Utica Pet Supply
45460 Van Dyke Ave.
Utica, Michigan 48317
(586) 726-8001

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Much attention is brought to Pet Stores that sell puppies in that they are easily associated with "Puppy Mills". How can I be sure that Utica Pet Supply does not do business with "Puppy Mills"?
Answer: Utica Pet Supply uses the highest standard in the pet industry. All our breeders must hold a U.S.D.A. license; which means they are all inspected and regulated by the Federal Government. Our breeders all have Vets on staff that care for the puppies as well as the breed stock, the vaccinations are kept current on the puppies as well as the Sire and Dam.

Question: How often should I give my puppy a bath?
Answer: Baths can be given as often as once a week, and as needed in between. It is important to use the appropriate shampoo for your puppy. Never use a product that is meant for a human i.e. Johnson's Baby Shampoo. These products are too harsh for your puppy and the Ph is not balanced to match that of a puppy and will strip the productive oil coat and cause your puppy to develop hot spots. Only use a product that is labeled for puppies. Remember, keep bathing as a routine; this will decrease the anxiety for the puppy and you.

Question: Are their certain puppy snacks that I should avoid feeding my puppy?
Answer: You should avoid all snacks that are not sold or marketed as a puppy treat. Remember some treats are high in sugar and should be limited in the amount that you feed to your puppy. Also, giving treats is an excellent training aid and reward but, giving too much will only cause your puppy to eat less of its puppy food which is the best nutrition for your puppy. Snacks and treats can always be broken or cut into smaller pieces; a puppy will respond to a small treat just as well as a large piece.

Question: How often (and how much) should I feed my puppy each day?
Answer: We believe that all our puppies should be fed on demand, having access to food and water 24/7. Puppies are not in the habit of over eating and will only gorge themselves if food is withheld. Small breed puppies will eat between 1/2 and 1 cup of food each day.

Question: How do I house break my puppy?
Answer: We encourage and recommend Crate Training. This method could cut house breaking time in half. The basic method of crate training is to place the puppy in the create any time you can not watch the puppy. When the door is open the first duty for your puppy is to go to the bath room. Stay with your puppy during the training process; always go to the same spot; wait until your puppy eliminates; and then reward and praise your puppy. The cage crate will be your puppies sleeping and eating place instinctively your puppy will try not to eliminate where they eat and sleep. Remember, be consistent and use positive reinforcement to reward good behavior. Other methods are newspaper, puppy pads, and puppy litter.

Question: How do I keep my puppy from chewing on the furniture, shoes, etc?
Answer: The best way to keep your puppy from chewing on inappropriate objects is to provide toys and treats for your puppy to chew on. Start from day one teaching your puppy what "No" means. Move the puppy away from anything you do not want the puppy to chew on and give the puppy one of its own toys. Keeping the puppy in its cage crate when you are not at home or are sleeping will provide a safe place for your puppy and prevent the puppy from harming itself or your belongings.

Question: What should I expect within the first few days of bringing my puppy home in terms of behavior and health?
Answer: When you first take a puppy home there is a stress associated with the change in environment. Some puppies will exhibit a decrease in appetite, or have some diarrhea. At no time should your puppy be lethargic, or completely stop eating or drinking. The puppy you purchase from Utica Pet Supply will be Vet checked, and all vaccinations will be current for the age of the puppy. Your new puppy should be active, playful, and curious. If at any time you think your puppy is not behaving normally you should contact Utica Pet Supply for advice or seek Veterinary care.

Question: How often should I take my puppy to the Vet for a check up?
Answer: All puppies purchased from Utica Pet Supply will be Vet checked and vaccinated age appropriate. We will give you a date as to when the next vaccination is due. This is the next date you should visit your Vet. In most cases your puppy will need a booster vaccination sometime between one and three weeks from the date of purchase. Your Vet will schedule any further vaccinations that your puppy will need. Routine checkups are not necessary for your puppy unless you feel there is a need for your puppy to see a Vet.

Question: What should I do with my puppy when I have to leave the house? Is it ok to crate him?
Answer: We believe your puppy should definitely be crated anytime you leave your home. This will keep the puppy safe and give you the peace of mind that nothing will be chewed and accidents will not be happening all around your house. Puppies feel comfortable in a small space such as a crate and soon will recognize the crate as its home. If not using a crate, always provide a safe environment for your puppy while you are gone. And, as always, whether using a crate or not, your puppy must have access to food and water at all times.

Question: How often should I exercise my puppy?
Answer: Puppies are very active. Most puppies will receive adequate exercise with normal activity and playing in your home. Some large breeds or working class puppies may require additional exercise and walking. Remember, walking on a leash is a learned behavior and will take some time and training for your puppy to master this.

Question: Is Heartworm testing that important?
Answer: Heartworm prevention should begin as soon as your Vet prescribes it. A Heartworm test usually will not be done on a puppy younger than six months. As an adult dog, Heartworm tests are done on an annual basis. Some Vets prescribe the Heartworm prevention mediation year round and some only during mosquito season.