best dog bones for german shepherd puppies

We love all of our fur family of animals as our own. Each one is a precious life who we raised for the joy of contribution as "YOUR" lifetime family member for you and yours. Here at our unique ranch, we breed Top Show Quality English Style Labradors, American Quarter Horses, Arabian Horses and a menagerie of fairytale like small animals in a certified wildlife habitat and preserve, with 47 years of agriculture and breeding experience. Our life and our home is dedicated to these beings and making life long lasting friends with our community. We don't own our animals, Our animals own us! Our dogs are part of our family, No mass production. They get the best quality feed and natural nursing. They are gently held and cared for as infant babies would be. They are loved and socialized with people and other animals. We will provide you with our recommendations from many years experience. Reserve your labrador puppy with select look, color, gender, temperament and perfect match! A Furever Friend Our lab puppies have been adopted as high quality pets, as contribution for other breeding programs, for service and therapy, for agility, hunting and great companionship! They love to cuddle for a good movie snuggled on the couch and play during the day. They care, they have feelings and they know what you require from them. What would it be like to have one of these puppies? We like yogurt!!! Around the clock for the first 8 weeks of their lives, we assure they are properly eating, exercising, give them lots of love, kisses and begin socialization. Introducing them to unusual sounds, activities, animals, toys, obstacles, etc. At 8 weeks, they are ready to be adopted and go home with their forever families! The fun begins! Or do you prefer black lab puppies? We evaluate our english lab puppies which are best for show, breeding, pet, service and therapy. Investing in a healthy breed quality Labrador puppy ensures a long life of optimal health enjoying every moment of your time together. He's our sweet stocky beautiful block head boy and is available at STUD. Proven as an ultimate producer of show english lab puppies. Breeding for the betterment of the breed is our primary focus. Outstanding Pedigree Rain Forest. Since Welcome to Tru-Heart Labradors! Tru-Heart Labradors is an established professional dog breeder situated between Jacksonville and Gainesville, Florida, that proudly produces the finest dual-purpose chocolate, yellow, and black Labrador Retriever puppies currently available in Florida. Our puppies are sold on a limited-registration basis to pet homes only, and we take pride in the fastidious, loving, and stimulating environment in which they are raised. Because we want every Tru-Heart puppy to find the best possible forever home, we ask that you submit an application before we discuss pricing or accept a deposit from you for one of our outstanding puppies. We do not inbreed. How do wild animal populations manage to remain healthy for thousands of generations without DNA testing? They don't lose important genes from the gene pool. In the wild, animals occasionally move from herd to herd, or flock to flock, which helps to restore genetic diversity to the population. If a particular group becomes isolated, and new individuals are prevented from entering the population, the gene pool is effectively closed. Breeders of other domestic animals understand this. Dogs are no different, and we put this truth into practice. By adhering to our scientifically-proven breeding philosophy, we ensure Tru-Heart puppies are born with sound temperaments, aesthetically-pleasing conformation, good bone, and genetic health and vigor. Please watch the following video on this subject from the Embark Canine Health Summit:. Duke is a perfect fit in our family. He loves our small children. He is medium in size. He is just like his momma Lacey.I highly recommend Penny Lane Labradors! Jennifer Sample: Duke I constantly get comments not just on how handsome he is but his temperament. My husband has had labs his entire life and I have owned one other lab with him for 10 years. Bosun is hands-down the best dog we've ever had. Thank you for breeding such great animals. He is a gem! She is adjusting well! Thank you for taking care of her for 8 weeks :! Charlotte Kountz: Dannie Thank you for our puppy muffin Juno. She is so sweet. She is definitely getting spoiled. She is a good little girl. We just adore her! Deanna Morrey: Delilah Lexi has the most adorable smile and is a little cuddle bug! Rachel Roberts: Lexi We named our little ball of joy Maisie. Thank you for such a wonderful pup! We love her so much!! He loves to swim at the beach and go on walks. Laura Watson: Sully Brady on his 11 wk birthday. He is very good - after the first night he has slept thru all of the nights. He is the perfect puppy!! Loves to get into the refrigerator- never seen anything like it! Took her to the beach first time Yesterday- she absolutely loves all the other dogs and people she meets, and they love her. She sleeps thru the night now in her kennel next to our bed. Thanks for raising such a fine puppy- she has stolen our hearts and filled our lives with joy! She is adjusting fine. She slept free in her own bed in our room till about then went straight back to sleep. Erika Foster: Olive. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the United States. They are loyal, outgoing, friendly, and active. Affectionate and good with other dogs and children, they make wonderful additions to your family. There are plenty of reputable breeders in the Sunshine State to choose from. All the breeders mentioned in this list make sure the puppies are well cared for, including receiving all vaccinations, being thoroughly vet examined, and adhering to the Labrador Retriever Official Standard set by the American Kennel Club AKC. The 10 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Florida 1. No Lab has ever been returned for health or temperament issues, and each pup is raised in a home with 5 acres of land, plenty of love, attention, and care. All puppies are dewormed and thoroughly examined by a veterinarian. They also do not remove dewclaws. To get started, fill out the form under the contact link on the website. They focus on breeding pups of superior temperament and health. All puppies are vaccinated, microchipped, AKC registered, and come with a health certificate. They also offer a 1-year health guarantee. The bloodlines have a history of service dogs , companion, show, and hunting dogs. The pups are sold with limited AKC registration. The breeder socializes the pups, and they are raised in a loving environment. They are more focused on breeding for their own breeding stock and show lines but occasionally have pups available. They serve Florida, Georgia, and surrounding states. All puppies are AKC-registered and bred for companionship, show, field, and service work. All pups are examined and tested for top-quality breed assurance. They are happy to assist you with any questions; all you have to do is shoot them an email. Augustine and Jacksonville, Florida, this small hobby breeder raises AKC-limited-registered pups in the home. All puppies are bred according to the Labrador standard health and temperament and are ready to go home at 8 weeks. All parents are genetically tested for any joint issues and any signs of inbreeding. The British Labrador is primarily a sporting and hunting breed that holds the Labrador Retriever standard temperament. Their facility sits on 7, acres of land filled with wildlife and designed by nature experts, creating the perfect hunting-training scenario. They handpick from the finest British Labs in the world to produce the best hunting and sporting Labs. The puppies are sold with an AKC limited registration and are microchipped. You can take your new puppy home at 8 weeks, and the breeders raise them with love and plenty of attention. A unique fact about this breeder is they use an early socializing technique called early neurological stimulation , which improves cardiovascular health and other physical benefits.

Show more How much grooming does an American Bulldog need? American Bulldogs have short fur that generally only needs an occasional brush. American Bulldogs often have skinfolds which require regular cleaning. Speak to your vet for advice on how to do this for your dog. Show more What size crate do you need for an American Bulldog? When inside their crate, your dog should have plenty of space to: sit and stand up at their full height turn around without touching the sides lie down fully s.To find out more about potential health issues.Are American Bulldogs easy to train? You can teach any breed of dog new tricks! Find out what your dog loves so you can use this to reward them after a success. Just like you, every dog is an individual with their own unique personality and prior experiences. So, every American Bulldog temperament is different. As dogs grow from puppies, they learn all about the world. They d.Show more Are American Bulldogs good with children? Every dog has their own unique personality that has been shaped by their own experiences of the world. However, there are som.Show more. Nikki has been adopted! Way to go Leslie and Robert! I need a home! Please contact her foster home, Lisa. Email is at the bottom. She is a 6 year old female American Bulldog, weighing about 90lbs. She loves everyone, adults children and other dogs, but I wouldn't put her near cats. She's house broken as long as my husband puts her out after she eats like I keep telling him. She walks well on a leash and does not pull. She doesn't jump on people when they come over, but she does scare them with her bark. She's just content with stay in what ever room you are in and being touched. Please contact Lisa for more information on Patches. He is approx mos, up to date on shots and altered. Foster is brindle and white. He absolutely loves children. Foster is playing well with the other dogs in the family, but is already showing some dominant features. We will want Foster to go to a female dog family, that is fairly submissive, or as an only dog. He is a very obedient dog, and very loveing. Please open your hearts and home to Foster. Foster is being fostered by Paula and family. Email Paula for updates on Foster!! Email Foster's Guardian Angel, Paula! Look at those ears! What a cutie pie, Trouble is. Trouble isn't really mush trouble at all, she is a good little girl, that is deaf. Trouble is high energy and would make an excellent activity partner. She loves children, and has been with children her whole life. She is a A-rate snuggler too! Please email for more details on Trouble. Email Michelle at Guardianambull aol. Pinky Don't ask me, ask Chris and Barb??? Anyway, Mr. Pinky has been adopted by Barbara! Way to go! Send us updates please! Diamond is a 9mos old American Bulldog, that spent her first few months outside. She is at my home now where she is being evaluated. I have nothing but nice things to say about this dog. She is a quick learner and a real love bug. She is getting along great with the other dogs, even the King of the House can't be mean, she is just too sweet! Here is a new pic of Diamond, and go to the bottom of the page for some more pics. Please consider Diamond for your home. Email Michelle if interested in Diamond Mr. R is at his forever home! He is still a baby at 7 months old. R was bought from a back yard breeder and was never trained. He is a very hyper, bouncy boy. He is crate trained and housebroken. R's owners said he is not good with other dogs. Please consider Mr. R for your family. She is more on the dominant side. She will be spayed and fully vetted prior to adoption. She is part of a litter of 12, please continue scrolling down the page to view her brothers and sisters. Please contact Jayme for more information on this puppy. Oakley needs a new home! Oakley is wonderful and they love him very much, but they do not have the time to invest in his happiness. Oakley is sad, he loves his big brother who plays with him everyday and his little sister who gets mad because Oakley steals her toys! Oakley loves toys and loves to kiss!! Please help us find a new forever home for Oakley. Email Michelle if interested in this great dog! Shredder was adopted! Way to go ontherebound. Rosie was found as a stray and never claimed. She was sleeping in someone's garden for about 2 weeks before a good Samaritan contacted me. Rosie is believed to be between years old, and as sweet as a button. She adores everyone she meets, other dogs, cats and kids included. She appears to be house broken and is crate trained. She had been fully vaccinated, dewormed, tested negative for heartworms, lymes disease, and erlichia and is on Proheart6, the new 6 month heartworm shot. She is scheduled to be spayed soon. Rosie was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, which is under control with daily medication. She had also suffered from flea bite dermatitis, which turned into a secondary skin infection that caused her to loose a lot of hair on her rump. Her antibiotics have helped clear up her skin, and her hair is slowly starting to grow back. Her lower canines and upper and lower incisors have been worn down to nubbs, but has great teeth otherwise, no tartar! Despite all that she has been through she still remains the sweetest girl you will ever meet, constantly wagging her tail. She is quite the talker too and wants to tell everyone her sad story, along with a kiss for listening to her. She Rides well in the car, and walks okay on the leash, but we are working on that. Rosie loves her toys and will let out a little growl if another animal gets to close to the toy she has, but is fine with humans playing with her same toys. She is a sweet girl who deserves a loving, warm home to call her own. You have to meet this girl in person to see how sweet she really is! Roxie is boarding at a local animal hospital until the appropriate home is found. References, Home Visit, and adoption fee is required. The Humane Society of Baltimore County at exstention 0 or email hsbcanimals annapolis. Diego is a nuetered, deaf Dogo Argentino that was to be euthanized becuase of his impairment. Diego is 6 months old as of April, and knows a few signs. He is a great dog, loving people and dogs alike. He has not been tested with cats or small animals yet. I tried to convince my honey that just one more wouldn't matter, but he said NO! What nerve! This pup is going to make someone a very proud owner. He is just so special and its going to take a real special family to adopt him, if you fit the bill email me! Please check out this website for some basic information on the Dogo Argentino, or Argentinian Mastiff. Education is important so do your homework! Please email us for any information you would like to know, we want this to be a well calculated decision. Meet Bryan, from the Bronx in NY!! Mesha, Bubba's foster mom had this to say about him. This is Bubba, he is my very first foster dog and I couldn't have asked for a better puppy. He has only been with us for a week and a half and he has made so much progress. He loves to cuddle with us and he knows when its time to play and time to stop and take a break. He has been wonderful with my 14 month old daughter probably because she gives him food. He loves to be outside where he can run and be the center of attention. He also loves to chase birds across the yard. In my opinion he would be better suited for a home with another dog. He seems to need that companionship. He actually sleeps on top of my AB. Bubba is ready to be in a permanent loving home, though he still needs some help on potty training issues. He even jumps in the shower with his foster mom! A baby pool or access to water will be a must for this aquatic boy! If you are interested in adopting Bubba, please email Michelle at Guardianambull aol. She is a total love bug and wants to snuggle. She is more on the submissive side. Opie was adopted by his foster parents! Email Michelle if interested in Opie. He will be Neutered and fully vetted prior to adoption. He is part of a litter of 12, please continue scrolling down the page to view his brothers and sisters. Meet InkyDink, being fostered in New Jersey! Don't ask me, I didn't name him, lol! Here is what InkyDink's foster home had to say about him! Black is an unuaual color for an American Bulldog. Inkydink is the first Black Bullodg we've fostered. He's a good looking dog. He has a remarkably good temperament. He's housetrained. He's laid back. He's gentle around children. He's the kind of dog you're looking for. We will be neutering him in early September. We are looking fro adopters who've had some exerience with large dogs. Please provide a vet reference along with the application. Please fill out our Email Nick for more information on InkyDink! Todd is located in Washington, DC. Todd was found wandering down the side of a road in rural Alabama. Although he had obviously had a rough time of it, he quickly came up to us and allowed us to put a leash on him and pick him up to put him in the car. We went to a local shelter, where they kindly let us give him a bath and get him a little fixed up. He was severely underweight and weak, but let us do everything to him without complaint. As he was found to be heartworm positive his chances in the shelter were probably pretty slim, so we decided to take him back to Washington, DC with us. He was great the whole way home, obviously just really happy to have a soft place to lie down and food, not to mention attention! As Todd has gotten stronger, he's just gotten sweeter and sweeter. We think he's about years old, and is very curious as many puppies are. However, he's responsive to training. In fact, he's very smart and is picking everything up quickly! He loves meeting new people, and will let us do anything to him! He's not at all food aggressive and gets along great with our female dog, Gator. He's also become friends with our rabbit! Although Todd gets along great with people and our animals, I think he's a little scared of some other dogs. He has growled a few times, but nothing more serious then that. The second time he's met some dogs, he's been fine with them. He's also not neutered yet, so that might help. It seems to be a fear thing more than anything as he doesn't seem to have many problems with dogs smaller than him. Also, he has some scars and a torn ear flap, so it's likely that he had some trouble as a stray. Although we'd love to keep Todd, there is a ban on bull breeds in Washington, DC, so we're unable to keep him. Todd is currently putting on weight at a great rate and waiting to start his heartworm treatment. He's just really the sweetest dog, and deserves a great home! Todd will be neutered, treated for his heartworms, and updated on his vaccines prior to placement. For more information on Todd, please e-mail Megan by clicking this link. You can also call Megan at .Serious inquires only please! She has the most brindle out of the whole litter with brindle patches on her entire body. She is going to be a large female and is more on the dominant side. Mocha is a beautiful girl who has had a tough start in life. Mocha was found wandering the streets of Baltimore, scared to death and looking for some food. She is underweight but nothing a few good regular meals wont fix. Mocha is estimated to be around 6 months of age, and loves to be by your side, she wants to have a part of her body touching you at all times and thinks she's a lap dog. So far she gets along with other dogs but she is still new to our program and being evaluated. She is working on House breaking and learning leash manners, she walks well on a leash but could use some improvement. Mocha is very playful and needs a foster or forever home. Please check back for more information on Mocha. Mocha will be spayed and updated on her vaccines prior to adoption.

Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article. But at the moment, they need your guidance. For now, this includes sleeping next to you for the first few weeks, maybe even longer. Just have their crate or bed close to wherever you sleep. Our articles on sleeping through the night and establishing a nighttime routine will give you extra tips on getting through this phase. A puzzle toy or Kong will work great at making them feel like you leaving them is actually something quite fun. Toilet training All new puppy parents expect toilet training to be on the cards. It will help to remember your Boxer pup is a bit of a goofball. For now, we definitely want to let your pup get used to you and settle into their new home. Teach your puppy about surfaces — Different surfaces can feel strange to pups. Use surfaces like grass, moss, paving and sand. Basically, make their tail wag and we bet yours will too. Teach your Boxer their name. Teach your Boxer puppy to sit. Remember what we said about Boxers and their jumping? Recall — Trust us. Preventing resource guarding Resource guarding is where your dog fiercely protects something they have and will do everything they can to keep hold of it. Dogs can resource guard food, a toy, even a person. You can do this by teaching them that hands and touch can be a good thing. As always, back up your soft touches with some treats. Remember that consent is also a thing with dogs! Never force your Boxer to be handled or pick them up against their wishes. Socialisation exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Fireworks — Watch the world go by outside your house — Play dress up.

Can a dog have a floating rib? Floating ribs are a physical characteristic that is present in all dogs. What does a floating rib feel like? In general, the symptoms are described as: intermittent sharp stabbing pain in the upper abdomen or back, followed by a dull, achy sensation. What do dogs ribs feel like? How do I know if my dog broke a rib? In a severe rib fracture, you may notice your dog has a bulging chest which could be hard or soft. What causes a floating rib in dogs? Floating ribs. How many floating ribs does a dog have? The number of ribs differ between species: Carnivores 9 sternal, 4 asternal Dogs: 13 9 sternal, 4 asternal Pigs: 7 sternal, asternal Why does it feel like my Rib is poking out? If your rib cage is slightly uneven or protruding, it may be due to a muscle weakness. Your abdominal muscles play a large role in holding your rib cage in place. If your muscles on one side of your body are weaker, it may be causing one side of your rib cage to stick out or sit unevenly. Why does my floating rib hurt? One or more ribs on one or both sides may be affected, though the Xth is most commonly concerned. The condition may be the direct or indirect result of trauma, or congenital. Abnormal development of the XIth rib may result in its riding over that above it and so causing pain. Do slipped ribs show up on xrays? Slipping rib syndrome is caused by hypermobility of the floating ribs 8 to 12 which are not connected to the sternum but attached to each other with ligaments. Diagnosis is mostly clinical, and radiographic tests are rarely necessary. If the spine is very pronounced with little or no flesh on top of the individual vertebrae, you have an underweight dog. When your puppy is a two, you may be able to see his ribs. You can easily see the top back bones. When you feel his ribs, you should not be able to feel any fat. Where is my floating rib? The Anatomy of a Floating Rib The last two pairs of ribs at the very bottom of the rib cage do not attach to the sternum at all. How do you tell if my rib is broken? If you touch the spot where your rib is broken, it will hurt more. Your chest will hurt more when you take a deep breath. The pain will get worse if you twist your body. Coughing or laughing will cause pain. There may also be bruising, depending on the cause. If your dog stops breathing, you need to ventilate him to keep his oxygen level up. Make a funnel by wrapping your hand s around his muzzle. How do you know if a dog has a fracture? And for more severe cases, the only option is to fix it surgically. They are; Belly Waist Ribs The ribs have a vital role in the overall structure of the dog and its health in general. After all, it is the area where the vital organs are situated. The rib cage ensures that they stay intact and protected. So how do you find out if your dog has a healthy rib cage? Here is how. Gently place your dog on a table. After that, run your fingers down on both sides of the ribs towards the bottom. Remember that depending on the type of dog, the coat and skin may vary, so apply the pressure accordingly. As you run down your fingers, you will notice the ribs have a thin layer of muscle covering every rib. It feels sharp with the edges somehow poking out. Bear in mind that the visibility of these ribs is not prominent, so touching them with your fingers is the most effective method. Now that you know how the ribs feel, here is how you determine whether your dog is healthy. Also, keep in mind that the floating ribs have a more prominent feel. Typically, an underweight and unhealthy will have ribs that feel bumpy and sharp. The thick layer of fat and muscle indicates that your dog has a higher BCS Body Condition Score The ideal condition for a healthy dog is a rib cage that feels smooth enough. It means that enough fat and muscle protect the ribs, and it ensures that your dog has a balanced weight. Similarly, you can rub down the belly from the bottom of the ribs towards the hips. If the tummy is tucked up and very pronounced, your dog has a low BCS scoring. Similarly, if the stomach drops down too much towards the floor, it means your dog has excess BCS, hence overweight. For the waist, you can start by looking down on the dog from above. The goal is to try and see if the area towards the core narrows down from the chest. Typically, an underweight dog will have a very narrow waist, and parts of the spine may also be visible. In this case, the dog is malnourished and has a lower BCS than average. On the other hand, overweight and obese dogs do not show a visible narrow waist. In most cases, the size of the chest and the abdomen are almost the same. It indicates a high BCS, so you need to bring down the weight and put the dog on a diet plan. These three things are essential to consider for the overall health of the dog. The rib cage is a vital portion of the body as well as the belly and the waist. So it is best to know these things so that you can determine if your dog is fit. Additionally, the floating ribs should not bother you because they are harmless. But if you are extra cautious, you can always take the dog to a vet and have it checked. The vet will run all relevant tests and take an x-ray to make things sure. There are only two possibilities for a protruding rib cage. It is a regular floating rib It is a broken rib In any case, the most probable answer is a regular floating rib, and these are visible or felt on both sides of the chest. But if one side is more prominent and odd, it could be a sign of damage or swelling due to fractures or broken ribs. In that case, the dog needs medical attention, so take it to the nearest vet and have them checked. Dog Floating Rib Treatment Unfortunately, there is no cure or treatment for floating ribs. Because they are normal and you will find them on almost every dog. As long as your dog does not show any signs of discomfort, you should not take it seriously. It is also worth mentioning that the size of the floating ribs also varies across different dog breeds. For instance, smaller dogs like Dachshunds tend to have more prominent floating rib. But there are instances where you need to pay attention. For example, if you notice the skin turning red in the protrusion area, it is a sign that something is not normal. So you should see a vet and have it checked. Many people get alarmed because of the weird look given out by the last pair of ribs. They are most prominent when the dogs are small; that is why people get concerned. In any case, floating ribs should not be a cause of concern for dogs. Leaving untreated broken ribs can have serious consequences, so always make sure you keep an eye for anything unusual. Broken ribs can also lead to respiratory problems and tumors. Dog Broken Rib Lump One of the most common causes of abnormal rib lumps on a dog is a broken bone. It can cause severe problems for the dog if left ignored, so you need to be aware of such instances. These fractures can occur due to accidents like getting hit by a car, fighting with other dogs, dog bites, or being kicked by humans. Generally, dogs have strong bones. They can handle blunt force attacks and can withstand and absorb pressure. But even if they do get hurt, dogs have a way of naturally healing themselves. The most severe complication due to a broken rib is bruising the lungs of the dog. It affects how they breathe, and depending on the severity of the broken bone, and it can even puncture the lungs. If you notice pale gums and irregular breathing, you should immediately take the dog to a vet. It is not difficult to spot an abnormal lump on the ribs, and it is the most common sign to identify a broken rib. It is also advised not to use any antiseptic ointment if you see the wound through the skin. Typically, this happens in a hit and run cases. The best option is to take the dog to the nearest vet because trying DIY remedies will put the dog at risk. Since bone injury is internal, the severity varies and cannot be determined unless examined. Conclusion There you have it. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. Floating ribs are easier to spot in these 11 breeds compared to others. And it acts as the pillar that supports the rest of the rib cage. Thus, with their natural body structure… It can ensure that their heart and other organs in the chest are well protected. The last pair of ribs inside your dog is much shorter. But the last rib is the only one connected to the spinal cord. All dogs have floating ribs, as I mentioned before. At first, the bones start long but gradually become shorter in the end. Due to the length, the last rib can only attach to the spine. With that, it acts as a support for the backbone. Check out this educational video: 3: Can floating ribs cause problems? Thus, vets would normally tell fur parents to ignore them. So, is there a chance that floating ribs can lead to some health risks? Yes, in rare cases they can cause pain in dogs. But how does this happen? According to research , a case of floating ribs leads to severe pain. This is caused by their abnormal movements. To do this, you can try gently touching the bump on their body. Next, focus and feel the way the floating ribs react. Do they move too fast upon touching? And do they feel too loose? Is your furry pal acting weird since you noticed this bump? And are they showing signs of pain? Does your pooch refuse when you try to touch that area? What should I do? They can assess whether your dog can recover with regular treatment or if they need more than that. And there are only a few products that are safe for dogs. So, which ones are effective against painful floating ribs? According to vets at PetMD , here are 5 dog-friendly medicines: Grapiprant or galliprant. Firocoxib like previcox and equioxx. Meloxicam a. Carprofen such as rimadyl, zinecarp, and novox. Are there other ways to help my dog? Skip intense physical activities. Let your dog rest as much as possible. Apply a warm or cold compress to the affected area. While these tips may not seem a lot, they can still help prevent worsening the situation. Extra tip: If there are kids at home, keep them away from your dog for now. Many children love to play, and some dogs will get excited over that. That kind of reaction can lead to more accidental trauma on their ribs. Slipping rib syndrome is an example of a reason to remove floating ribs. Another situation is if the bone is piercing through an organ. This can cause internal bleeding and fatal damage. With that said, a floating rib can only go away through surgery. On the other hand… what does go away is the discomfort it can cause. Most dogs can recover from floating rib pain without the need for surgery. And to make this easy, imagine this scenario: Your playful pooch is running along the stairs. Due to their overexcitement, they missed a step. As a result, they strained their legs. Their ribs. So with that, it can cause some minor pain in your pooch. In most cases, pain-relief drugs can resolve this issue. For others, they only need to let their furry friends rest. And then, the pain from their floating rib will go away by itself. As I explained before, floating ribs are harmless. So if your pooch has it, nothing will change with the way they behave or act. But some dogs will ignore their broken ribs. And that would be: having a swollen chest. If they do have this, try touching the area. This can be fatal, so go to the vet right away. After all, it can be an unusual sight for you. So, to ease your mind… You can visit the vet for a quick check-up. Only an expert can assess your pooch properly. And if they say that you can ignore the floating rib, then follow their advice. And you can do so by visiting a different reputable clinic. All in all, floating ribs are safe in general. Once again, all dogs have them. And if they do have minor issues such as pain… You can review what I discussed in tip 3. Related posts:. Any signs of poor health could prove significantly troublesome for this owner. One of the biggest concerns a pet owner could have is a dog with floating ribs. Here are a few insights into what floating ribs are. Most dogs come with floating ribs. Such a rib is jutted out from the latter part of the ribcage. Unlike what most people believe, a stuck-out rib is a physical characteristic of every dog. While some ribs can be more prominent in some dogs, some are barely noticeable. These floating ribs are pretty common in puppies and a few dog breeds. Every dog comes with 26 ribs in 13 pairs, all of which are attached to the sternum. This floating rib is the last pair of ribs on the ribcage. It is attached to the spine but does not extend to the sternum. That means the protrusion is the end of the floating rib, as it shows the cartilage that caps it. However, some protruding ribs could indicate that the rib is broken or has a tumor. In such instances, you will witness great pain from the dog. Broken ribs cause significant discomfort, which could even restrict the mobility of your dog. It would be best if you took the dog to a vet. It will help avoid further issues or even fatalities. Unfortunately, you cannot tell the difference between a floating rib and a broken one. That is because they are eerily similar. Unless you are considerably careful in the process, getting to understand such differences will be hard. The best way to see the difference would be to observe the physical pain the dog showcases. Various aspects show whether your dog is in pain. Some of the symptoms you could notice will include the following. Reluctance to play or run: A dog will often be reluctant to play, jump, or run whenever it is in pain. This pain could be from any part of the body. Aggression: Your dog is likely to be more aggressive when in pain. In such cases, it will growl, bite, or snap. Rapid breathing: Fast breathing, even when the dog is resting, often indicates that your dog is in pain. Always call a vet if the chest rises more than 35 times in a minute. Noisy: A dog in pain will always vocalize itself, including barking from time to time. Unusual positions: Most dogs tend to arch their backs when in significant discomfort or pain. For instance, be wary of dogs that assume a praying position. Increased heart rate: An increase in the heart rate will often show how uncomfortable your dog is. Ensure that the heart rate count is no more than per minute for a relatively large dog. Unusual swelling: Swellings usually come with significant pain. However, fatty lumps are an exception. In addition, you might notice a swollen or large tummy. The above signs could show that your dog has a broken or ruptured rib. In such cases, it would be best to visit a vet. It is a normal thing and sometimes a congenital effect. However, it could also be a sign of a bigger issue. One of the biggest causes of a one-sided protrusion is a broken rib. In this instance, the ribcage will be prominently protruding and a little too odd. Touching this spot could make the dog quite uncomfortable, thanks to the pain caused. Ensure that you take them to the vet before things get worse. That means it will affect how they breathe and their heartbeats. It causes an abnormal lump in the ribcage, which could puncture the lungs. This way, you end up with a fatality. This protrusion could also be proof of a tumor in the ribcage. While this is unlikely, it is one of the biggest concerns when noticed. Tumors often get painful with time. That means your dog will start experiencing significant discomfort at some point. For this reason, ensure that you take it to a vet for a comprehensive x-ray. This x-ray exam will help determine the extent of the problem at hand. There is yet another cause of a swollen ribcage: organ enlargement. Usually, the increase in the size of an abdominal organ could cause the abdomen to appear relatively large or protruding. This enlargement could happen for various reasons: tumor, inflammation, or an infectious disease. There is a chance that your dog could end up with a bulged chest. This implies that the ribs will protrude while the chest becomes much larger. It often shows that there could be a heartworm infection. This condition is significantly deadly, meaning you need to address it as soon as you notice it. Remember, bulging often happens after the dog suffers from anorexia and weight loss. It also ensures that you notice unusual ribcage protrusion whenever necessary. This process requires you to monitor three critical elements: belly, waist, and ribs. The ribcage is home to various vital body organs, meaning you must be careful when dealing with this part. This cage ensures that the organs stay intact at all times. To check the ribs, run your fingers across the ribcage, and gently so. Unhealthy ribs will always seem way too prominent, bumpy, and sharp. An ideal situation is when the movement of your fingers remains significantly smooth. This smoothness indicates that the dog is healthy and with enough fat to protect the rib cage. You could attribute this to the posture the dog takes whenever it tries to get comfortable. Often, as the dog tries to lie down, it has to get a posture that will keep it relaxed. That means one of its sides could protrude. However, the significant protrusion is a sign of a much bigger issue. You should also be careful with the curve formed by the dog when resting. This curve determines how healthy your pet is. For instance, a sunken curve will often indicate a health issue. It is a sign of chest bone deformity, which is a deformation of the chest and the ribs. Unless treated on time, this condition could cause considerable breathing and heart issues. On the other hand, an outward curve is normal for the dog. An issue can only arise if this protrusion is more than normal. In this case, it could indicate that the dog is suffering from a broken rib or a tumor within the ribcage. Ensure that you monitor signs of discomfort in such cases. This way, it becomes much easier to understand what action to take. You do not necessarily need to take your dog to a vet once you notice sticking ribs. Instead, monitor it for any discomfort first. It is only after this that you can consider getting medical attention. That is because such protrusion is common among dogs, as it is a physical trait. However, it could become an issue if the protrusion is significant and takes a toll on the dog. Usually, this will happen for two reasons: a floating rib cage or a broken rib. Suppose it is a broken rib. The dog could become more aggressive, vocalized, or even reluctant to play. You can also see that this dog is in extensive pain. In such instances, it would be best to take your pet to a medical professional immediately. Generally, dogs come with relatively robust bones. That means their ribs can only break if they get knocked down or injured in a fight. These broken ribs expose your dog to fatalities. Remember, a broken rib could puncture the lungs, resulting in breathing problems in the long run. Unless you consider getting immediate medical attention, a broken rib will cause death. A floating rib is a normal problem associated with most dogs. Its most prominent sign is a deformed or uneven rib cage. Yet, this does not necessarily mean that the dog is in distress. It could happen for three main reasons: trauma, congenital disability, and various health-related conditions. Undoubtedly, yes. Protruding ribs are a common phenomenon among dogs. Most experts associate this with a floating rib, which is characterized by an uneven ribcage. This floating rib is a pair of ribs that are not attached to the sternum. They come last among 13 pairs. However, in some instances, a floating rib cage can be a problem, causing significant pain to the dog. It could also result in acute breathing issues, clicking sensations, and abdominal pain. That means your dog could become more aggressive and reluctant to play. It could also keep on barking, showing that it is in distress. The ribs sticking out could also be a sign of an underlying issue. For instance, the rib cage could become enlarged and more protruding if the dog has heartworms. There is also a chance for the ribs to protrude if the dog has a tumor or a weakened muscle around the abdominal area. These tumors and weakened muscles, however, often cause the ribs to stick out on one side. It would be best to take your dog to a vet if the problem becomes painful. This medical professional will ensure that the dog gets a comprehensive examination of its health, allowing for the correct treatment or prescription. One approach the vet would consider is an x-ray, ensuring that the dog gets a proper diagnosis. While dogs come with considerably sturdy bones, some occurrences can cause the rib to pop out of place. The most common causes of a broken rib are accidents, dog fights, and assault by humans. Whichever the cause, enhanced pressure must be exerted to get this rib broken or out of place. Fortunately, it is very easy to notice a broken or popped-out rib. Take the time to examine the chest. Here, you will run your fingers along the rib cage to determine whether the protrusion is sharp. Any sharp protrusion could indicate that the rib is broken. On the other hand, a soft rib shows that the lung is punctured. In this case, ensure that you consult a vet as soon as possible. The vet will help prevent fatalities upon examining and treating the condition. Since this condition is delicate, ensure that the dog remains still at all times. This way, it becomes much easier to avoid lung punctures. As such, let the dog lie down or stand still, depending on what it will prefer or what makes it comfortable. Dog Broken Rib Lump Have you ever noticed a tumor-like rib in your dog that sticks out? Well, most pet owners mistake this rub for a broken rib or a fractured part. Most breeds of dogs have a total of 26 ribs. These 13 pairs of ribs that are connected to the sternum and sternal protect the vital organs of the dog. They protect your dog from unpredictable attacks and mishaps. While almost all breeds have floating ribs, they are quite obvious in Dachshunds. Floating ribs are not harmful. They are rather commonly found in young dogs. Floating Ribs — The Natural Characteristics of Dogs Surprisingly, a floating rib is the natural characteristic of a dog. These are considered to be the last pair of ribs in dogs. What sets them apart from other pairs of ribs is their unique lump-like appearance. The floating ribs, unlike other pairs of ribs, are not connected to the sternum. They are rather attached directly to the spine. In fact, this is where the last pair of dog ribs end. While floating ribs are absolutely safe and normal in nearly every breed of dog, it is a good idea to check any unusual protrusion with the veterinarian. Certain illnesses and accidents can affect the rib cage structure of your dog. There is also a chance the protrusion may indicate a serious issue. The vet might run a series of tests and X-rays on your dog to detect the underlying issue. The seven pairs of dog ribs are connected directly to the sternum. The last pair or floating ribs in the dogs are connected to the spine, but this pair is not attached to the sternum. Floating ribs get their name from the fact that they are not attached to the frontal cartilage. In fact, many pet owners rush their dogs to the vet specialist to get the issue diagnosed as early as possible. For pet owners, it may seem a little challenging to tell the difference between a floating rib and a broken rib. They are extremely painful. The broken rib is quite similar to the floating rib. If your dog has broken its bone in a fight or an accident, then it will protrude on one side just like the floating rib. Usually, dogs with a broken rib experience severe and sharp pain. The protrusion is more visible in some breeds than others. Dog Floating Rib Treatment There is no treatment for floating ribs in dogs. As it is a normal characteristic of a dog, the floating rib does not need treatment. However, if the protrusion turns red or is painful, then you must contact a specialist immediately. The last pair of ribs in dogs does not connect to anything at all, thus giving their cartilage a weird and funny appearance. However, it is movable. Floating ribs are not a cause of concern, but it is best to get your dog to a veterinarian to confirm that it is the last pair of ribs that is protruding on one side. In some dogs, the large bump sticking out through the skin will fade as your dog ages. Dog Broken Rib Lump Bone dislocation and broken ribs in dogs occur when your pet falls or gets hit by a vehicle. In some cases, the fracture could break the bones but may not affect the skin. The most common sign of the broken bone in a dog is the tumor-like lump protruding through the skin. If your dog has met with an accident or suffered a serious injury to their cartilage, then there is a high chance they will have fractured bones. If your dog is whining after an accident, call a vet right away. Related: Puppy Yelping After Vaccination? Puppy Vaccination Side Effects Broken ribs have the same lump as the floating rib of a dog. As we discussed above, the latter does not cause any pain. Whether it is a bone dislocation or a fractured rib, do not attempt DIY remedies. We wondered how many other people think that floating ribs are unique to certain breeds let alone veterinarians like the one above. The fact is, all dogs regardless of breed, have them. All dogs have 13 pairs of ribs nine sternal, four asternal for a total of 26 ribs. In the world of dogs, there are all sorts of things that can be misinterpreted by uninformed owner as either illness, malformation, or something else. Even in this day and age, there are some owners who cling to what amounts to urban myth, often because a respected uncle or family friend told them it was so. Case in point: The occiput. There are some colorful names for the occipital bone based on this belief, and they include the knowledge knot, the brain bump, dumb bump, and wisdom bump. It pays to have basic knowledge about dogs, and ones own breed. On the other hand, it can help give your dog a lot of comfort. The occiput has several nerve endings, and is an area that often gets a lot of attention from canine therapeutic massage specialists. Our image is of a healthy Azawakh who is used here because owners of this breed are often accused of not feeding their dogs enough. For more on this, read this post. This entry was posted in Dog Breeds and tagged Azawakh , floating rib , myth , occiput , occipute , ribs , structure. Bookmark the permalink. Post navigation.

We're here to help! We firmly believe that if you are going to do something in life, do it the right way and do it as best as you can. We view our puppies as extensions of our family. The adoption process is an opportunity to blend our family and yours, and we keep in touch with many of our puppies' families over the years. Our advanced health testing, cutting-edge socialization, and continual customer support provide the best experience possible for families who adopt our golden retrievers. We know purchasing a puppy is a huge decision in your life, and we invite you to join us. We believe in good health. Many breeders focus on a "show" quality dog or a certain look. At Summer's Goldens, we focus on life-long family companions. While we carry many Champion bloodlines, we use careful genetic selection to lower the COI Coefficient Of Inbreeding of our dogs and improve the breed. Lower COI contributes to better long-term health and benefits golden retrievers as a whole. We don't breed just for today; we breed with the future in mind to have healthy, happy golden retrievers for decades to come. We follow the health-testing guidelines of the American Kennel Club and the Golden Retriever Club of America by examining our adult dogs' hips, elbows, eyes, and heart. We only want the finest goldens to become mothers and fathers. We also do genetic testing through Embark , one of the most reputable and thorough genetic companies. By pairing healthy, genetically diverse parents, we provide the best possible conditions for puppies to live long and healthy lives. This is especially important for purebred dogs like golden retrievers. Not only do we focus on health, but we also take extra care to socialize our puppies well. We strive to cultivate friendly personality traits in our Golden Retriever Puppies for sale. High-quality socialization during the first two months of a puppy's life is one of the most critical components of its lifelong development. Socialization provides a strong foundation for emotionally healthy, well-adjusted adult dogs. This is easy to claim but hard to do. There simply is no replacement for quality time spent with puppies. We follow the lead of Dr. Carmen L. Battaglia and start with early neurological stimulation ENS when the puppies are just three days old. We continue thorough socialization until the puppies leave us. This includes exposing our puppies to a variety of different surfaces to walk on; human touch all over their bodies; temperature changes; different sounds like fireworks, doorbells, cats meowing, and car engines; children; baths and nail trims, and more. We want our puppies to be more than just physically healthy; we want them to be mentally and emotionally ready for their future families. You are welcome to read our reviews on Google and Facebook , as well as the Testimonials on our site. Our goal is to improve the breed of golden retrievers and provide outstanding companions for families. Contact us today and experience joy through our golden retrievers! What can you expect when you pick up your puppy? All of our puppies receive plenty of love and attention. We include a care package with every puppy to help you get started on the right paw. It includes the puppy's baby photos, a blanket with the mother's scent, toys, a bag of the puppy's current food, and more to help your puppy transition as smoothly as possible. We offer lifelong support for every puppy and welcome families' questions and updates. We feel responsible for our puppies and want them to have loving homes their entire lives. We ask potential families to complete the Puppy Application on our website. We allow families to choose their puppy based on the order of deposits received. All deposits are non-refundable unless we do not have a puppy for you. Please contact Marta with any questions! Where do our Golden Retrievers live? Check out the state pages devoted to each location where our Golden Retriever adopters live in the Midwest. These rescues are trustworthy, educated, certified, and overall have left a great impact on their community of Goldens. These rescues are trustworthy, have a great track record, friendly, and overall provide amazing service. This rescue takes in strays that are abandoned or surrendered dogs who can no longer be cared for by their owner. They provide any medical attention needed, and they feed and care for them while assessing any behavioral issues present. The mission of this rescue is full to help the problem of pet overpopulation by tackling the Golden Retriever breed. They are making a huge difference in their community by helping the Golden retriever population get into loving and caring homes. This organization is also extremely active and is a part of events, fundraisers, and other community activities. This rescue can be contacted by using the information listed below. Address: P. We have three trustworthy Golden Retriever clubs that are here in Indiana to help you find and train your Golden Retriever. This club was created because of the common interests of everyone involved who love Golden Retrievers. They put on specialty shows, do excellence tests, agility tests, tracking tests, and more at this club. They are a very involved club that has been moving very quickly since it began in .Their club focuses on dog showing, breeding, and training. Their goals and missions include promoting quality inbreeding as far as temperament, soundness, and appearance. They encourage members to accept the standards as approved by GRCA, plus they do everything in their power to protect and advance the interest of the breed. They are also working on building a rescue mission too. This club takes part in many different activities such as breeding, agility, obedience, and conformation to help achieve an improved breed of Golden Retrievers. They are a very active club with many opportunities for Golden Retriever owners and Golden Retriever dogs that will help owners to learn about their dogs while also giving them a great community to join. Here are a few amazing articles you can check out:. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for Indiana Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Indiana? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Indiana? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Read about little Eeyore! Adopt a Golden Retriever Give a golden retriever dog a loving home. We rescue golden retriever dogs from select areas of Ohio, Michigan and in Indiana. Adopt today! See them all. Help Golden Retrievers We rely strictly on your donations to make a difference in the lives of so many loving, deserving golden retriever dogs. You can play a major role in helping us survive! How can I help? Sponsor a Golden Retriever Be a Golden Angel Sponsor or help a golden retriever with extraordinary, critical medical needs. Get all the details and have your name listed next to your sponsored dog. Become an angel. Volunteer or Foster a Golden Retriever Tuck a dog in at night or help show off golden retrievers at our adoption events. Whether you want to provide a temporary loving home or just want to help at events.Be part of rescue. We also adopt golden retrievers to the southeast area of Michigan and the northeast area of Indiana. We adopt to areas within Ohio, Michigan and Indiana where we can do a home visit by a trusted volunteer. Please contact us to see if we can service your area. As of April 26, , we are now accepting new adoption applications. If you are not an Indiana resident, please visit our Resources Page to locate a state-by-state listing of Golden Retriever rescue groups. We have found it is difficult for the adult members of a family with young children to find the considerable time needed to train a dog due to the family's busy household. GRRACE prefers to adopt our dogs to homes with structural fences, given that many of our dogs have been found as strays. However, we recognize that not all homes have structural fences, and we review each case individually with best needs of each Golden in mind. If you have cat, please ensure your cats are up to date on rabies vaccinations before submitting an application. GRRACE does verify vaccination statuses for all household pets with veterinarians as part of the application review process. Because we often match dogs to already-approved adoption applicants, many of our foster dogs never appear as available on the "Available Goldens" tab of our website. If, however, we don't find a match in these approved adoption applicants, we'll then post the foster dog as "available" on our website. There are several steps in adopting our Goldens: Complete our Adoption Application. As you complete the adoption application, you will be prompted to make your donation through our secure payment processing system. You will receive a donation receipt via email. Please add support petstablished. Emails regarding your application will come from that address. Applications are reviewed and processed within 2 weeks of receipt. The final step before any adoption is completed is a home visit. One of our trained volunteers comes to your home and discusses the adoption process with you. Home visits are done after you are matched with a dog because it is not feasible for us to conduct home visits for each applicant. The home visit is a good opportunity for you and your family, and for GRRACE, to discuss any remaining questions and talk about the process of bringing a new Golden into your family. After a Golden arrives at his or her new home, follow-up phone calls or visits are scheduled to ensure that all is going well for both the Golden and the family. All Goldens are adopted on a two-week trial period. If, for any reason, the match between Golden and family does not work out, the Golden can be returned to GRRACE for a full refund of the adoption fee during that period. After the two-week period, the adoption is considered final. We strongly encourage you to contact us at any time if you have any questions or concerns. We are always glad to hear from our adoptive homes in the future with updates. If you recently added a dog to your home and wish to adopt from GRRACE, we require a month waiting period before adopting another dog. This gives the first dog ample time to settle in, bond with, and become familiar with the routine of the family. Latest Events.

How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. German Shepherd Nutritional Requirements Other than simply minding the amount of food to feed a German Shepherd, you should also consider the quality of the food and the nutrients that it provides. Feeding your German Shepherd with low-quality dog food will cause malnutrition and lead to overeating and health issues like poor skin, gastrointestinal issues, and osteoarthritis. That said, not all protein and fats are created equal. And so, do also consider the sources of such nutrients. Choosing The Right Dog Food For Your German Shepherd Since puppies have different nutritional needs as compared to adult German Shepherds, it can be quite confusing to determine which food you should get for your dog. After all, commercial dog food companies have made it easy by producing specially formulated dog food that provides specific nutrients a dog needs based on breed and age. That said, there are a lot of choices in the market out there. For evening meals, it would be best if you feed your German Shepherd a few hours before bedtime. Mealtime Length Finally, as much as possible, set about a maximum mealtime length of 15 minutes. That amount of time would be sufficient enough for your German Shepherd to eat its fill and will help prevent your dog from becoming a picky eater. However, to get your puppy used to eating dry food, you would want to introduce dry food starting at around 4 to 6 weeks of age. To do so, soften up dry food by mixing it with milk replacer, and offer it to your puppy 3 to 4 times a day. As your puppy gets used to eating the food, gradually decrease the amount of milk replacer until the puppy eventually adapts to eating solid food. Your puppy should get used to eating dry and solid food by around 8 weeks of age. For a large breed like the German Shepherd, you should start transitioning into adult food starting at around 12 to 24 months old. Make sure to do this switch slowly over a one to two week period by mixing and gradually increasing the adult food with the puppy food to avoid or minimize gastric upset. This is as senior dogs typically require fewer calories due to lower energy needs brought about by lesser activity and slower digestion. Therefore, to keep your senior German Shepherd in shape, you must consider a low-calorie, high-fiber, and moderate protein and fat diet. Usually, you can keep on feeding your senior dog with a decreased amount of its adult food or with specially formulated food for older dogs. But, considering older dogs may already have medical conditions that need to be addressed, your best bet would be to consult with a veterinarian to come up with the ideal diet for your senior German Shepherd. As a general guideline, do not provide your dog with supplements unless directed by a veterinarian. Water Aside from providing your German Shepherd with food, also always remember to give it enough water to hydrate. If possible, provide your German Shepherd free access to clean and fresh drinking water to prevent dehydration. And as always, if you find yourself needing help, you can always consult with a veterinarian. Post navigation. Shares German Shepherds are graceful, obedient, and loyal dogs with specific nutritional needs. Following a German Shepherd puppy feeding chart will enable you to track the amount of food your puppy is eating as they grow. There are varieties of foods available in the market and most of them come with guidelines at the back of the packaging showing you how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy. This article will cover different types of diets available and the specific nutritional needs of your German shepherd. It will also help you know what to do to ensure that your GSD gets nutritious and balanced food for every stage of their life. German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart There are three aspects of this German Shepherd puppy feeding chart, namely the German shepherd feeding amount, feeding frequency, and mealtime lengths. It is important to find out the appropriate feeding amount, frequency, and length for your German shepherd without leaving out one of them. That way, you can accurately find out the best way to feed your dog. Overall, there are four ranges that you need to keep in mind. An active dog may require a bit more than the numbers in this list, and an inactive dog will need a slightly less amount. But this guide can act as a solid benchmark. A puppy will need to eat more because they are growing very quickly. Talk to your vet about how much exactly so you keep them healthy and happy. Make sure your German Shepherd has access to fresh, clean water all day. When you take your dog for a walk make sure to bring along some extra water in a collapsible bowl. If they get tired on the way or it gets very hot, this can save their life. So for example, if your dog is 60lbs they should eat between lbs of food in one day. If you notice your dog is losing weight, add more calories to its meal size. However, there are other considerations on how much to feed a German shepherd puppy per day. You might want to consider avoiding meals right before bedtime. Let them digest their food first before they go to sleep. Understanding German Shepherd Puppy Nutritional Needs All dogs require nutritious, satisfying, and healthy food and every breed have their special diet. For maximum energy and health, there are factors to consider when deciding what to feed your German Shepherd: Size considerations- the AKC breed standard says that a German Shepherd can go to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Females can be around 49 to 71 pounds while Males can be around 66 to 88 pounds. This means that they have a big appetite hence it is good to find quality food for them. They grow pretty fast hence they need specific nutrients for specific stages. Activity level- German shepherds are muscular, active, and agile which contributes to higher caloric needs to be complemented by feeding them a high-quality diet. Health consideration- GSDs are prone to many diseases hence a healthy diet will prevent problems. For example, arthritis that is caused by hip and elbow dysplasia can be mitigated through an excellent diet. Ensure that your GSD diet contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. How long does it take for your dog to be full? Is your dog still hungry after eating his portion? German shepherds normally take anywhere from 10 minutes to 15 minutes to finish the meal, given that you followed the proper feeding guidelines properly. If your dog shows signs of slow eating, we recommend sending them to your vet. If you think your dog is already full before finishing his portion, there is no problem. However, if your dog is still hungry after finishing the meal, consider sending him to your vet. This is because this can be a sign of a serious health issue involving their digestive system. They encourage the puppy to chew hence preventing periodontal diseases or tartar. Kibble is less expensive to buy and can stay fresh for longer. See also German Shepherd Gestation Period And Pregnancy Wet food is also essential for puppies because they allow puppies to feel fuller with less food. If your GSD need to shed a few pounds, wet food is a good way to reduce their caloric intake. Wet food is easier to digest, hence they are good for German shepherds with sensitive stomachs. Wet food is appetizing and keeps the puppy hydrated. You need to understand why your puppy cannot eat because it will help you determine the way to deal with the issue. There is no need to worry if the puppy lost appetite shortly and goes back to normal eating without any sign of illness. If the puppy loses appetite and takes a few days without improvement, take your puppy to the vet to find the problem because your dog might be sick. If the vet finds that the puppy is sick, they may suggest a special diet that will boost their immunity and give them extra nutrients to better their recovery. The puppy may have stopped eating because of behavioral issues; therefore, you may need to feed them same time to get a routine. Treats and human food that is given to the puppy may need to be reduced and also you can try different kinds of food. The German shepherd is a medium dog breed according to the AKC. Therefore, free-feeding is not a good idea. For the German shepherds, feeding schedules work better. If the puppies are free-fed the puppy may eat the leftover at any time even when they are not hungry. Sticking to a feeding routine help the puppy to stay healthy and prevent obesity. When you have a schedule, managing their weight and house training will improve. The puppy usually relieves themselves around 15 minutes after eating or drinking, therefore, when they feed at the same time every day and are taken outside after a while, accidents will be minimized. A raw diet is good for German shepherds. A raw diet help improves vitality and energy. The puppy gets healthy white teeth with an increased lifespan and reduced shedding as well as a stronger immune system. Raw meat is a great source of protein and an optimal diet. It is like keto to humans because it allows the puppy to reach their total capacity and good health. Dogs are naturally carnivorous, hence raw diet aligns with their natural needs. However, you should speak to your vet before putting your puppy on a raw food diet. The majority of commercially available kibble food is balanced and complete, and of high quality for your German shepherd puppy. Human supplements often contain harmful substances to animals and are unregulated or minimally effective. Therefore, never give human supplements to your German shepherd puppy. But they can eat small amounts of cooked chicken or turkey, plain cooked sweet potatoes or carrots, plain yogurt, and small amounts of fruits like apples or bananas without getting sick. Talk to a vet for advice on how to feed your German Shepherd puppy a healthy and balanced diet. These include chocolate, fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, chives, avocado, onions, nuts, grapes and raisins, garlic, raw or undercooked meat, and bones. These foods can cause a wide range of health problems, from stomachaches to more serious problems like pancreatitis or kidney failure. Some foods that people eat may have a lot of sodium or sugar, which can also be bad for dogs. How much food to give an older German Shepherd will depend on their needs and how much they move around. But as dogs get older, they tend to slow down and may need less food to stay at a healthy weight. As a general rule, an older German Shepherd needs about 2 to 3 cups of food per day, which should be divided between two meals. A German Shepherd that is getting older should eat high-quality senior dog food that is made for their age and size. Senior dogs might also benefit from getting smaller meals more often. If your German Shepherd puppy seems to always be hungry, you should look at what they eat and how often they eat. Make sure they eat enough for their age, weight, and level of activity. Puppies grow quickly and need more calories than adult dogs, so it is possible that they are not getting enough food. Also, make sure you feed them high-quality puppy food that is right for their age and size. If you are worried about how hungry they are or how much they weigh, you should talk to a vet to rule out any health problems and make a plan for feeding them. The amount of dry food you should feed your German Shepherd will depend on several factors, including their age, weight, and activity level. Puppies: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Adult dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Active dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Senior dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. If the dog is obviously overweight or underweight, adjust accordingly. If you can feel most of the ribs without squeezing your fingers in between them — try 1 cup per day. This is a decent starting point for a growing large breed puppy that needs the extra calories to grow big and strong. If you can feel most of the ribs AND see its waist — try 3 cups per day. This is perfect for an adult German Shepherd which needs extra calories due to being very active. With this amount, it will be able to maintain its weight, but not gain any extra fat. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 3. This is a good amount for a very active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain a healthy weight. This should be sufficient for an adult German Shepherd which is quite active. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 5 cups per day. This is a good amount for an extremely active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain lean muscle mass. For example, when my dog was a puppy, he would feel all ribs and see his waist when eating 2 cups of food per day. However, as he got older and larger, I had to increase the amount — even though I could still feel most of the ribs! He maintained around .Although there are lots of opinions on how much food your shepherds needs, these guidelines work for me and my German Shepherds. Everyone is different though, so you will have to adjust accordingly if necessary — this guide should help you until you find the ideal amount. If your dog is a very active one it may need more food depending on its activity level. Always be sure to give plenty of water since dry kibble can dehydrate the animal over time. However, this amount will vary depending on the size, age, and activity level of your dog. Puppies and young dogs, for example, generally need more water than adult German Shepherds. And working dogs or those who exercise frequently may require even more. This is because they can easily hydrate themselves if given free access to water. However, you still need to remember some things. For example, take note that your dog will need to drink 6 ounces of water per day for every 3. Depending on the temperature and activeness, this amount can increase. Lastly, make sure you take extra care in providing water access to your German shepherd. The most preferable way is to fill a bowl with a moderate amount of water, not too much. The feeding amount, frequency, length, and water requirements can always be changed. If you have no time to visit your vet, the following topic may help you. How Much Should A 1-year-old German Shepherd Eat A 1-year-old German Shepherd should eat about two and a half to three cups of food each day, broken up into two or three meals. Pointers for Feeding German Shepherds Improper feeding practices can lead to serious health problems for German shepherds. An owner is responsible for taking into consideration the age and weight of a German shepherd before feeding them. When feeding a german shepherd puppy that is four to six months old, you must give them two meals a day that comprises around eight ounces and five ounces. When feeding a German shepherd puppy that is between seven and twelve months old, the meal amounts should be increased to ten ounces for each meal. This amount should be split into three smaller meals. This is regardless of whether they are active or not. Yep, German shepherds can gain weight regardless of whether they exercise or not. If you think your dog is gaining too much weight, you can split their daily calories into four or five smaller meals. Some people prefer using dry dog food, while others would choose canned dog food. Whatever you choose for your German shepherd is usually okay, but canned food tends to contain more moisture than dry food which may lead to bladder stones in certain dogs. However, when it comes to the amount of dog food you feed your German shepherd, canned food leads to more obesity than dry food. If your German shepherds are over five years old, you must give them an extra meal. This additional meal should comprise around four ounces of food so they can easily digest it during their older age. When feeding a German shepherd puppy, you must know how to correctly measure their food amount. Be accurate when following the proper measurements; otherwise, it could lead to your dog gaining too much weight. Use measuring cups that are specifically made for dry food. If you use any other type of measuring device, it might lead to your dog eating too much or too little food. You must not feed your German shepherd until they are full, but allow them to eat until they are slightly satiated. Do not serve unlimited food; give them about two to three cups of food per day. If you are unsure whether or not your German shepherd is obese, check its waistline. If they have a thick waist and their stomach looks like a sphere, then that is a clear sign that your German shepherd is obese. Never let them finish their meal if they are still hungry; otherwise, you will encourage them to gorge on their food. Your German shepherd must always have access to fresh clean water, so you should ensure they can drink it whenever necessary. Feeding Guidelines by Age Before proceeding with the following points, remember that age is not the only determining factor in a German shepherd feeding chart. Make sure to consider all the content in this blog post as well. It is recommended that you slowly let them adapt first. This can be their regular food from now on. This includes fruits, bones, and more. You should also avoid giving them your leftovers. However, they will need time to adapt. You should also consider feeding your German shepherd foods that can be gnawed and chewed. This is so they can develop their jaws, teeth, and gums. This will result in less feeding amount and frequency. Feeding Guidelines by Weight German shepherds can be of different weight ranges. An average weighted German shepherd 35 kilograms will then need calories per day. This only applies to German shepherds that do not exercise or are inactive. Active German Shepherds: In the case of active German shepherds that exercise regularly, every 1 kilogram equals 55 calories per day. So an average weighted German shepherd will require calories per day to be able to function properly. Take note, however, that this calculation may be affected if the German shepherd has a health disorder concerned with metabolism or digestion. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Guidelines Our last topic involves the difference between a puppy and an adult. The following are some of the facts that recent studies have proven: Puppies have higher energy levels than adults. This means they need to eat more than adult German shepherds. German shepherds will need higher protein and fat content at an early age. The amount of fat and protein will decrease as they grow older. Puppies cannot tolerate too many nutrients. Ingesting extra minerals and vitamins may lead to serious health disorders. Meanwhile, adults are only risking being overweight when taking in more than intended. German Shepherds usually have a good appetite and can eat a lot, especially when they are young and growing. But their food intake should be balanced and right for their age, weight, and level of activity to keep them from getting too much food and getting fat. As they age, they should usually eat less quickly. Most of the time, bones that have been cooked and ground up completely may be safe to eat. Instead, give them dog-made chew toys or treats. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Since German Shepherds consume meat, it follows that they must consume a significant amount of animal protein in order to get all of the necessary nutrients. Although while it is feasible to offer a dog a vegetarian or vegan diet, owners of German Shepherds should avoid doing so since it increases the likelihood that their dogs will not get all of the nutrients that they need. After talking about the feeding amount, frequency, and lengths of a German shepherd, you can now easily plan how much, how many times, and how long you feed your dog. You even learned how to hydrate your German shepherd the proper way. Lastly, we talked about the difference between a puppy and an adult in terms of feeding. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. To keep up with all these changes, your puppy will require a healthy diet. It can mean the difference between a happy, active, and healthy puppy and a sickly, moody puppy with a slow growth rate. When choosing food for your puppy, ensure that it contains the main ingredients: fats, proteins, and digestible carbohydrates. It should also contain essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals. Puppies need protein for building up their body tissue and for healthy skin and coat. You should always look for high-quality proteins from an animal source e. Fish oil, beef fat, chicken fat and eggs are all great sources of fats. These nutrients can be found in sweet potatoes, whole oats, white rice, and potatoes, among other starchy foods. However, be sure to limit the intake of calcium. Too much of it has been found to cause hip dysplasia in large-breed dogs. A German Shepherd puppy should consume between calories per 10 pounds of body weight according to the Nutrient Requirements of Cats and Dogs of the National Academy of Science Committee. This, however, also depends on their overall health conditions and activity level. You may need to feed them more or less to support their optimal growth. The two most obvious goals of feeding your German Shepherd are for health and growth. How fast do German Shepherds grow? German Shepherds are medium-large dogs and therefore grow at a fast rate over the first six to seven months leading up to adolescence. Adult German Shepherds are 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 95 pounds. Reputable weight charts suggest your German Shepherd puppy will have attained three-quarters of their final weight over these first six to seven months. This is A LOT of growing to do in a short amount of time — when you brought your puppy home, it was probably only eight inches tall and weighed around 15 pounds. By 12 to 15 months old, a German Shepherd is within an inch or less of their adult height. Therefore, your male German Shepherd will be 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh 59 to 93 pounds by his first birthday. How does diet affect the health of growing Shepherds? Recently it has come to light that a proper diet for puppies does more than prevent malnutrition. As part of this proper diet, there are many things that should never be fed to German Shepherds. Orthopedic Problems Many orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia have a strong hereditary component. However, people often discount the role of diet in bone developmental issues. Merely creating an oversized puppy, as is often the case for show animals and people fixated on large dogs, can lead to several painful disorders: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Panosteitis — Generalized inflammation of the long bones in puppies; common in German Shepherds. Overnutrition and over-supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals lead to paradoxical malnutrition of the bone, and subsequently improper development. Nutritional experts have modified their recommendations regarding the diets of large-breed dogs. Many nutritionists and veterinarians advocate feeding German Shepherds and other large-breed puppies an adult or professionally-formulated homemade diet to limit the occurrence and severity of developmental problems. Pet food manufacturers have caught onto the concept of overnutrition in puppies, and most carry special diets for large-breed puppies. Also, do not supplement your puppy with vitamins, minerals, or proteins without veterinarian direction — their excessive use will disrupt bone and cartilage growth and harm the growth plates. Many people use the food bag as a starting point to decide how much to feed their dogs. However, a label on commercial food is one of the easiest ways to overfeed your growing puppy. Feeding your puppy involves regularly evaluating and tracking their weight. You should be able to assess how close your pup is to their ideal weight just by looking at them. Silhouette from the side — a slight tuck. Pat the ribcage where the abdomen slightly lifts towards the hips. From above — Clear waist; should see an hourglass shape from rib cage to hips When you palpate — You should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat without having to prod very hard. Puppies will vary in their body scores and may change rapidly within a few days. Pups often lose their abdominal tuck right after a meal. Puppies under 16 weeks old commonly have a pot-bellied appearance without much abdominal tuck. Thin dogs will show more visibility of ribs, waist, and pelvis without appearing emaciated or unhealthy. If your puppy eats well but fails to grow or gain sufficient weight, consult a medical professional. German Shepherds can be susceptible to rare cases of pituitary gland dwarfism or a deficiency of enzyme production from the pancreas. Volume The easiest way to determine how much food to give your Shepherd pup is to figure out how many cups they need in a day and divide it by the number of feedings. German Shepherds eat about four cups of food daily from 16 weeks of age to nine months or a year regardless of weight. The volume accounts for the relatively high caloric requirements of the young growing animal. German Shepherds over a year old may need as much as five to eight cups of dog food. Other references, however, use weight rather than age. Pups eat one cup of food daily per 15 to 20 pounds. Dogs over pounds receive five cups of kibble plus an additional half a cup for every extra 20 pounds. Like all models, more active dogs need to eat more food — make adjustments up or down based on body scoring. You can estimate the volume to feed your German Shepherd pup once you find the conversion rate. Dry dog food bags and wet food cans usually have the kilocalorie equivalence of each cup of the product. The number of calories you feed your Shepherd depends on how close to the adult weight they are. Once your puppy reaches six weeks old, you may still have to feed it a mash but can decrease meals to four per day. German Shepherd puppies between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks can eat three to four times daily, while most dogs over four months of age decrease to a frequency of two to three times daily. Centering a few potty breaks around meals that stimulate their intestinal tracts helps develop consistent habits. GDV Your German Shepherd puppy will begin to develop a deeper chest combined with significant size by four to six months of age. Both physical characteristics put your puppy at additional risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus compared to smaller breeds. Four months is the age at which most pups will see a significant increase in their meal sizes. Studies have linked large meals with GDV , or bloat, life-threatening distension, and rotation of the stomach. Increasing the number of feedings greatly reduces the incidence of GDV. We recommend at least two meals a day for your dog, even as your Shepherd approaches adulthood. How much to feed a German Shepherd puppy is part of a broader equation that includes avoiding overfeeding, calculating portion sizes, and scheduling appropriate mealtimes. However, a fat or pudgy puppy is not a look anyone should encourage. The puppy may appear to be in good shape, but you need to feel the ribs to be certain. Four Months You can really start to see the amount the pup has grown compared to the eight-week-old puppy! To get a better idea of what to expect with a young GSD, feel free to watch this video! It illustrates the rapid growth rate of the German Shepherd and touches on diets as well. Recommended reading. Split that daily amount up between all meals. For example, if your 3-month-old GSD puppy is a male and weighs 30 pounds, you should feed him approximately 2 cups per day. Since she no longer needs the extra calories to help support her fast growth period, you can safely reduce her feedings to 2 or 3 meals per day. While she should still be eating puppy food at this point, you may consider purchasing a bag of her eventual adult formula. You can use individual kibbles from the adult formula for treats or training rewards. This will help her get used to the new flavor and texture. Around 9 months of age, you can begin slowly adding a small amount of the adult formula into her puppy food, though she should still be eating primarily puppy chow. Only your vet will be able to tell you when your dog has reached maturity and can be safely moved to adult food. So, make sure you are in close contact with your vet to be sure that your feeding plan is individualized for your specific dog. Adult dog food will have a different ratio of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients than puppy food does. Feeding an adult dog a puppy formula can cause obesity as well as put too much strain on kidneys and other vital organs. Long term use of inappropriate food for an adult dog can have catastrophic consequences. That said, there is no need to panic if your adult GSD eats a bowl of puppy food now and then. Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day. Again, bloat is a real problem for large breed dogs, and large meals seem to be a big cause of this. I feed my adult dogs this particular blend for a number of reasons. The blend is designed specifically with German Shepherds in mind, as it uses high-quality, animal-based nutrients to counter the extra stress put on the joints of GSDs and to help the development strong lean muscle to keep your dog in peak physical condition. You really can see the difference. This is evident by the fast decline in health, joint flexibility, and energy in older large breed dogs compared to same-age smaller breeds. When your GSD moves from the adult life stage to senior, you need to adjust her diet. Large breeds reach the older stage not quite senior, but close around half of their assumed life expectancy. Inevitably, your GSD will need to switch over to a senior diet. Older large breed dogs have lower energy needs. Older dogs also tend to slow down their digestion, so an increase in fiber might be a good choice for your senior GSD. Do be sure to confirm this with your vet, however. Not all foods are created equal. For treats, senior dogs should avoid calorie-dense milk bones and high-salt or fatty treats. Opt for healthy, whole-food treats such as apple slices or carrots. Some senior dogs begin to develop health conditions that will require special care. This is often a result of poor nutrition early in life, but can sometimes simply be genetics and old age catching up with them. But for GSDs with health issues such as kidney disease and joint pain, diet can play an even bigger role in the quality of their lives. Getting a personalized recommendation from your veterinarian is worth the time, expense, and effort. These charts can seem pretty straightforward at first glance. Instead, use them as a starting point. Observe your dog, see how he looks and feels, and note any changes in his bathroom habits, weight, or energy level. Adjust his meals accordingly. Generally speaking, they talk about daily intake, not per meal. It means to split that 3 cups total over the entire day. If your dog eats 3 times per day, that would be 1 cup at each meal for a total daily intake of 3 cups. To further confuse dog parents, some manufacturers do list per-meal serving sizes, not the total daily intake! In these cases, if you read it incorrectly, you would end up underfeeding your dog. To help mitigate some of this confusion, it may be helpful to ask your vet how many calories your dog should be consuming each day. Then you can check the calorie content in the dog food and measure things from there. Raw Diets, Cooking for Dogs, and Other Alternative Feeding This article has been focusing mainly on commercially available dry kibble since that is what most pet parents ultimately choose for their dogs. However, there are many dog owners that choose to feed alternative diets. These include raw diets and cooking regular people food for dogs. There are many viable options for feeding your healthy German Shepherd, but there are just as many harmful fads, too. As with commercial foods, be sure to speak with your vet before starting your dog on a raw diet or home-cooking her meals. Human supplements are often unregulated, minimally effective, and often contain substances harmful to animals. Never use a human supplement for your German Shepherd. Final Thoughts What you feed your German Shepherd is just as important as how much you feed them. Pay special attention to the first 4 or 5 ingredients listed on the back of the packaging. Choose high-quality, safety-tested foods with clear ingredient and nutrition labels. The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.

The Merle gene creates multi-color patches in a solid coat and the dogs that carry merle gene can often have blue eyes. The labradoodles with Merle gene and color patches are called Merle Labradoodles. It is one of the most complicated gene but very fascinating. Merle Genetics Merle is actually a heterozygote of an incompletely dominant gene. To avoid these common health issues, knowledgeable and responsible labradoodle breeders mate a merle with a non-merle dog. In this way half the puppies will be merles, and none will have the vision or hearing defects associated with double merle dogs. So, when you adopt a Merle labradoodle puppy make sure to check with the breeder that one of the parents is a solid color only. The UK Kennel Club has acknowledged the health risk associated with homozygous merles and stopped registering puppies produced from merle to merle breeding in .Research indicates that the majority of health issues occur in dogs carrying both piebald and merle genes. Labradoodles who are homozygous for the merle pattern gene often have visual and auditory deficits. Ocular defects include microphthalmia, conditions causing increased ocular pressure, and colobomas, among others. Double merle labradoodles may be deaf or blind or both, and can carry ocular defects in blue or colored eyes. A study by German researchers found partial hearing loss in .Certified labradoodle breeders will only breed one merle with a non-merle to produce normal healthy merle labradoodle puppies. Merle Labradoodle Colors Merle labradoodles are absolutely gorgeous and because of the color patterns on their coats they look rather exotic. Merle Labradoodles come in various colors patterns like chocolate merle, blue merle, black merle, red merle or brown merle. It also possible to have merles in other colors such as sable, fawn, yellow and diluted reds. Blue Merle Labradoodle Blue Merle labradoodles are the most popular among all the merle labradoodles. Blue Merle labradoodles have irregular black patches by gray. The grey or the lighter part of the coat can also vary from a very light powder blue to very dark steel blue. Read this page, then check out our Current Labradoodle Puppies for Sale Allocation Process It's important for each family to remember, the more specific you are about what you want, the longer it may take to find the perfect puppy. Since temperament is our priority, we will always look at that first. You may want to be flexible. Puppies temperament is given priority in placement with you We promise you that we will do our best to provide you with the puppy of your dreams. We understand that it is very easy to fall in love with a picture of a puppy, but it is extremely important for families to understand that it is the temperament and personality of the dog that is most critical when determining which puppies and families will be best suited to each other. Our years of experience give us the knowledge and insight to understand this balance, and we will not place puppies solely based on looks. The most important factors for you and flexibility If you allow temperament to be the most important factor when looking for your Labradoodle puppy and can be flexible in the other areas, we will be able to identify the perfect puppy for you much more quickly. Two part allocation process Our allocation process is two part. First I ask each family to give me their top choice for sex and color. I post these on the website so that other families have an idea of what pups may be selected before them. This is not a final choice and can be changed during the selection visit. Family visits at 8 weeks At 8 weeks of age, I schedule each family who is able, to come and visit the litter. This will allow you to come to Great Day Labradoodles and meet the litter from which you are purchasing a puppy. I realize that some families will have the ability to come and some may not have that option. The visits are scheduled in the order the deposits are received. During your individual visit you will meet all available puppies and we will talk about your lifestyle and how the puppies each best fit. In general, families do a great job on selection using the insight I provide and the individual time with the pups. At the conclusion of your visit your selection is final and you will take your puppy home with you. Be open minded We ask families to be open minded when it comes to the many varied specifics such as gender and color. The more open minded you are in the allocation process, the more likely we will be to place a Labradoodle puppy in your home as soon as possible. Puppies go home between 8- 9 weeks. Go to our Labradoodle Puppies for sale application to register or click here to send us a message. When looking to purchase a merle make sure you are insuring the Australian Labradoodle breeder is having responsible husbandry practices regarding the merle gene. Any breeder of merle multigenerational Australian Labradoodles should be willing and able to discuss all the facts regarding this genome. Click HERE to learn more from our geneticists. Single carrier merles will live a healthy productive life just like any other dog. To ensure that we only breed single copy merles we verify testing of all outside studs or dams used with our breeding dogs since some dogs carry a hidden merle gene, called phantom merle. They are just as strong, silly, and full of adventure or snuggles, and capable of being a service dog as any other Australian Labradoodle! The problem comes down to greed or skipping testing. But doing so can come at a risk of causing serious health issues. A "double merle" known as a homozygous merle have significantly higher risk of being born deaf or blind. To set a president that ill managed breeding practice is not allowed, which is respectable. A German study found .Double Merle can also cause Merle ocular issues. Regarding the blue color in the eyes sometime can lead to full blue iris or increased inclusion of the eyes and blindness. Even though the blue eyes are beautiful we prefer to breed black or brown eyed single merle dogs to reduce the tendency for any health issues. As a merle breeder it is our responsibility to create health happy animals through preventive DNA tests and yearly OFA eye exams. Which, looks like someone had fun painting your dog and no two dogs have the same exact pattern. This rather exotic wild pattern comes in multiple color variations. Merles labradoodles can come in various color pallets; chocolate merle, blue merle, red merle and can be paired with parti, white mis-marks and phantom. Red or cream dogs in a merle litter have a higher rate of phantom merle. Every puppy from our merle litters are dna tested for merle before going home. Our girl Tiffany is considered a "classic" merle where Ranger is a "Tweed" merle. We only know this from extensive genetic testing from Paw Prints Genetics other companies such as Embark don't go as detailed with Merle testing. So all Merle related testing is done with Paw Prints. Select Page Merle Australian Labradoodles, what are they? There are many color variations in the merle coat, chocolate, red, blue, parti and phantom are some common colors we produce. The true Australian Labradoodle was designed in the s for the purpose of providing a service and therapy dog to families that suffer from illness or allergies. The breed is allergy-friendly they produce little to no dander, however, some individuals are allergic to the saliva a dog produces. Wally Cochran was the driving force behind this program, and the goal was to produce a non-shedding guide dog. The diversity of these bloodlines have the potential to safeguard the breed from genetic health problems of inbreeding. The result of these crosses produced intelligent, easily trainable puppies that were the beginning of the Australian Labradoodle as we know it now. Chocolate Merle Australian Labradoodle Merle Australian Labradoodle Coat Types The result of these crosses produced intelligent, easily trainable puppies that were the beginning of the Australian Labradoodle as we now know it. Crossing these breeds together compliments the Australian Labradoodle giving these wonderful dogs a hybrid vigor and a variety of coat types: The Wooly Coat: Somewhat poodle like which requires regular grooming is non-shedding and allergy and asthma friendly. The Fleece Coat: The ultimate coat that is easily maintained, non-shedding, allergy and asthma friendly and somewhat like that of an Angora Goat. The Hair Coat: Anything from flat and straight to curls down that back and possibly wavy and minimally shedding, that is less likely to be allergy and asthma friendly. You will usually see this coat in American bred Labradoodles first and second generation bloodlines. A fun loving, quiet, calm yet comical loving companion Overall, the Labradoodle is a fun loving, quiet, calm yet comical, loving companion for families as well as a fantastic service animal, being easily trainable, loyal and intelligent. The Labradoodle is not a recognized breed as yet, however, many breeders are working towards developing a breed standard for the future recognition of the Australian Labradoodle. Blue merle Parti Labradoodle puppy Merle Australian Labradoodles Merle can affect all coat colors in many different breeds. Some dogs are affected by merle, but the patches are either hardly seen or not visible at all. This is why it is essential to have all dogs in a merle breeding program tested for coat color, DNA or blood testing can be done. Combinations such as brindle, sable, phantom or parti merle colors also exist. In addition merle colored dogs have blue and green eye coloring. In the Labradoodles this gene has been brought into the Australian Labradoodle from the merle poodle and or the merle cocker spaniel. We have been breeding merles Australian Labradoodles for 20 years and all of our breeding dogs have been full tested since day one. We work to breed every dog better than the first, always breeding a healthy well balanced dog with a happy disposition and a non shedding allergy friendly coat. Merle Australian Labradoodles come in three primary colors The three main colors are: Blue merle which is a blue-gray color that is carried over through black Chocolate merle which is a diluted color from chocolate Red merle which is a diluted color from red Variations on these three colors can also include a parti gene making the dog have large patches of white mixed with the color and a phantom gene giving the dog tan points. In addition, these great dogs are hypo-allergenic and non-shedding, Merle Australian Labradoodles have their characteristically wavy fleece coats, their intelligence, their upbeat nature and their incredibly friendly temperaments. As such, it is no surprise that these dogs are fast becoming among the most beloved breeds available. Merle Labradoodles are very rare. The gene is not naturally occurring in Labrador Retrievers or Poodles so it has to be introduced into the lineage of one of the breeds at some point before breeding a Merle Labradoodle. Alternatively, they cross a Merle Labradoodle with a non-Merle Labradoodle. Two dogs that carry the merle gene should never be bred together as many puppies in the litter will be double merles. If you want to compare the price of Merle Labradoodles to other coat colors of Labradoodles you should read our in-depth Labradoodle price guide here. Another great way to keep up to date with Merle Labradoodle prices is to regularly check dog breeder advertising websites like PuppySpot. Check out the adorable Labradoodle puppies that are currently available here! PuppySpot is a dog adoption website that connects breeders with prospective pet owners. They have a zero tolerance policy for puppy mills which is why they screen every breeder annually! They have placed over , puppies in homes and offer various trusted, USDA-certified transportation options to deliver your puppy to your home safely! A Blue Merle Labradoodle features blue black , grey, white and tan colors in their coat in a distinct mottled pattern. Usually most of their coat is grey and blue with smaller white and tan patches throughout it. Blue Merle Labradoodles usually have black noses and can either have brown or blue eyes. They would have originally had a solid black coat but the merle gene diluted sections of it into these lighter colors. Blue Merle is the most common merle coloring for Labradoodles. Are Blue Merle Labradoodles Rare? Blue Merle Labradoodles are very rare as the gene is not naturally occurring in Labrador Retrievers or Poodles. The merle gene has to be introduced into the lineage of one of the breeds at some point before breeding a Blue Merle Labradoodle.

Target does not represent or warrant that this information is accurate or complete. On occasion, manufacturers may modify their items and update their labels. We recommend that you do not rely solely on the information presented. If you have a specific question about this item, you may consult the item's label, contact the manufacturer directly or call Target Guest Services at .Description Give a hungry hound a coin! This adorable puppy is happy to save your coins in his savings box! Place a coin onto the tray, and watch as it happily munches away! The consumed coins are stored in the savings box -- what a fun way to save! Powered by 2 x AA batteries -- not included. Report incorrect product info. Estimated ship dimensions: 5 inches length x 7 inches width x 10 inches height Estimated ship weight: 2. Return details This item can be returned to any Target store or Target. This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, shipped, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or made ready for pickup. See the return policy for complete information. Ask a question. For more information go to P65Warnings. Target does not represent or warrant that this information is accurate or complete. On occasion, manufacturers may modify their items and update their labels. We recommend that you do not rely solely on the information presented. If you have a specific question about this item, you may consult the item's label, contact the manufacturer directly or call Target Guest Services at .Description Give a hungry hound a coin! This adorable puppy is happy to save your coins in his savings box! Place a coin onto the tray, and watch as it happily munches away! The consumed coins are stored in the savings box -- what a fun way to save! Powered by 2 x AA batteries -- not included. Cute battery operated coin bank. Robotic dog consumers spare change, and saves it! Realistic movements, and accepts most coins! Fun way to save money! My Doggy Pig Bank. Requires 2 x AA batteries -- not included. Report incorrect product info. This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, shipped, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or made ready for pickup. See the return policy for complete information. Ask a question.

By Tracey L. Kelley After loving 19 cats, 11 dogs, and a canary, Tracey married someone allergic to all those creatures. Thankfully, she receives oodles of animal goodness sharing stories on Daily Paws! When not traveling, teaching yoga, or doing voiceover projects, she's an editorial strategist and developer for print, digital, and multimedia platforms. We know socialization and exposure to the outside world is extremely important, but we also need to consider potential diseases unvaccinated puppies could pick up during outdoor adventures. Puppies can go outside sooner then you might think—there are just a few steps to take first. Most pups finish their primary series of puppy shots between 12—16 weeks, but that doesn't necessarily mean you have to wait that long to take her outside to potty and investigate her own backyard and you could miss out on the crucial socialization period. Your vet might decide it's all right for your dog to go outside a few days after her first round of vaccinations when she's about 8 weeks old, but work with your vet to determine the safest age for your particular puppy. Evans says early socialization helps puppies adapt and become well-rounded. He suggests finding a secluded space and avoiding feces from other dogs to minimize disease risk while still providing your curious pooch with the benefits of training and life experience. You can also carry her around outdoors so she can sniff the air and get used to a different environment while staying safe. With all their rambunctious energy, it might seem that puppies will dash out the door and be ready to roll and tumble. However, Evans says really young ones have a hard time at first going for a walk on a leash, so take things slowly. And as mentioned earlier, make sure they avoid feces from other animals to minimize disease risk. I would start training leash walking as early as possible. Just don't push it and make it a negative experience," Evans says. When Can Puppies Go to the Park? Evans advises waiting to take your little friend to the dog park until after the full series of her first-year vaccinations is complete. Depending on the canine contagions common in your area, she'll likely be almost 4 months old before she finishes rounds for the DHPP vaccine also known as the 5-in-1 vaccine and those for Lyme disease and leptospirosis. Afterwards, she'll be safely protected and able to play with other dogs at the park, take longer walks, and meet more of her two- and four-footed neighbors. But if you want your puppy to go outside a little sooner, it's fine in the right environment. Lyme Disease In certain areas where ticks are prevalent. Rabies Not only should you wait until your bulldog pupper has had all of their shots but veterinarians recommend that you wait approximately 2 weeks after the last shot was administered before taking them out to play and explore their new world. And yes, it might be frustrating but, frankly, now is the best time to really get to know your new bulldog and start teaching them some life-skills, training and socialization skills. This can change slightly from veterinarian to veterinarian. For the rabies vaccination it is every 1 to 3 years as determined by the state where you and your pup live. The answer to this is no, sorry. The problem is that some viruses can be transmitted through feces. If you decide to take it you can at least minimize the risk by following some basic rules. If the place where you live is one of them, taking your bulldog pup outside before their vaccinations are completed and their immunity is strong could literally be a death sentence for them. Like we said before, even if there are no actual dogs nearby when you go out there could be viruses and diseases lurking in dog doo and on parasites that are in the grass and on other surfaces. If you live in a place where there are a lot of other canines running about the chance of encountering poo and parasites is going to be much bigger and thus the risk much greater for your pup. Many things could possibly happen and most of them are very bad. For example, the canine parvovirus, which is incredibly virulent and dreadful, can kill them quite quickly if they contract it. It causes their internal organs to shut down and causes their eyes to turn blue from the pressure. Parainfluenza and kennel cough are both highly contagious and, if your bulldog puppy gets either one, they can transmit it to other puppies and dogs quite easily. Some potty pads are made with fake grass to look like the outdoors. Now, frankly, you can just use some newspaper and place it in the same spot every day, or place them in a pen and keep the paper in there with them. Piddle Place Indoor Dog Toilet Conclusion Your new bulldog puppy is a bundle of furry joy who will give you and your family years of pleasure, fun, and companionship. Take a few weeks to protect them so that they can make it to their full doggy potential by keeping them inside and safe until all of their vaccinations have been given. However, there are recommended guidelines you need to consider around what point your puppy is with their vaccinations and injections. When can a puppy go outside for walks? The first lot of vaccinations should be done around the 6-week mark, with the second injections happening at around 12 weeks of age. Puppies can go outside for walks 2 weeks after their final set of vaccinations. The second injection typically occurs at 12 weeks old, meaning your puppy can go outside when they are around 16 weeks of age. Can puppies go out in the garden before injections? Puppies can go in the garden before their vaccination injections. Un-vaccinated dogs pose a health risk to puppies who have yet to have their injections. Having your young puppy go out in the garden before injections is good for their development. It means that they get some fresh air and get used to the outdoors, which will make their first walk a lot less intimidating for them once that time comes. Only let your puppy socialise with dogs you already know have been vaccinated and in the safety of your backyard or garden. Once your puppy has had their initial lot of vaccinations, it is important to not skip the second set. This will help avoid them from catching any illnesses or diseases in the future. Most dogs will need booster vaccinations once a year following these two initial vaccines, although your vet will tell you if another treatment plan is more appropriate. Can my puppy go out in the garden before the second vaccination? The second lot of vaccinations can be administered once the dog is at least twelve weeks or three months old. So, in most cases, this would be 4 weeks after you bring your puppy home for the first time. Can puppies go in the garden before the second injection? Never expose your puppy to unknown dogs before they have completed all vaccinations. Once your puppy has received their second vaccinations, it is safe for them to go beyond the garden and to be taken on walks. Puppies can go out in the garden before their second vaccination, but with some caveats. What age can puppies go to kennels? If your puppy is likely to spend time at kennels in the near future, they will need an additional vaccination to protect them against kennel cough, which they can catch from other dogs. Puppies can go to kennels once they reach 12 weeks old. By this time, they will have had all of their injections and will be fully vaccinated against a range of health problems including kennel cough. It is possible to have your puppy vaccinated against kennel cough from 6 weeks old. However, kennel owners will still insist that the dog has had its full range of injections including the second set which typically occurs after 12 weeks. Can I take my dog out before vaccinations? You can take your dog out before vaccinations, but it needs to be in a controlled environment such as your own garden or backyard. What are the injections for? The vaccinations protect your puppy from a range of dangerous diseases and viruses including canine distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis and parvovirus. What are the risks if I take my puppy outside too early? If you take your puppy outside before they have had both injections, they will be exposed to some or all of the serious diseases cited above, giving them an increased chance of becoming infected and unwell, especially since their immune system is more vulnerable than older dogs who have missed a booster. They could catch it from interacting with an unvaccinated dog, walking in an area inhabited by certain diseases or even directly licking dangerous things outside that could not only carry a serious disease, but also be poisonous in itself. This could lead to them developing an anxious and skittish disposition during a very formative period in their lives. Behavior like this can be hard to undo and reverse. Finally, if you take your puppy on walks too early, you risk over-exercising them, which can lead to injuries and joint problems like early-onset arthritis in the future. Puppies can go outside in your garden at 12 weeks old providing they have had their injections. If you want to get your pup used to the outside world without overwhelming them or exposing them to harmful diseases, you can carry them as opposed to walking them on a lead or letting them roam of their own accord — this has the dual effect of keeping them away from harm and making them feel more safe and secure. The bottom line is this; to be completely on the safe side, puppies can go out in the garden before their injections as you have complete control over this situation. An 8-week-old puppy go out in my garden as can a week-old. You should take your new puppy to the vets anyway, for a general health check. How much should they walk after injections? Once your puppy has had their second lot of vaccinations, it is usually safe around the 14 to week mark to take them out on their first walk. However, make sure you are attuned to how much exercise your pup can manage and be careful to not overexert them. For a dog under 6 months, a ten minute walk a couple times a day is usually more than enough. A good rule of thumb to gradually increase their stamina and exercise as they grow bigger and older is to extend your walks by five minutes every month. If you have difficulties controlling your dog off-the-lead, you should contact a professional dog-trainer. Conclusion When you bring home an adorable bundle of fluff full of boundless energy and excitement, it can be tempting to launch straight into a fun and active lifestyle, with long walks and play sessions in the great outdoors. Finding the right balance between integrating your puppy into everyday life and protecting them against harmful diseases and other dangers can be especially difficult at first, but you will be able to find a way that works for both you and your pup as time goes by and you both get to know each other better. Go with your gut to find the right balance, but if you have any further doubts you can speak to your vet or a trainer to find the best way to navigate this process of introducing your puppy to the world. It is a daunting but ultimately very rewarding task! Handy Hint: Please now read my guide to walking French Bulldogs. It includes notes on walking distances, regularity, and best practices to keep things safe. You might also like…. Can English Bulldogs Live Outside? March 6, English Bulldogs are fun dogs that make silly, lovable, affectionate family pets. Despite their grisly history, English Bulldogs are still strong and brave. Their temperaments have been managed through careful breeding to make them mellow dogs that get along well with people, including children. Since they were originally bred for a blood sport, you may be wondering what kind of home these dogs would enjoy. Can English Bulldogs live outside? The short answer to this question is absolutely not. But why? Some breeds are well-suited for the outdoors. Just like many other breeds, English Bulldogs do like getting out to enjoy some fresh air, take a stroll, and stretch their legs. They like to feel sunshine on their backs and some of them may even enjoy splashing around in rain puddles. However, as an owner of an English Bulldog, one must be very aware of the temperature outdoors at all times. English Bulldogs require a certain amount of exercise to stay healthy and traveling outdoors to accomplish this is perfectly fine. What is the Ideal Temperature for English Bulldogs? Ideal temperatures for English Bulldogs vary. It depends on the individual dog, their health status, age, weight, and physical abilities. A good rule of thumb is that any temperature that makes you sweat or need a jacket will be too hot or cold for your dog. Read on for more information on what to look for when monitoring your dog outdoors. Is it too hot for your English Bulldog to live outside? English Bulldogs and heat do not mix. This breed is quick to overheat and can have serious health issues if they get too hot. The short snouts of the English Bulldogs make it difficult for them to pant properly. This makes it hard for these dogs to regulate their body temperatures. What may feel like a pleasant, warm day to you might be overwhelmingly hot for your dog, who is struggling to breathe and keep cool. This leads to infections. Humidity is even more dangerous for English Bulldogs. They can also get sunburned easily if they are in direct sunlight. If your dog suffers from allergies, being outdoors can be extra uncomfortable for them. This is especially true in the springtime when pollen is its worst. Of course not. Here are some things to keep in mind. English Bulldogs should not be outside longer than 10—15 minutes in hot weather. Keep your home cool. Your English Bulldog requires air conditioning in hot weather to keep them healthy and comfortable. Cooling pads and beds are a good idea to give your dog a colder place to relax. They may also prefer to flop down on the cold tile floor as an instant cool off when they come inside. However, only keep a few inches of water in it because English Bulldogs are not good swimmers. A shallow pool can keep them cool by letting them splash and wade if they need to be outdoors longer than a few minutes. Keep plenty of fresh, cool, clean water nearby for your dog to drink. If you notice your dog is in distress, get them inside immediately or hose them down with water to cool them off. Then take them inside. An English Bulldog is not a breed for summer outdoor activities. If you want a dog to join you in your outdoor activities, there are other breeds that are much better suited for them. English Bulldogs and Heat Stroke Heat stroke occurs in English Bulldogs when their bodies cannot regulate themselves in excessive heat.