Puppies

[Angelfire]

I tried useing yarn and nailpolish. The yarn got stuck in the pups mouth, it was too loose I guess and his lower jaw got under it. Didn'd use that method again! With nail polish, their hair grows so fast on their paws that you can't see it at a glance about a week after applying it. PetEdge's new catalog has toy breed puppy ID collars, 5" to 8" on page 125. I'm gonna get me some! he he

[jerseyhairball]

I can always tell mine apart

[Teresamag]

I'm always worried about using yarn or ribbon. What if another puppy got their leg stuck through their ribbon or a littermate's ribbon? They could get injured or even choke another puppy!!
I've always used nail pollish on their toes and it works very well for me. I currently use a white nail polish color and this has worked the best of every color I've tried. I do make sure to get a little on the hair around the nail as well to make it last longer.
Here is my system - we use the left foot for males (male & left each have 4 letters), first male gets the first nail marked, second male gets the second toe marked etc. The females each get the right foot marked in the same way. I weigh puppies twice daily for the first week to 10 days then daily until 2 weeks old. After 2 weeks old they are usually only weighed each week.
When they are small, (at least for the first 1-3 weeks) I find myself repainting the nails every 3-7 days. After they are older I usually recognize the puppies for their looks & personalities but it does help to make sure I have the correct puppy if I'm giving shots or medicines. I also show all my new families how I mark the puppy so they can verify when the pick up the puppy that it is the same toe marked.

Teresa

[Colrab]

That is a great idea! Just took Lily to the vet yesterday and she is having 5 pups. Unbelievable!