BEFORE BREEDING, the dam should be kept free of internal and external parasites, kept up to date on vaccinations (DHP-P and rabies), given periodic veterinary examinations and should be fed a quality diet to maintain correct weight. Hip x-rays and eye exams are done on breeding stock.

VETERINARIANS: Ask your vet if he/she provides 24-hour emergency service and, if not, find someone who does. Your vet may have a suggestion for an emergency clinic. Your dog’s life may depend upon your knowing where to find help in a crisis. Some vets provide the service only for their own clients.

VACCINATIONS: Your puppy’s litter should be given DHP-P shots at approximately eight weeks of age with boosters at 4 week intervals. You must continue the series of shots for your puppy on a schedule recommended by your vet. I give DHP-P (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluinza, and parvovirus) boosters every four weeks until the puppy is at least 16 weeks old and continue with a parvo booster at 20 weeks. Rabies must be given at 3 months in Pennsylvania and as late as 6 months in Ohio and West Virginia.

PROTECTING YOUR PUPPY from exposure to the deadly diseases that are later prevented by vaccines is very important while the puppy is developing immunity in response to the series of shots. This does not happen overnight! Even though he has had all his recommended shots, your puppy may not have reached optimum immunity until after the last shot at 20 weeks. Diseases are sometimes airborne. Others are spread through direct contact, saliva, urine and feces, so do not let your dog sniff others at the veterinarian’s office, play with strange dogs or walk where other dogs urinate and defecate. Keep your own yard clean by disposing of stools promptly. Since you can even carry diseases home to your puppy on your hands, clothing or shoes, do not visit with strange dogs while your pup is young and if you have been around other dogs, wash up before touching your puppy.