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4 week old pup.... Need advice

Discussion in 'Health & Nutrition' started by zarasmom, Feb 17, 2010.

  1. zarasmom

    zarasmom Pup

    Hello All,


    I am looking for advice from veteran dog owners.
    I just received a pup, ZARA, that is 4 weeks old. I know this is too young to be away from its mother, but this is the case.
    I have had her since Saturday (being that it was suppose to be a Valentine's Day present).
    The first night she didn't sleep very well but is doing much better now since she just sleeps in bed with us now, instead of sleeping in the little crate we bought.
    I have NOT taken her outside, for an overwhelming fear that she will catch some kind of horrible virus or bacteria!
    Since Saturday, I have been feeding her Cesar wet puppy food- this is what the seller gave my boyfriend. I am finishing the last pack tonight, but I'm unsure of what other type or brand of food to buy for her. I don't want the switch to upset her stomach.
    I feed her about every three to five hours. She eats very well but is not putting on weight....in fact, her full belly seems to be getting slimmer! This is concerning me a bit! I know puppies are suppose to always have full bellies.
    She urinates and defecates regularly, no worms in stool, no blood in urine. But I just want to make sure I am caring for her properly.
    I have a vet appointment on Saturday, but in the mean time is there any advice you can give me in regards to caring for her?
    Is there anything I'm not doing or should be doing?
    How about toys and teething? Is it okay to give her peanut butter in a Kong like a big dog?

    Any advice, suggestions, questions, trick-of-the-trade would be welcomed and appreciated!

    Thanks
     
  2. wardogkennels

    wardogkennels Top Dog

    Definitely to young to be away from mom. Make sure you soak the food in cold water so it gets mooshy. This will make it easier for her to eat it.
     
  3. Naustroms

    Naustroms CH Dog

    Quality puppy food. I like Evolve Puppy formula. Like Wardog said soak the food and let it become like oatmeal.

    Toys are fine, you definitely want to keep her stimulated since she doesn't have any brothers or sisters but she'll sleep a lot.
     
  4. Old Timer

    Old Timer CH Dog

    4 weeks is young and I am glad you knew that on your own, That is a good sign that you knew that and know that you can't just treat this like you would just bringing home a puppy.

    First thing I would do is don't get him used to sleeping in the bed with you, I would out him in a little box with lots of blankets right beside your bed and he should go right to sleep. Things you do at this age tend to stick with the dogs be it good or bad.

    Your right on the money with keeping her indoors until she gets her first round of shots, When they are that young they can catch things very easy. They are also susceptible to drafts and things of that nature so pay close attention to that as well.

    For food I would get a high quality kibble and even though she is 4 weeks old go down to your local petsmart or feed store and get a puppy milk replacement and mix that up and pour it over the dry kibble to moisten it. This will give the pup a extra boost that she will benefit from, And at night before you put the dog to bed if you warm it and pour it over the kibble so it is warm in her belly she will go right to sleep until she needs to empty out. She will need plenty of fresh water along with her kibble and you will also have to start working her up to eating just plain dry kibble, I would keep her on the moistened food until she is about 7 weeks old but gradually decreasing the amount of liquid starting at 6 weeks of age.

    When you take her to the vet I would suggest just sitting in the car with her until it is time for her to go back and don't put her on the ground outside or inside to prevent her picking something up. She will need to be started on a good quality wormer soon to keep her free of parasites and then she will be coming up for her first round of shots.

    As far as chew toys I would go and pick up a small puppy chew bone and let her chew on that or soft toys while she is getting her teeth in. She doesn't need a kong or anything like that right now...But when she hits 8 weeks or that knock yourself out and let her chew on the kong as much as she wants.

    It really isn't all the difficult and the things she needs are simple.

    (1) warmth

    (2) Good nutrition

    (3) Fresh Water

    (4) plenty of rest

    (5) Attention

    Those are the basics and she will need her vaccinations and wormings to keep her healthy and training to keep her going in the right direction.

    Feel free to ask as many questions as you want and be sure if you don't understand something to just ask no matter how stupid you think it might be.
     
  5. Dream Pits

    Dream Pits CH Dog

    good advice as usual
     
  6. absolute peril

    absolute peril Big Dog

    Great post old timer.
     
  7. ccourtcleve

    ccourtcleve Big Dog

    If this dog came home at four weeks old I am pretty sure it also came home with no vaccines/deworming/etc. I am not sure of your dog experience and how you plan to care for the pup, but if you are utilizing a vet for all of your dog care needs, make sure you get the pup on a good vaccine protocol, and have a fecal and deworming done. not seeing worms in the stool does NOT means the puppy does not have intestinal parasites. Generally only roundworms/tapeworms are visible.

    I would make sure not to expose your puppy to situations where she can get sick. She is not protected from anything, so keep her isolated until you are sure she is protected. No pet stores, parks, etc.

    Old Timer gave excellent advice, and good luck to you! :)
     

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