Puppy Layette
Basic supply list
(NOTE: Before purchasing puppy food, please double check that we have not changed the food. Shawny is always researching foods and food companies are constantly changing their formulas. We always want our puppies to have the best, which means sometimes we need to switch to a different food if the formula or ingredients change.)
Foods to start
Dry- Taste of the Wild- High Prairie Bison & Venison Puppy available at Petco
Wet- Vital Beef and Bison (found in the refrigerated section at Petco)
Mix the dry food with the Vital 50/50 along with some water and feed the pups minimally three times daily until they are six months old. Then switch to twice daily feeding for life.
When the pups are first starting on solid food Shawny gives them the Vital Beef and Bison. This food really helps get their tummy adjusted to eating solid food and their stools look fantastic during the transition. They have Vital by itself for the first week and then she slowly starts to add the kibble in and let it soak. They love it! At about 7 weeks old she stops letting it soak before feeding and just fed them right away.
At this point the puppies have been used to eating collectively from one bowl, with food available at all times so you will need to play with the amount of food you will start feeding at home. Your puppy will be growing very quickly these next few months and their metabolism is extremely fast so keep a close eye on their weight and adjust accordingly. *** Please keep in mind, as they grow you will need to increase the amount you are feeding until their growth spurts level out and then adjust to your dogs maintenance needs.*** Every dog’s metabolism is a little different and calories vary with different foods. Some dogs are able to free feed as adults and some do better with meal feeding.
Dogs were designed to eat mostly meat which is 70% water and it is difficult for them to compensate when only getting dry food. Like a lot of us humans, they are in a constant state of partial dehydration. Shawny strongly recommends to continue feeding wet food with the dry and to add water to help them break down the food and stay hydrated.
Feeding this mixture has given her some awesome hip scores which means they are growing well and properly.
Once the puppy has been home for a week or so you can switch to 75% dry food 25% Vital. After 3-4 weeks you can slowly transfer to a different food if you wish, but please do so gradually as puppies can have sensitive stomachs to sudden changes. We strongly recommend using www.dogfoodadvisor.com to research foods, ingredients and to stay between 26- 34% protein (Too much protein is not good for large breed puppies). Please stick to 4.5-5 star dog foods (you really do get what you pay for in the dog food world and the cheaper ones are cheap for a reason). Please be careful to choose a food without lentils, chickpeas, and garbanzo beans (any kind of beans). Beans are a cheap protein source and promote gas in the intestinal tract which can promote bloating.
After the pup is around 4 months or so, We recommend to start adding a few extras into their food (start slow, and do not go too crazy at first because their stomachs can be a little sensitive as pups). Studies are starting to show that adding fresh vegetables and fruits to our pet’s diet can greatly increase their health and longevity. Some recommended things to add to their food include: coconut oil, sardines, an egg, cheese, apple, green beans, pumpkin, carrots, spinach, or even a small scoop of frozen vegetables if you did not want to give fresh. Organic and GMO free is always best when possible!
*We continue to research dog foods and keep our eyes on ingredient lists which are constantly changing. We truly believe there is no perfect dog food on the market today and have seen a steady decline in the ingredient quality of dry foods available. We also recommend to ALWAYS add wet food to your dogs diet (this recommendation has not changed and Shawny’s favorite is still Vital Beef and Bison).
Stay away from grapes/raisins, onions, cherries, currants, rhubarb, macadamia nuts, anything containing Xylitol, and always remove any seeds or pits from anything before giving it to your dog. If in doubt, please call Shawny before giving it to your baby.
Ziwi Peaks is a great food that can be used as treats but is super expensive ($15.99/lb). It’s air dried, very nutritious, and the dogs absolutely love it! Shawny has put some in an empty water bottle as a toy and it is fun for them to try to get it out. It is super concentrated so you do not feed much. Keep treats to a minimum though.
NuVet- NuVet Plus immune system builder is a supplement we highly recommend. Shawny will be sending your puppy home with a sample of NuVet along with a brochure with helpful information. Shawny has decided to extend the normal 12 month health guarantee to 24 months when NuVet is given to your puppy. More information on the health guarantee is in your contract.
*About NuVet Plus: NuVet Plus is America’s premier pet immune system support supplement incorporating a precise formula of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, herbs and antioxidants that perform synergistically to bring together all of the vital ingredients required to maintain optimal health. NuVet Plus is made in the USA using natural, human grade ingredients that are formulated in an FDA registered pharmaceutical laboratory. For your convenience, you may order NuVet by calling 800-474-7044 using order code 24390 or order online at www.nuvet.com/24390. NuVet products are not sold in stores. Customers outside the U.S. must place an order by phone only.
We do have puppy kits available for your convenience for an additional fee. (see puppy kit flyer below)
Here is a list of some puppy supplies you may consider…
Food & Water bowls- We recommend ceramic or stainless steel. Avoid plastic
Note: it is not advised to use raised food dishes for large breed dogs anymore. New research shows that they could potentially increase chances of bloat in dogs.
ID tag- (Microchipping is offered in the kit for permanent identification, we recommend wearing a tag as well)
Collar /Leash
X-Penn or Baby-gate- This depends on your housing situation, but they definitely come in handy. I like this Baby Gate And I have used these X-pens (make sure you select the appropriate size for your pup)
Harness- These work best for initial leash training as they don't panic as much as having something around their neck. (offered in the puppy kit)
Crate/bed- For the large dogs we recommend at least 30 inch high crate
Amazon Crate
Toys- Kongs make great, durable toys that you can stuff with healthy treats
Chews- Bully sticks, cow hooves, or antlers are great for teething puppies www.bestbullysticks.com is a great resource. we suggest the odor free (they are cooked longer and not treated). Here is a link for antlers as well Antlers
Airtight food storage bin food storage bin
Basic grooming- We like a pin brush for everyday brushing, metal comb, and a mat breaker
Puppy safe shampoo- (but do not over bathe your pup- this can dry out their skin. Just spot bathe as needed) Plum Silky is one of my favorite shampoos (smells amazing). Cowboy Magic is an amazing detangler to have on hand.
Potty bell- Every time you take your puppy out, touch their nose to the bell to ring it and it quickly teaches them to ring the bell when they need to go on their own. Also, it is best to teach them the word “Potty” and give them a treat and/or lots of praise after they go because some want to stay and play instead of going right away. There are several different types available. Type A potty bell or Type B potty bell
It’s important to monitor their stool for the first week or so and contact Shawny right away if there are any issues. (soft, loose, mucous, etc).
(NOTE: Before purchasing puppy food, please double check that we have not changed the food. Shawny is always researching foods and food companies are constantly changing their formulas. We always want our puppies to have the best, which means sometimes we need to switch to a different food if the formula or ingredients change.)
Foods to start
Dry- Taste of the Wild- High Prairie Bison & Venison Puppy available at Petco
Wet- Vital Beef and Bison (found in the refrigerated section at Petco)
Mix the dry food with the Vital 50/50 along with some water and feed the pups minimally three times daily until they are six months old. Then switch to twice daily feeding for life.
When the pups are first starting on solid food Shawny gives them the Vital Beef and Bison. This food really helps get their tummy adjusted to eating solid food and their stools look fantastic during the transition. They have Vital by itself for the first week and then she slowly starts to add the kibble in and let it soak. They love it! At about 7 weeks old she stops letting it soak before feeding and just fed them right away.
At this point the puppies have been used to eating collectively from one bowl, with food available at all times so you will need to play with the amount of food you will start feeding at home. Your puppy will be growing very quickly these next few months and their metabolism is extremely fast so keep a close eye on their weight and adjust accordingly. *** Please keep in mind, as they grow you will need to increase the amount you are feeding until their growth spurts level out and then adjust to your dogs maintenance needs.*** Every dog’s metabolism is a little different and calories vary with different foods. Some dogs are able to free feed as adults and some do better with meal feeding.
Dogs were designed to eat mostly meat which is 70% water and it is difficult for them to compensate when only getting dry food. Like a lot of us humans, they are in a constant state of partial dehydration. Shawny strongly recommends to continue feeding wet food with the dry and to add water to help them break down the food and stay hydrated.
Feeding this mixture has given her some awesome hip scores which means they are growing well and properly.
Once the puppy has been home for a week or so you can switch to 75% dry food 25% Vital. After 3-4 weeks you can slowly transfer to a different food if you wish, but please do so gradually as puppies can have sensitive stomachs to sudden changes. We strongly recommend using www.dogfoodadvisor.com to research foods, ingredients and to stay between 26- 34% protein (Too much protein is not good for large breed puppies). Please stick to 4.5-5 star dog foods (you really do get what you pay for in the dog food world and the cheaper ones are cheap for a reason). Please be careful to choose a food without lentils, chickpeas, and garbanzo beans (any kind of beans). Beans are a cheap protein source and promote gas in the intestinal tract which can promote bloating.
After the pup is around 4 months or so, We recommend to start adding a few extras into their food (start slow, and do not go too crazy at first because their stomachs can be a little sensitive as pups). Studies are starting to show that adding fresh vegetables and fruits to our pet’s diet can greatly increase their health and longevity. Some recommended things to add to their food include: coconut oil, sardines, an egg, cheese, apple, green beans, pumpkin, carrots, spinach, or even a small scoop of frozen vegetables if you did not want to give fresh. Organic and GMO free is always best when possible!
*We continue to research dog foods and keep our eyes on ingredient lists which are constantly changing. We truly believe there is no perfect dog food on the market today and have seen a steady decline in the ingredient quality of dry foods available. We also recommend to ALWAYS add wet food to your dogs diet (this recommendation has not changed and Shawny’s favorite is still Vital Beef and Bison).
Stay away from grapes/raisins, onions, cherries, currants, rhubarb, macadamia nuts, anything containing Xylitol, and always remove any seeds or pits from anything before giving it to your dog. If in doubt, please call Shawny before giving it to your baby.
Ziwi Peaks is a great food that can be used as treats but is super expensive ($15.99/lb). It’s air dried, very nutritious, and the dogs absolutely love it! Shawny has put some in an empty water bottle as a toy and it is fun for them to try to get it out. It is super concentrated so you do not feed much. Keep treats to a minimum though.
NuVet- NuVet Plus immune system builder is a supplement we highly recommend. Shawny will be sending your puppy home with a sample of NuVet along with a brochure with helpful information. Shawny has decided to extend the normal 12 month health guarantee to 24 months when NuVet is given to your puppy. More information on the health guarantee is in your contract.
*About NuVet Plus: NuVet Plus is America’s premier pet immune system support supplement incorporating a precise formula of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, herbs and antioxidants that perform synergistically to bring together all of the vital ingredients required to maintain optimal health. NuVet Plus is made in the USA using natural, human grade ingredients that are formulated in an FDA registered pharmaceutical laboratory. For your convenience, you may order NuVet by calling 800-474-7044 using order code 24390 or order online at www.nuvet.com/24390. NuVet products are not sold in stores. Customers outside the U.S. must place an order by phone only.
We do have puppy kits available for your convenience for an additional fee. (see puppy kit flyer below)
Here is a list of some puppy supplies you may consider…
Food & Water bowls- We recommend ceramic or stainless steel. Avoid plastic
Note: it is not advised to use raised food dishes for large breed dogs anymore. New research shows that they could potentially increase chances of bloat in dogs.
ID tag- (Microchipping is offered in the kit for permanent identification, we recommend wearing a tag as well)
Collar /Leash
X-Penn or Baby-gate- This depends on your housing situation, but they definitely come in handy. I like this Baby Gate And I have used these X-pens (make sure you select the appropriate size for your pup)
Harness- These work best for initial leash training as they don't panic as much as having something around their neck. (offered in the puppy kit)
Crate/bed- For the large dogs we recommend at least 30 inch high crate
Amazon Crate
Toys- Kongs make great, durable toys that you can stuff with healthy treats
Chews- Bully sticks, cow hooves, or antlers are great for teething puppies www.bestbullysticks.com is a great resource. we suggest the odor free (they are cooked longer and not treated). Here is a link for antlers as well Antlers
Airtight food storage bin food storage bin
Basic grooming- We like a pin brush for everyday brushing, metal comb, and a mat breaker
Puppy safe shampoo- (but do not over bathe your pup- this can dry out their skin. Just spot bathe as needed) Plum Silky is one of my favorite shampoos (smells amazing). Cowboy Magic is an amazing detangler to have on hand.
Potty bell- Every time you take your puppy out, touch their nose to the bell to ring it and it quickly teaches them to ring the bell when they need to go on their own. Also, it is best to teach them the word “Potty” and give them a treat and/or lots of praise after they go because some want to stay and play instead of going right away. There are several different types available. Type A potty bell or Type B potty bell
It’s important to monitor their stool for the first week or so and contact Shawny right away if there are any issues. (soft, loose, mucous, etc).
Parvovirus/Vaccines
Parvo is a potentially deadly disease that is highly contagious to puppies. It is spread through the feces of a dog that has parvo and lives in the environment for several months to years. A puppy that has had parvo will continue to shed the virus for about a month after all symptoms have subsided. Parvo is considered to be ubiquitous - it is potentially everywhere in the environment. The key is to minimize exposure to the virus and protect your dog by following a vaccine schedule. A general rule of thumb is to not allow the puppy to walk anywhere where another dog may have walked until it's puppy vaccine series is completed. No parks, schoolyards, playgrounds, no walks around the block, not even in your own front yard. Only let your puppy into your enclosed backyard (with military housing we do not know the history of your yard, but we have to do the best we can), and carry your puppy if you do have to take it anywhere. Your puppy should have a vaccine schedule similar to this...
8 weeks Parvo only (done before puppy leaves Shawny)
12 weeks DHPP
16 weeks DHPP
18 weeks rabies- **Rabies does not apply to dogs in Hawaii unless they are leaving the state**
ALWAYS separate the DHPP AND RABIES vaccine should you need to travel out of Hawaii.
Puppies are actually most vulnerable to Parvo between 12- 16 weeks of age, even with previous vaccines given. Their immune system is just not mature enough to protect themselves yet. This is why that 16 week vaccine is so important for their protection.
Vaccines also need time to take effect, so it is encouraged that you wait at least 1-2 weeks after the final vaccine to take your dog out and about. This gives your pups immune system time to build an immune response.
The mainstay for parvo disinfection for the environment is to use a diluted bleach solution on cleanable surfaces (never on an animal!). The type of bleach varies the "strength," but a general rule of thumb is: 1 part bleach : 30 parts water
Signs of parvo can be; vomiting, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, or decreased appetite. If your puppy ever shows any of these symptoms please have him evaluated as soon as possible.
There is no "cure" for parvovirus. Only supportive care can be given while the puppy's system fights off the virus. Prevention is the key
Intestinal Worms and Parasites
Living on the Hawaiian islands we have a perfect climate for intestinal worms and parasites to flourish. Your puppy has been dewormed every 2 weeks starting at 2 weeks of age. Continued deworming is necessary for the health and safety of your new puppy. Once you get your puppy home, minimally please follow this recommended deworming schedule with Popantel F or another broad spectrum dewormer which covers hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and tapeworms.
10 weeks old- deworm (included in the puppy kit if you purchase one)
3 months old- deworm
4 months old-deworm
5 months old- deworm
6 months old- deworm
Then every 3 months through adulthood.
Alternatively, using a monthly broad spectrum product such as Sentinel will have you covered for heartworm, hookworm, roundworms, whipworms, and tapeworms (and is also a great flea birth control)!
Some vets only recommend doing a fecal sample to check for intestinal worms, but research has shown that fecal exams are only about 25% accurate. So there is a potential of having a fecal exam show negative for parasites while the pet in actually loaded with them. Shawny can not stress the importance of regular deworming enough.
Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes so even if your puppy is never around other dogs he needs to be protected. The medication is once a month and Shawny prefers Sentinel (mentioned above) over other products on the market.
Fleas and Ticks: Shawny likes Advantage 2, K9 Advantix, or Activyl used in conjunction with Sentinel. These are topical applications applied monthly.
She also recommends to have Capstar on hand. Capstar is an oral pill that kills fleas within the hour after ingestion but only last about 24 hours. This product is great to keep on hand if your puppy goes to a park or puppy class and comes home with more fleas than the revolution can keep up with. It is super safe and in extreme cases could be used daily if necessary but it would be expensive.
All the products Shawny uses are safe enough for pregnant/nursing dogs.
Never use Trifexis, Bravecto, Revolution, or Nexguard. In Shawny’s research, it became apparent that too many serious reactions and deaths have occurred relating to these treatments. Please do your own research on any medication BEFORE administering to your dog. (Using any of these 3 will void your guarantee as stated in the contract as well).
Should your puppy ever have symptoms of intestinal parasites and you would like some advice for treatment please do not hesitate to contact Shawny.
Grooming
Your puppy will need regular brushing and routine grooming to keep their coat healthy and mat free. I am going to go over 3 basic tools every dog owner should have on hand for home maintenance (in between grooming appointments).
Tools: (my favorites pictured above)
1-pin brush
2- metal comb
3-mat breaker
Plan on brushing your dog a minimum of 2-3 times a week (depending on coat type). We want to prevent mats before they occur because they can be very painful for the dog and could result in having to be shaved down if they get too bad.
Now there is a special way to brush these guys that will guarantee you will actually get down to the skin during your brushing sessions called "line brushing". Here is a video that demonstrates how to line brush a dog (not our video, but I really want you to get somewhat of a visual on line brushing). Line Brushing Demo
When line brushing, always make sure you can visibly see the skin. Just passing a brush over the top of your dog's coat is not enough. Mats start down by the skin so we need to get through the coat to visualize and thoroughly brush properly.
We like to use the pin brush to line brush your dog and then the metal comb to go back over the area to ensure you got any tangles.
If you come across a mat you can carefully use the mat breaker to "break up" the mat and work it out without hurting your dog. Do not use the mat breaker to actually brush your dog. It will take pieces of hair with it.
If you choose to groom your dog yourself, brush the coat thoroughly first. Then bathe and completely dry your dog before getting out the clippers. Clipping a clean coat will save your clipper blades from getting dull quickly and using a dryer to blow out the coat will help achieve an even groom.
I won't go into actual grooming because everyone has their own preference on how their dog should look.
Puppies won't need to be groomed for a couple months, but start brushing ASAP and having their face, feet, and fanny done early will help them get used to the process. It will be much easier on EVERYONE in the future if they learn they need to sit still and be brushed often. 🐾
Tools: (my favorites pictured above)
1-pin brush
2- metal comb
3-mat breaker
Plan on brushing your dog a minimum of 2-3 times a week (depending on coat type). We want to prevent mats before they occur because they can be very painful for the dog and could result in having to be shaved down if they get too bad.
Now there is a special way to brush these guys that will guarantee you will actually get down to the skin during your brushing sessions called "line brushing". Here is a video that demonstrates how to line brush a dog (not our video, but I really want you to get somewhat of a visual on line brushing). Line Brushing Demo
When line brushing, always make sure you can visibly see the skin. Just passing a brush over the top of your dog's coat is not enough. Mats start down by the skin so we need to get through the coat to visualize and thoroughly brush properly.
We like to use the pin brush to line brush your dog and then the metal comb to go back over the area to ensure you got any tangles.
If you come across a mat you can carefully use the mat breaker to "break up" the mat and work it out without hurting your dog. Do not use the mat breaker to actually brush your dog. It will take pieces of hair with it.
If you choose to groom your dog yourself, brush the coat thoroughly first. Then bathe and completely dry your dog before getting out the clippers. Clipping a clean coat will save your clipper blades from getting dull quickly and using a dryer to blow out the coat will help achieve an even groom.
I won't go into actual grooming because everyone has their own preference on how their dog should look.
Puppies won't need to be groomed for a couple months, but start brushing ASAP and having their face, feet, and fanny done early will help them get used to the process. It will be much easier on EVERYONE in the future if they learn they need to sit still and be brushed often. 🐾
