
Puppy Acclimation
Congratulations! on your Rottweiler puppy from KLM Rottweilers. Switching environments can be stressful for your new puppy. Because of this we have taken the time to put together a puppy list that will make the acclimation process as smooth as possible for your new family member.
Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise
Build a routine care into your schedule to help your puppy live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during their lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for your puppy’s age. Don’t push for fast growth by overfeeding. Keep your puppy active as it grows, but avoid high-contact, repetitive exercises. Take long, slow hikes on earth or turf as often as you can. Avoid jumping, jogging, or long-distance walks on concrete and asphalt. Keep your puppy lean and active for life. Exercise your dog regularly, but don’t overdo it!!!!
Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. This will keep your puppy out of trouble and away from objects they shouldn’t put in their mouth. Rottweilers have low grooming needs. Brush their coat as needed, at least weekly. Rottweilers generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Clean their ears weekly, even as a puppy. Rottweilers can be sensitive to warm temperatures, avoid any prolonged exposure and be very alert to the signs of heat stress.
De-worming
Your rottweiler puppy has already been de wormed at the ages of 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6weeks, and 8 weeks of age. Your vet may wish to do a final de wormer at 11 weeks old when it is time to administer the puppy’s third parvo/canine distemper booster vaccination.
Parvo Virus
Canine Parvo Virus is one of the deadliest diseases that a rottweiler puppy can catch. Rottweilers are particularly susceptible to this disease, along with all of the black and tan breeds Keep your rottweiler puppy safe from Parvo for the first five weeks in your home. Watch out for environments where Parvo Virus could affect your new puppy.
Bloat
Gastric dilatation volvulus, also known as GDV or bloat, usually occurs in dogs with deep, narrow chests. This means your Rott is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and sometimes to the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as half an hour. Your dog may retch or heave (but little or nothing comes up), act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position (front feet down, rear end up). Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately!