Dog Tips Depot

When it comes to puppy FAQs, puppy shots is a hot topic! Your puppy needs 3 sets of DHLPP puppy shots. The first set are usually given at approx. 7 - 8 weeks of age, and there is a 3 weeks period between each set.

The DHLPP puppy shot is a combination vaccine that protects against 5 separate diseases :

• Distemper
• Hepatitis
• Leptospirosis
• Parainfluenza
• Parvovirus

At the same time as the DHLPP shots, your puppy will be vaccinated against the Coronavirus. At 16 weeks of age he will be given his Rabies shot. After that he will need annual boosters in order to maintain his immunity.
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What you feed your puppy now has a direct effect on his future health, growth and development, so it's not surprising that I get asked a LOT of questions about diet and puppy food.

Choose puppy kibble that has the wording 'a complete and balanced diet' on the package. This shows it meets the standards set by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials).

You need to be sure the dog food you pick has a good source of high quality protein as it's first ingredient. Chicken or Lamb are both good choices.

Puppies grow very rapidly, and to support that growth they need a diet high in protein, fat, vitamins and minerals.

Protein values should be around 25% plus and fat around 15%. If you have a large breed or small breed puppy, look for a puppy food that is especially designed to meet their specific requirements.
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A huge percentage of puppies have worms and if you're a new puppy parent, it's something you may well have to deal with.

Some worms can be seen in your dog's feces, and in severe cases of roundworm infestation your pup may even have worms in his vomit. Other symptoms of worm infestation include a round, distended belly, a dull, rough coat or a cough.

Although very common, worms can make your puppy quite sick...at the very least he'll feel and look 'out of sorts'.

You will need your veterinarian to diagnose and confirm the infestation, and the type of worm involved. They will then prescribe, or administer, the appropriate de-wormer. Do not use over-the-counter medications as they can be ineffective at best, and harmful at worst.

Heartworms are a different story, but you are unlikely to find these in a young puppy.

You can learn more about worms, causes, symptoms and treatments on my Puppy Worms page
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Most dogs learn to get along with a newcomer (and some super-sociable souls accept them right away), but if your older dog is treating the new baby with something less than unbridled enthusiasm he won't be the first to do so!

When choosing a new dog to integrate into your family, it's best to choose one of the opposite sex to the resident dog. Two same-sex dogs are less likely to get along as adults, especially if they're not neutered/spayed.

Also consider size and temperament, an older dog with a high prey drive may not be the best match for a puppy from a tiny, fast-moving breed such as the Yorkshire Terrier.

Make the initial introductions under supervision, and expect some hesitation on the part of either pooch.

Always remember to show lots of affection to your older dog.

It's sometimes difficult to tear yourself away from an adorable new puppy, but make a point of greeting, feeding and petting the older dog first, as it reinforces his status (in both his eyes, and the eyes of the new puppy) and helps to maintain a natural transition into the 'pecking order'.

You can find more detailed information on handling these introductions on my Introducing A New Puppy page.
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Does your puppy or dog drive the neighbors crazy with his barking and howling? Does he try to remodel your home (maybe by chewing holes in the walls/door, or destroying carpets and furniture) while you're out?

If so, chances are he's suffering from separation anxiety . There are levels of separation anxiety, ranging from mild distress to hysteria (on the part of the dog, not you. Although the sight of your Persian rug in tatters has the potential to trigger a hysterical reaction!).

Puppies can be scared for a number of reasons, or experience separation anxiety.

There are all sorts of treatments for this problem, depending on the level of anxiety, what's triggering it and how old he is.

Everything from simple herbal products, calming CD's, or behavior modification training can work.

By using one, or a combination of treatments, you should be able to lower your dogs' anxiety levels and teach him that it's okay to be left alone for a while, and that you always return.

To find out more about how you can help your pet overcome his fears and bring peace back to your home, check out my Dog Training For Separation Anxiety and Dog Separation Anxiety Medication pages.
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Constant licking and/or scratching and red, itchy skin or hair loss are all signs of dog allergies.

I think it's important to point out in this Puppy FAQs page that dogs suffer from allergies just as people do!

There are many different causes and triggers for dog allergies, but most result in skin problems and a variety of allergies.

These include:

• Flea allergy
• Inhalant allergy
• Dog food allergy
• Contact allergy

There are many, many different ways to treat allergies in dogs, and of course the treatment depends on the trigger!
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