area, Texas Posts 3,748 Points 330

  RE: 4 questions on one new puppy - answer any you like Reply Contact jennie_c_d: As the owner of a dog with serious medical needs, I don't like the idea of everyone putting "needs meds" or "needs heart meds" on their dogs' ID tags. It's also not very believable in a 6 wk old puppy... I agree that it may not be believable in a 6-week-old pup, but most people keep tags for a long time.  Why don't you like people putting "needs heart meds"?  If your phone number is on the tag, no one is likely to be evaluating the health of the dog.

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• 08-20-2007 2:26 PM

  In reply to mjp29

  janet_rose Joined on 09-10-2007 DFW area, Texas Posts 3,748 Points 330

  RE: 4 questions on one new puppy - answer any you like Reply Contact mudpuppy: I disagree. Young puppies need to be socialized  Until 3 weeks after the last puppy shot, keep them (1)  off the ground (in your arms, a carrier, or a stroller), (2)  on bleached surfaces (like puppy class), (3)  on concrete (avoiding liquids and poop), or (4)  in homes/yards where you know there has been no Parvo for 2 years. Keep him away from sick dogs or dogs with an unknown health status.  Make sure people wash their hands before petting him.    Socialization - primary socialization window closes at 12 weeks (secondary at 16 weeks):  http://forum.dog.com/asp/m.asp?m=296270

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• 08-20-2007 2:31 PM

  In reply to mjp29

  Sham85 Joined on 06-06-2007 Posts 341 Points 0

  RE: 4 questions on one new puppy - answer any you like Reply Contact I've never had issue with people not returning animals with tags so I just put animal name, phone number, and if space address otherwise just city, state.    You can put collars on puppies.  In fact the breeder I got my puppy from puts various colored collars on at just a couple weeks old in order to both get them used to collars and tell apart a group of the same colored pup.  She starts walking them on leashes at 6-8weeks.   Flea collars are entirely different.  In my opinion they shouldn't be used on any animal irregardless of age.  Get a good topical flea med like frontline or advantage and apply monthly.  Don't forget heartworm preventative as well.   For the fence just run to a nearby hardware store and get hardware cloth or garden fencing.  It comes in a variety of strengths and heights so just pick out what you think you need.  Fiberglass posts or rebar work well for fastening the bottom of the fence so it doesn't swing or attaching lower sections to patch holes.  I also just shoved 2 pieces of rebar in the gap by my gate instead of completely covering the hole.  Now the gaps between the bars and the gate posts are too narrow.

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• 10-12-2007 1:58 AM

  In reply to Sham85

  janet_rose Joined on 09-10-2007 DFW area, Texas Posts 3,748 Points 330

  Re: RE: 4 questions on one new puppy - answer any you like Reply Contact Sham85: I've never had issue with people not returning animals with tags One forum member's small dog was taken from her backyard by two little girls.  The father of the girls was a sleezeball.  He said that he might have let the girls keep the dog except that its tags said it was ill.  He was wrangling for a reward and the owner eventually had to get the police involved to get the dog back.

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• 10-12-2007 9:28 AM

  In reply to janet_rose

  Janet808 Joined on 09-14-2007 Pgh. PA Posts 1,688 Points 345

  Re: RE: 4 questions on one new puppy - answer any you like Reply Contact janet_rose: (3)  the phrase "Needs heart meds"   I like this one, I never thought of that.  I may have to change Misty's i.d. tag.  I can only answer the collar one, too.  Sorry, don't know enought about the fence subject or the flea since he's so young.  I put a collar on Misty from day one.  Although, they do recommend you take the collar off at night when in a crate, so the puppy can't hurt himself/herself.  It was actually in the instructions I got w/ our crate.  If you're pup is crying in the crate, or playpen, etc.  Try giving him some toys to play with.  Maybe it will help.  While your pup is young, and not sure how big he'll get you should probably always supervise him in the yard.  We had a cairen terrier who used to dig under the fence to get out, also, if he's small you really have to watch out for birds of prey, it's been known to happen.  I just need to respond too, to your last comment.  We too found out that a puppy is just like  baby!  You need gates, put everything at eye level up and out of the way, sometimes get up in the middle of the night, etc.  You'll be surprised though, how fast they grow and before you know it, you're baby will be all grown up!  You sound like a good Daddy!  Keep up the good work!  Handle every situation like a dog. If you can't Eat it or Chew it. Pee on it and Walk Away

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