Puppy Question(s)

[MrsGrace]

Okay, so I know what the breeder feeds her puppies when they get to 6 weeks. And she sends them home with a crate and bed so they have something familiar to transition them. AND of course I have a ton of toys (okay, really only a few... I think I need more! :WINK: )

What I need to know is... what am I forgetting? Here's my list of what's left to get I think:

Leash
Collar (what size for a puppy??) and tags
Doggie bowls for travel
XPen, tie out & stake (or is that Steak? Corgi appetites and all... j/k )
Treats/Chews & Clicker
Puppy wipes

So the story is, we pick him/her up on the 9th/10th of June. Then we are off to Yellowstone Natl' Park. There was no way to do it any other way. So I am taking my daughters jogging stroller (it's encapsulated, so the puppy is contained on walks where dogs/people might be, to keep him safe) and I will be buying an XPen (Oh! Put that on my list!).

But should I use any form of flea/tick control on him so young? He WILL be in the woods a bit, but for the most part he'll be with us, carried by me or in the stroller until we're at the camp site and seperate from other dogs/people.

What about heart worm meds? (okay, I am going to call my vet today and report back here too, but I wanted everyones 2c on this)

And at 10weeks, what shots will he (should he) have had? If I KNOW the dogs he will be around have their shots and are safe, is it okay for him to sniff and play with them? Or should I still keep him seperate-ish?

I am sure run ins with other dogs will be unavoidable, but I will do my darnest to keep him seperate, and safety is tantamount!! I will be carrying my usual hand sanitizer and ask people to use it before petting the puppy. (yes, I always carry hand sanitizer, because sometimes I have to change the kiddos diaper and there might not be a sink around for us to use!)

Okay... I think that's everything! If there's anything I've missed, please feel free to add it in!!

[sutulu]

Are you taking the puppy camping with you? And if so, tenting, trailer, cabin?

If you are not starting house training/potty training, those piddle pads, puppy pee pads you can buy work nice.

I used to leave a pad in the X pen with Tuck and Lulu when they were just getting house broke (I know we don't like that term...). Tuck used his the first time or two, Lulu never used them. When the pups start chewing thewm up, I stopped putting them in the pen.

Chances are, the little guy is going to sleep a lot!

[CorgiMum]

Collar (what size for a puppy??) and tags
The breeder can meaure the puppies neck and tell you what size collar to buy.

So I am taking my daughters jogging stroller (it's encapsulated, so the puppy is contained on walks where dogs/people might be, to keep him safeExcellent idea. You'll have to be very carefull of what gets into his mouth from the ground in the woods and the stroller will be a great help with that.


But should I use any form of flea/tick control on him so young? He WILL be in the woods a bit, but for the most part he'll be with us, carried by me or in the stroller until we're at the camp site and seperate from other dogs/people.

What about heart worm meds? (okay, I am going to call my vet today and report back here too, but I wanted everyones 2c on this)
The breeder I'm sure will give you his medical log book. So then you will be camping right after you pick him up? No Vet check up the until you get home?

How are you going to handle the elimination schedule? That might be difficult for you.

If I KNOW the dogs he will be around have their shots and are safe, is it okay for him to sniff and play with them? Or should I still keep him seperate-ish? .

I would not let him near any other dogs, they can be carriers. They may have their meds and be safe, but he won't be.


I am sure run ins with other dogs will be unavoidable, but I will do my darnest to keep him seperate, and safety is tantamount!! You might even want to invest (used) or borrow someones small kitty stroller, with the screen zipped, your little pupper would be very safe from dogs and people.

Further shopping, etc....

Small $ store bowls with lids for premeasured food. Monty's 4 are yellow, Dyaln's blue and they are fabulous for travelling. (So a 2 day set up for each them on the road.)

A good water bottle just for him. With as much water as is sensible from the breeder's water supply.

Towels, cheaper thinner towels that will dry fast. And faceclothes too.
(PS there are special clotheline hooks & clicps that clip onto your trailer awning to hold and dry things.)

Paper towels, lots, in case it rains, you don't want a tone of wet puppy towels when you are camping.

List of Vets along your travel route. Contact #s and hours they are open. And an Emerg Vet contact.

Ground sheet for the x-pen....check the campsite rules, some do not allow x-pens. Some sites do not even allow dogs.

A tie out, I'd say although you will have one, they tend to tangle, plus with that he will be able to eat what ever is on the ground.

That's all I can think of right now.:WINK:

[MVons]

I don't mean to rain on your plans but: In Yellowstone Park: Pets must be leashed; they are prohibited on trails and in the backcountry. (from yellowstone.net) We didn't want to leave ours in the car so she stayed with the grandparents in Columbus MT or left home from the trip. So your walks won't be with your dog except at the campground. We had ours at the tent village (permanent tents) at the Tetons, but couldn't hike with her. Erec was so small he couldn't hike either. So we used the pull outs and did the road side trip. When Erec was four he could do the Mammoth hot springs walk through the geisers.

Check with your Vet on heartworm age. I also read a post where 12 months of heartworm medication cures heartworm disease...I think from a Wiem. group.

Ticks - check the dog throughly - and yourselves if you are in shorts. That is the best prevention.

check your vet on diarrhea med or over the counter med because the water has a lot of wonderful minerals, but your dog may have loose stools for adjusting to it.

Take lots and lots of bags, we use grocery bags for the ton of poop, puke, etc. Flashlight and lots of batteries for those middle in the night pee.

West Yellowstone is okay for shopping for anything you forget! Bozeman is the most dog friendly city in montana and has all the big stores. Not sure which direction you are going. Cody has the least amount of shopping.

If we lived closer, I'd offer to dog sit, but you want your dog back.:WINK:

Take vaccination record copy with you

Merrie

[corgimom]

I do agree with Barbara, that I would not let him play around with other dogs since he will not be fully vaccinated - my vet advised me of this when I got Cody at 11 weeks. I got Cody in January(freezing weather here) so he was not started on heartworm medication until about march - now I have him on it year round.

I think you will want your new puppy on it - since it will be summer time and you will be camping. Your vet can give you the puppy dose for under 25 pounds or maybe your breeder will have already done this.

T-Gals Emma had heartworm disease and it was a long process to recover.

I guess I can't remember this, but will be be protected from Parvo with the first vaccinations he is given by the breeder? - what about Lepto?

One of the most important things I think Barbara mentioned was, know where vets are in the areas you are traveling and what their hours are and emergency hours are. You never know when you might need one.

I tend to be more of a worry wart.

[MrsGrace]

The breeder can meaure the puppies neck and tell you what size collar to buy.

Breeder just had an... emergency. Will be out of contact for a while, but of course I will ask her all of this too. Just didn't want to bother her right now since she is AFK for a while. (away from keyboard)


Excellent idea. You'll have to be very carefull of what gets into his mouth from the ground in the woods and the stroller will be a great help with that.

You might even want to invest (used) or borrow someones small kitty stroller, with the screen zipped, your little pupper would be very safe from dogs and people.

My daughters stroller is really a bike trailer (Burley Solo), so it's encapsulated with mesh AND if necessary, a rain cover that is clear so the puppy can still see out. I figure that will work just fine.


The breeder I'm sure will give you his medical log book. So then you will be camping right after you pick him up? No Vet check up the until you get home?

It's a 3 day drive to get home, and I love my Vet, so we are waiting until we get home to have him checked out. BUT the breeder I am going through is super reliable, knowledgable and reputable, so I have NO worries whatsoever re: puppy health until we get home.

How are you going to handle the elimination schedule? That might be difficult for you.
Every hour or so during the day, every 3 to 5 hours at night. Breeder crate trains ALL of her puppies before she lets them go. That way they are set to be sleeping through the night, but I am prepared for the 5am potty waking schedule. During the day, we have a plot of rest stops (Poop bags are on my list too) that we can let him out to run around at and go potty. I am SUPER vigilant for things going in mouths as I have a 2yr old that has always had an affinity for putting SOMETHING in her mouth!!

I would not let him near any other dogs, they can be carriers. They may have their meds and be safe, but he won't be.

Alright. I have a feeling I can't avoid ANY contact, but I will do my best.

Further shopping, etc....

Small $ store bowls with lids for premeasured food. Monty's 4 are yellow, Dyaln's blue and they are fabulous for travelling. (So a 2 day set up for each them on the road.)
Great idea!! Pyrex/Corian or the like?

A good water bottle just for him. With as much water as is sensible from the breeder's water supply.

We have a collapsible water container that holds a few gallons we are using for the whole family. We can snag some extra from the breeder! That is a good suggestion I hadn't thought of!!

Towels, cheaper thinner towels that will dry fast. And faceclothes too.
(PS there are special clotheline hooks & clicps that clip onto your trailer awning to hold and dry things.) Paper towels, lots, in case it rains, you don't want a tone of wet puppy towels when you are camping.

Another great idea!!

List of Vets along your travel route. Contact #s and hours they are open. And an Emerg Vet contact.

Adding that to my list!!

Ground sheet for the x-pen....check the campsite rules, some do not allow x-pens. Some sites do not even allow dogs.

We got reservations only at places that accept dogs. I will sweep the ground well before putting the XPen down or a tie out, well, out. Hadn't thought of a sheet, but I do have one of those "Neat Sheets". Maybe I need to get one that is only for the dog.

That's all I can think of right now.:WINK:

This is why I asked. You guys have great ideas, things I might not have thought of. 2 brains are better than 1......
+WUBCLUB+

[Merlincorgi]

I wouldn't worry about flea/tick medicine at his delicate age. Especially in our area, we really don't have fleas to speak of.. and just a manual once-over after hikes for ticks should do the trick.

In regards to vets and emergency vets, when you are in my area we will have you covered. If you want the vet #s in advance to be safe just give me a call and I'll give them to you.. they are both programed into my phone and posted on my fridge for easy reference. I have no problems letting the pup play with Checkers and Gator, but that is entirely up to you... check with your vet to see what he/she says about letting the pup around dogs you KNOW are vaccinated.

Otherwise I can't think of anything else off the top of my head. Let the count-down continue!

[MrsGrace]

I tend to be more of a worry wart.

ME TOO!!

And MVONs, no worry that you are "raining" on my parade!! We know there are restrictions and certain areas etc. Not dog friendly. I have been to Yellowstone a few times, and I am hopeful that if puppy is in the stroller, no one will notice... *sheepish* He is going with us everywhere in that stroller after LONG morning walks to tire him down a bit. (and some clicker training sessions. Nothing serious, just basic manners!) If there really is an area he can't go, he'll stay with me while the toddler and hubby go see the sights.

I think we are pretty prepared, but I want to cover all of my bases as this is my first real puppy for quite a while. (other than the rescue, but he was almost a year when we got him)

At 10 weeks, he will be pretty small still, so I think I can manage to get him around in this big bike trailer without too much notice. Or, that's my plan. :EEK:

[Fluffypants]

I just got the AAA Pet Book, and it has a section with vet listings around the country, as well as lodgings. Here is a link if anyone wants to pick it up:

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9781595082084&itm=2

[Fluffypants]

and I am hopeful that if puppy is in the stroller, no one will notice... *sheepish*

Just tell anyone who asks that your newborn son has a genetic disorder that causes large ears and excessive body hair. Then act really offended at their intolerance and stomp off! :LAUGH:

[MrsGrace]

Just tell anyone who asks that your newborn son has a genetic disorder that causes large ears and excessive body hair. Then act really offended at their intolerance and stomp off! :LAUGH:

:LAUGH: :LAUGH:

:NOTWORTHY:

[MVons]

You are right people won't notice because I forgot a puppy bark is a yip and people will be looking through the binoculars for that wolf puppy!!! We only pay attention to people at the park when they are the fools who try to touch a moose or bison. Do watch out if you have a royal blue vehicle, the bison LOVED our truck, looked like water?, I don't know. Would thrill your daughter to have the bison so close...have window locks I hope. She'd be tempted to roll the window down with them sauntering by. Great picture of your puppy looking at one of those large animals!

So remember the ton of photo cards, film whatever you use and batteries, car charger etc.

Merrie

[mtoy]

What fun - a new puppy!!!!!:SPINNY:

I'm looking at Link's collar, right now he's 15 weeks old and his collar is adjusted to 12". This one goes down to 9" (he was never that tiny) and goes up to about 13 1/2".

[mtoy]

Just tell anyone who asks that your newborn son has a genetic disorder that causes large ears and excessive body hair. Then act really offended at their intolerance and stomp off! :LAUGH:

Ha - last year I was walking out of a local mall and saw a woman (well, an older teen) coming with a stroller. I waited so I could hold the door for her and her "baby". As she passed me I noticed her baby must have had a terrible hormone problem, as it was covered in FUR. Sheesh. It was the first time I saw a doggy in a stroller.:SHOCKED:

[MrsGrace]

Ha - last year I was walking out of a local mall and saw a woman (well, an older teen) coming with a stroller. I waited so I could hold the door for her and her "baby". As she passed me I noticed her baby must have had a terrible hormone problem, as it was covered in FUR. Sheesh. It was the first time I saw a doggy in a stroller.:SHOCKED:

Okay, I think the strollers they sell for animals are a little... umm... okay, I think they are silly. They serve their purpose I am sure, and there is obviously a market for them.

And now of course, I am using my daughters' bike trailer/stroller with mesh cover for the puppy.

But I still think they are silly. (personal view only, NOT to be mistaken as a C2bC view. As I said, they serve a purpose)

EDITED TO ADD*** Let me also say, for PERFECTLY healthy dogs, they are silly. For health issues, they serve an obvious purpose.

My experience with them is the little teacup dogs getting "Walked" in a stroller while the things shook and shivered. That is the silly part to me.

[bayoucorgi]

Oh Mrs Grace, you are 2 funny. I'll bet you were the one who had EVERYTHING ready when you had your daughter. I was the one who thought I was ready. This is SO fun to live your adventure with you.

Ummm, hmmm, obviously the camera is a must because we want to see photographic evidence of this adventure. And batteries. Last time I went herding I was poised to snap the evidence and as Liam started to pick up his sheep the red light came on and "BATTERY LOW" flashed in my face briefly as the camera shut off.

Hey, how totally cool that you are meeting Checkers and Gator too.

[CorgiMum]

Okay, I think the strollers they sell for animals are a little... umm... okay, I think they are silly. They serve their purpose I am sure, and there is obviously a market for them.

And now of course, I am using my daughters' bike trailer/stroller with mesh cover for the puppy.

But I still think they are silly. (personal view only, NOT to be mistaken as a C2bC view. As I said, they serve a purpose)

EDITED TO ADD*** Let me also say, for PERFECTLY healthy dogs, they are silly. For health issues, they serve an obvious purpose.

My experience with them is the little teacup dogs getting "Walked" in a stroller while the things shook and shivered. That is the silly part to me.

A perfectly healthy puppy being secured in one is another purpose, as is a family with a very senior but perfectly healthy dog that can no longer do long hikes with them. There are many reasons why they can enable a dog to continue being an active member of the family.

We have had the odd person come up to us and ask us why one of our dogs has to walk, and the lazy one gets to ride when Monty is in her Pet Stoller.

That remark is similar to me as someone asking why one child gets to use a cane, or wheelchair and one doesn't.

Obviously, no one can tell why a dog is in a Pet Stroller unless they know the family, so they should not assume that the dog is healthy or unhealthy. Or what the family's reason is for protecting the dog.

Just some enlightening thoughts on the topic. :WINK:

[mtoy]

A perfectly healthy puppy being secured in one is another purpose, as is a family with a very senior but perfectly healthy dog that can no longer do long hikes with them. There are many reasons why they can enable a dog to continue being an active member of the family.


I totally agree. I think I'll do that for Millie when she can no longer walk distances. But, the first time you see it, in an unexpected place (the mall is supposed to be service dogs only), and when the pet is primped up (PIMPed up?) to look like a human as the teacup I saw was, it is kind of silly. I just know that I was one of very few people that that realized there was a dog in that stroller, not a baby. A dog being passed off as a baby.

[Fluffypants]

and when the pet is primped up (PIMPed up?) to look like a human as the teacup I saw was, it is kind of silly. I just know that I was one of very few people that that realized there was a dog in that stroller, not a baby. A dog being passed off as a baby.

I think these are the instances that Mrs. Grace was thinking of as well. If the dog needs it, I am all for it. But if it is just an accessory . . .

I can't believe people would ask you that Barbara!:EEK:

[MrsGrace]

A perfectly healthy puppy being secured in one is another purpose, as is a family with a very senior but perfectly healthy dog that can no longer do long hikes with them. There are many reasons why they can enable a dog to continue being an active member of the family.

We have had the odd person come up to us and ask us why one of our dogs has to walk, and the lazy one gets to ride when Monty is in her Pet Stoller.

That remark is similar to me as someone asking why one child gets to use a cane, or wheelchair and one doesn't.

Obviously, no one can tell why a dog is in a Pet Stroller unless they know the family, so they should not assume that the dog is healthy or unhealthy. Or what the family's reason is for protecting the dog.

Just some enlightening thoughts on the topic. :WINK:

Absolutely! I agree, and that's why I added the "Edit" to add specifically, I meant that there are people doing it to be cute. I mean, it's their money, but serves no purpose.

You of course are a different story. There is a reason there. Thank you for the insight however, but I wasn't targeting any group specifically other than those that use it for the "cuteness" factor. That seems silly, but to each their own, right?

And I NEVER assume... I'm a Chatty Kathy, I always ask! :CHATTERBOX: "Hey, I see you're using a doggie stroller. If I may ask, what do you think about it and why do you use it?"

I am NOSEY!! I drive my hubby mad because he'll tell me on the fly, "oh, and so and so said this". Okay, but WHY? Details, hubby! Details!! What's the story?

I am one of those out in public that will strike up conversations with people. Not a shy bone in my body....

[Fluffypants]

Absolutely! I agree, and that's why I added the "Edit" to add specifically, I meant that there are people doing it to be cute. I mean, it's their money, but serves no purpose.


A perfect example of this:
Did anyone see that new dog training show on Animal Planet - "Divine Canine"? They had a lady on there whose dog never walked, was always pushed in the cute little stroller in a cute little outfit. The dog was so spoiled she never walked on a leash, never came when called, and just did as she pleased. Unfortunately for her, the owner became pregnant with a human baby, no longer needed her furry surrogate, and had to find a way to turn the dog back into a dog. (Thankfully, she did that instead of dumping her at a shelter!) It was pretty amusing, actually. :CUTE:

[corgimom]

I just know that I was one of very few people that that realized there was a dog in that stroller, not a baby. A dog being passed off as a baby.

Well, if the dog were to have a bonnet on, then I would start to worry:TWITCHY:

[CorgiMum]

A perfect example of this:
Did anyone see that new dog training show on Animal Planet - "Divine Canine"? They had a lady on there whose dog never walked, was always pushed in the cute little stroller in a cute little outfit. The dog was so spoiled she never walked on a leash, never came when called, and just did as she pleased. Unfortunately for her, the owner became pregnant with a human baby, no longer needed her furry surrogate, and had to find a way to turn the dog back into a dog. (Thankfully, she did that instead of dumping her at a shelter!) It was pretty amusing, actually. :CUTE:

Poor little pupper, it wasn't spoiled at all IMO, it wasn't allowed to be a dog.+SAD+

People like that make it hard for the canine families that need special aids for their loved ones, they may feel that their use of them needs to be justified, and it shouldn't need to be.:NAH:

[MrsGrace]

Poor little pupper, it wasn't spoiled at all IMO, it wasn't allowed to be a dog.+SAD+

People like that make it hard for the canine families that need special aids for their loved ones, they may feel that their use of them needs to be justified, and it shouldn't need to be.:NAH:

You are right, Barbara.

Sort of like someone I know that wont use a cane or trekking pole because of how it will "look" to others....

Thank you for reminding me that we shouldn't judge regardless of peoples reasons. They may be embarassed and not being truthful as to why they are using walking aids/strollers.

*humbled* Not my intent to offend anyone. Hope people realize that.

[MrsGrace]

So, any other puppy suggestions?

Didn't mean to hijack my own thread!

I will for sure have 2 - 2Gig memory cards, a laptop, camera and LOTS of batteries! I will have a website up hopefully soon about our travel trailer trials and tribulations, pictures of EVERYTHING from the trailer, new puppy, places and people we've met etc.

Thanks all for the great ideas!!

[taflar]

Leash
Collar (what size for a puppy??) and tags
Doggie bowls for travel
XPen, tie out & stake (or is that Steak? Corgi appetites and all... j/k )
Treats/Chews & Clicker
Puppy wipes

I use small cheap collars, 8-10 inches or so for the first collars. They outgrow them quickly so don't spend a lot of money until your puppy is about 6 mos. old. I buy nylon flat buckle collars for the first collars.

And until the puppy is used to wearing the collar don't put tags on it as they will just try to chew them. Wait till they're used to the collar before adding any tags.

I would not use a tie out/stake for a puppy that is not well leash broken. Chances are he will try to fight it and get hurt. Stick with an exercise pen until you he's well leash trained.

So the story is, we pick him/her up on the 9th/10th of June. Then we are off to Yellowstone Natl' Park.

Even though your puppy will have had some shots, let me caution you that the wild canines in Yellowstone have not. Puppies can pick up parvo, distemper, etc. from wolves, foxes and coyotes. And you don't know what other dogs and/or their people are bringing with them either. You don't know what they might have and some of those diseases are airborne.

Personally I would not take a young puppy to Yellowstone. JMO.

Isn't there anyway to go to Yellowstone first and then pick up the puppy?

If you have to take your puppy with you, get an exercise pen and a mat to go under it. And then do not let your puppy out of the pen. And don't let strangers play with or handle the puppy. Better to be safe than sorry.

But should I use any form of flea/tick control on him so young?

Personally I wouldn't. But be sure to check him daily.

What about heart worm meds? (okay, I am going to call my vet today and report back here too, but I wanted everyones 2c on this)

I wouldn't worry about heartworm meds until he gets home. I don't think they start puppies on them till about 4 mos. old. (I don't have heartworms here so my dogs are not on the preventative.)

And at 10weeks, what shots will he (should he) have had? If I KNOW the dogs he will be around have their shots and are safe, is it okay for him to sniff and play with them? Or should I still keep him seperate-ish?

Vaccinations are not fool proof. Even if the dogs around him have had their shots they might have walked through urine, rolled in something or been around a dog that has not had shots (or a wild dog has left something behind). I would keep him away from other dogs (wild and domestic) in Yellowstone.

The usual shots are a combo shot covering distemper, hepatitis, kennel cough, parvo (mainly). Some will include lepto, I don't.

The reason a puppy is given a series of shots is that we don't know for sure when the maternal antibodies quit working and the vaccination takes effect. So there may be a time when your puppy is unprotected between the maternal antibodies and vaccine protection. This is why you are cautioned about not letting puppies play with unknown dogs and be in areas where you don't know what might be around.

As I've said, many of the things covered by vaccines, such as parvo and kennel cough can be air borne or picked up from areas where a dog has urinated. And this can be wild dogs as well as domestic dogs. So please rethink taking a puppy this young to Yellowstone.

JMO,
Peggy

[MVons]

As I've said, many of the things covered by vaccines, such as parvo and kennel cough can be air borne or picked up from areas where a dog has urinated. And this can be wild dogs as well as domestic dogs. So please rethink taking a puppy this young to Yellowstone.PeggyThank you. This means no trips to our dog park even if no dogs are there until fully vaccinated. I planned to go when dogs aren't there because of the nice fencing. But we have wild critters and non-vaccinated dogs around with parvo. He/she will be safer playing on our deck (with gate or x-pen as gate).

Does a puppy need kennel cough vaccine if they aren't going to be kenneled? And do you do the lyme in your area?

Merrie

[taflar]

The breeder I'm sure will give you his medical log book. So then you will be camping right after you pick him up? No Vet check up the until you get home?

Usually a contract from a breeder states that you need to have a vet check within a certain time period. If not the "health guarantee" will be voided. Meaning that the breeder cannot be held responsible for an illness your puppy might pick up after a certain time frame. Just something to be aware of.

A good water bottle just for him. With as much water as is sensible from the breeder's water supply.

Good suggestion. Or buy bottled water. Don't use the local water supply for him.

Ground sheet for the x-pen....check the campsite rules, some do not allow x-pens. Some sites do not even allow dogs.

You can buy mats made for exercise pens. http://www.jemarpet.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=414

They can be hosed off, and they allow urine to go through to the ground. You can spray it with a disinfectant and then rinse with clear water. For a real good cleaning take to the car wash.

Peggy

[taflar]

Thank you. This means no trips to our dog park even if no dogs are there until fully vaccinated. I planned to go when dogs aren't there because of the nice fencing. But we have wild critters and non-vaccinated dogs around with parvo. He/she will be safer playing on our deck (with gate or x-pen as gate).

Does a puppy need kennel cough vaccine if they aren't going to be kenneled? And do you do the lyme in your area?

Kennel cough is the common name for tracheobronchitis, an upper respiratory disease. It is in the combo shot that is given.

So, yes, your dog should have vaccinations for it even though it will not be kenneled. It is not just kenneled dogs that get kennel cough.

A little further info, kennel cough is caused by a variety of viruses and bacterias. When you vaccinate with the combo shot you cover 10% of the things that can cause kennel cough. When you add the bordetella you cover another 10%. That leave 80% that you cannot vaccinate for.

I understand the bordetalla vaccine (actually intranasal) only lasts 6 weeks to 3 mos. Vets suggest you give it every 6 mos. Since my dogs are not boarded where it's requried, I skip this for my guys. I don't believe it's needed in healthy dogs.

What I'm saying is even a vaccinted dog can get kennel cough so don't ever assume that even though your dog is fully vaccinated he/she can never get kennel cough.

Clear as mud huh?

Peggy

[taflar]

And do you do the lyme in your area?


No, I don't. I give only the very basic shots. I don't give lepto either as it's one of the things that dogs have the most reaction to and recive the least benefit from. Lepto only works if it's the strain that happens to be in your area. Often the strain in the vaccines does not match what's in the area.

There are many theories on vaccines now days and many people are going to limited schedules. Annual vaccines are thought to cause problems, such as auto immune diseases.

Peggy

[ColColt]

Lymes seems to be a problems around here. I was just told the other day about a co-worker in another area passed out at work and we thought it was his heart...again. turns out they found a deer tick on him. I didn't know it could affect humans like that.

[manymuddypaws]

was going to comment here about vaccines not being fool proof but instead will start a new thread....

[MrsGrace]

I use small cheap collars, 8-10 inches or so for the first collars. They outgrow them quickly so don't spend a lot of money until your puppy is about 6 mos. old. I buy nylon flat buckle collars for the first collars.

I found some inexpensive collars online and ordered a few sizes. That way I'm covered and if anything happens to them, I wont worry.

And until the puppy is used to wearing the collar don't put tags on it as they will just try to chew them. Wait till they're used to the collar before adding any tags.

Another good tip. Having not had a puppy for many years, I have forgotten a lot about puppies. These refreshers are great.

I would not use a tie out/stake for a puppy that is not well leash broken. Chances are he will try to fight it and get hurt. Stick with an exercise pen until you he's well leash trained.

Really, I am taking one as an emergency use only thing. Just to have the extra lead if necessary, but if the puppy isn't in my arms, in the protected XPen or in the trailer / kennel, he wont be out by himself by any means.

Even though your puppy will have had some shots, let me caution you that the wild canines in Yellowstone have not. Puppies can pick up parvo, distemper, etc. from wolves, foxes and coyotes. And you don't know what other dogs and/or their people are bringing with them either. You don't know what they might have and some of those diseases are airborne.

Vaccinations are not fool proof. Even if the dogs around him have had their shots they might have walked through urine, rolled in something or been around a dog that has not had shots (or a wild dog has left something behind). I would keep him away from other dogs (wild and domestic) in Yellowstone.

Well aware that vaccinations do not mean immunity. Even after the series of puppy shots, I am sure I will still be mindful and leery of other people's dogs. I am overly cautious when it comes to my babies.

Personally I would not take a young puppy to Yellowstone. JMO.
Isn't there anyway to go to Yellowstone first and then pick up the puppy?

I understand your hesitation. I am doing everything under my power to keep this little new member of my family safe. Hence why I am soliciting for advice here, just to check and double check my already lengthy lists. It helps to get everyones view. We may not agree on methods, but hopefully we can agree that I am making the best of the situation I have been given.

I would like to add, it is unavoidable that we go to Yellowstone and possibly the Tetons. That's all that needs to be said here. Should anyone require more info, ask me via PM. But as it stands, the only dates the breeder is available for picking him up and dates I am free to come get him only merge before the trip. So I am doing what I can to ensure what I HOPE will be 100% coverage of issues and 110% safety given to the puppy.

On that note, my breeder is aware of my plans to travel/camp a bit after I pick up the puppy. She had a family emergency and is unavailable for communication for a while, so I will obviously be speaking with her in the coming 3 weeks, but she unfortunately isn't available right now.


If you have to take your puppy with you, get an exercise pen and a mat to go under it. And then do not let your puppy out of the pen. And don't let strangers play with or handle the puppy. Better to be safe than sorry.

Done. I assume I will run in to people and situations that are unavoidable. People are naturally curious and I wont deny anyone their right to ask questions and be respectfully answered. At no time will there be any way someone could just reach over and pet the puppy without permission. I am very protective of my family, animals included. I do however ALWAYS carry hand sanitizer with me as I am sure my daughter and husband at the least will want to pet the puppy after touching park things, and there wont be a sink around. Better to have some form of sanitation than none at all.

That said, a person can only do so much and in the end, we all have our human failings. No one is perfect. (Just dont' tell my mother that, she'll be crushed!)

I will be checking of course for ticks and fleas. Already have a flea comb if necessary, again more for an "if I need it". I am one of those that has 800 lists, double checks everything and brings everything but the kitchen sink with me on vacation. My philosophy is always, if I don't have it, I'll need it.

Thank you Peggy for your input. It is greatly appreciated and I hope if you have further concerns you will voice them. I know I always learn a lot from your posts, so I can only assume others do as well.

+WUBCLUB+

One last question: Is it possible to use a "Neat Sheet" for under the XPen, or should I really invest in the specific XPen brand ground cover? I can also wash and dry the neat sheet easily and it's pretty resiliant as far as I can tell?

[taflar]

II will be checking of course for ticks and fleas. Already have a flea comb if necessary, again more for an "if I need it". I am one of those that has 800 lists, double checks everything and brings everything but the kitchen sink with me on vacation. My philosophy is always, if I don't have it, I'll need it.

I'd worry more about ticks than fleas. Yellowstone is an area similar to where I live and we don't have fleas here. Winters are too cold. I think Yellowstone gets a harsher winter than we do here.

One last question: Is it possible to use a "Neat Sheet" for under the XPen, or should I really invest in the specific XPen brand ground cover? I can also wash and dry the neat sheet easily and it's pretty resiliant as far as I can tell?

Sure it's possible, but more likely to be chewed by a puppy. Puppies can chew things you can't belive they could!! And urine won't go through it. You could put newspapers or a puppy pad down for puddles and hope he/she uses it though. I'd use a tarp (those blue ones) under the pen if you can't get a mat. That is a bit stronger than a neat sheet. Can still be chewed if a puppy can get to a wrinkle or edge, so make sure it's flat. Or an old shower curtain will work too. (I've used both of those with success under exercise pens and tiny puppies.

Peggy

[corgimom]

I'd worry more about ticks than fleas. Yellowstone is an area similar to where I live and we don't have fleas here. Winters are too cold. I think Yellowstone gets a harsher winter than we do here.Peggy

Peggy, I am a bit confused, we have very cold winters also, but pets can get fleas here, I do treat Cody with Frontline. :CONFUSED:




I understand the bordetalla vaccine (actually intranasal) only lasts 6 weeks to 3 mos. Vets suggest you give it every 6 mos. Since my dogs are not boarded where it's requried, I skip this for my guys. I don't believe it's needed in healthy dogs.

I have never heard of it only lasting 6 weeks to 3 months. My vet said it starts to wear off at about 8 months, but it sounds like it wears off much earlier. He said often show people give it every 6 months. He did recommend that if boarding, your dog should be vaccinated at least 10 days prior.

And you are right, dogs can still get Kennel cough even if vaccinated. Two of my friends dogs did after boarding.

[taflar]

Peggy, I am a bit confused, we have very cold winters also, but pets can get fleas here, I do treat Cody with Frontline. :CONFUSED:

Where do you live? No fleas here in northern Utah and none when I lived in Denver either.

I have never heard of it only lasting 6 weeks to 3 months. My vet said it starts to wear off at about 8 months, but it sounds like it wears off much earlier. He said often show people give it every 6 months. He did recommend that if boarding, your dog should be vaccinated at least 10 days prior.

Most show people I know don't give it at all. My dogs don't get the bordatella vaccine. I've only used it once on my Golden Retreiver years ago when we boarded him and it was required. I've never given it to any of my corgis.

I don't know for sure how long it lasts, but in some of my research I've found many mentioned that it lasted less than 6 mos. IMO, I don't think it's a needed vaccination. Kennel cough is not a life threating disease either.

And you are right, dogs can still get Kennel cough even if vaccinated. Two of my friends dogs did after boarding.

As I said there are 80% of the virues/bacterias you can't vacciate for. So yes, it is possible. I found this our years ago when my Golden got it and he'd been vaccinated.

Peggy

[corgimom]

Where do you live? No fleas here in northern Utah and none when I lived in Denver either.


I am in Wisconsin and animals get fleas here, and our winters are long and cold. Last summer my vet told me that he had 5 clients come in within one week because their dogs had fleas so bad; they were only giving their dogs "garlic tablets"

[Merlincorgi]

Wonder if the lack of fleas here has more to do with the constant dry air? I know I was shocked (coming from Florida) when I moved here and never saw a flea in sight (or a roach, but we won't go there!). Maybe fleas need a little humidity? I don't know.. just speculation.

[taflar]

I am in Wisconsin and animals get fleas here, and our winters are long and cold. Last summer my vet told me that he had 5 clients come in within one week because their dogs had fleas so bad; they were only giving their dogs "garlic tablets"

Well, I don't understand that. Might have to do with the humidity but I think that's doubtful. All I know is that there aren't fleas in northern Utah and there weren't in in Colorado (Denver area). I lived in Denver for 4 years and have lived here for 23, and I have never used any flea products on my dogs and they don't have fleas.

Peggy

[Penutsma]

Just tell anyone who asks that your newborn son has a genetic disorder that causes large ears and excessive body hair. Then act really offended at their intolerance and stomp off! :LAUGH:

OH I LOVE THIS ONE!!!! Wish I had thought of it!

Vet here at home gave me revolution (heartworm/flea/tick) for my 9wk old (1.8lb) poodle puppy last Monday, plus his first shots and the nose drops for kennel cough. I use Revolution on all my dogs.

[Penutsma]

Cheryl and I went to a street art show in Ogden last Oct/Nov - shortly after I got Delilah. Of course, Justin was there in his stroller. Not long after we had been there, Delilah was starting to get too excited (and tired), so we put her in the stroller with Justin. Wish we had gotten a picture! It was precious. Got stopped lots of times for others to take a picture or see the baby and puppy! LOL

[Penutsma]

Wonder if the lack of fleas here has more to do with the constant dry air? I know I was shocked (coming from Florida) when I moved here and never saw a flea in sight (or a roach, but we won't go there!). Maybe fleas need a little humidity? I don't know.. just speculation.


YES! Fleas need humidity and warmth to breed. So you are probably right about the dry air being a factor.