Your furbaby may be a bit pongy when getting off the happy bus! Alfie really did smell. The following morning we gave him a very quick bath with some dog shampoo to take away the strong odour as it made the house smell. Because we didn’t want to traumatise him anymore that’s why we did a quick wash, shampoo and towel dry. Luckily he was very cuddly anyway, so we sat and gave him a lovely long cuddle which he loved. He doesn’t like having a bath though. Just be prepared yours might be a bit pongy after that long trip. They do feed, water and wash down their cages but it is a long trip so inevitably will have accidents. Also you must have a slip lead to accept the dog off the happy bus. They will have an upset tummy for about a month so expect that, don’t worry they are not ill. We’ve got our Alfie on a special dried mix from the vet for sensitive tummy’s and Winalot in jelly. Little meals to start with. We had Alfie on chicken and rice for about a week, then started introducing the new food. Put down some puppy pads by a front and back door just in case any accidents happen. We didn’t have any accidents from Alfie, he has been brilliant. We just let him in the garden 6 times a day for the first week, with a lead on so he got use to a lead. Then when you start walking the pup, we do 3 times a day now. – Derek
“If your dog is a bit stinky but it’s too early to bath him/her, you can brush some bicarbonate of soda gently through the fur. This neutralises the smells and is a nice way to bond with your pooch.” – Elly
“Buy a slip lead for when you collect the dog to ensure they don’t get frightened and bolt before you can get them safely home” – Frances
Especially if getting a pup look on Amazon for lamby dog toy: it’s a cuddly lamb with a heart beat (you can get it with a heat pad too). It helps your pup sleep at night like it’s with its litter mates – Steph