Please take your time while reviewing this document – print it, save it, and read it now and then.

The information included in this letter is critical to your puppy’s health, well-being, and journey into adulthood.

There are also several to-do items to check off once you bring your new puppy home. Ready? Let’s start!

Your puppy was microchipped in Aruba. This will provide secure, reliable, and permanent identification, which greatly increases the likelihood that if your pet is lost, she/he will be returned home to you. However, a microchip only does its job if it is registered with up-to-date contact information in a pet recovery database.

Register your contact information to the microchip online immediately. You can do this at no-cost by using freepetchipregistry.com.

As agreed at adoption, your rescue must be spayed or neutered. When your rescue is ready:

-Discuss your options with your veterinarian or another low cost spay/neuter provider. *

- Ask for your rescue to have a CBC blood test before their scheduled surgery. This will alert your vet to any potential problems ahead of time so that your puppy can avoid an emergency situation.

*You can search for providers on the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) or the Friends of Animals websites, respectively. If you have adopted in the New England area, you can also speak with our Representative, Wendy Gibbons, to schedule with Tufts in Grafton, Massachusetts. Wendy will explain the process and costs as part of our partnership program. Call Wendy at: 508-962-8925.

What should I do if my puppy begins experiencing diarrhea or vomiting?

Although these symptoms could be related to stress, a new diet, etc., contact your veterinarian to confirm that he/she is not ill. Your veterinarian will advise whether medical treatment is required.

What should I do if my puppy loses their appetite, is lethargic, and/or experiences severe diarrhea/vomiting?

Contact your veterinarian immediately. Although your puppy was vaccinated against parvovirus in Aruba, he/she may have been exposed to the disease and be susceptible until their immunity and resistance is established. Illness is unlikely, but symptoms could appear 3-10 days after exposure. Was too young to receive their rabies vaccine while in Aruba

What if my puppy didn’t get their rabies vaccination yet?

Your puppy likely did not have a rabies vaccine before traveling because of their young age. Aruba is considered a rabies-free country, but as it is required in the United States, follow your veterinarian’s recommendation and the required compliance for your state.

Watch for Symptoms That May Be Related to…

Worms, Coccidia, or Giardia.

Your puppy was dewormed in Aruba but may require additional deworming or other medication as recommended by your veterinarian in the United States. Worms can present itself in symptoms like scooting, diarrhea, vomiting, and pale gums. Giardia is typically identified by watery, mucous-like diarrhea. Coccidia symptoms can be alternating diarrhea (when the parasite sheds) followed by normal stools. A fecal test can confirm or rule out these diagnoses.

Vector-borne Diseases.

These diseases are transmitted by mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks. Usually, they are easy-to-treat, especially if they are caught early. Your veterinarian may recommend a Snap 4DX test that can screen for Heartworm, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma – ticks that are found in abundance in Aruba. It also tests for Lyme Disease, although that does not exist on the island.

In some instances, a rescue puppy may have a weakened immune system that does not produce enough antibodies to be detected in antibody tests. In this case, your veterinarian may suggest tests such as Complete Blood Count or Polymerase Chain Reaction if your puppy is showing symptoms of a vector-borne disease.

Your puppy may have been treated in Aruba for Ehrlichia or Anaplasma with Oxytetracycline injections and Doxycycline antibiotics. If your rescue demonstrates weakness, lethargy, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, fever, joint pain, stiffness, or anemia, contact your veterinarian immediately for medical attention. If tests are negative for the Vector-borne diseases mentioned above but your puppy is still showing symptoms, ask to test for Hepatazoon and Babesia. These tick-borne diseases are rare; however, they have been seen on occasion in our rescues. Your vet may not know to test for these so please be sure to mention them if symptoms persist!

It’s critical for all dogs to receive basic training, from how to walk well on leash to being comfortable with strangers – so start training early! Establishing boundaries and routines are imperative to both you and your puppy’s relationship and lifetime success.

The Canine Good Citizen program is an excellent place to start. Read more about it here.

Socialization is also an important part of training. Soon after you bring your puppy home, begin to expose your him/her to different dogs to learns how to get along with other canines. Puppies who are not socialized sometimes never learn to “speak dog” and develop fear-based or aggression problems.

The AKC is a wonderful resource when it comes to learning proper socialization and more. Learn about the best time to socialize your puppy, how to do it right, and why it’s important here.

We strongly recommend exploring training classes based on age, skill level, the developmental needs of your rescue. This is an investment that will serve your puppy throughout their life with you and your family. Please research and register for local training classes.

If you are on Facebook, join the Cunucu Friends group. We all love to watch these pups grow up in happy, loving homes. If you post, please put their new name and then the original name they were giving in parenthesis. This allows fosters, flight volunteers, etc. to recognize their puppies. If you are on Instagram, you can also follow our account @newlifeforpawsfoundation.