Preparing for Puppy
When preparing to pick up our puppy, we often get so excited that we forget to
bring the basic essentials. The following is a list of essentials to help you with
the transformation:
1) Handy wipes
2) Bowl
3) Plastic bottle of water (and cooler if it is during the hot summer months)
4) Small face cloth to dry face
5) Bath size towel to sit on your lap in case you have to drive on your own and the puppy has an accident en route to your house
6) Blanket to wrap around puppy or dog
7) Can of good quality Aerosol flea killer, preferably from a vet, in the off-chance that your puppy was exposed to a 'kennel' dog during the flight. Spray the blanket, NOT the puppy, before wrapping around the puppy.
8) Puppy Halter (Regular collars are not appropriate for small breeds as they can easily slip over their tiny head. Plus, their necks are much too fragile for regular collars.). A tiny puppy such as a Chihuahua needs to feel the security of a harness under its' chest, as it simulates the security of your hand.
9) A regular leash as opposed to a retractable one. Save that for later, when the puppy has become accustomed to you.
10) A tube of NutriCal for instant nourishment and to boost sugar levels because flight has been proven to reduce sugar levels in small animals. A tiny quarter inch strip squeezed out on to your finger is enough. If the puppy does not willingly lick it from your finger gently tap it on its mouth.
11) Pooper scooper and plastic bag. Some cargo areas provide a 'pet walk' area where you can exercise the puppy after its long trip, especially ones which involve plane changes. Be considerate - walk the puppy before taking it on yet another trip!
12) The most important item of all, give lots of love and comforting words of compassion to your new found family member. He/she has just experienced the most terrifying hours of his/her little life! Don't be upset or nervous if he/she recoils in the back of the carrier as they don't know what to expect next! Make it a happy, joyful experience. Please do no drive your new family member home in a cage as, it may cause him/her more trauma. Have someone drive you to the airport so that your new family member can drive home wrapped securely in a blanket and in the safety, security and love from your arms.
bring the basic essentials. The following is a list of essentials to help you with
the transformation:
1) Handy wipes
2) Bowl
3) Plastic bottle of water (and cooler if it is during the hot summer months)
4) Small face cloth to dry face
5) Bath size towel to sit on your lap in case you have to drive on your own and the puppy has an accident en route to your house
6) Blanket to wrap around puppy or dog
7) Can of good quality Aerosol flea killer, preferably from a vet, in the off-chance that your puppy was exposed to a 'kennel' dog during the flight. Spray the blanket, NOT the puppy, before wrapping around the puppy.
8) Puppy Halter (Regular collars are not appropriate for small breeds as they can easily slip over their tiny head. Plus, their necks are much too fragile for regular collars.). A tiny puppy such as a Chihuahua needs to feel the security of a harness under its' chest, as it simulates the security of your hand.
9) A regular leash as opposed to a retractable one. Save that for later, when the puppy has become accustomed to you.
10) A tube of NutriCal for instant nourishment and to boost sugar levels because flight has been proven to reduce sugar levels in small animals. A tiny quarter inch strip squeezed out on to your finger is enough. If the puppy does not willingly lick it from your finger gently tap it on its mouth.
11) Pooper scooper and plastic bag. Some cargo areas provide a 'pet walk' area where you can exercise the puppy after its long trip, especially ones which involve plane changes. Be considerate - walk the puppy before taking it on yet another trip!
12) The most important item of all, give lots of love and comforting words of compassion to your new found family member. He/she has just experienced the most terrifying hours of his/her little life! Don't be upset or nervous if he/she recoils in the back of the carrier as they don't know what to expect next! Make it a happy, joyful experience. Please do no drive your new family member home in a cage as, it may cause him/her more trauma. Have someone drive you to the airport so that your new family member can drive home wrapped securely in a blanket and in the safety, security and love from your arms.