Preparing For A New Pet – For My Friends Who Are Adopting This Summer
Posted under: Recently I have had several friends that are planning to adopt pets this summer and here are some great things to remember when bringing home a new pet.
Buying a new puppy or dog whether it is from a member of the public or a rescue centre is an exciting experience which can be daunting at the same time. Before you bring him or her home, you need to make sure you are fully prepared with lots of time and love to spare. You also need to ensure you know as much as possible about past medical issues, emotional issues etc.
After puppies are 12 weeks old, they should be wormed every three weeks. Although you should not separate puppies from their mother’s until about the twelve week period, and definitely not before eight weeks, some people prefer to bring their puppy home earlier so should worm every two weeks. For my dog, Haylie, I have always used Drontal Plus as I know it is a worming treatment I can trust. It has not let me down yet and only having to administer one tablet every three months is no problem.
The fun part of getting a new pet is the accessories! I always see a dog collar as the most important dog accessory in case your pup ever escapes your garden and, believe it or not, it is easier to get leads that fix to a collar rather than the lead with a collar. You can buy special comfort collars, ones with your dog’s name inscribed on them, patterned and extra strong if you know your puppy is going to grow into a strong dog and you need some reinforcement. The same goes for leads.
If you have a smaller breed of dog, perhaps a dog harness would be a better idea. Harnesses generally sit just in front of and just behind the front legs, although each brand varies slightly. Some people prefer them because they feel like they have more control over their dog if it decides to run off, for example, and others have said that it is more comfortable for their dog. I see nothing wrong with the classic lead and collar but I also have no objection to harnesses.
9 Comments + Add Comment
Got anything to say? Go ahead and leave a comment!
kari@houndgirl.com
Advertisements:
I have never seen any reason to treat for a problem my dog doesn’t have, which is what treating for worms regularly does. The amount of chemicals that adds to their system in the long term is something I worry about much more than them getting worms. If they actively have worms, that is another matter.
We use a broad-spectrum heartworm product because my dogs put EVERYTHING in their mouths, and we have known two dogs in our neighborhood with heartworm, so it does happen in our world.
I also am a big fan of harnesses. It’s the only way to have enough fabric on a small terrier for any kind of control, and with Sissy’s glaucoma, we have to avoid pressure on her neck/throat, so…
We worm routinely too. Not as frequently as you do, but we do it. If you have a dog that likes to munch in the yard or drink from puddles, it is a good idea. The problems that can arise from worms are far worse than the treatments. As you probably know, a dog can have symptoms that do not show on a test. Happens all of the time. Best prevent rather than wait and have a sick dog.
You will find that many people with field retrievers want to bring their pups home on day 49…that is it day 49 exactly. We don’t subscribe to that, but would rather bring our pup home somewhere between 7-8 weeks provided the vet gives it an OK. 12 weeks is a bit too late when you are starting retriever basics at around that time.
Well you knows I likes to put anything and everything in my mouth…I is a tad on da nosey side. We just what our vet tells us to do…hehehe. But da comments are interestin’ to sees what udders think.
Puddles
We never thought about worming treatment after they got bigger, but for the boys (Jake) that eat anything and every thing, it probably be a good ideal. I will be calling the vet for this. Thanks for the tip
The silvers and more
Hmmmm….I really thank you for the idea of worming more often. Never know what Miss Mindy puts in her mouth, ie, rabbit poops etc!
Do you really worm her every three months?
I’ve never used anything besides the heart worming stuff. I do worry about it though considering where I walk them. I do bring in a stool sample to the vet when they get their yearly check ups.
We got Sampson at 8 weeks and he had been wormed by his mother’s owner. We simply followed the recommendations of our vet and no-one indicated they should be de-wormed again.
I’m wondering if I should be using anything else?
This is all good information. When I was a baby,,, I had a belly full of worms. I almost popped out of my skin.
The vet gave me some medicines and the worms had to find a new home.
love
tweedles
All really good information. Thanks for that!! xoxo Chloe and LadyBug