Your New Dog

I am a new puppy parent. What do I need?

There are definite MUST-haves, then some SHOULD-haves and tons of WANT TO-haves. Heres our list of what you must & should have for your new dog or puppy.

Must haves: The first things to be sure you have are a good leash and collar along with a custom ID tag. At Wholesale Kennel, were offering free ID nametags with any collar purchase. You need to have a sturdy food bowl, water bowl and healthy food for your new friend. Pick these according to you dog type and size. Puppies and older dogs have more strenuous nutritional requirements and you should choose a dog food suited for their needs. Ask your vet or read the package labels. if youre not sure. Toys and chewing items are must-haves. Your dog needs the exercise, entertainment and health benefits from these. Next, youll need a grooming brush and nail clippers. Then of course, a good dog bed will be your pets home in your home (or yard). Youll also want a crate for travel, taking the dog to the vet or times when you may need to keep them contained.

Should haves: Your new friend will greatly appreciate a good bath from time to time. Make sure and choose a shampoo designed for specifically for dogs. People shampoos may irritate your pets skin and cause problems. Whether your dog is inside or out, you very well may have flea problems. There are a variety of flea & tick products you can use. See Flea & Tick products (below). Depending on your dogs needs, you may also need vitamin supplements (for joints, skin, milk replacers, urinary help, etc). If your new pet is injured or has special needs, you may also need specific medications for wounds, ears, eye infections or general health.

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How do I choose a collar, leash and outdoor tie-outs?

There are a gazillion different collars and leashes (leads) for dogs. Well explain differences in the types & materials, but in general you want to follow these guidelines for selecting a good collar & leash for your dog. Also make sure your dog has an name tag with your information so someone can find you in the event your pet is lost.

The first consideration is your dogs size. If hes a big strong breed, youll want a durable, thick collar & leash. If you have a smaller dog breed or a puppy, make sure they have a light collar that they can easily move with. For sizing, we use the general 2 finger rule. You should just be able to fit 2 fingers comfortably between the dogs collar and neck. Any larger could slide off and smaller may be too tight (and extremely uncomfortable).

Buckle collars: are overall the best choice of collar for most dogs in most situations. Puppies should wear only buckle collars. Buckle collars come in a variety of colors, are made with various materials. We have leather, nylon, studded and adjustable collars in the buckle style.

Training or Choke Collars: Training collars such as "choke chains" and "pinch" collars are meant to be used for training purposes ONLY. They are designed to briefly tighten and apply pressure when the trainer is delivering a correction. Never leave a dog unattended with one of these collars on as they may cause injury or strangulation if the collar was to get caught on something. Never use a training collar as your dogs everyday collar, and never put your dog on a tie-out with a training collar.

Nylon Collars & Leashes are durable and waterproof. Nylon is easy to maintain, washable, and comes in a variety of colors. You can even get fancy studded nylon collars if you want to make a statement and polyurethane-coated nylon collars for added durability and reflection. Most nylon leashes & collars are available in the same colors, making matching easy. For multi-dog walking you can also choose a nylon 2-dog lead or couplers for 2 and 3 dogs.

Leather Collars & Leashes wear well and are very long lasting. Collars also soften from the oils in your dogs skin (and leashes from your skin oils). Rolled leather collars (round instead of flat) are designed for longhaired dogs and keep the hair from lying flat against the coat. Standard flat leather collars are attractive and durable. We have leather collars in a variety of sizes and lengths.

Harenss: A harness is placed around the dogs chest and ribcage, and therefore eliminates the potential for choking. These are popular for dogs that tend to pull while they are being walked.

Head Collar: The head collar works by putting light pressure on your dogs muzzle and at the back of the neck, similar to the way a mother dog or pack leader gently, yet firmly grasps the dogs muzzle in the mouth. This sends a clear signal to the dog that you are in charge. Along with using positive reinforcement and appropriate training treats, many dog lovers find that this alters their dogs undesirable behavior. The head collar will assist you in teaching your dog to sit, and prevent jumping and tugging during walks.

Tie-Outs: Tie-outs and chains are for dogs that spend time outdoors. Tie-outs are like stakes that are placed in the ground. A chain is attached to the tie-out so that the dog has room to move about, yet is restricted to a certain area. These are handy if you travel or like to spend time outdoors. We offer Nylon & Chain Tree tie-out for 1 or 2 dogs, Tie Out Chains in a variety of lengths, Spiral Tie-Out Stakes and Dome Tie-Out Stakes for securely keeping your dog outside.

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Flea & Tick, Worms & Mite Control

How can I tell if my dog has worms?
 

Products:  Find Dewormers

More Help: Ask Molly

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What are Recommended Flea & Tick Products

Our recommendations are based on years of experience in using flea & tick products. Here are some general flea & tick product information, along with our recommendations for products of each type. If we wont use it on OUR pets, we dont sell it!

Collars: Made with insecticides to kill adult fleas or insect growth regulators (IGR) which prevent flea eggs from hatching. Used alone, its often not enough to keep fleas under control.

Products: Happy Jack Flea Collar

Sprays and Foams: contain insecticides, and may also have an IGR. These work well, but frequent applications are usually necessary.

Products: Coopers Flea & Tick Spray

Shampoos & Dips: Most have action against adult fleas. Shampoos offer flea-killing ability for about 24 hours. Dips may kill fleas for a few days, but can contain potent chemicals. For these reasons, we recommend using a mild shampoo and having dips done by veterinary clinics or groomers.

Products: Happy Jack Kennel Dip • Adams Flea & Tick Shampoo

Spot Treatment:  There are many liquid insecticides which are squeezed onto the skin of pets to kill adult fleas for up to one month. Weve found certain brands of these treatments often cause sickness/weakness or other health problems. We recommend Frontline brand for treatment of fleas on both dogs & cats.

Products: Frontline for Dogs

Combs: Special flea combs are a great way to help resolve your flea & tick problems. We recommend using combs whenever possible in conjunction with other flea treatments and on small and young pets that arent ready for topical flea treatments.

Skin Relief: If your furry friend is suffering from severe itching caused by fleas, consider helping them with an itch-relief product. We recommend Happy Jack Itch no More.

Products: Happy Jack Itch No More Shampoo

Natural Solutions: For a non-chemical, natural solution, there are several vitamins & supplements that can help your friend fight fleas and prevent itching & dry skin. Brewers yeast & garlic supplements contains fatty acids and other nutrients to prevent excessive shedding and dry, itchy skin. Derma-Form liquid improves dry skin and hair by providing a nutritional source of polyunsaturated fatty acids & vitamins A, D and E in the diets of dogs and cats. Cod Liver oil not only helps with joints, but fights inflammatory skin conditions. Cod Liver Oil is a natural source of Vitamins A & D.

Products: Brewers Yeast & Garlic Tabs  • Derma-Form Liquid Supplement  • Cod Liver Oil

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Nutrition, Supplements & Food

Does my dog need vitamins?

A high quality canine diet is essential for proper growth and development of your puppy and for maintenance of a happy, healthy adult. This includes a good balance of vitamins and minerals. Table food, scraps, and cat food are not adequate to maintain the long term health of your canine companion. Growing puppies, geriatric pets, as well as stressed, pregnant, nursing, or ill pets and those recovering from surgery, can all benefit from appropriate vitamin supplementation.

Chose a supplement designed for your pets needs. Given the huge number of supplements and foods available, choosing the proper items for your puppy or dog can be a very confusing experience. Your pets age, overall health, exercise level, environment, and breed can all be factors to consider in choosing the right diet and supplement. Your veterinarian or pet care professional can offer valuable advice on the best products for your canine friend.

Products: All Vitamins

Favorites: VitaTabs for Dogs & Puppies • MSM Joint Supplement • Nutri-Cal • Formulac Milk Replacer

More Help: Ask Molly

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What can I do to help my dogs appetite?

B-vitamins help stimulate appetite. Try a supplement that containse specifically vitamin B-12. For dogs with exceptional dietary needs who are recovering from sickness or surgery, try the Nutri-Cal supplement for increased energy, appetite and nutrition in a very palatable gel.

Products: Nutri-Cal Supplement

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What does Cod Liver Oil do for my pet?

Cod Liver Oil does literally come from the liver of the cod, most of which are caught in the North Atlantic waters around Iceland and Norway. In Britain, Cod Liver Oil has been taken by many to help aid stiff, aching joints. It is a useful supplement in the battle against inflammatory disorders such as arthritis and inflammatory skin conditions. Cod Liver Oil is a natural source of Vitamins A & D. Vitamin A is essential for healthy skin, teeth, hair, gums and especially night vision. Vitamin D is essential for the formation, development and maintenance of healthy bones.

Product: Happy Jack Cod Liver Oil

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What does Calcium Phosphorus Powder do?

Powdered formula aids and prevents dietary deficiencies of calcium, phosphorus and vitamins A & D and ascorbic acid. Great for lactating mothers. Can be easily mixed with food, milk or water.  For dogs, cats, birds and reptiles.

Product: Calcium Phosphorus Powder

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How does Glyco-Flex Plus help my dog?

Glyco-Flex Plus (II) is a comprehensive formula that includes Perna Canaliculus, Glucosamine and Methylsulfonylmethane to provide optimum connective tissue support for dogs. Methylsulfonylmethane is an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and analgesic that ensures the body’s ability to synthesize collagen for connective tissue health, maintain cell membrane flexibility and promote cell regeneration. Glucosamines give shape, elasticity and rigidity to such tissues as cartilage, tendons and ligaments.

Product: Glyco-Flex Plus

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What does Brewers Yeast & Garlic help?

Brewers Yeast with garlic is a natural daily supplement that provides B Vitamins, Proteins, Zinc and Biotin for healthy skin and coat. Primary ingredients are Debittered Brewers Dried Yeast and Dehydrated Garlic. Great for dogs & cats.

Product: Brewers Yeast & Garlic Tabs

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What is MSM (MethylSulfonylMethane)?

Joint support supplement for dogs and cats. MethylSulfonyMethane (MSM), a food supplement that has anti-inflammatory properties for reducing joint inflammation and allergic responses. Has been found to help in skin allergies and asthmatic problems.

Product: MSM tablets

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What is Oli-Vet supplement?

A nutritional supplement for dogs to support immune system health. Oli-Vet™ is 100% pure Olive Leaf Extract. The Olive Leaf Extract used in Oli-Vet™ is standardized to yield 15% Oleuropein, the key active ingredient. Tests show that it eliminates microorganisms which may support its use in almost any type of microbial invasion. Olive Leaf Extract also contains a natural complement of bioflavanoids like Quercetin and Rutin that are antioxidants. In addition, Olive Leaf Extract promotes circulatory health and is an antioxidant. Oli-Vet™ is an extremely effective, all natural and safe supplement.

Products: Oli-Vet

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What does Derma-Form liquid supplement do?

For the improvement of dry skin and dry hair by providing a nutritional source of polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamins A, D and E in the diet. For dogs and cats. Ingredients: unsaturated fatty acids from both plant and animal origins.

Products: Derma-Form Liquid

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What should I do if my dog is eating his own stools?

Frequently, stool eating is caused by a nutritional deficiency and develops into a bad habit. Success rate with Thiamine supplements has been 95-98% effective. Feed daily for two weeks. If results are not satisfactory, double the usual dose for two weeks. Recommended dosage, Dogs & puppies under 10lbs: 1/4 tablet. 11 to 25 lbs: 1/2 tablet. 26 to 50 lbs: 3/4 tablet. 51 to 100 lbs: 1 tablet. ACTIVE INGREDIENT: Thiamine HCL 250 mg.

Products: Stool Eaters Anonymous

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My dog seems stressed or has anxiety. What can I do?

If your pet is experiencing a temporary episode in response to a particular stressful event (such as thunder storms, trip to the vet or groomer, travel vacations) we recommend trying Doggie Downers. These calming tablets can be used for cats and dogs and are guaranteed safe and effective on pets 12 weeks and older.

We also recommend Rescue Remedy Stress Relief. Rescue Remedy provides an herbal-based natural stress relief. Can be used for an immediate calming effect in any stressful situation or when you pet needs help overcoming a variety of emotional or behavioral problems such as: visits to the vet, fear of loud noises, excessive barking or hissing, adapting to loss of owner or companion. Stress due to being left alone, shock trauma or mistreatment. Anxiety when adapting to new surroundings (new home kennel,stable etc.)

Products: Doggie Downers • Rescue Remedy

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Vaccines

What vaccines does my dog need?

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What vaccines can I give my dog without going to the vet?

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Can a dog get parvo by using items that a former parvo-infected dog had used?

It is possible for parvovirus to live in the environment for up to 2 years after contamination. It is an unusually stable virus. Your best defense is to make sure your current/future dogs are protected with an adequate vaccine protocol (as prescribed by your veterinarian). As far as environmental control, I would recommend using new items and disposing of the old (to be safest). Disinfecting old items with a 1:32 dilution of bleach is an alternative.
 

Products: Canine Parvo Vaccine • 5-Way Puppy Shot  • 7-Way Puppy Shot

More Help: Ask Molly

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General Health

How do I treat ear mites?

Pets with ear mites will shake their head and scratch their ears from the movement of ear mites that live in the earwax. To check for ear mites, place a bit of the dogs ear wax on a piece of paper and look at it under a bright light. Any tiny white specks that appear to be moving are ear mites.

The key to ridding a pet of ear mites is understanding the ear mite life cycle. The insecticide only kills the adult mites. Baby mites mature to adults in 10 days, starting the entire cycle over again. Therefore, to effectively rid a pet of mites, the pet must be treated for seven days, wait 10 days, then retreat again for seven days. Mites are very contagious and all pets in the home will need to be treated.

Products: Molly recommends Coopers Best Ear Mite Treatment.

For general cleaning, try Ajacks Natural Ear Cleaner (natural, herbal anti-fungal treatment) or Ozark Ear Wash (to clean excess wax)

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What causes a bad smell and some dark stuff in my dogs ears?

A foul odor alone may simply mean your dog needs an ear cleaning. It could also mean there is an infection. Visit the veterinarian to rule out any ear infection. The accumulation of wax and lack of air circulation could cause an infection of the ear called canker. Canker will cause a dark-colored discharge and a foul odor.

Products: Molly recommends Ajacks Ear Canker Treatment.

Ajacks Natural Ear Cleaner (natural, herbal anti-fungal treatment)

Ozark Ear Wash (to clean excess wax)

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I think my dog has a urinary tract problem. What should I do?

We recommend a natural remedy. Cranberry Relief Powder is a natural aid for urinary tract health of your cat or dog. Cranberry Relief uses a unique blend of human-grade natural herbs, specially formulated for your pet. Recommended dosage for animals under 15lb is 1 scoop, 15-50lb is 1 1/2 scoop and dogs over 51lbs 2 scoops.

Products: Cranberry Relief Powder

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I think my dog ate something poisonous! What do I do?

If you think your dog (or any pet) has ingested anything that may be poisonous to him/her you should seek veterinary assistance immediately. For these little emergencies involving organic chemicals, we also recommend keeping a bottle of Toxiban on hand for even faster response. Toxiband Suspension aids in the treatment of poisoning by most organic chemicals in dogs & cats

Products: Toxiban Solution

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I think my dog is having an allergic reaction. What do I do?

If your dog is having a severe allergic reaction (such as from a bee or wasp sting) you may need epinephrine. Epinephrine is a natural hormone produced by the adrenal gland. It is used among other things to treat severe allergic (anaphylactic) reactions because it can prevent or minimize the effects of histamine. It is also used to help in severe asthmatic attacks to dilate the bronchial tubes.

Epinephrine should never be used on an animal with a known hypersensitivity to the medication, pregnant animals or those with certain heart irregularities. Epinephrine may interact with other medications. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving could interact with epinephrine. Such drugs include certain antihistamines, propranolol and certain diuretics. Side effects can include a feeling of fear or anxiety and may cause tremors, vomiting, high blood pressure or heart rhythm irregularities. Epinephrine should not be given without direction from a vet.

Products: Epinephrine
 

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