Puppy Information Booklet

        

                            Veterinary

Your puppy has been injected for distemper, Hepatitis and Canine Parvovirus. At the time of vaccination it has had a general health check (heart, lungs, eyes, patellas ect,) The Austral Veterinary Clinic is our vet…and will confirm this information.

 

                  Micro-Chipping

The price of your puppy has been tailored to allow you to have your puppy micro-chipped, at your expense, at six months. We are happy to arrange this for you. Micro Chipping is a legal requirement at six months, however we have concerns about the procedure being undertaken in younger puppies.

 

 Your puppy has been micro chipped (   )  Has not (   )                         

 Worming

Your puppy was wormed two weeks prior to leaving, please allow the puppy to settle, and in a week, worm again, following weight directions. We use Drontal all wormer or Canex Plus. They’re after worm fortnightly until about 8 months, then as directed by the manufacturer.

                              Heartworm

After six months your dog can have an annual heartworm INJECTION. This is more reliable then daily or monthly administration of tablets. At this time your puppy can have its next puppy innoculations.

 

 

 

                                 Ears

As the Bichon is a drop eared breed, ensure that the inside of the ear is dried carefully after bathing (cotton ball or even a gentle use of the hairdryer, on a low speed.) The inner ear can also become dirty, so every few months pluck the hair after bathing (with fingers or tweezers) Bio Groom Ear mite treatment is a good product to assist in keeping ears 100%.

                                 Fleas

In spite of your best efforts, Fleas may infest your dog, especially during summer months. If this occurs, commercially available solutions such as Frontline or Revolution will resolve this USE STRICTLY AS DIRECTED

                               Toenails

If your dog runs on a cement surface it’s toenails will wear down naturally, though not sufficiently. As required, snip the nails with a dog or human clipper. Be careful not to cut to close or the quick will be cut. Special care is required with black nails. If you cut too close and bleeding occurs, a dog product called Quickstop will help,otherwise use potassium permanganate crystals. Use carefully, and remove once the bleeding stops, the crystals, when wet form a purple dye.!!!

                                 Teeth

 

Your puppy will change teeth between 5-6 months. Normally this is not process requiring your attention, However it is wise to check that the baby canines have dropped by seven months, this is not critical to your dogs health.

                                 Eyes

At times your dogs eyes might “run� which will leave a red stain. This could be caused by the wind, an allergy, the type of food or be hormonal. (Teething, being in season) Keep the hair short, and the eyes clean. Antibiotics (such as Stormorgyl) may be prescribed by your vet, if deemed necessary.

 

 

                               Diarrhoea

Changes of the environment, water, food, stress. All related to the move, may cause some “looseness�. If the puppy displays no lethargy, change the normal meal to yoghurt for a day and give a binding mixture such as Kaomagna or Arrowroot. If the diarrhoea is accompanied by lethargy, see your vet. The puppy could be treated withScourban, a vet product.

                                 Bathing

Bathe your puppy as necessary. A good quality shampoo (human or canine) without conditioner, Cavaliers you can use conditioner. Towel and blow dry, or on a warm day let run dry. As your puppy ages you will have to decide on the haircut you want your bichon to have.

                            Grooming Tools

A slicker brush, a pin brush and a metal comb are required. Bichon Process; brush against the grain using the slicker…Gently. Use the comb on the legs and face.

                               Trimming

A brochure is provided and professional servicemen can be located in your local yellow pages.

                            Toilet Training

The puppy has a basic ‘paper training’. Ideally, take the puppy into the yard often, especially when you suspect it is about to go, or has just been feed. A few sheets of paper in a regular position will help to avoid accidents. Remember complete toilet training will take time, and a new home represents a new challenge to the process.

                                Bedding

Initially, a cardboard box with one side cut out will be fine, cheap and easily disposed of. A blanket and soft toys will be appreciated. Bichons love toys! Later you can invest in a proper commercial bed.

 

 

                                   Diet

Until 6 months, small meals and often is a good maxim. Thereafter 2 meals daily, until 9 months, then 1 meal daily. We feed human food quality mince, mixed with a balance of processed food (biscuits). Brands of biscuits we use are Supercoat, Science Diet or Principal. Clean water must be available at all times, do not give milk unless diluted 2/3 rds water.

                           Lead Training

Do not use collars, if possible, unless your dog’s coat is cut down, as the collar will cause matting around the neck. A “soft� lead and a lot of encouragement will get a result. Do not drag!!!!!! Make it fun, a game. Do not let the puppy loose in strange places, have it on a lead.

                                  Papers

The RNSWCC will forward papers to us anytime up to three months; these will be then endorsed and forwarded to you.

                                  Council

After micro chipping at six months, you will be required to register with your local council. Rules vary, and it will be necessary to enquire from your council at that time.