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Originally Posted by FreyasDaddy  I've thought of some things to ask the members here, advice, whatever:
Food. I am feeding Freya Science Diet small breed puppy formula 1/8 cup 3 times a day. She's about 2lbs...I guess lol. She's 7 months...or will be on the 10th. Is this too much? Sometimes she doesn't want to eat, usually when she skips lunch. Like today! Lol. Sometimes I give her cheese flavored moon treats from her first Bark Box.
Grooming table. Does anyone know anything about them? Does that include the little arm that you have the rope or leash on? Or does it attach to a table? I have a collapsible table I could use. How much are the tables? I'm having trouble brushing her, cause she won't stand up or still.
I think this is the last thing on my mind. The vet. Do you recommend a first check up visit? I haven't taken Freya for one yet. And I've had her almost 2 months. My family doesn't think it's necessary. I'm a grown man, lol, but I don't drive so... This is a two parter. I have a free checkup coupon for Banfield Hospital, which is like in Petsmart I guess... Should I do that?
THANKS. |
Very good questions - sorry for my wordy replies
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Food - Personally, I am not a fan of Science Diet. With that said, if she is doing well on it, then what works for you works for you. It would be hard to judge how much she needs to eat with just her weight. Each dog, like each human has a different metabolism rate and her calorie requirements would depend upon her metabolism, activity, and growth. At seven months, I would think that the majority of her growth is finished. At 2 lbs. she is a tiny and she doesn't really have much wiggle room as far as her caloric intake. A tiny one is more prone to hypoglycemic episodes - but as diligent as you are, I am sure you already know that. If it were me, I'd probably consider two things - exploring a different food that she may like better and finish her meals and/or free feeding. If you free feed, you can still give Freya here three meals, just leave the food down and discard the leftover when the next mealtime rolls around. Her tiny stomach just may not hold the entire 1/8 cup at one sitting. Too many snacks may raise her blood sugar level enough to take away her appetite so that she won't eat meals. I would suggest saving snacks for special occasions and/or "dessert" after she eats.
Grooming Table - They are wonderful and fantastic HOWEVER without caution they can be and are the death of many dogs. While my two girls were on the show circuit, I saw a yorkie leap from a table with a grooming noose around its neck. Fortunately it ended well, but I have heard so many horror stories that I never ever use an arm/noose. Basically to be truly safe with a wiggly yorkie on a table you have to have one hand on your pup at all times or be within snatching distance and have quick reflexes.
Vet - Way back when I bred a few litters, I strongly recommended that the new Moms and Dads take their new yorkie child to the vet within a few days of taking him/her home. Generally the pups had been seen by my vet within a few days of them leaving home. If I suspected that the new owner wouldn't or couldn't do the initial vet visit, the pup stayed and the deal was off. It is always a good practice to take every pup to the vet upon coming home - even if they appear happy and healthy. A well-puppy checkup starts their medical history and can be helpful if and when health issues develop. I have absolutely no confidence in Banfield. I would find the vet you plan to use and bite the bullet and pay for the checkup. A bad vet is sometimes worse than no vet.