How to Care for a new pup | Wildcat Hollow Retrievers

FOOD & NUTRITION

6 - 8 Weeks: Puppies eat as much as needed at a setting.

8 Weeks: Begin regulating food based on the recommended amounts on the bag (am/pm).

All of our puppy buyers receive an email from TLC pet food to begin ordering treats and dog food. We use the Whole Life Food with all of our adults and puppies. We also use a daily immune supplement from NuVet. See the links on our website!

We have an entire section dedicated to Food & Nutrition to help you better understand the health needs of your new puppy whether it's food, treats, or vitamins and you can access links to order your food and vitamins!

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STOOL

It's normal for puppies to have an upset stomach after travel, vaccinations or going to a new environment. Their stools might be a little runny for the first day or so. However, if it continues after a few days, consult your vet. Puppies are very curious and can get into tons of stuff that can upset their tummies including house plants, outside grass, or bugs. Feel free to check with us if you have any questions about this!

A great natural remedy as your puppy grows for runny stool or even constipation is a spoonful of Libby's Pure Pumpkin.

All of our puppies have a full vet exam, including a fecal exam, to make sure your puppy is free of any parasites or harmful illnesses.

KENNEL & TRAINING

It's natural for a dog to "den" or want to have a place to call their own. A small kennel is fine to start them in as long as they can stand up, turn around and lay down without their head hitting the top or being cramped. This will give them a place that feels safe and secure. They may have a few accidents, but they won't want to go to the bathroom in the same spot they sleep. This will help in potty training. Start with one word commands such as no, bathroom, outside, etc. Reward them for doing their business outside with adoration and even treats. If they mess up inside, immediately put them outside so they know that's the bathroom.

Many ask us what size of a kennel to get to start with. We've bought several at our local Tractor Supply Co. Retriever Brand Kennels has a 28" carrier that words for puppies for a few weeks, but they will quickly grow out of that. Check out a few of their other sizes and products.

PREVENTION: FLEAS, TICKS, HEARTWORMS

We use nexguard for our dogs for flea and tick prevention as well as Advantage Multi to cover all types of worms, even heart worms. If you have something else in mind, just check with your vet before using. Some treatments are in a pill form and others might be topical. Again, consult your vet to find the best fit for your puppy.

VACCINES

From AKC - "The first thing to know is that there is not just one puppy vaccination schedule for all dogs. Factors such as which part of the country you live in, and your dog’s individual risk factors will come into play. This decision is between you and your veterinarian. Always discuss puppy vaccinations at your regularly scheduled appointments."

At Wildcat Hollow Retrievers, all of our puppies are vaccinated by our licensed veterinarian based on the following recommended schedule:

6 weeks - 1st set of vaccinations

9-11 weeks - 2nd set of vaccinations

14 weeks - 3rd set of vaccinations

16 weeks – 4th set of vaccinations (DHPP + Lepto 4 way booster)

Even though it's exciting and fun to plan trips to the dog park, beach, etc. so your new pup can play with friends, until the puppy has had its full set of shots, it can be susceptible to illnesses that can be harmful and even deadly. We highly recommend making sure your puppy is fully vaccinated before exploring those adventures in places where other dogs frequent.