Puppy Care & Nutrition
A new puppy is an exciting addition to the family. However, it's important to realize that puppy care requires a great deal of patience, time and love. Part of good puppy care is providing good nutrition for your new canine baby. Your puppy won't eat the same food as a full-grown dog or even a senior dog. Learn all you can about puppy care and nutrition before bringing home your new canine family member.
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Puppy Formula
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Your puppy should be completely weaned from the mother dog prior to bringing him to your home. Some puppies are nervous and like the comfort of warm puppy formula. You can place a tablespoon of puppy formula on a flat saucer. Show your new puppy the saucer. This will provide your puppy the nutrition he needs without giving him traditional cow's milk or cold liquids. Puppy formula should be used as a treat or if your puppy is having a hard time adjusting and refusing to eat its other puppy food. This will make puppy care easier as your new family member adjusts to your schedule and routine.
Canned Puppy Food
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Puppies have to grow their baby teeth before they can switch completely to dry food. Once puppies are weaned, mix a tablespoon of puppy formula with two tablespoons of canned puppy food. Allow your puppy to eat as much as he likes every four to six hours. Puppies will generally eat canned puppy food until around 6 months of age. Provide plenty of play time, cuddling and comfort to your puppy during this stage of puppy care.
Dry Puppy Food
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At around 6 months of age, you can switch your puppy to dry food. Add a few morsels of dry food to the canned food. Each day add slightly more dry food until your puppy has switched completely over to dry food. You will notice that puppies will want to chew. Provide soft chew toys that do not have small pieces or parts for your puppy to chew and explore.
Fresh Water
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Fresh water is vital. Make certain to show your puppy the water dish and encourage him to drink. Some puppies will fill up on water. Show them the water after he's had a chance to eat his meal or snack. Always provide fresh water after a walk or playing outside, regardless of outside temperature.
Veterinarian Visits
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Part of good puppy care is veterinarian visits. You should take your new puppy to the vet within a week after he arrives at your home. The vet will give you a routine shot schedule and check your puppy's general wellness. Don't hesitate to write down questions to ask the vet at each visit about your puppy's care and nutrition.
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