Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
Newborn puppies start their lives out as vulnerable and defenseless creatures, totally unable to fend for themselves in this big world. Not only are neonate pups unable to hear and see, they don't even have the ability to pass stools or urinate without outside help, either. Thankfully, mama dogs usually save the day.
Everyone calls them whiskers, but technically those wild hairs protruding from the area around Sparky's nose and mouth are called vibrassae. While they enhance his cute looks and personality, they're for much more than show. Don't worry if he loses one of these navigational feelers; it will grow back.
Puppies are born without teeth, allowing them to nurse without causing pain to their mother. During their first weeks of life, they develop temporary teeth, known as milk teeth or deciduous teeth. As puppies mature, they lose these temporary teeth, allowing permanent adult teeth to take their place. Sometimes, however, the temporary teeth do not fall out as quickly as the permanent teeth grow in and it appears as if they have double milk fangs. If the baby teeth don't fall out, consult your veterinarian.
It is as a puppy that dogs develop fears, social skills and begin to understand how the world works. In the wild, a puppy’s mother will show him the ropes, correcting him when he does wrong and using her leadership to show him how to act. By bringing a pup into a home, the responsible dog owner assumes that essential duty. Kindness, patience and consistency are key to raising your pup to be a good adult.
Although some types of animals, such as baby elephants and horses, start their lives knowing how to walk pretty much right off the bat, newborn puppies aren't part of that category. Despite that, young pups still develop the ability to stand and walk around a lot sooner than human babies.
If you think it's cute when your puppy mouths, bites and chews on your hands during play, think twice. Although it's acceptable behavior among littermates, when your puppy grows up, his snippy behavior can result in cuts, bruises and torn clothes, and most likely you won't find it cute anymore. To prevent having to deal with an adult dog who uses his mouth to get what he wants, nip his behavior in the bud early on.
In a perfect world, newborn puppies will only eat mother’s milk for the first few weeks of their lives. But in some cases, mama isn’t around or she doesn’t produce enough milk for her entire litter. So you’ll have to step in and feed her infants. Before attempting to feed the puppies replacement food, talk with your vet to get any special instructions for your particular situation.
Nursing puppies place huge demands on their mother's body. For several weeks, she's at their constant beck and call for feeding. If the weaning process takes place gradually, that's the best outcome for both mother and offspring. She gradually produces less milk as the puppies rely more on solid foods. By the time the puppies are completely weaned, she should be "dry."
Fish, including salmon and tuna, offer fatty acids that support immune health and brain function in dogs. Salmon and tuna are both safe for pets and readily available. Cook the fish first to kill any parasites or microorganisms that could sicken Fido, or feed fish oils instead.
Mother dogs stimulate their young puppies' excretory systems by licking their privates, stimulating them to pee and poop. Under normal circumstances, you don't have to intervene. If something happens to the mother, though, stimulating the pups' poopers becomes your responsibility.
You probably already have a few simple objects lying around that are more than acceptable to use with a teething puppy. Find out about a simple home object to use for a teething puppy with help from a pet wellness expert in this free video clip.
If a newborn puppy starts to choke, you're going to have to act quickly. Save a choking newborn puppy with help from a partner in the Chuckanut Valley Veterinary Clinic in this free video clip.
Giving newborn puppies CPR may be necessary in a wide variety of different situations. Give newborn puppies CPR with help from a partner in the Chuckanut Valley Veterinary Clinic in this free video clip.
Most mother dogs take excellent care of their newborn offspring. From the day a female dog gives birth, it is her instinct to nurse, clean and protect her pups until they are weaned. However, in some cases a mother dog will abandon one or more of her young. There are several reasons why a mother dog may cease to provide the canine maternal behavior that is necessary for her pups to survive.
Nursing puppies receive all of their nutritional needs from their mother, but they should be eating puppy food by 2 months of age. Food should be of high quality, packed with the nutrients their little bodies need to supply their seemingly boundless energy. Puppies require more calories than older dogs and need to be watched closely to ensure that their diet allows them to thrive as they grow.
If you own a clingy puppy, you may find it endearing at first. But over time, you may wonder what you need to do to reduce "Velcro puppy syndrome." While it is normal for puppies to instinctively follow their owners, it is true that encouraging dependence may be counterproductive -- it can make a pet overdependent. Excess clinginess may lead to a dysfunctional attachment that may pave the way for future problems. Learning how to raise an independent puppy will help your puppy mature into a well-adjusted dog and will play an important role in your puppy's development.
When a new mom deserts her pups or if she is unable to care for her young, you may be forced to feed her puppies yourself. Bottle-feeding a newborn puppy can be challenging, especially when you are incorporating potty training into the agenda. The frequency of your new pup's stools relies on several factors and you need to keep an eye on her to make sure she continuously relieves herself. Consult your veterinarian before you begin bottle-feeding and let him know if you have concerns about elimination.
Dogs, much like their owners, are capable of catching an assortment of illnesses. Upper respiratory infections will cause your pet to experience symptoms similar to what a human does with a common cold. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, runny nose or eyes, lethargy and, in some cases, the chills or shaking. Anytime your dog is sick, it is a good idea to have him examined by a veterinarian to ensure proper diagnosis and prompt treatment of illnesses.
An abandoned puppy probably has not had any kind of regular care or interaction with people. Often the dog has been abused in various ways or, at the very least, he has been neglected. It will be hard for a puppy with such experiences in his short life to learn to trust people; but with careful handling you will be able to develop a bond of trust with the pup, allowing him to become an excellent friend and companion.
Feeding your puppy a balanced diet is essential to his health and well-being. Many people tend to overfeed their puppies in the hopes of promoting growth. They're unaware that overfeeding can trigger the development of various medical conditions such as hip dysplasia and osteochondrosis. To avoid having to deal with these conditions, monitor your pup's weight and feed him measured amounts of food according to your veterinarian's instructions.
There's nothing like a new puppy to bring joy into your home -- they are so appealing and adorable in their play, exploration and discovery. It's important to remember that when you first bring a new puppy to your home, she is in an unfamiliar place. She may be frightened, afraid of strange faces and loud noises after having been plucked from the warmth and security of her whelping box. This is a time when your frightened puppy needs behavioral training from her new parent. The more human contact she experiences, the more comfortable and socialized she will become.
Weaning is the gradual process of reducing the puppies' dependence on their mother's milk for nourishment and water. She will drink less water as her milk production decreases, while the puppies need to ingest more water to replace what they are no longer getting as part of their mother's milk.
A dog will thrive on the basic needs of food, water and attention from the person who means the most to him. Dogs are pack animals, and rely on leadership from and inclusion in their human family, whether it is a raucous game of fetch or a quiet nap on a Sunday afternoon. No matter what breed or age your dog is, a happier life will depend on the connection between a canine and his companions.
Dogs are pack animals, and although they have become domesticated over the centuries, the pack mentality still prevails. The family dog’s pack consists of his human and canine housemates, and could also include other pets in the home. When a dog has a close relationship with another dog and one dies, your pet may be inconsolable. Dogs are extremely adaptable creatures, however, and few will be able to mourn for long if you take steps to ensure that he is not lonely or ignored.
Puppies gain significant physical and emotional benefit from their mothers during their early developmental period of life, up to about eight weeks of age. Separating pups prior to eight weeks can create health and behavioral issues, according to Cindy Moore of K9 Web. Some professionals involved with canine reproduction even prefer to err on the side of caution and wait 10 weeks.
An uncontrollable, highly energetic puppy or dog can pose many challenges to a dog owner. If your puppy or dog reacts to seemingly every stimulus, if it appears to be unable to settle down, chances are you may own a breed predisposed to being active -- or your dog may simply lack appropriate outlets for pent-up energy. True hyperactivity in the real sense of the word is actually rare among dogs, explains Debra F. Horwitz, a veterinarian specializing in veterinary behavior. In many cases, hyper dogs just lack appropriate exercise, social contact and mental activity. Learning how to provide proper…
Selamectin is the active ingredient in Revolution, a pet treatment for fleas and ticks that is applied to the pet's skin and enters the bloodstream. Other topical flea and tick prevention products are also applied to the skin but are absorbed into the hair follicles and released periodically. Selamectin has more benefits than most topical applications, as it also protects against ear mites and internal pests such as heartworms and intestinal parasites.
When a dog is pregnant, extra care is required in regard to nutrition, exercise and general health. As the time of whelping approaches, provide a suitable whelping box lined with newspaper or other absorbent material that can be easily changed. Introduce it to your dog in advance, so she's familiar with it. When the dog goes into contractions at the end of about 63 days, you must also offer moral support and physical assistance as necessary.
It is an exciting and angst-filled time after your dog gives birth -- not knowing if all has gone as nature intended -- or even if all of the puppies will survive. The first 36 hours are the most critical of a puppy's life, according to world-renowned veterinarian and author J.M. Evans. Though there is much to do long after the pups are whelped and before they leave to go to their new homes, you should arm yourself with basic survival strategies to give your newborn puppies the best start in these critical first hours. Always consult an experienced veterinarian…
Rabies vaccination for canines is mandatory in every state of the United States. This requirement is in place with good reason. Rabies is a deadly viral disease that attacks the central nervous system. In most cases, infection is fatal. As it is spread through saliva, the licking behavior of dogs makes them prime candidates for this virus to take hold in their bodies. Proper timing of puppy vaccinations can protect them from this disease.
Lactulose is a prescription medication given to dogs to treat constipation and liver disease. The medication increases the amount of liquid in your dog's intestine, which softens the stool and promotes defecation. Proper administration of Lactulose is essential to get a favorable outcome. Therefore, dog parents must always stick to their veterinarian's dosage and administration instructions.
For some new owners of purebred puppies, there may be an element of mystery surrounding the American Kennel Club and its "raison d'etre," or reason to be. Since 1884, the American Kennel Club has maintained a registry of purebred dog pedigrees representing more than 160 breeds in the United States. For a fee, the AKC records the eligible litters of AKC-registered dogs, giving unique registration numbers to each one. This way, you can track your dog's lineage. It's possible you'll find you're in a position to even brag a bit about the champions in your pup's ancestry.
It takes only 24 hours for the effects of malnutrition to begin wearing on the body's organs, but it requires days and often weeks to reverse the harm and regain health. The amount and type of food a starved dog is fed during the recovery period means the difference between survival and further complications, even death. Monitoring how much and how fast he eats gives his traumatized body time to slowly get used to having food once again.
It is important to keep your dog as healthy and comfortable as possible while she waits to deliver her puppies. Therefore it is essential to de-flea her to keep her stress levels down and other unpleasantness, though using commercial flea products can be dangerous. Such products contain powerful chemicals which can harm any animal, let alone one that is pregnant. Go the natural route when de-fleaing a pregnant dog to ensure she and her pups remain healthy.
There’s only one thing better than moving to a new neighborhood with your dog, and that’s finding out that you’re surrounded by fellow dog lovers. Get everyone together by hosting a dog meet-and-greet party so that the owners and their pets can get to know one another through games and other social activities. You won’t just break the ice with your new neighbors; you might just make some two- and four-legged friends for a lifetime.
Your dog is sexually capable of mating as young as 6 months of age. There are several factors you can check to see if your female dog is pregnant. Knowing if your male dog has been mating isn't really possible, but if he isn't fixed, keep him away from unspayed female dogs. If you are unsure if your pooch has been mating or if your dog is acting differently, it may be time to take her to the veterinarian.
Pit bulls are one of the most common dog breeds found in animal shelters throughout the U.S. Many irresponsible owners allow their dogs to breed and then abandon the puppies. In other cases, mother pit bulls are unable or unwilling to care for newborn puppies, and responsibility for caring for the puppies falls to the dogs' owner. Raising an orphaned pit bull puppy is challenging, and if the dog is younger than 6 weeks old the dog will require constant care and supervision. With attentive care and proper veterinary attention, however, you can successfully raise an orphaned pit bull.
Teacup puppies may be smaller than other dogs, but their needs are larger. These tiny dogs come in a variety of breeds, such as poodles, Yorkshire terriers and Pomeranians. Since they’re so small -- once full-grown, teacup puppies will weigh no more than 6 or 7 pounds at most -- their bodies are very delicate and their stomachs are small, so they must eat frequently. These puppies also can easily develop low blood sugar, known as hypoglycemia, so be on the lookout for listlessness and troubles with coordination, which are signs your puppy needs to see the veterinarian right away.
A boxer dog is a medium-sized dog, great for a family environment with children and also acts as a watchdog. A boxer averages 22 to 25 inches tall, and weighs from 55 to 70 pounds as an adult. As with all dogs, boxers require special care to ensure they have a long lifespan and are well-mannered and obedient. With proper care, you can expect your boxer to live from 11 to 14 years and be a beneficial addition to your family.
Puppies begin to loose their puppy teeth when they are between 4 and 8 months old. Even though the razor-sharp teeth will be replaced with permanent adult teeth, it is important to give your puppy proper dental care. Bacteria from food residue creates placque on the teeth, which in turn can lead to decay, inflamed gums, and the possibility of painful and expensive tooth extractions. Brushing a puppy's teeth when he is young also makes the task much easier when he is fully grown.
Although many people think dogs and cats are mortal enemies, if they are raised together from a young age these animals can get along without trouble. When a puppy is still young, it has not fully developed the predatory instincts that prompt dogs to chase after smaller animals, such as cats. Growing up together, these animals will get to know each other better and be less threatened by the other animal's presence.
The Seeing Eye Puppy-Raising Program recruits volunteers ages 9 and up to raise puppies for a short time before they enter official training for service to blind individuals. Puppies generally require foster care in a private home between the ages of 7 months and 18 months. To volunteer, you must sign up to raise a Seeing Eye puppy through the 4-H Youth Development Program, which entails filling out an official application and attending the 4-H puppy club meetings before and after receiving a puppy into your home. Raising a puppy for the program may be challenging, but it's a practical…
If you want your dog to love water as an adult, you will want to expose him or her to water at a young age. Getting your puppy into the water when he is young is ideal, because at such a young age, you can make a game of it. Remember, all dogs are different and you should never force your dog into the water. Rather, keep the mood playful and allow your dog to explore the water at his or her own pace.
If you are looking for a puppy that is affectionate with lots of energy and fluffy fur to cuddle with, consider the Shiba Inu. The independent temperament of Shiba Inu puppies requires owners to devote time and effort to caring for them so that they grow up friendly toward people and other dogs. Their distinct double coat necessitates particular grooming care, which separates this breed from other types of puppies. You might also find yourself attracted to the puppy's physical features, from the tail that curls upward to the pointy ears that stand tall.
Pine bedding, usually in the form of fluffy, shaved flakes of pine, seems like the ultimate in pet bedding: soft, clean, inexpensive and the pine oils even keep the puppy's fur clean and soft. Unfortunately, serious concerns have arisen regarding the safety of pine bedding for animals. Although the verdict isn't in yet on pine bedding for older puppies and adult dogs, newborn puppies should never use pine bedding.
The Shichon, recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club as the Zuchon, is a cross between a Bichon Frise and a Shih-Tzu. The cross results in an independent, alert, intelligent, affectionate and lively dog. For the first few weeks of their lives, the mother does most of the work in caring for Shichon puppies. After that, caring for them is the same as caring for any puppies -- you need to feed them, exercise them, provide veterinary care, love them and socialize them.
Puppies love to play with their litter mates, sometimes roughly. While play fighting, puppies learn bite inhibition. One puppy bites another and it yelps, indicating the bite was too hard. These bites can leave scars, particularly on thin-skinned breeds such as the Greyhound. Scars don't usually require much attention because scar tissue is the product of a healed wound. Sometimes though, dogs aggravate scar tissue by licking and scratching, forming hot spots that need to be treated.
A rabbit can give birth to up to 15 babies -- or kits, as they're called -- and that means a lot of cleanup for the owner. After they're born, the owner should monitor the state of the kits and ensure the doe is entering the nest box to feed them each day. The nest box is placed in the doe's cage, and it's where the kits are be born and remain for at least 7 days. You should only have to change the bedding once -- immediately after the birth -- and then do some routine cleanup in the…
Keeping your puppy's coat soft requires regular grooming sessions. Brushing and bathing your puppy keeps its coat healthy, free of odors and removes dander and bacteria. Insufficient grooming of your puppy can make it smell, and its hair can get tangled and matted. Grooming a dog from a young age makes it easier to groom it as an adult; the dog grows accustomed to it. Your puppy ends up with a healthy coat and enjoys the quality time it spends with its pet parent.
Colorful and easy to keep, guppies are one of the most popular choices of aquarium hobbyists. Unlike most fish species, the guppy does not lay eggs. Instead, the female gives birth to live offspring, known as fry. A typical birth, which follows a gestation of 21 to 28 days, may involve 12 to 30 fry released over a few hours. The needs of mother and offspring give the home breeder a good reason to set up a suitable environment for the fish and recognize the imminent birth.
