Some Questions!

[FreyasDaddy]

I've thought of some things to ask the members here, advice, whatever:


Food. I am feeding Freya Science Diet small breed puppy formula 1/8 cup 3 times a day. She's about 2lbs...I guess lol. She's 7 months...or will be on the 10th. Is this too much? Sometimes she doesn't want to eat, usually when she skips lunch. Like today! Lol. Sometimes I give her cheese flavored moon treats from her first Bark Box.


Grooming table. Does anyone know anything about them? Does that include the little arm that you have the rope or leash on? Or does it attach to a table? I have a collapsible table I could use. How much are the tables? I'm having trouble brushing her, cause she won't stand up or still.



I think this is the last thing on my mind. The vet. Do you recommend a first check up visit? I haven't taken Freya for one yet. And I've had her almost 2 months. My family doesn't think it's necessary. I'm a grown man, lol, but I don't drive so... This is a two parter. I have a free checkup coupon for Banfield Hospital, which is like in Petsmart I guess... Should I do that?


THANKS.

[canana]

What does the package recommend for how much to feed? I usually use that as a gauge.

I know some members have a professional dog grooming table. But, if yours is a pet, it's not really necessary - unless you really want one. Grooming takes time for you and your puppy to adjust to. Comb him regularly and before you know if, he'll stand still for you. Puppies have a tendency to not stand still. It's pawfectly normal. Just use one hand to hold him and the other to brush. Just make sure you're careful in the leg areas as they're more sensitive there.

I highly recommend doing a first vet check up. When I got my two, I took them to the vet for a routine check within 2 weeks of bringing them home. You (or your family) may not feel like it's necessary, but the first visit is usually recommended.

[Lovetodream88]

With puppies I generally free feed but my vet says to feed 20% less then what the package says. My grooming table came with the arm but you can buy just the arm I think. Honestly she should have had a vet check 48 hours after you got her. Does she have all of her shots? Those are very important. You also need to talk about getting her spayed pretty soon so you can do it before her first heat. I would not use Banfield they have had massive complaints against them. I would go for a private vet. She also needs heartworm medicine which is taken once a month.

[matese]

Your pup should have been to the vet 24 to 48 hours after you bought her home. I know nothing about Banfield Hospital, I use my own vet. Please get lil Freya to a vet ASAP make sure she is up to date of all her vaccines, and get her on heartworm and flea & tick pills NOW.


Regardless of what your family thinks, this baby needs to be checked over by a vet especially that she is so tiny, get whatever vaccines she may need and get her on heartworm and flea & tick prevention.

[Jkpal]

It is absolutely essential and vital that you take your little one to a good vet immediately as she needs vaccinations--and probably a series of same. Do what you need to do in order to get her to a reputable veterinarian. You cannot put a cost on her health, safety, and well-being!!

[KatysMom]

Hi everybody,

FreyasDaddy adopted this beautiful pup when she was five months old. See the post/thread "Meet Freya." See also the post of 12 June 2018 by FreyasDaddy--click here.

FreyasDaddy lives in North Carolina, where G.S. 130A-185 says

... every owner of a domestic dog, cat or ferret in North Carolina is required to have their animal currently vaccinated against rabies by four months of age and maintain the animal’s current rabies vaccination status throughout the animal’s entire lifetime. The owner should retain the original copy of the rabies vaccination certificate, provided by the legally authorized vaccinator as evidence of the animal’s current vaccination status. There are no legal waivers or exemptions, rabies vaccinations are required by law for domestic dogs, cats and ferrets in North Carolina.

Freya's breeder is apparently the neighbor to Daddy's brother. It should be easy for Daddy to check with the breeder and confirm that Freya was up to date on shots at the time of the transfer.

It doesn't sound as though Freya came with a health guarantee, as such arrangements usually require a timely vet check.

Freya is now almost 7 months old and roughly time for Daddy to schedule a vet check to make sure her baby teeth are being ejected in good fashion and that her permanent teeth are coming in on schedule. See "Yorkie Teething."

Freya may or may not have come with "vet records." Whether she came with those records or if Daddy arranges to get them now, a copy should be given to her new vet. The new vet can then advise Daddy about additional or future vaccines.

Hope this helps. --KatysMom

[KatysMom]

Originally Posted by FreyasDaddy

I have a free checkup coupon for Banfield Hospital, which is like in Petsmart I guess... Should I do that?

My niece's daughter has used Banfield for her 2ish or so Lab/husky mix, Nellie, who was diagnosed with Valley Fever as a pup. Nellie is on Banfield's insurance plan and has required a whole range of their services. The family is very happy with Banfield.

Your mileage may vary, but with my late senior, I found great comfort using a vet who is associated with an office that also has a 24 hour ER. I plan on taking the new baby to the same vet.

Hope this helps. --KatysMom

[Lovetodream88]

There are massive complaints against banifield so you might what to check these out https://www.consumeraffairs.com/pets/banfield.html

[KatysMom]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

There are massive complaints against banifield so you might what to check these out https://www.consumeraffairs.com/pets/banfield.html

I read some of them. As above, my niece's family is very happy with both the insurance plan and the care provided to Nellie.

We're using a different vet, and have been happy with their service. They happen to have a surgical and internal med specialists on staff, which is nice.

None of the veterinary options are cheap; trust plays an important role in working well with your vet. I'm hopeful FreyasDaddy will end up with a vet relationship that works well.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by KatysMom

I read some of them. As above, my niece's family is very happy with both the insurance plan and the care provided to Nellie.

We're using a different vet, and have been happy with their service. They happen to have a surgical and internal med specialists on staff, which is nice.

None of the veterinary options are cheap; trust plays an important role in working well with your vet. I'm hopeful FreyasDaddy will end up with a vet relationship that works well.

I have known a few people who have worked at them and told me stuff that was terrible. I’m sure their could be a diamond in the rough but I don’t like a lot of their practices. I have heard their pet insurance isn’t great and it’s best to do one of the other pet insurances. I love my vet and spend a little more for them but they know us by name and even when our car comes in the parking lot. My vet will get me in ASAP if I need it. I have also shadowed there for surgeries and dentals so I know they have the right protocol and that everything is done right. They aren’t an emergency vet but that fine with me because the er vet I like only opens when all other vet offices close because they don’t want to take the local vets business. All the techs come out to say hi to whichever dog we bring in and great they by name. Lately it feels like I’m there every week. Ollie was getting shots every other week. Callie is in a skin out break and about to be checked for cancer that she probably has but I’m sure you saw that post. When one of the pups is in for surgery or a dental they send me pictures of them all tucked in resting their crate.

[chattiesmom]

Originally Posted by FreyasDaddy

I've thought of some things to ask the members here, advice, whatever:


Food. I am feeding Freya Science Diet small breed puppy formula 1/8 cup 3 times a day. She's about 2lbs...I guess lol. She's 7 months...or will be on the 10th. Is this too much? Sometimes she doesn't want to eat, usually when she skips lunch. Like today! Lol. Sometimes I give her cheese flavored moon treats from her first Bark Box.


Grooming table. Does anyone know anything about them? Does that include the little arm that you have the rope or leash on? Or does it attach to a table? I have a collapsible table I could use. How much are the tables? I'm having trouble brushing her, cause she won't stand up or still.



I think this is the last thing on my mind. The vet. Do you recommend a first check up visit? I haven't taken Freya for one yet. And I've had her almost 2 months. My family doesn't think it's necessary. I'm a grown man, lol, but I don't drive so... This is a two parter. I have a free checkup coupon for Banfield Hospital, which is like in Petsmart I guess... Should I do that?


THANKS.

Very good questions - sorry for my wordy replies ...

Food - Personally, I am not a fan of Science Diet. With that said, if she is doing well on it, then what works for you works for you. It would be hard to judge how much she needs to eat with just her weight. Each dog, like each human has a different metabolism rate and her calorie requirements would depend upon her metabolism, activity, and growth. At seven months, I would think that the majority of her growth is finished. At 2 lbs. she is a tiny and she doesn't really have much wiggle room as far as her caloric intake. A tiny one is more prone to hypoglycemic episodes - but as diligent as you are, I am sure you already know that. If it were me, I'd probably consider two things - exploring a different food that she may like better and finish her meals and/or free feeding. If you free feed, you can still give Freya here three meals, just leave the food down and discard the leftover when the next mealtime rolls around. Her tiny stomach just may not hold the entire 1/8 cup at one sitting. Too many snacks may raise her blood sugar level enough to take away her appetite so that she won't eat meals. I would suggest saving snacks for special occasions and/or "dessert" after she eats.

Grooming Table - They are wonderful and fantastic HOWEVER without caution they can be and are the death of many dogs. While my two girls were on the show circuit, I saw a yorkie leap from a table with a grooming noose around its neck. Fortunately it ended well, but I have heard so many horror stories that I never ever use an arm/noose. Basically to be truly safe with a wiggly yorkie on a table you have to have one hand on your pup at all times or be within snatching distance and have quick reflexes.

Vet - Way back when I bred a few litters, I strongly recommended that the new Moms and Dads take their new yorkie child to the vet within a few days of taking him/her home. Generally the pups had been seen by my vet within a few days of them leaving home. If I suspected that the new owner wouldn't or couldn't do the initial vet visit, the pup stayed and the deal was off. It is always a good practice to take every pup to the vet upon coming home - even if they appear happy and healthy. A well-puppy checkup starts their medical history and can be helpful if and when health issues develop. I have absolutely no confidence in Banfield. I would find the vet you plan to use and bite the bullet and pay for the checkup. A bad vet is sometimes worse than no vet.

[FreyasDaddy]

Yes. Sorry. Freya is going to be 7 months and I got her at 5 months. Her shots are up to date, including rabies. I have her records. My brother's neighbor got her from a breeder and was going to breed her, but she was charting to be too small for the male she had, so she sold her to me.



I plan to take her to the vet in August. My mom is my transportation right now and recently had surgery, so I haven't been able to go.



I might be giving her a tad too much. The package says 3/8 per day for 2lbs. Lately she's been not wanting her lunch 1/8 cup. The SD is what she was raised on, and I can't find another brand small breed puppy.

[FreyasDaddy]

Originally Posted by KatysMom

Hi everybody,

FreyasDaddy adopted this beautiful pup when she was five months old. See the post/thread "Meet Freya." See also the post of 12 June 2018 by FreyasDaddy--click here.

FreyasDaddy lives in North Carolina, where G.S. 130A-185 says

... every owner of a domestic dog, cat or ferret in North Carolina is required to have their animal currently vaccinated against rabies by four months of age and maintain the animal’s current rabies vaccination status throughout the animal’s entire lifetime. The owner should retain the original copy of the rabies vaccination certificate, provided by the legally authorized vaccinator as evidence of the animal’s current vaccination status. There are no legal waivers or exemptions, rabies vaccinations are required by law for domestic dogs, cats and ferrets in North Carolina.

Freya's breeder is apparently the neighbor to Daddy's brother. It should be easy for Daddy to check with the breeder and confirm that Freya was up to date on shots at the time of the transfer.

It doesn't sound as though Freya came with a health guarantee, as such arrangements usually require a timely vet check.

Freya is now almost 7 months old and roughly time for Daddy to schedule a vet check to make sure her baby teeth are being ejected in good fashion and that her permanent teeth are coming in on schedule. See "Yorkie Teething."

Freya may or may not have come with "vet records." Whether she came with those records or if Daddy arranges to get them now, a copy should be given to her new vet. The new vet can then advise Daddy about additional or future vaccines.

Hope this helps. --KatysMom

SHUCKS, thanks for saying she's beautiful.

[KatysMom]

Originally Posted by FreyasDaddy

Yes. Sorry. Freya is going to be 7 months and I got her at 5 months. Her shots are up to date, including rabies. I have her records. My brother's neighbor got her from a breeder and was going to breed her, but she was charting to be too small for the male she had, so she sold her to me.
I plan to take her to the vet in August. My mom is my transportation right now and recently had surgery, so I haven't been able to go.
I might be giving her a tad too much. The package says 3/8 per day for 2lbs. Lately she's been not wanting her lunch 1/8 cup. The SD is what she was raised on, and I can't find another brand small breed puppy.

Hi FreyasDaddy,

Thanks for the clarifications. Sounds good.

There are quite a few good small breed puppy food brands.

There are a number of good puppy food brands for small breeds. Royal Canin makes two kibbles--Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier Puppy and Royal Canin Mini Puppy.

Were it me, I'd likely keep her on the food to which she has become accustomed through your August vet visit. You mentioned this is "Science Diet small breed puppy formula"--is that a kibble?

When you have Freya's teeth checked, ask the vet for information on her bite size and structure. Then, based on her general health and bite, would the vet recommend any particular food.

Hope this helps. --KatysMom

[pstinard]

Originally Posted by FreyasDaddy

Yes. Sorry. Freya is going to be 7 months and I got her at 5 months. Her shots are up to date, including rabies. I have her records. My brother's neighbor got her from a breeder and was going to breed her, but she was charting to be too small for the male she had, so she sold her to me.



I plan to take her to the vet in August. My mom is my transportation right now and recently had surgery, so I haven't been able to go.



I might be giving her a tad too much. The package says 3/8 per day for 2lbs. Lately she's been not wanting her lunch 1/8 cup. The SD is what she was raised on, and I can't find another brand small breed puppy.

Getting back to the topic of vets, it looks like you live in Durham, which is not very far away from the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine in Raleigh. I would highly recommend them for emergency veterinary services and specialist care.

For regular veterinary care, Banfield is *probably* okay, but since there is a vet college nearby, there are probably a lot of other good options.

I live in Urbana, IL, which also has a vet college, and our town has many good private vets due to the proximity of the college, which provides a good supply of well-trained vets. Even our local Banfield is highly rated. Good luck finding a good vet!