rescued pet potty training; rescued pet heart worms; belly bands - the male wrap ;

Question
Hi Marie,
Thank you for your time and service. In about a month I will be adopting a rescued stray. He appears to be a teacup Pom or Pom-mix; he weighs 4lbs and currently has heart-worms, which is why I have to wait to adopt. The rescuer keeps him in a doggie diaper and I was concerned about house-training him. I wanted to use the crate method with a soft-crate, but the dog is already about 5 years old so I know it will be difficult. Something that concerns me is that she said dogs this small can rarely hold their need to eliminate 8 hours. Have you seen this to be the case? I cannot come from home from work and am wondering if I should just start training using potty pads right away or always keep him in a diaper. Or is it possible that with proper training he can hold it for 8 hours? I mean, in the end, he weighs four pounds, how much damage can it be? I just want to do what is right for the dog. Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hi Priscila, Thank you for adopting a rescued pet!  Good for you.  It's too bad he has heart worms but great that he is getting the treatment.  It is a very harsh treatment that he is undergoing.  As far as the potty training, you will want to go with the WEE WEE pads.  Most little dogs won't " hold it " for more than 5 - 6 hrs.  We have a Chi that is 4 years old and she won't hold it thru the night.   Most of the time she will get up to poop or pee at 3 or 4 am.
It's just hard for them to go 8 hrs for pee or poop.  ( Thank God for our potty pads)

You may need the male wrap - Male belly band.  He may have a tendency to mark-
You can break him of this down the road.
Here is what the belly band looks like:
http://www.dachshundsdressedforshow.com/dog-belly-band-male.html


Please consider getting this new kid onto the NuVET wafer or powder supplement program.

Just 1/2 a wafer or teaspoon per day - Helps to protect the hips and joints ( knees) and great for skin and coat....( Chi dogs have many problems with the patella, knees)

See here:  
"Call in" if you want the small 19.99 sized bottle
1-800-474-7044  ( order discount code 81098)

http://www.nuvet.com/81098


Good luck -  I hope you get your little one soon!

Marie Peppers LPN Ma