All of the following information should be reviewed with your Vet shortly after you pick up your puppy.
It is wise not to acquire your puppy until she is at least 8-10 weeks old and has already had at least one inoculation shot protecting him.
Vaccinations – Your puppy needs a series of shots while she is still very young. The initial inoculation series covers diseases like Distemper, Influenza, Parvo and Kennel Cough. Talk to your Vet for a more thorough list as well as any special issues for the area in which you live. She will need a series of at least two to three more of these inoculations given 3 weeks apart. DO NOT have a rabies shot given at the same time as the other inoculations. It is best to wait at least two months after the combined shots before giving the rabies serum.
We recommend that you not place your puppy on the ground in public areas until they have received their full series of puppy shots.
Teeth–of dogs are often overlooked and should be cleaned regularly. We recommend using an infant toothbrush on your puppy’s teeth 2-3 time per week to get her accustomed to brushing. It’s best not to use toothpaste. Once you get the hang of it only takes a couple of minutes. Teeth of mature dogs should be kept free of tarter, which destroys gums and teeth prematurely and can cause other heath related problems. If you start when they are a puppy it’s a quick and simple process.
Ears –should be kept clean and free of excess hair on which ear wax can gather. You can use a liquid or powder cleaner and antiseptic in each ear from time to time. Since you will be taking your Goldendoodle to a groomer every couple of months they will be sure the ears are clean and alert you of any issues that may arise.
Toenails–need to be trimmed every 4-6 weeks. Your groomer or Vet can take care of this process for you. We do not remove dew claws (these are kind of like a thumb and are located inside and an inch or two above the front paws. These nails will need trimmed occasionally as well. Hair on the bottom of the foot pads should also be trimmed off to insure good footing.
Tear Staining – All dogs tear, but on a few it will stain muzzle below the eye to a dark brown. Often the tearing is due to hair touching the eye causing it to continually tear keeping the area below the eye wet. To prevent these stains, keep the hair below the eyes trimmed short and regularly dry with a tissue until the issue is resolved. Hair hanging over the eyes may cause irritation and excessive tearing. Keeping this hair trimmed up and away from the eyes will help to keep tearing minimal.
If the eyes are crusty looking or have a yellowish green discharge, take her to the veterinarian as this is a sign of infection.
Feed a premium, high quality food without additives, food color, corn or wheat will aid in maintaining white stain-free faces. Corn and wheat are the two most common ingredients that can cause food allergies in dogs. Allergies are an inflammatory reaction that can change the pH in your dog’s system and or disrupt her digestive track.
Loose Stool—talking about dog poop may sound gross but it’s important to notice it from time to time. Puppy’s should be fairly firm, well-shaped and a medium brown color. If you notice it’s not (watery, runny or mucus) don’t worry but pay more attention the next couple of bowel movements. Most of the time it quickly clears up and returns to normal. If it persists a bit longer then try a good dog probiotic like Pro-Pectalin. If this doesn’t resolve it after 2-4 treatments, take a sample to the Vet to have it checked. The easiest way to do this is by using a plastic spoon and a small Zip Loc bag. Write your name and the puppy’s name on the bag. Scoop up a bit and drop the spoon and all in the bag. Sample the same day you will be taking it in and if it’s going to be a few hours before you go then keep it refrigerated.