PREPARING FOR THE NEW ARRIVAL
Few things are as exciting as getting a new
Frenchie puppy!
But in the heat of the moment, don't forget
to take some advance precautions to insure
that the new member of your family will be
healthy, safe, and happy.
A TRIP TO THE VET
Your sales contract should specify that you
will have a vet examine your new puppy within
just a few days of purchase. If you already have
a good vet, excellent! Otherwise, find one.
The vet should listen to the pup's heart and
lungs, feel its abdomen to check for hernias
or tenderness, look in the ears and eyes to
make sure that they are clean and free of injury
or disease, look in the mouth, and examine the
coat and skin. Depending on the age of the
puppy she may also examine the hips and stifles
and palpate the spine to check for abnormal
curvatures. A stool sample should be checked
to make sure that the puppy is free of parasites;
this is especially important if you have other
dogs who could become infected.
A blood test must also be done before beginning
heartworm prevention. Discuss with your vet what
vaccinations she would recommend. Also ask what
diet your vet recommends for the puppy, unless its
breeder has given you some good advice about that.
STUFF TO GET
A crate with bedding.
A wire crate that is 24" X 16" X 18" is best;
airline shipping crates are not well ventilated enough.
Best of all is a collapsible wire crate that you can fold
up and transport easily. A soft pad or carpet scrap
in thebottom, with a nice fleece pad on it and perhaps
a little baby blanket for cold weather makes a great
bed for a puppy.
A "DAY BED"
Most Frenchies love the soft oval or rectangular beds
that they can snooze in when they are not in their crates.
Though many like to nap in their crates too, most enjoy
a bed that is in the middle of the family action so that
they can keep an eye on things while they rest.
FOOD AND WATER BOWLS
Get a size that will accommodate the pup's needs
after it grows up, as many dogs become fond of their
"baby bowls." Some Frenchies love to pick up their
bowls and dump the contents out, even chewing the
rims on occasion. If your dog shows a tendency to do
this, then the more indestructible the bowl, the better.
A heavy ceramic or pottery bowl is less likely to scoot
around than a metal one and is harder to tip over.
While you may wish to make food available only
at specific times,
the puppy should always have access to clean,
fresh water.
COLLAR OR HARNESS AND LEAD
Avoid flea collars; instead get a sturdy collar or
harness that can be adjusted as the pup grows.
Once grown, a well fitted leather collar or harness
is best, and the harness is good because it does not
place pressure on the dog's trachea. Whatever collar
your dog wears, it should have his tags on it from day
one, including one with your name, phone number
and address. Even though he will be microchipped,
this can help get him safely home in a hurry if he
should somehow get loose!
EXERCISE PEN OR BABY GATES
Until he is housebroken, you will need to be able to
confine the pup in a small, warm area where you can
put his bed in one spot, and some newspapers in another.
A laundry room with a baby gate on the door might work,
or you can buy a scrap of vinyl floor covering to put
down someplace else in the house during this period
of housebreaking.
TOYS
Some toys are safe for Frenchies; others aren't.
During the teething period, Gummabone toys are best,
as those needle-like teeth will shred soft stuffies and
the puppy might swallow the squeaker or chunks of
stuffing or fabric. Rawhide, pig's ears, and cow hooves
are NOT safe! The rawhide and ears become soft and
can clog the pup's airway, while hooves can splinter
and puncture the cheek or palate. Soft rubber toys are
not a good idea as they are easily chewed up and
swallowed. Instead, give the puppy hard rubber toys,
or those indestructible rope toys, or Gummabones.
GROOMING EQUIPMENT
Start early with nail trimming. Whether you use one
of the types of trimmers or a Dremel tool, early
handling of the feet and gentle but frequent trimming
will get your puppy used to this essential procedure
early on. Have on hand a gentle ear cleanser
(without alcohol or talc), a grooming mitt for the coat,
and a mild shampoo in case he rolls in something
he shouldn't.
CLEANUP SUPPLIES
You can buy "Piddle Pads" that are scented with what
is supposed to clue the puppy in as to what is to be
done on them. These can be helpful in housebreaking.
It's also a good idea to have a supply of paper towels
and carpet cleaner on hand until such time as no
more "accidents" occur.
OTHER THINGS TO DO
"Puppy Proof" your home. Having a puppy is like
having a 2-year old kid, only the puppy has more
and sharper teeth. Get down on the floor and look
at the house through the pup's eyes. Are there
dangling electrical cords that a puppy might find
irresistible? Window shade cords? Spilled food,
cleaning supplies, little objects that can be swallowed,
anything toxic? Be SURE that there is no antifreeze
anywhere on the premises as a tiny amount of this
will kill your puppy. Keep candy, and especially
chocolate, out of reach. Shoes and socks, too,
unless you want to have to replace them.
SECURE THE YARD
If it is not fenced, then provide a safe area where
he can be confined, or take him out only on a lead.
Keep your house and car cool. If you live in a hot
climate you must have air conditioning in both.
With proper planning and preparation, your new
Frenchie will soon feel safe, secure, and at home
in your house.
