Im not a veterinarian but have found the following tips to be useful collected from my own veterinarian team. Please always consult with your veterinarian before performing anything you are unsure about.
EARS
A dog’s ears must be cleaned once every other week with the use of an epi-otic cleanser. You can buy ear cleaning solutions from your veterinarian.
Liberally apply the solution into each ear and then massage the bottom of the ears for about 30 seconds. After that, allow your puppy to shake it out from his ears. Gently wipe off the remaining solution and residual wax from the ear canal with a cotton ball. Take care not to poke anything into the puppy’s ear and never use Q-tips to clean his ears. Just swab his ears gently with a cotton ball or soft rag.
1. Gently pull the earflap straight up and hold it with one hand.
2.Fill the ear canal with ear cleaner (that you purchase from your vet) while continuing to keep the earflap elevated.
3 Put one finger in front of and at the base of the earflap, and put your thumb behind and at the base.
4. Massage the ear canal between your finger and thumb. You will hear a squishing sound.
5. Release the ear and let your dog shake its head or use a cotton ball to wipe out the excess cleaner and possible debris. Do not use cotton tipped applicator.
This is recommended to be routinely done every other week or after baths or swimming.
If you observe that he is shaking his head vigorously in protest while his ears are being cleaned or if there is a foul odor emanating from his ears, take your puppy to the veterinarian.
EYES & CLEANING EYE “GOOPIES"
Your puppy’s eyes must also be checked daily for any mucus buildup on the inside corners. If you notice a buildup of mucus or foreign matter in or around his eyes, moisten a cotton ball with some warm water and dab it in the corners of the eyes. Do not dab the moist cotton ball directly onto the eye because the cotton fibers might get caught in the eye and scratch the eyeball. Bernedooodles are know to have these eye “goopies” and should be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent build up.
If your puppy has a persistent buildup of yellow mucus or a hard foreign substance in his eyes, this could be indicative of an infection and he should be taken to a veterinarian for a checkup.
ORAL HEALTH
How to prevent / minimize tartar accumulation
Teeth brushing *This is a gold standard to prevent tartar build up* HUMAN TOOTHPASTE SHOULD NEVER BE USED! Human toothpaste contains fluoride, which can cause your puppy or dog an upset stomach. K-9 toothpaste comes in a variety of flavors and colors. You r “furry baby” is more likely to adapt and enjoy brushing time. Ideally, one should brush the dogs teeth daily. We all know our schedules are busy, so every other day or 3x weekly will work. You can also have your groomer brush your dogs teeth when you take them to the salon every 4-6 weeks. And if the tatar build up continues, look into changing your dogs food or have your vet do a professional teeth cleaning session.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and puppy/dog toothpaste. Anything other than a bristled toothbrush will not get below the gum line, which is the most important area to brush.
Periodontal disease usually affects the upper, back teeth first and worse. Plaque builds up on the tooth surface daily, especially just under the gum line.
Pick a time of the day that will become a convenient part of your dogs daily routine. Just before a walk, a daily treat, or playtime will give your puppy/dog something to look forward to brushing.
Always follow introducing brushing with a praise afterwards. This will be a rewarding experience for both you and your best friend.
First introducing the toothpaste, let the puppy/dog lick a sample off of your finger. Once familiar with the taste, simply put some more on your finger and run your fingers along the gums. Repeat this process with the toothbrush.
HOUSE TRAINING YOUR PUPPY
Why? Puppies are cute, cuddly, and loving, but when they use your whole house for their bathroom they are not so cute and easy to love. So please take the time to teach them properly and they will turn into the best friend and loyal companion. Also, make sure your “furry baby” goes through at least basic obedience training for a smooth transition into adulthood. It takes little time now, but will be a huge reward later in life. Those hours spent training will last you a lifetime!
Patience, vigilance, and a consistent schedule are vital house training success!
GET A CRATE
Crates help with their basic desire to keep their den clean. They will do anything to avoid pooping or peeing in it. That instinct will develop bowel and bladder that is essential to effective house training. In addition to this, they will learn that the crate is a place to relax and sleep.
PICK A POTTY AREA
Generally the best place for that spot is in the backyard near your house. That way you will not have to go very far when they need to go. Make sure it is easy to clean, as they do not like using dirty potty areas.
MAKE SCENTS
Their sense of smell is much stronger than ours. You can use the scent of a previous potty break to show them where you want them to take the next one. The next time your puppy wets, wipe their bottom with a paper towel or soft damp cloth, and save it. At the next potty break, place it in their potty area where you want them to go. They will most likely sniff and potty there. You may need to repeat this process several times. Soon your puppy will know to do their business on the potty spot with you prompting them.
MAKE A SCHEDULE
Now your puppy knows their potty spot, you need to let them know when you want them to do it. At first you will have to take them out more, as they are young and cannot hold their bladder or bowels for long periods of time. You may need to do 12 to 14 potty breaks a day until they reach 4 months of age. The best way to keep track of potty time is to establish a pattern. Such as when you feed them, play with them, take them out, or put them in their crate for a nap. A schedule not only helps them during the house training, but will also help to reach your goal more quickly.
WATCH FOR CUES, AND GIVE A CUE
When you take them out, watch until they actually do it. They may sniff the ground intently, pace, circle, or come to a sudden halt. All these are cues that they are about to do their “duty”. You can also say a verbal prompt such as “lets go potty”, “Lets go outside”, “Lets do your business”. You can use whatever command your comfortable with. Try to keep it short and always try to use the same one liner. Once they have gone potty, praise them lavishly and reward them with a good head pat, or small treat. Bring them back in right away, potty time should not turn into play time!
BE VIGILANT
While they are learning the basic of house training, its your job to make sure they don’t have the opportunity to make mistakes, or at least as few as possible. When they are not in their crate, you must watch them carefully. If your puppy shows any signs that they need to go potty, scoop them up into your arms and get them outside. Then when they are done, praise them highly. If you are late and they have an accident, put them in the crate and clean it up without comment. Use an enzymatic cleaner designed for pet stains to eliminate odor that will encourage them to not go in the same spot again. Keep a closer eye on them when they are playing in the house as well.
BE PATIENT
Don’t expect your puppy to learn their potty training overnight. It is a process that takes time and understanding. They need time to figure out what you want them to do, but also needs to develop the physical ability to contra; their urges until they reach the proper potty place. It could take them until they are older than 6 months without any accidents for a month to be fully house trained.
COMMON HOUSE TRAINING MISTAKES
1. Failing to use a crate! Have a crate to keep your puppy in when you cannot watch is not cruel. It teaches them self control and gives them a sense of security.
3. Failing to clean up accidents! Clean up is crucial to preventing repeat mistakes on the same spot. Remember enzymatic cleaner.
2. Failing to follow a schedule! When on a schedule, you puppy will expect to eat and potty at certain times, learning control of urges.
4. Correcting after the fact! Scolding your puppy after they have made a mistake will only make your puppy afraid of you, as they have no idea why you are unhappy with them.
5. Blaming you puppy for your mistake! If your puppy has an accident, the fault is yours. You may have left them in the crate to long, didn’t watch them carefully, or failed to clean up their former accident properly. It is your job to figure out why the accident happened and take measures to make sure it does not happen again.
CERTAIN FOODS AND HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS THAT CAN BE DANGEROUS TO YOUR PUPPY & DOG!
It's only natural for your dogs to be curious. But their curiosity can get them into trouble when they get into areas where you store household items such as medicine and detergents. Many common household items that you use everyday can be harmful, and sometimes even lethal, to your loyal companion and best friend!
FOODS THAT ARE HARMFUL TO YOUR PUPPY/DOG:
(Listed below may cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and/or diarrhea)
Wild Cherry
Almonds
Apricot
Balsam Pear
Japanese Plum
Listed below may cause varied reactions)
Yeast dough
Coffee grounds
Macadamia nuts
Tomato & potato leaves & stems
Avocados
Onions & onion powder
Grapes
Raisins
Chocolate
Pear & peach kernels
Mushrooms (only if toxic to humans)
Rhubarb
Spinach
Alcohol
Common household items that are harmful to your dog:
Acetaminophen
Antifreeze & all other car fluids
Bleach & cleaning fluid/solution
Boric acid & toilet bowl drop-ins
Deodorants & Sleeping pills
Deodorizers & rubbing alcohol
Any form of detergents & dryer sheets
De-icing salts (unless its pet/child friendly)
Disinfectants of any sort
Drain cleaner or furniture polish
Gasoline or motor oil
Hair colorings & shoe polish
Weed & insect killers
Kerosene & matches
Mothballs & windshield wiper fluid
Nail polish & remover
Paint & paint thinner
Any prescribed & non prescribed medication
Any snail, slug, mice or rat bait
Turpentine
Please call your vet and poison control immediately when discovering you dog has been exposed to any of the above and has symptoms of poisoning. These symptoms are the following: Difficult breathing, frequent diarrhea, abnormal urine color, oder, and frequency, constant salivation, weakness, or seizures.