home our dogs about us puppies past winners overseas gallery contact Useful Puppy & Doggie TipsPLEASE KEEP THE PUPPY INSUREDAfter taking your puppy home, it is essential that it is kept on the same diet as the breeder has been using for at least two or three days. It can be very traumatic for a young puppy to change home without the added problem of coping with a new diet - a puppy's digestion is easily upset. If you wish to change the diet, you should do so very slowly - adding a small amount of the new diet to the old food, and gradually increasing the amount over a period of about 5 days. We have found over many years that a varied diet is best for a growing setter. The puppy diet at the moment: -
As your puppy grows, increase the meat and meal so that he maintains a good rib cage Setter puppies should be well rounded but not too fat. At about five monthsProviding the pup is of a good weight you can reduce the meals to: - Breakfast Dinner and Evening meal. By Nine MonthsAgain only if the puppy is maintaining a good body weight feed: - Breakfast and the evening meal. Please remember to always provide fresh water.
Bed and BeddingYour puppy should have his own bed where he knows he is safe and can rest undisturbed. Ideal bedding is a VET bed blanket - washed in sensitive detergent only. Worming, Vaccinations & Vets.Puppies should be wormed at 3 weeks, 5 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks (with a puppy syrup or tablets). We personally use Drontil. Your puppy will have been wormed by us but you must continue the worming ask your vet about the frequency. Check with your vet at what age he recommends beginning the course of vaccinations we microchip at this time We prefer waiting until our puppies are around 10 or 12 weeks and have the injections done individually so as not to over dose the immune system. Remember that your puppy must not be taken out and about until his course of vaccinations is complete. Unfortunately some vets seem to be suggesting all sorts of treatments to some new owners - the most common being neutering and the removal of small umbilical hernias, neither of which are always necessary. Before agreeing to anything (and these operations can be very expensive!), always discuss it with the breeder first, and perhaps get a second opinion. I know vets need to make a living, but some seem to be taking things a little too far! EarsIt is important to check inside the ears regularly (at least twice a week) and if you see any brown wax to clean them out thoroughly with an ear-cleaning lotion such as Leo or Auraclens - your vet will advise. If an ear infection does arise see your vet as soon as possible. Thornit is a very old fashioned product and widely used by breeders today. We personally use this it is not a veterinary product it can be purchased from some pet shops and definitely online. EXERCISEYoung puppies need to exercise themselves freely (the garden is sufficient) and sleep when tired. GroomingTry to get your pup used to being groomed from an early age. Use a soft brush at first and later when he has more coat, a strong wide toothcomb and "slicker" brush. Regular grooming will make him look neater and you can keep a check for small cuts etc. and treat these accordingly. House TrainingA young puppy cannot control his natural needs and must not be expected to be clean both day and night until he is about 4 5 months old, even then mistakes can happen. Further informationFurther details on these and other topics are in a booklet produced by the English Setter Association booklet, and a recent book on the breed. Finally - please keep in touch.Most reputable breeders like to know how their pups are getting along.
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