Europeheart Cavaliers

FAQ:

Q: How old must be puppies before they can leave to a new home?

A: Puppies must be 8 wks or older (this is an international standard). It is very important for them to be with their mother and/or with other dogs and around people to help their socialization and learning skills.

Q: When they will be checked by the vet?

A: Puppies will get their first shots at 7 wks of age. They will be carefully checked and they will be identified by a tattoo number.

Q: Are you using microchips for your puppies?

A: We are not doing micro-chipping anymore.  Microchips are normally put under the skin between shoulders and when it is done on small puppies, those microchips  migrate. Many times you can find them in later months anywhere on the body except where they are suppose to be. It is  a good idea to get a microchip done at the time of spaying / or neutering of your puppy. Also, if you are travelling with your Cavalier,  there might not be a scanner to proof your ownership, but a tattoo number is visible immediately.

Q: Do puppies need other vaccinations and when?

A: Puppies need to get 2^nd shots 3-4 weeks after the first one and then 3^rd shots again 1 month later. Your vet will tell you when you should come…With the 3rd shots your puppy will get as well a Rabies vaccination - this one will be just for one year.  After that your puppy will need vaccinations only once a year. This time the Rabies vaccination will be for 3 years.

Q: How much food should we give to our 8 wks old puppy?

A: At this age puppies are already fully weaned and they eat solid food. We have them on food called “TASTE OF THE WILD" (PACIFIC SALMON FORMULA) for all life stages, which we found to be a very good food. As a new puppy owner you will receive from us a bag of that food, which will last for several days. Each puppy is getting around ¼ of a cup 3x a day. Watch your puppy: is he/she eating all the food? (If not, take the rest away and next time feed a little less; if the puppy eats all the food and is still asking for more, you can add a little more). You have to watch also his/her stool carefully: stool should be darker colour and firm in consistency. If it is very soft or even running, you are feeding too much, or there could be other problems. IMPORTANT: Diarrhea is a very serious condition and it has to be treated immediately. Contact your vet for advice….

Q: When is the time to switch feeding from 3x a day to 2x , or even 1x a day?

A: If your puppy will not eat all the food you give him, or will not start eating immediately, (that is usually around 4-5 mo. of age, or even later…), it will be the time to change feeding. And again: watch his stool, appetite and his weight. Don’t forget: fresh water has to be available at all times.

Q: How can I tell if my dog is not overweight?

A: - see our article about ”WEIGHT MANAGEMENT”

Q: Do I need to deworm?

A: We are deworming our puppies every two weeks with medication called “PYRAN” - you can buy it from your vet. Then follow the instructions from our “STRATEGIC DEWORMING GUIDELINES”.

Q: When our Blenheim (white & chestnut) puppy will get darker brown spots?

A: The chestnut colour on Blenheim puppies is very light when puppies are born. This will get darker with the age (between 6 mo and 1 year). You can see already at 8 wks of age that brown colour is getting much darker on their ears…

Q: How should I be prepared for a new puppy?

A: Please, see our article “WHAT TO BUY FOR YOUR PUPPY”.

Q: How difficult it is to train Cavaliers?

A: Cavaliers are extremely intelligent dogs and even puppies are very fast learners. They will do anything to please you. See our paragraph about training. Start with simple commands immediately - see my articles about puppy training….“HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS FOR TRAINING YOUR PUPPY” , “WORDS FOR PUPPY” and “HOUSE-BREAKING THROUGH CRATE TRAINING”, “THE FIRST FOURTEEN DAYS IN NEW HOME”…

Q: Do Cavaliers need special grooming?

A: It is very easy to take care of your little boy or girl. All they need is a little brushing every day. Once a week check their ears if they are clean without any discharge (= sign of infection), also check and clean their teeth once a week - all our dogs like to chew white rawhides, that help with cleaning their teeth.

Q: Is there any different care needed for our Cavalier in winter time?

A: It is very nice about Cavaliers, that they all like to play in the snow and they don’t need extra coats to keep them warm as long as they are active. For sure, you will not leave them outside too long and when they come back to the house, you will make sure that they will not have melting snow on their coats…. It is a good idea to trim their hair on the bottom of their feet, so the snow will not form snow balls. And remember: if you are cold outside, your four-leg friend will be cold as well. In the cities try to avoid salt on sidewalks...

Puppies, when they are 8 - 12 wks, can  be out for business only and then right back in.

Q: Are the Cavaliers good for a family with little children?

A: Yes. Cavaliers are a very gentle breed and you should be only concern about children not to harm a little dog. Don't allow your small children to cary puppy around in their arms.  The puppy might jump out of their arms and get injured by falling on the floor. Young puppies will not play for too long and it is important to teach your children when it is the time for puppy to get his/her rest. Puppy should have his place (crate) - refuge, where it shouldn't be disturbed.

Q: Is it a problem to have a Cavalier in the same household with other dog or cat?

A: We had many calls from new owners being afraid about Cavaliers sharing a home with some other pet. Cavaliers are not a dominant breed; they like to make friends with everybody and if your other dog or cat will start to be aggressive, Cavalier will lie down and expose his/ her belly - saying: “O.K. you are the boss. Can we play now?”

Q: How do I choose the vet?

A: Ask your friends, a groomer or a breeder... Remember: vets are not created equally and they certainly don’t charge equally. Many times they are more concerned about their bank account then the health of your pet.  If you are concern, get a second opinion.

TO BE CONTINUED......