Bluebird Puppy Essentials

Bluebird's Puppy Food,  the one to have for Gotcha Day! 🏡🐾

Years of research, trial and error, and veterinary consultation have gone into our choices. We know the breed, their GI system and what works best. 

Use this for the first 6 months of life. Free feed or feed 3x per day as much as your pup will eat in 20 minutes. 

After 6 months old, switch your pup to Taste of the Wild Ancient Grains, Ancient Stream formula (below). Transitioning should be slowly over 2-4 weeks to avoid loose stools. 

Bluebird's Dog Food -First choice, our base dog

 food after puppy food. The transition food at 6 months old. 

This is an All Life Stages formula, in case you have other dogs that you may want to transition to all be on the same food. You may transition your puppy to this after the first few weeks of settling in at home. (Transition should be done slowly over at least 2 weeks time) Remember our Pomskies are 50% Siberian, and can have a sensitive tummy. Yours may take after their Sibe GI genetics, or the more hardy Pomeranian GI system. You will get to know your pups system over time. This is why all changes are done slowly as no one wants to clean up diarrhea! We want tootsie roll stools. 

The Bluebird difference: knowledge and experience!

Salmon is the Husky go to, having been genetically geared toward that protein source for generations. 

We recommend avoiding chicken, poultry, and basic grains as they are the number one cause of allergies in dogs and are a common cheap filler (along with peas, in most dog foods). This is NOT a grain free formula, it has ANCIENT GRAINS like sorghum, millet, quinoa, and chia. 

*Fun fact: 🤔

Most dogs have up to 30 copies of a gene that digests grain. Huskies have two. The same as a wolf. Regular kibble is like a foreign language to their stomach. 

Once your pup has transitioned to Ancient Stream you can later add in small amounts of the other Ancient Grain protein profiles for flavor variation. I would still avoid the all poultry formula until you know how your pup is with chicken/poultry. 

After spay/neuter you will want to decrease feedings to twice a day (from the puppy three times a day) and be sure to monitor for weight gain. Keeping your dog fit and at a healthy weight is one of the most important ways you can show them your love. 💙 

Beef heart training treats 

A must have for Gotcha Day!

Start with breaking these into ¼ while your puppy grows. Remember they have only had mom's milk and their kibble. So please go slow. 💙

Surf and Turf bite size 

These make a great special treat!

✨️ Stella and Chewy Surf and Turf Patties

Bluebirds love these! Crumble and mix into kibble. 

Taste of the Wild Prey: Angus Beef is a limited ingredient formula with pasture raised Angus and no rendered meats or by-product meals. Angus makes a great mix in to your regular Ancient Stream Salmon kibble for variety. This should not be a base food unless your pup has specific dietary restrictions. 

Ancient Grains Lamb 

There is zero poultry in this, just lamb. 

That makes this a great starter mix in! 

Ancient Prarie 

A great mix in once any sensitivity to poultry has been ruled out. 

Water Buffalo, Pork, Bison, Venison...

this does have some chicken in it as the 3rd ingredient. So buy a 5lb bag to start slow. If your pup does well next time you could mix a 5# together with a 14# bag of the Salmon formula for the variety. I would aways keep Salmon as the main protein source. 

*A cautionary note. This type of mix in is okay.  To add toppers, wet food mix ins, etc you will create a picky food monster. Pomskies being half husky are good at regulating their metabolism and may only nibble one day and eat more the next. This is a Sibe trait. We worry and begin going to great lengths and are quickly wrapped around their little paw to do their Olympic feeding feats that will quickly change on a dime. If you enjoy that sort of thing, by all means. I used to enjoy cooking gourmet meals for my family and recipe meal planning a week at a time...so no judging here. For our Bluebird Mommies, it is a way of life. However, the pickier they are, the more it can actually be a detriment (strictly momma dog speaking, but that may also translate to spayed/neutered pets as can potentially put them on the path to weight gain later)

Tomlyn High Calorie Nutritional Gel for Puppies, (Nutri-Cal) 4.25 oz

Please have this on hand. Puppies under 5 lbs are at highest risk for developing low blood sugar. In a pinch you could use corn syrup, or honey. In even of concern for hypoglycemia give 3cc a little over ½tsp by mouth to your puppy immediately and call your vet. 

What is puppy hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia means low blood sugar. In young puppies, especially smaller breeds, it can come on quickly and become serious fast. Common signs include weakness, unusual sleepiness, shakiness or tremors, lack of coordination, disorientation, collapse, and sometimes seizures. If symptoms are moderate to severe, prompt veterinary care is important. 

Dog Booster Car Seat for Small/Medium Dogs up to 35 lbs,Interior 7 Inches Elevated Pet Booster Seat,Ultra Soft Fabric and Memory Foam Car Dog Bed,Safety,Comfy,Fully Detachable Washable(H-Black/Grey)

BWOGUE Pet Dog Seat Belts, Car Headrest Restraint Adjustable Safety Leads Vehicle Seatbelt Harness (1 Pack)

Loops over headrest and prevents tangling around dog. 

FXW AuraSpace Acrylic Indoor Dog Playpen for Small and Medium Dogs, 30 Inch, 8 Panels, White

This is great in case you have a climber. I would get at least the 30in tall size for minis-standards. 

Micros to toys could probably get away with the 24in tall size, but at least 30in for all is best. You could try the shorter height if you want to be able to reach in easily... 

Acrylic Dog Playpen on Wheels, Indoor Whelping Box with Pet Stroller, Puppy Playpen for Small Medium Pets, Cat Rabbit & Puppies, 6-Panel with Bottom Panel, 8 Wheels, Safe, Sturdy, Apricot Gray

While I don't own this yet, it is at the top of my wishlist! I am loving that it has a bottom to keep floors and surfaces clean. The wheels make it super convenient to wheel into different rooms or areas so your pup can join you wherever you are easily. At only 23½ inches high, this would work best for micros to toys. Other sizes could use it as well, maybe just not as long. 

The umbilical cord method is our go-to for puppies in training. Feel free to ask. :-)

Snuggle Puppy Junior

Heartbeat Puppy Toy for Small Breeds, Smaller Plush Dog Toy with Real-Feel Pulse, Designed for Crate Use and Early Routines - Biscuit

Calming Pheromone Diffuser that we use in our nursery!

When new pups are born, their mother naturally emits pheromones that give the puppies a sense of security and comfort. These pheromones help dogs bond to each other and their mom. ThunderEase replicates these pheromones for a drug-free, vet-recommended, calming solution.

Adaptil Spray  is great for a spray in the crate, first car rides, or travel carrier. We use this for our airline flights and crate training. Also works great when sprayed onto the Snuggle Puppy. 

A little goes a long way. Spray and let dissipate for about 10 minutes as it has an alcohol based carrier. 

*I do not recommend the calming collars at a young age for safety reasons. 

 24-Inch Pink Fashion iCrate for Small Breeds, 12-20 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latch, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble

Comes with a divider panel to start with until your puppy grows. Will want to be sure and get a couple crate pads that is small enough to fit in the divided area. 

I will link some below in various sizes. 

24-Inch Blue Fashion iCrate for Small Breeds, 12-20 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latch, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble

Comes with a divider to use as your pup grows. Just be sure to get a couple crate pads small enough to fit in the divided area. I will link some below. 

30-Inch iCrate for Medium Breeds, 21-40 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latch, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble. 

Comes with a divider to use as your pet grows. Be sure to buy a couple of smaller size crate pads to fit in the divided area. Extra pads are nice in case one gets soiled and is in the wash. 

*please know that a 30lb standard may do best in a 36in crate. I feel the sizes given are too generous. 

**Also, there are many options available. Be wary of other brands durability and quality. I know and use the Midwest Pet brand shown here. 

MidWest Homes for Pets XXS QuietTime Double Bolster Pet Bed, Pink Plush 18-Inch Crate Mat with Stacked Bolsters, Machine Washable, Secure Fit with Elastic Straps

MidWest Homes for Pets QuietTime Fashion XXS Dog Bed – Blue Faux Fur Bolster, Ultra-Soft and Machine Washable, Fits 18-Inch Crates and Carriers, for Small Dogs and Cats (Pack of 2)

This would be the smaller size ro use in the 24 in crate with the divider up. 

 Fashion Dog Bed - Pink Faux Fur Bolster, Ultra-Soft and Machine Washable, Fits 24-Inch Crates and Carriers, for Small Breed Dogs

This would work for the 24in crate without the divider or the 30 in crate with the divider. 

Be sure and get a couple. 

MidWest Homes for Pets Small QuietTime Double Bolster Pet Bed, Blue Plush 24-Inch Crate Mat with Stacked Bolsters, Machine Washable, Secure Fit with Elastic Straps

This size works with the 24in crate without the divider or the 30in crate with the divider. Be sure to get a couple. 

I love the elastic straps on these to fit around the 24in crate pan. 

Mora Pets Dog Crate Pad Kennel Bed Crate Mat for Small Dogs Washable Cute Star Pet Bed for Dog Cage Ultra Soft Flat Puppy Cat Kitten Pillow Cushion for Sleeping Anti-Slip Brown 24 x 18

I do find that Bluebird's like the pads with bolstered edges to use as a pillow. Thsi does not have that, but their snuggle puppy works well as a cozy pillow too. 💙

Mora Pets Dog Crate Pad Kennel Dog Bed Mat for Medium Dogs Washable Cute Star Pet Bed for Cage Ultra Soft Flat Puppy Cat Kitten Cushion for Sleeping Anti-Slip Blue 30 x 19

Don't forget to get a couple in case one is in the wash. 

- K9 Advantix II topical: labeled for puppies 7 weeks and older and 4 lb or more. This provides flea, tick, and mosquito coverage. 

*For puppies under 4lbs, we recommend an Rx from your vet for:

- Revolution topical: prescription product labeled for dogs 6 weeks and older, with a dosing size for puppies up to 5 lb. In dogs it covers fleas and also controls American dog ticks, plus heartworm and some mites.

**We strongly recommend against use of any oral flea & tick meds due to risk of neurotoxicity and seizures for all of our Bluebirds. 

⚠️Please use topicals only.

PetArmor Plus 5-22lbs flea and tick protection  for Dogs, Small Dog Flea and Tick Treatment, 6 Doses, Waterproof Topical, Fast Acting (5-22 lbs)

The same ingredients as Frontline Plus, at ½ the cost!

In MN, we use this monthly early March through November. 

PetArmor Plus 23-44lbs is vet-strength protection that’s safe for puppies 8 weeks and older. 

Cutter Backyard Bug Spray is what we use to treat our lawn and we love it!💙

We use this in our front and back yards Spring through late Fall. Simply hook to the hose and spray...

 It is also a consideration for those with tiny toys under 4lbs. With this you could just treat the yard and not the dog. That option would work while your pup is still small and not fully vaccinated where outside exposure to places frequented by other dogs is restricted. 

Panacur C Fenbendazole 1 gram treats 6 to 10lbs for deworming given prophylactically every 6 months for 3 days. 

6 to 10 lbs: 1 gram packet mixed into a spoonful of wet dog food once a day for 3 days. 

If over 10lbs, round up and use the 2 gram packets. 

Panacur C Fenbendazole 2 grams treats 11-20lbs 

Use once daily x 3 days every 6 months. Mix into a spoonful of wet dog food.

**{For 20-30lbs, use this one (2 grams) and the first one (1gram) mixed together once a day x 3 days.}

Canine Dewormer is for the treatment and control of Roundworms, Hookworms, Whipworms and Taenia Tapeworms in Dogs. Panacur C treats all 4 major intestinal parasites in dogs. 

Panacur C (fenbendazole)  4 grams treats 30-40lbs. Use once daily x 3 days every 6 months. Mix into a spoonful of wet dog food. 

Canine Dewormer is for the treatment and control of Roundworms, Hookworms, Whipworms and Taenia Tapeworms in Dogs. Panacur C treats all 4 major intestinal parasites in dogs.