Your puppy should be treated like a brand new baby - this is exactly what they are!

Be sure to have fresh food and water down and available to your puppy at all times.  Dole out food in small amounts so you can monitor how much they are eating or if they are not eating.

I also suggest feeding Nutri Cal, or something similar to your puppy for their first month.  This will help keep their blood sugar up, which is something to watch in smaller puppies.  Honey can also be used for this; simply place a drop on the puppy's tongue once or twice a day.

Store-bought treats are not advised for your puppy.  They are likely to upset your puppy's stomach.  We prefer to use Honey-Nut Cheerios, plain cottage cheese, or plain yogurt as a treat for our puppies. They love these snacks!

If your puppy is not eating, this is a concern.  Never let your puppy go for a 6-hour period without eating food.  If your puppy accompanies you around town, remember to bring a bottle of water and a travel dish for them to stay hydrated.  Do not let your puppy socialize with other dogs (i.e. Petsmart, dog parks) until all booster shots have been administered-talk with your vet for more information on when your puppy is safe to be in these situations.

If you are concerned at all about your puppy - do not wait to call your veteranarian!

Crate training is a great decision to make for your puppy!

While the idea of "caging" your dog might sound unpleasant to us humans, your dog will likely feel safe and secure in an indoor den-like enclosure.  Providing your puppy with a small crate gives you a way to monitor their actions and gives your puppy a sense of security and their own small living space.  Smaller dogs can become overwhelmed in large rooms with lots of noise and activity.  When you bring a new puppy into your home and allow them constant access to their crate, you provide them with a place to rest and a way for them to tell you they need a break.

Crates can be wonderful for your puppy for many reasons, among them:

• Facilitates in housebreaking because their instinct will keep them from soiling where they live.
• Reduces separation anxiety by providing a safe and secure den for your puppy to retreat into as they wish.
• Prevents destructive behavior by limiting their access to chewing and soiling on furniture and other items. (Stops habits before they start!)
• Keeps your puppy safe from household poisons, dangerous plants, other pets, children, and generally getting into mischief.
• Keeps your traveling puppy safe and content by limiting their movements while in a car, airplane, hotel, and visiting other homes.

It is important to choose a dry food that is specially formulated for small puppies.  These will have the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that your growing puppy needs to live a long and healthy life.  Choosing a dry kibble will be more beneficial for your puppy's teeth, and pound-for-pound are cheaper than most wet/canned puppy food brands.

It is also important to choose the right type of puppy food for your specific breed.  The formula for dog and puppy foods will vary for the breed traits and your dog's age and his persoanl health.  So, pay attention and read labels to learn which food is the right fit for your dog's age, life-stage, adult size, and activity level.  When in doubt, ask your vet and/or your local pet-store employee for guidance.

Check the Dog Food Recall listing and consider signing up for FDA email alerts when there is a safety alert or dog food recall.