Our wonderful Shona experienced severe trauma to her front elbow which affected her whole body. She was in severe pain and an operation only gave a small chance of success. After X-rays and consultations the decision was made to let her pass on. She will be severely missed and it was a heartbreaking outcome.
Most commercial foods are good if they are formulated for puppies and are a well balanced diet. The types are Supermarket food and Premium food. Premium food which is recommended is normally available at Pet shops, vet clinics and stock and feed stores. Premium food is high quality but more expensive. Examples are Advance, Hill’s Science diets, Eukanaba and Royal Canin. Premium foods have far less fillers and therefore do not cause flatulence.
Canned foods contain a lot of water, are more expensive and have less calories. Home cooked meals are do not usually contain the vitamins and minerals that your puppy needs in the correct proportions.
Calcium supplements should only be given if your puppies are not receiving a well balance diet and needs to carefully controlled.
In Australia Local Councils require all puppies to be microchipped by 12 weeks of age. This can be done with a consultation with your vet. Microchipping is a safe and indelible form of permanent identification for domestic animals and the transponder is only activated when scanned by a Microchip transmitter. The information on the transponder links to an Data base that is Australia wide and contact details must be kept up to date.
Puppies should be vaccinated to protect them form Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis and Canine Cough. The first vaccination should be at 6-8 weeks followed by a booster at 10-12 weeks. Full protection is only available at 2 weeks after the last booster. Until this time has passed keep your puppies away from other dogs.
