The pups are growing and stretching their minds and personalities or doganalities are on full display. This is a big week for the pups as they

All pups received their AKC Reunite Microchips implanted, had their blood drawn for the DNA research program through the Dalmatian Club of America Foundation, were dewormed, had their first vaccination, had nails trimmed (in the big dog way!), and had a vet check this week. We did BAER hearing checks a couple weeks ago. This completes the physical components of care that I do as a preservation breeder. I’m still working on growing strong, resilient, and happy puppies through training and nutrition and exercise, but they will all be going to new zip codes (except the two pups that are staying with us for the time being) and their growth and development is just beginning. Here is some details about the care I provided:

Vaccinations:

I vaccinate using a modified live virus vaccine for canine distemper-Adenovirus type 2 – Parainfluenza-parvoirus vaccine. It is made by Nobivac by Merck. The code for it is NOBIVAC Canine 1-DAPPv . I’ve used this combo vaccine for years with no issues. My co-breeder has had one pup in nearly 30 years that had a reaction. It’s pretty darn safe and effective. It is shipped overnight to me in a cooler with ice packs and the packs were still partially solid when it arrived, confirming that the temperature was stable throughout shipping from the same place my vet gets her vaccinations from. I do the subcutaneous vaccinations in the hip area, while the pups are sleeping, and no pup in this litter had a reaction. All slept a little more over the next 48 hours, but no one was reactive. The next vaccine can be administered in as few as 2 weeks and as many as 4 weeks, depending on your vet’s recommendations. I do mine at 8 and 12 weeks and that should provide primary immunization.

The dates? 3/23/24 and 4/20/24 (on my calendar).

Rabies and Bordatella vaccinations should be scheduled and administered by your vet or preferred clinic. Both will be required for you to participate in puppy classes, boarding, flying, and training. I would not go to a dog park or common area like a pet store and put my dog on the ground until they have had their second shot plus bordatella and waiting 7-10 days for immunity. Ask your vet about what he/she recommends and stick to a vaccination schedule for the health of your best friend.

There are advisors on AKC.org for vaccinations on Lepto, heartworm, and Lyme Disease. Whenever you travel “Outside” Alaska, you should talk to your vet about these in addition to your regular vaccinations in advance of your travel plans so you can get that immunity on board prior to leaving.

Not to be a bummer, but …You never know who your dog will be in the hold with or who hasn’t vaccinated a stray and brought them to a dog park or a PetSmart, etc. Nose to nose, nose to pee, nose to poo, bites, saliva, water, bug or parasite bites, and even human or bedding touch are all methods of transmission of some awful sicknesses that can take your dog’s life. Make sure you have done your part as a pet parent to prevent sickness or untimely loss of life.

Toenail trims:

Everyone had a Dremel toenail trim, which some pups took better than others, but with patience and persistence, we all made it through without bloodshed and everyone still loves me. Oh, yes, I reward, I coach, and I love them through it. I’m going to do it again today, as I find that if I do it weekly, it doesn’t slip through the cracks and it matters with growing pups because long nails are prohibited from the natural arch and bend of the foot and that travels up the leg to shoulders and hips and will affect the carriage and ability to travel well. Also, they scratch you and each other and their mother like kittens if you don’t trim them. I’ve seen dogs with poorly or untrimmed nails snag them and rip them off and that’s a vet visit and very painful and a cause of infection. If you do it weekly or at least two times a month, you can likely avoid that. Here is a link that describes how to do it at home and why.

Why is it Important to Trim Your Pet’s Nails?

I use a corded Dremel (because I never have to worry about running out of power midway through or losing a battery and the power is consistent) with a small sandpaper wheel and backlight the nails with a two tone SAD light pad. I discovered it on accident, but the light pad keeps me from having to try to hold them under a light fixture and juggle the tool and the dog and the paw and see the quick. I used a human nail trimmer for their first several weeks but I find that a dremel is actually easier and quicker and there isn’t the sharp edges after I’m done with the sandpaper wheels. Some people use a wireless one with a diamond metal bit that is specifically designed for nails. I have tried them, but prefer a less aggressive sandpaper wheel for my weekly trims. I encourage you to try different things and figure out what works best for you. If you need help with it, ask me or ask your vet office or a groomer.

Dewormer!

Worms are a fact of life with dogs. I’m not a vet, so ask yours about what to use and how often. I have wormed the pups twice – and the dam was wormed prior to breeding, so I have seen nothing in the poo but that is what you want!

My vet gave us Strongid T/Pyrantel suspension 50mg/ml and said to give 2.5 ml orally to each puppy. I had one pup with very minor runs for one BM and everyone else was normal.

Blood draw for the CHIC DNA repository:

As a preservation breeder, it is a responsibility of mine to participate in the efforts to better or preserve the breed. There are a few genetic disorders that the Dalmatian Club of America Foundation are combatting with research and donating blood from the entire litter gives them and other canine researchers the opportunity to further their research. This is a benefit to our pup’s owners as well as their pup’s information is filed for free with the OFA Here is a link to the foundation and the OFA and more information:

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