New Puppy Directions & Cautions
Everything you need to know for a healthy, happy Lab
This will expose him to Parvovirus. Even though he has had a shot, he may still be susceptible to this virus. Very few puppies survive after contracting Parvovirus.
If you purchase toys from pet stores, bleach the soles of your shoes and your hands when exiting the store, before reaching your car — this is where Parvovirus rides. Also bleach the pet supplies in a 15% chlorine solution for 15 minutes.
Getting your puppy a routine check-up right away is unnecessary and potentially dangerous to his health. Wait until the next shot is due, and call ahead to confirm that there are no active Parvo cases in the vet's office.
A much safer alternative is to give the vaccine yourself — call us and we will walk you through it.
Feeding — What to Feed & What to Avoid
Do not feed ANY other food, snacks, rawhide, pig's ears, etc. Your pup will not yet have the enzymes to digest unfamiliar material and will develop diarrhea. Even one Milk-Bone can cause digestive upset and loose stools. Plant material, pine bark, leaves, and "dog bakery" treats are especially problematic — there may even be blood in the stool.
Your puppy has been raised on JaxMax Labrador formulas. We strongly recommend keeping him on this food. If you choose to transition to another high-quality brand (such as Blue Buffalo, FROMM, or similar), do so gradually over 7–10 days by mixing increasing amounts of the new food with decreasing amounts of JaxMax to avoid stomach upset.
Nutrition is critical. We have invested extensively in canine nutrition research. Even a short period on a poor-quality food or inappropriate snacks can contribute to joint issues. Whatever brand you use, make sure it is a premium, breed-appropriate formula.
Not Eating or Stopped Eating
Your puppy will most likely not eat much for the first few days after coming to your home. This is normal and will not hurt him. Do not encourage him to eat or offer different foods. If your pup or adult Lab quits eating, he is most likely just not hungry or has an upset stomach. Tempting him to eat by "spicing up the meal" will make him sick. Give him time — he will let you know when he is hungry.
Do not be alarmed if he walks away after eating only a small amount. The food is highly digestible, and he will not need as much as you might expect. He may eat more during cold weather.
Feeding Guidelines
The amounts below are based on JaxMax formulas. If you are feeding another premium brand, use comparable amounts and adjust based on the manufacturer's recommendation. Always feed twice daily.
| Age | Amount per Meal | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 7 – 9 weeks | ½ – ¾ cup | 2× daily |
| 9 – 12 weeks | ¾ – 1 cup | 2× daily |
| 12 – 16 weeks | 1¼ – 1½ cups | 2× daily |
| 4 – 5 months | 1½ – 1¾ cups | 2× daily |
| 6+ months | 2 cups | 2× daily |
To order JaxMax food directly: www.JaxMax.com or call 704-975-3237. Delivery options include local delivery, FedEx, and AutoMax (automatic scheduled delivery).
Supplements
Starting at 16 weeks of age, give your puppy 125 mg of natural Vitamin C in pill form daily. We recommend Nutrilite Vitamin C Plus Extended Release (available through Amway). Avoid drug-store or GNC brands. If you have trouble ordering, call us and we will order it for you.
Bloody Stools
Bloody stools are not always a tremendous cause for alarm. Labs have "garbage mouths and baby stomachs," and there are a number of benign causes. If bloody or loose stools persist, call us.
Loneliness — The Biggest Problem with Labradors
If you are going to be gone during the day, leave your pup in an area where he can get some exercise, such as a kitchen that is baby-gated off. Do not leave him in a crate.
To ward off loneliness, leave a TV or radio playing — classical music is their favorite. The best solution? Two Labradors. That way, they never experience loneliness, and you never experience guilty feelings for being gone.
Flea & Tick Control
Use K-9 Advantix (not to be confused with Advantage). This is a topical product, dosed by weight. Apply the liquid to the skin over the backbone and above the shoulder blades. Although it is a monthly product, use it only when necessary.
Keep in mind that a new collar will cause neck scratching for a couple of weeks — this is simple irritation, not fleas. Frontline is also acceptable, though it does not control mosquito bites as well as K-9 Advantix.
Heartworm Control
Heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites. Use heartworm preventative from the first sighting of a mosquito in spring through 30 days after the last mosquito of fall. Start by the time your puppy reaches 14 weeks of age.
The best products are once-a-month chewables such as Heartgard or Ivomec, which contain Ivermectin to kill heartworms in the larval stage. Once heartworms mature, these products have minimal impact and heart disease becomes possible. Use the preventative consistently.
These products are available from your veterinarian or through sites like PetMed Express. Do not use any injectable products (six-month or one-year heartworm shots).
Bathing
Use a human shampoo with conditioner, such as Dr. Bronner's (Peppermint is a great scent!). Stay away from pet and baby shampoos. No matter what shampoo you use, rinse well — if not, itching will occur.
Spaying / Neutering
It is advisable to wait until your pup completes the first year of growth before having this procedure performed. This allows testosterone and estrogen to remain balanced, leading to normal growth. When the balance is disturbed early, estrogen can cause uncontrolled growth, leading to possible cartilage and joint damage.
Dogs that are spayed or neutered early may also experience lifelong problems with bladder control.
We're Here for the Life of Your Dog
Please call us with any questions, concerns, or comments.