my new puppy
We have provided this information as a guide only, if any problems arise, please contact us or your Veterinary Surgeon. Increase or decrease food according to pups needs. NEVER overfeed: the pup should always have a waistline and just a nice covering over the ribs, not layers of fat. A pup kept in overweight condition can have problems with a weak back, loose ligamentation and could have trouble later in life with heart conditions, spinal complaints or hip dysplasia due to excessive weight gain.
We feed an Australian premium dog food formula & raw brisket bones which are given to the puppy from the age of 6 weeks; they clean the teeth and give the jaw muscles exercise. They also supply calcium and minerals to the puppy.
NEVER give COOKED BONES such as chop, chicken, fish, roast lamb, t-bone, etc, as these can get caught, tear or splinter the bowel. Brisket bones are what we recommend.
We do NOT feed RAW EGGS. Eggs contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B Vitamin). This can lead to skin and coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella.
We do NOT give our dogs GARLIC in raw, cooked or powder form. Garlic & onions contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anaemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs. Garlic is less toxic than onions.
Chocolate kills dogs! Chocolate affects a dog's heart and nervous system; a few ounces are enough to kill a small dog.
Click here to read an article on Foods to avoid feeding your Dog
We do not recommend canned food. Dogs fed on canned food often suffer from anal gland problems and gastric upset.
If ever giving over 3 cups of dry formula pour water over it and allow to soak and swell prior to feeding the dog or the fatal condition of BLOAT could occur.
For more on the subject Download Bloat Article (PDF)
Importantly, WAIT TWO HOURS before or after exercising your dog to feed him or you may risk the FATAL CONDITION of Stomach Torsion - BLOAT, occurring!
If you suspect your dog is experiencing a BLOAT episode get your dog to a vet as soon as possible, time is of the essence in saving your dog.
what's in a name
Now that you have purchased a pedigreed puppy, you will notice it has quite a big name for such a cute furball.
All pedigreed dogs are named as Prefix Dogname e.g. let’s use the name Kazkiri Midnite Special. Kazkiri is the prefix, similar to a person’s surname. All dogs bred by Kazkiri will have that name first. In order to be granted a prefix, a breeder must pass a test, to show their knowledge, agree to a strict code of ethics, and perform health tests on all breeding stock, depending on the breed of dog.
The second part of the name ’Midnite Special is the name of the dog. This can be any name the breeder chooses within a certain amount of characters. All dogs with the same prefix must have different names and a dog’s name cannot contain someone else’s prefix.
You are certainly not bound to this name and can call your dog anything you like as its call name. Some people choose this based on the registered name and others don’t. The dog in the in the above example may be called Midnite, but in reality is called ‘Max’ simply because the owner likes that name and chose it for her dog.
Need a name for your new puppy
Wot's in a Name?
final word
If the pup/dog is properly fed & exercised, socialised & kept in good condition, you shouldn't have any problems with him. German Shepherds are generally easy to care for & have few problems or illnesses.
If you do have any problems however, please do not hesitate to contact us!
