Please reach us at kathy@witzelcavaliers.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
24-48 hours after puppies are born, both the mother and babies are taken to the veterinarian for a wellness check. A prescription of Pyrantel is picked up at that time or during a prenatal visit of the mom.
Weight is recorded at birth and daily until 1 week old. Then weight is recorded each week.
At 3 and 6 weeks of age, the puppies are given a dose of Pyrantel (dewormer) that is based on their weight. At 8 weeks of age, puppies are given their first monthly dose of Simparica Trio.
At 3-4 weeks of age, puppies are introduced to solid puppy food. We start them on Royal Canin Starter wet food and then introduce them to dry kibble. Once they are eating the Royal Canin Starter kibble without issue, they are graduated to Royal Canin Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy formula.
At 6 weeks of age, puppies are given their first DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza) vaccine. At 9 weeks of age, they receive their second DHPP vaccination. Vaccinations are given by our family veterinarian. We do not purchase vaccines at a store or online provider.
Between 6-8 weeks of age, we microchip the puppies. We do the microchipping of all our puppies and have a microchip reader on hand to insure proper operation of the chip.
Once puppies are steady on their feet, they are introduced outside to begin potty training. They are introduced to various household noises (vacuum, dishwasher, television, music, other dogs barking and door bell to name a few).
They are introduced early on traveling in a vehicle. They travel in a carrier that is secured inside of the vehicle.
Mom is monitored via ultrasound regularly to ensure puppies are moving around as they should. We have an oxygen cage on site should a puppy be in need of extra oxygen.
Their whelping box is supplied with a heating mat to regulate body temperature.
Of course, the entire time they are with us, they are loved and spoiled!