Question 1

What types of bones are safe for puppies? I read that some can cause issues (like salmonella, lacerations, vomiting, etc).

Dr. Rybka · Accepted Answer

I like real but processed bones that you can buy or here is more info:Chew Toys
I guess I would consider Nylabones as the safest and most beneficial chew products available.   They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and flavors. I would probably start with a "gummy one".  Rope toys and interactive toys such as Kong Trax and Quest, Nylabone romp N chomp and StarMark Everlasting Treats are good to graduate to.  Antlers and processed bones offer longer lasting involvement.  Stay away from rawhide and small similar products, if you use these products the heavier ones reduce risk. The ones that pose the most threats are the slim pencil and potato chip sizes as we have done many surgeries to remove those. Also, rawhides are natural products but contain no preservative so once your dog starts chewing on them it is similar to leaving a piece of raw meat sitting around.  This is a frequent cause of gastroenteritis.

Question 2

I just received my puppy and it’s the second day.  I have the poopee palace setup and today I found poo on the edge of his bed.  I don’t think the bed is too big.  What can I do?

Dr. Rybka · Accepted Answer

Try moving the loft to the other end of the palace and adding a fluffy bed.

Question 3

Hi,

My 5-mth old (14 lbs) mini Goldendoodle got a cut near the tummy.  We put some Styptic powder on it today when we saw the bleeding (red, not running).   She acts normal.  We wonder if there is anything else we should do or should not do.  And what to look out for.  Thanks!

Dr. Rybka · Accepted Answer

Cleaning the wound with antibacterial soap and using a topical antibiotic like Neosporin is good if it is a superficial wound.

Question 4

I have a 17 week old Maltipoo (Colton).  Is he old enough to be fully groomed? Can I take him to a groomer to have his coat shaved down to where he looks like a dog and not a cute little rag a muffin.

Dr. Rybka · Accepted Answer

If he has completed his vaccinations and his attitude and appetite are good then you can get him groomed anytime.  Most groomers prefer to introduce a puppy to grooming gradually so that he has a good experience while he learns how to be groomed comfortably.  Most groomers would not 
"shave down" a  puppy on the first visit.

Question 5

I understand that the best time to spay my yorkie is between 5-6 months of age. It has been suggested to me that this is also the optimum time because any remaining baby teeth that have not come out on their own by this time can be removed while the pup is under anesthesia for the spaying. It has also been suggested to me that having my baby spayed earlier than the 5-6 months could potentially cause urinary incontinence. What are your thoughts on the above info. I certainly don't want to cause my puppy any harm. Our baby is going to the vet tomorrow for shots and she is now 4 and a half months old. Should we schedule her spaying at 5 months based on the above concerns or should we wait longer ?

Dr. Rybka · Accepted Answer

I have always strongly been against "juvenile" spays, meaning less than 5 months.  I recommend shooting for 5 1/2 months. The reasons are: full capability of the bladder sphincter (control valve) is not achieved until some exposure to estrogen which typically occurs around 5 months and I also believe dogs spayed at less than 5 months hold onto more "baby fat" and juvenile body proportions.  There is no big rush to remove any remaining temporary teeth so 5 1/2 months is a good time.  You can find plenty of info recommending juvenile spays, much of which is generated by groups seeking to curb the puppy population explosion and also some from legitimate medical sources but I believe 5-6 months is s good time.  You do not want to let her come into heat for both preventive medical reasons related to breast tumors and also for convenience.

Question 6

Can my new puppy go outside if she has NOT had all three rounds of vaccinations yet?

Dr. Rybka · Accepted Answer

If you have access to private areas outside that are not frequented by other dogs then you can start anytime.  Before using high dog traffic areas the puppy should have completed their vaccinations, usually around 16 weeks of age.

Question 7

What is a safe and effective pet stain and odor remover?

Dr. Rybka · Accepted Answer

I like a bacteria based product like "Odorbiotics " available on amamzon

Question 8

Will puppies overeat if you leave out too much food or will they only eat until they are full?

Dr. Rybka · Accepted Answer

There are some that regulate their intake quite well and many that do not.  Here is some info that should help:

There are a few guidelines of  adequate consumption that are just as important as the actual volume of food eaten.  During the transition to a new home it is extremely important that your puppy eats frequently, you should offer food at least each 1-2 hours during the day and each 4 hours overnight.  Allow your puppy to eat whatever it wants in about 5 minutes or so.  Keep in mind your puppy's appetite will vary during the day, and day to day,  just like us.  Leaving dry food available as nibble food is a good idea unless you have other pets that might take advantage too often.
  Once you are confident your puppy is eating regularly you can begin reduce the number of feedings.  By the end of the second week shoot for about 4 feedings per day.  
Your puppy's attitude will generally tell you if he is eating enough: if he eats regularly, eliminates normally, plays energetically for a while and then sleeps things can't be to bad.  If you feel there are changes to this pattern let me know as it could be a signal that something is up.  A decrease in consumption coupled with a decrease in activity spells trouble.

Question 9

Dear Doctor Pup, I picked up my 8 week old Teddy Bear female puppy last Friday, and she has adjusted very well, eating ,drinking good, however I am now experiencing her teething which she has several teething toys, rings durning her play time and when I hold her is turning into very aggressive behavior.
Scary. I tell her know and she just bites or barks.When I put her in her play pen she just barks.
 Please any suggestions?
I love my sweet Teddy Bear, and want to enjoy her. Thank you

Dr. Rybka · Accepted Answer

For the most part biting and chewing on stuff have nothing toBiting is a common problem, and it has little if anything to do with teething.  The first step is to help teach your puppy what acts you object, then there has to be a consequence that is rememberable.  You might try adding a period of shunning.  After a LOUD (needs to slightly frighten her) "NO" then you pretend that she doesn't exist, the only eye contact is a menacing stare and a few words that carry the same tone.  She needs to feel that you don't like her anymore (just for a little while).  Start with maybe 10 minutes and adjust accordingly.  If you try a timeout it also needs to be rememberable, often putting her in her crate is not effective since many puppies like their crate.  You can use another room or even a leash to restrain her where she can see you but she cannot interact with you.  Most trainers say that you should not use your hands for reprimand since that involves the object of her action.  I have had quite a few puppies in my lifetime and still the most effective reprimand is a quick, firm but not harmful thump on the nose and shunning.  Diverting the play to another action, like throwing a toy can work for some puppies but that is only after a firm reprimand.  I think some puppies have a problem with this approach because it all seems like play.  As with any training attempt your response needs to be immediate, consistent and result in some, at least temporary sacrifice for your puppy.

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