[KirkbCambria]

Today is the big day... I will be getting my little beagle pup late this afternoon. I will get pictures up as I said in another post, that is if I don't spend all of my time with my pup.

I actually had a few questions for those of you who got their beagles at about 8 weeks. The first is should I wait a few days before I give her a bath. The breeder has her outside in a kennel so, I imagine she wont come home that clean. I worry that if I give her a bath right away, she will hold it against me and associate me with the terrible, terrible bath.

Another quick question is how much did you feed your beagles at 8 weeks. I've read that you should feed young puppies up to 4 times a day, but I'm not sure how much to feed her. The breeder already has them eating solid, hard food.

Those are the only two questions I can think of right now, but if anyone else has any tips, pointers, or advice I could use anything right now. I'm nervous but, really excited too...

 

[Murphys Dad]

Congratulations!!! I am really excited for you

About the bath, I wouldn't do that the first day I get the puppy, just because it another trauma on top of the one being separated from her mom and littermates. You can use a little baby powder (talc) on her, and comb her gently, let her shake it off. She will smell better and it actually cleans them, as the talc absorbs any fatty dirts that are on the puppy. It's also recommended if she gets dirty not long after a bath when she's older, and you don't want her to have another bath so soon.
You would want to give her the first bath 3-4 days after getting her. Also, to make it a pleasant experience, I sang to Chloe and said a lot of good girl when she was calm, petted her a lot. Try not to get water near her ears, and you can also use cotton balls to stuff her ears with not to get them wet. The face you can do with a wet cloth, not direct water stream.

About feeding, follow what the food bag says, divide it to 3-4. It is usually based on the puppy's age and weight.
If you are going to feed her something different than what the breeder fed her, do the transfer gradually, that way her stomach won't be traumatised.

We're here if you need more help.

 

[DaisysMom]

I waited a week or so before Daisy's first bath once she got acclimated to being in a new place. As far as feeding goes, I took the recommended amount from the bag and spread it out over 3 feedings per day at that age.

 

[angelaH]

We have never bathed any of our dogs. When they are flthy we wipe them down using shampoo in luke-warm water. Let your pup settle in before doing anything drastic. Ask the breeder about the food. A slow change will be needed whatever happens. probably best to continue feeding what the pup is used to.
Have you a cosy bed for your pup? A hot-water bottle under the blanket (just warm not hot) will comfort her. A ticking clock nearby also helps. Your pup will be very lonely when taken away from her brothers and sisters. Lots of love and attention from you will help her settle. Dont have too many people visit to see the new member of the family, until she has settled in. Good luck and we also look forward to photos.

 

[Redsox]

I'm so happy for you!

I got Bloom at 8 weeks too. The breeder had her in a kennel outside as well....and I tell ya she stunk as hell. I wanted her to sleep in my bed the first night (for god knows what reason, I dont even remember) so she HAD to take a bath the first day she got here. It was easier than I thought it would be. She was holding still. maybe she was enjoying the warm water....or she was just plain scared

.
Anyway, it didnt scar her for life. So i wouldnt be too concerned about that.

About the food thingy...I'm not so sure. She probably wont eat at all the first days. You know, because she misses her siblings and her mommy and just the whole familiar surrounding.
At least Bloom did.
So I can't say we were feeding her 3-4 times a day, because the food bowl was always full. Sometimes we had to fill it up twice a day and sometimes just once. And then there were days when we didn't have to fill it up at all.
Now (Bloom is 2 yrs) I feed her twice a day. Which is normal for an adult dog. And she's a good eater , like a beagle should.

And if you have any questions, please contact me, ok?
I would be glad to help you out.

 

[Pegasus]

Congrats on getting your puppy!!! Im so Jealous!!! Reading your post makes me want to get another one....cant wait to see the pics

 

[Joe Johnston]

Happy for you and the pup. I concur with the earlier advicements on the bath. I have always fed my Beagles 2 times a day even when they were pups. Follow directions on the bag of food the breeder sends home with you.

Please check in the Health and Welfare section here to find out how your food rates in quality. Some foods are just garbage. Start your pup out with the best food you can get. However if you do switch food, do it slowly so as not to upset the pups stomach.

 

[mkielbas]

Yeah... twice (or three times) a day should be fine. My Zbój was also 8 weeks old when I got him, and there were no problems with feeding him. Besides as long as the pup drinks the water, you should be fine.

As far as bathing the pup... I actually bathed him after 3 week. Until that I was (and I still am) using pet-wipes (very similar to baby wipes). You can get them at any pet store. They are quite good at eliminating the smell and Zbój just loves them

When you do finally give your puppy a bath, make sure you protect the ears (you can use mineral oil - that's what my vet recommended. It will repel the water.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing some pics of your puppy

 

[Murphys Dad]

Wipes are a good idea, but I would recommend getting the baby wipes, as they do an equally good job as the pet wipes, and cost much much less!

 

[Zookeeper]

Oh yeah, I use baby wipes on my pets all the time. I don't liek to bathe them more than once every few months and the wipes keep them smelling fresh in between.

 

[Murphys Dad]

I use regular baby wipes on Jersey as well. I bought some made by Huggies that are all natural with aloe. The smell great.