Puppy Arrival Preparations:
My new puppy _____________ is coming home on ??/??/20??. What will I need before I bring my little one home?
- One small crate (should fit a normal sized house cat).
- Two weighted or mounted dishes and a hanging water bottle [Guinea pig type] to provide fresh water & eliminate spills!
- One or two small bags of Puppy Food – ( I normally mix two Foods) Purina Pro Plan Puppy (Chicken and Rice), Nutro Puppy (Chicken and Rice) or Wellness Puppy Chicken and Rice. Brown rice and oatmeal are good grains. (We find fowl and fish to be the most agreeable to the Lhasa Apso digestive system). Good feeds can be purchased on-line at Chewy.com or Agway, TSC, Petsmart or other such feed supply places. Whatever your choice of food, be very choosy in your puppy’s diet, it is the most pivotal choice you will make in determining the overall health and longevity of your puppy. Puppy food should only be fed for the first 6 months. Most puppy foods are very high in protein. Kidney problems are often associated with high protein. Allergies seem to be more prevalent in Lhasa apsos fed beef diets. All diet changes should be done slowly to prevent diarrhea and upset stomachs.
- Potty pads or newspapers for lining the crate and changing as is necessary. Do not use colored papers (like comics for example), as these may contain dyes that are harmful to your puppy.
- In the case of a younger puppy you may want to purchase: Dry puppy formula, “Just Born” or “Puppy Milk Replacer” for example. Liquid formula spoils quickly. This provision is only necessary if you are bringing home a puppy that is still not totally weaned or for the very finicky puppy that is taking extra time to adjust. Add just a teaspoon or two to the top of puppy chow along with a little warm water and mix. Let sit about 3-4 minutes…just enough to soften the puppy chow and then serve. Work on eliminating this process over a few days to a week as chewing helps make strong teeth and is far healthier for the puppy than feeding soft foods. This mixture may be placed on a plate initially; then place puppy’s paws in food to encourage eating. This should only be necessary for a few feedings and always clean puppy up after meal time as mommy is no longer available to do it.
- Toys to avoid: Nylon bones, toys that can unravel or break into smaller pieces like rope toys, rawhide, squeaky toys w/easy to remove squeakers, toys with buttons or anything that could represent a choking hazard. Be careful in choosing sturdy and safe toys for your puppy and only real beef bones for chewing.
- A small blanket or towel for the back of the crate once puppy has adjusted to eliminating outside of the crate.
- An appointment with the veterinarian should be scheduled for a routine, well puppy check. First appointment should be made with consideration to vaccination dates. Be sure to bring a fecal sample as well as to discuss worming and flea treatment options.
- A groomer should be located and a tentative schedule set up for regular visits following puppy’s third booster date. Remember a good grooming experience means puppy needs to visit before he/she is severely matted. A good groomer will also clean ears, eyes and trim claws. Many will also express anal glands. Do not ever allow a groomer to remove all of the hair above the eyes which can expose the eyes to harsh U/V rays. Hair over the eyes is necessary for the protection of the eyes.
- A steel toothed brush without balls on the end of the pins for brushing (remember brushing is very good for the skin even on short hair and your puppy will grow to enjoy this time with you). Be gentle so as to not scratch and scrape the skin. Always keep a watch on puppy’s rear end as they can occasionally get feces caught in the hair. Left unattended this can lead to more serious issues. Keep this area clipped short to avoid problems.
- A collar/harness and leash. Choose a leash that is 6 ft. long (never use chain leashes as it only takes a single error to destroy an eye). The collar should be adjustable and consider nylon as leather collars often cause staining on lighter colored dogs.
- Shampoo (Pantene Pro V 2 in 1 for show dogs) for general care, but it is best to choose natural shampoos/conditioners for the body & tear free for the face.