Congratulations on your new family member! I am pleased and honored that you have chosen Serenade Poms for what I feel is the most important purchase of your life. I know that in all the excitement of getting your new puppy, you may have overlooked some important points to insure your new puppy has a long, healthy and happy life. Here are a few pointers.

1. THE RIDE HOME

Puppies may become car sick during the ride to their new home. Consider having someone with you to hold the puppy so that he/she will have some reassurance that they are safe. A soft towel or wet wipes should also be close at hand for any clean up that is necessary. When arriving at home the puppy should be given some quiet time to acclimate to his new surroundings and settle down.

2. THINGS YOU  MIGHT EXPERIENCE THE FIRST FEW DAYS

• Your puppy may be a bit nervous due to new sounds, smells, and people. This nervousness or change in diet may cause diarrhea. If this occurs for more than 2 days please contact your veterinarian.

• Not eating for the first day and a half can happen. However, in small breeds not eating can trigger Hypoglycemia. If your puppy is not eating please notify me or call your veterinarian.

• When you put your puppy down for the first time, he/she may just stand there in fright. Back away and talk soothingly to him/her. He/she may also be just fine and go off to explore!

3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES FOR SMALL BREEDS

• Your new puppy should have at least 3 to 5 feedings during the course of a 12 hour day. Make sure your puppy eats when you place the food in front of him.

• Small breeds are fearless and should NEVER be left unattended on furniture. Jumping down from even a short distance can result in serious injuries to the puppy.

• If there are young children in the home extreme caution should be taken as they sometimes do not understand that the puppy is not a stuffed animal or toy. Young children should not carry the puppy around, but be sitting down to hold the new family member. Demonstrate the proper way to use gentle hands when petting. An adult should always be present to remove the puppy from the child's lap when they are finished with their cuddle time.

• Make sure all electrical cords are out of each reach...and your new expensive shoes as well! Puppies love to chew!

• Become "puppywise" and help him/her to become "footwise". Serious injury to you and your puppy can result from tripping over your new family member.

Last Thoughts

It doesn't matter if your puppy is a quarter pound or 8 pounds. The puppy is extremely fragile and must be treated like a baby. Do not roughhouse with the puppy. Be cautious when you take the puppy outside. Please do not take the puppy to any public places such as parks, doggie daycare, pet stores or have the puppy in the presence of other puppies/dogs until the puppy has completed its vaccination schedule due to the risk of being exposed to Parvo.

YOUR NEW PUPPY IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. BE VERY CAREFUL IN THE DECISIONS YOU MAKE.