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Motion Sickness my frenchie has diarrhea and vomiting One of the most common culprits for diarrhea in your French Bulldog, especially in a puppy or younger dog, will be a diet change or dietary indiscretion, such as eating garbage or another item not meant for consumption by canines. Puppies and young dogs are not unlike human babies and have a penchant for exploring the world through their mouths. While this is relatively normal behavior, it can lead to the occasional consumption of rotten food or items that cause stomach upset in your French Bulldog. Dogs usually require several days for their digestive tracts and systems to adjust to a new diet. French Bulldog owners should also be mindful of the amount of food their puppy or dog is consuming, as overeating can also cause acute diarrhea in dogs. Some dogs suffer from motion sickness, the result of which may be episodes of diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea during or after travel. Dogs that are not well adapted to travel, and only travel for instances such as veterinary visits, may find that the increased stimuli and stressful experiences that follow traveling severely impact their digestive systems. Dogs with medical issues, such as inner ear infections may also suffer from motion sickness, leading to diarrhea. Loose stools are generally the first sign or symptom of diarrhea in your dog. Diarrhea stools may be soft, like mush, completely liquid, or in some state. In that case, retrieving a sample to bring to a veterinarian for testing may be necessary. Dehydration is a primary concern for your French Bulldog if it has an episode of diarrhea. Still, if their gums are tacky or sticky, your dog is dehydrated and needs to be seen by a vet immediately. Several other symptoms to look out for requiring veterinary attention in a more severe case of diarrhea, such as lethargy, vomiting, or bleeding. How to prevent diarrhea in your French Bulldog or French Bulldog puppy: Preventative measures can be taken to avoid or decrease the number of times your French Bulldog or French Bulldog puppy has diarrhea. This means being particularly vigilant about watching what your dog eats and has access to for puppies and young dogs. Making sure garbage and trash bins or containers have secure lids or are not easily tipped over is crucial. Strictly enforcing rules against feeding human food to your French Bulldog or puppy is also important. A puppy or young dog requires constant and careful watch to ensure they do not ingest anything that could make them sick. When transitioning your French Bulldog or puppy to a new diet, it is important to do so gradually. Introduce new foods a little bit at a time, usually over one or two weeks. Also, ensure that the amount of food being given to your French Bulldog is appropriate for its age and size. To prevent diarrhea in your Frenchie while traveling, it is best to introduce your French Bulldog or puppy to travel at a young age. Attempting to make travel both frequent and pleasant for your dog will reduce the anxiety that your dog may feel during car rides and other travel experiences. Committing to the comfort of your French Bulldog or puppy through its environmental experiences will significantly reduce potential unexpected and unpleasant instances of diarrhea. Are there any natural or at-home treatments for my French Bulldogs diarrhea? Suppose your French Bulldog or puppy is afflicted by an acute or non-serious bout of diarrhea. In that case, it is important to keep them hydrated and to drink small amounts of fluids throughout the day. What can I give my french bulldog for diarrhea: Most cases of acute diarrhea can be handled at home and without veterinary care. Home remedies for Frenchie with diarrhea: Allowing your dog to fast or go without food for 12 to 24 hours is a popular method to treat diarrhea in dogs at home; however, French Bulldogs are a smaller breed that requires nutrients during illness and would not benefit from this method. Smaller dogs, puppies, and older dogs cannot handle a fast of this nature and should be given other forms of at-home treatment. Treating your French Bulldog or puppy for diarrhea at home can be achieved by doing something as simple as boiling some rice. Boiling rice, then removing the grain and feeding the creamy rice broth to your dog will keep your French Bulldog hydrated while also providing some nutrients. A bland food diet of plain rice, plain chicken without skin, or plain eggs may also be suitable for providing your French Bulldog with essential nutrients while recovering from diarrhea. When should I take my French Bulldog to the vet for diarrhea? Some instances of diarrhea are more severe than others and require veterinarian attention. Suppose your French Bulldog or puppy is presenting signs of dehydration. In that case, you should see a veterinarian immediately as this can lead to several system imbalances and cause severe illness. Take your French Bulldog or puppy to the veterinarian immediately if it is vomiting, presenting pain, weakness, or fever. Suppose your dog continues to have worsening diarrhea for more than a couple of days, or the issue becomes chronic. In that case, you should take your dog in for examination by a vet. How will the vet treat my French Bulldog Puppy with diarrhea? A veterinarian will treat your Frenchie following the seriousness of its symptoms. Some cases are easily diagnosed with certain bacteria or parasites and do not require further testing, resulting in a simple prescription of medication and dietary care instructions at home as diarrhea passes. For cases of diarrhea that have become severe, a veterinarian will run a series of tests first to determine the cause of diarrhea and how ill it has made your dog. These tests may be as minimal as fecal examination, X-rays, fecal DNA tests, or as invasive as an intestinal biopsy, endoscopy, or even exploratory abdomen surgery. Such cases of diarrhea are considered acute or sudden and are often treatable at home. Natural and home remedies can be effective but will also vary depending on the age and breed of your dog. French Bulldogs require slightly different care than larger breeds. Though rare, severe cases of diarrhea in your dog can occur, a veterinarian should be contacted immediately in such cases. The question of why your French Bulldog has diarrhea may have many answers. Still, the question of when your French Bulldog will get diarrhea is only a matter of time. Featured French Bulldog Diarrhea. Its not the most exciting topic, but something we have all dealt with at least once. It seems Frenchies have extra sensitive stomachs, especially at puppy age. Many families bring their puppy home at 8 weeks old when they have recently been weaned from breastmilk and are still getting used to eating kibble. Add on top of that the stress from separation anxiety, and its highly likely to result in diarrhea. Separation anxiety is a whole other topic, so very briefly, it is a side effect of being separated from everything your puppy has ever known in his short life. The familiar faces, siblings, mother, sounds, smells, food, and area are all gone in once instant when coming home to his fur-ever family. The stress from this tremendous transition in life can cause many things, including diarrhea, and can even depress the immune system. This is one cause of diarrhea I have seen over many years of breeding and experience with my French Bulldogs. They need a stable, loving environment first and foremost. Another cause of diarrhea can be sudden change in food, eating table scraps, eating rancid food, an intolerance to any specific ingredient, or food poisoning. If you think your French Bulldog might be intolerant allergic to an ingredient, ask your vet for an allergy test. If you are thinking about switching foods, do so slowly to avoid causing diarrhea. Mix the new food into the old food, each day decreasing the amount of old food, and increasing the amount of new food until you are only using the new food. Next likely cause is parasites. Dogs like to lick their behinds, some lick other dogs behinds. Some dogs even eat feces that they find outside. No matter how clean you keep your beloved pet they are most likely carriers of parasites. Giardia a single celled parasite can be found in the water, and even on the grass. It will live for months in moist conditions so all it takes is your Frenchie going on a walk outside, coming home, and licking his paws. Your vet should have your French Bulldog on a regular deworming schedule. I personally deworm once or twice a year preventatively with fenbendazole for five days following my vets recommendation for dosage which depends on weight. Its very important to remember you must follow up with a second treatment in two weeks. This is because many dewomers only kill the live parasite, but not the eggs. Not all dewormers target the same kinds of parasites. The transmitter of tapeworms are fleas. So if your French Bulldog has fleas, treat the fleas at the same time as tapeworm. If you see blood in your dogs poop they are likely infected with coccidia another type of parasite. Your vet can take a poop sample to test for parasites and give you medicine if you are not sure what they might be infected with and what to treat with. I deworm my French Bulldog puppies preventatively with fenbendazole and albon before they come home to their fur-ever family. However, giardia particularly can be resistant to treatment and persist in the right conditions. The right conditions would be including stress, very young or very old age, during pregnancy, active disease or condition which depresses the immune system. I mentioned earlier that separation anxiety can cause so much stress to a newly rehomed puppy that it depresses the immune system. Only tender loving care, and time can help with separation anxiety. However there are other things you can do to strengthen the immune system for example feeding super premium, easy to digest food, and probiotics to help the gut. I also feed my French Bulldogs ground raw pumpkin seeds which are a natural dewormer and help to make the poop solid. Yet another cause of diarrhea can be from a virus. Parvovirus and distemper both cause diarrhea and can be fatal. It is transmitted through contamination with infected feces and can be very difficult to treat in young puppies. Your vet can quickly test for parvo with a poop sample. My puppies come home with a minimum of their first set of vaccinations including parvovirus, distemper, parainfluenza, and adenovirus. That being said, the puppy will still need booster shots so talk to your vet about what vaccines your puppy might be due for. If your French Bulldog continues to have diarrhea despite ruling out anxiety, food related issues, parasites, and virus I would talk to your vet about ordering a lab to check for pancreatitis. A friend of mine ruled this out in his Frenchie. It was an expensive test, but after finishing the meds his dog finally stopped having diarrhea. Also ask your vet for more recommendations, especially if the diarrhea is accompanied with vomiting and other symptoms you need to act fast. Please comment down below if you think there is something I missed or if you have an experience that you would like to share. As always, sending our hugs and our love from NW Frenchies. YouTube Frenchie Woes: French Bulldog Diarrhea Explained Even a healthy French bulldog may get diarrhea, but when it's a constant issue, there may be something else going on. Knowing the most common causes and treating minor problems with diarrhea can help your bully in the short-term, but you may want to seek the help of a vet if you feel it's more persistent and debilitating. Basically, your bully may have IBS problems due to chronic food allergies. They tend to have food allergies and sensitivities that lead to diarrhea episodes. In most cases, it's just gas. French bullies are known for their flatulence, in fact. There are several reasons that your pup may have diarrhea, but in a French bulldog's case, it's typically due to food allergens. There are also parasites, gastrointestinal diseases, and other issues that could be triggering this response. This is why it's important to monitor your bully and see if they are eating well, drinking water, and generally up to their old tricks and happiness levels. Symptoms of French Bulldog Diarrhea The symptoms will range depending on whether the problem is due to allergies or a medical condition. You may see a loose stool, watery discharge, constipation, or frequent need to defecate. You may also notice that your pup's stomach is groaning, and they'll typically be a bit gassy. You should also look out for other changes in your bulldog's stool, such as different colors like light green or even near-white diarrhea. They may display a lack of appetite and show signs of a fever. Here is a full list of symptoms to check for that require a more serious visit to the pet doctor: Bloody stool that appears black Very rotten smelling stool No energy, laying around for multiple hours with no want to get up Nausea Persistent diarrhea over 2 days Pus from eyes, genitals, or nose There are certain conditions in a frenchie's history that may also trigger diarrhea. You should look for the following conditions: Pancreatic disease Addison's disease Ehrlichiosis tick-borne illness If it's a more serious issue, you'll likely notice other symptoms about your pup, such as hanging, loos skin with a very tight, round stomach. This is a sign of bloating in autoimmune liver diseases, and your pup may need to be drained before switching to another diet. What Diet Should French Dogs Eat to Avoid Diarrhea French bulldogs, unfortunately, have a predisposition for different allergens in food, which is why they aren't supposed to eat the following: Corn. It is recommended to consult a veterinarian if the dog has one of the types of diarrhea described below. Watery diarrhea in French bulldogs Watery diarrhea can be a sign of stress, a viral or parasitic infection. This type of diarrhea can lead to dehydration very quickly especially in young dogs so make sure your dog gets enough fluids. Mucous diarrhea in dogs Diarrhea containing mucus may be an indicator of the presence of parvovirus or parasite. In that case, take your Frenchie to the vet immediately for an examination. Black diarrhea in French bulldogs Black-colored diarrhea can be an indicator of internal bleeding in the stomach or small intestine. How to solve diarrhea in French bulldogs? Diarrhea usually stops after a few days of home care. If the dog is generally healthy, then you can do a couple of things. To prevent your batpig from dehydration, make sure to provide him with constant access to fresh water and encourage him to drink it in large amounts. It is often recommended to restrict a dog from meals for 12 to 24 hours. Therefore, it would be best to consult a veterinarian about proper nutrition and possible food restriction. Rice water — cook rice in a larger amount of water. Remove the rice and feed the dog with rice water. White rice and peeled potatoes — Carbohydrates and fiber can contribute to normal stools in dogs. Yogurt — The bacteria in yogurt can help Frenchies who tolerate milk and dairy products. Protein — a pure source of protein such as eggs boiled and chicken without skin and bones. Special dog food — there is food that is made for the purpose of soothing digestive problems in dogs. Sometimes it is necessary to buy this type of food from a veterinarian. Not every food will necessarily help every dog. Therefore, you may need to experiment with these foods before you find one that suits your Frenchie. Diarrhea in dogs — activated charcoal Dissolved medical charcoal is often prescribed as a remedy for diarrhea in French bulldogs. You can buy it in a pharmacy and it should be given only by the recommendation of a vet. Your dog should take it max 4 days, ie. Post navigation. There are so many different causes of diarrhea in Frenchies. It may be something that causes stomach upset like stale food, inedible objects, or poisonous substances. Common issues that produce runny poop include changes in diet or parasites. Underlying conditions or diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease IBD can also cause diarrhea. IBD can go unnoticed for years until more serious symptoms appear. Inflammation of the small intestine enteritis and colon colitis are examples of IBD. Chronic allergies to certain food products like dairy or wheat are very common in French Bulldogs and can be a cause of diarrhea. Cleaning products are another culprit. Diarrhea can even be a symptom of potentially deadly viral infections like distemper and parvo. Or kidney or liver problems can also produce loose and watery stools. How do I treat French Bulldog diarrhea? Most cases of diarrhea can be treated with a change in diet or medication. Your Frenchie may have eaten something to trigger diarrhea. You can watch for other symptoms and withhold food for about a day. In the meantime, be sure to provide plenty of water and encourage frequent drinks. You can also provide chicken broth, beef broth or Pedialyte as well. A small portion of boiled chicken breast and white rice is a good substitute meal while your Frenchie is recovering. If the suspected cause is a food allergy, your doctor can prescribe a special diet. Other foods can be gradually reintroduced over time. Wrap Frenchie ownership requires time and patience. There are a variety of health conditions that can affect Frenchies. Pet insurance can help to defray the cost of medical bills, but certain conditions may not be covered. This should be about once a year for healthy adult dogs. Their health problems are manageable with a good vet and proper care. Diarrhea in Frenchies can be messy, smelly, and downright frustrating. What causes dog diarrhea? And what can you do to help your best friend right now? The bottom line is there is no one size fits all cure for dog diarrhea, but there are some techniques that can help to calm things down literally. There are numerous different causes for a French bulldog dog having diarrhea we will discuss them and also focus on treating your French bulldog diarrhea naturally. Portrait of purebred dog bulldog isolated over studio background in neon gradient pink purple light. What are the causes of diarrhea in French bulldogs? There are many causes of diarrhea in French bulldogs. The most common ones are food allergies, dietary indiscretions, intestinal parasites, and bacterial infections. Food allergies can cause diarrhea in French bulldogs because they trigger an abnormal immune response that results in inflammation of the intestines. The most common offenders are beef, chicken, fish, and dairy products. Dietary indiscretions can also result in diarrhea in Frenchies. Eating any type of food that is not normally consumed by dogs can cause them to have loose stools as their system tries to process this new type of food. This includes chocolate, bones, and raw potatoes which are toxic if ingested in large quantities or over a long period of time longer than 10 days. These foods should be avoided at all times due to their high toxicity levels which can cause severe health issues such as organ failure or death if consumed regularly over long periods of time longer than 10 days. Intestinal parasites are another cause of diarrhea in Frenhies. Here are some common home remedies that can help in treating your French bulldog diarrhea naturally. Put your dog on fasting If your French bulldog is suffering from diarrhea, you may be tempted to feed them something to get the problem under control. One thing that you should do is put your Frenchie on fasting if they are suffering from diarrhea. This will help prevent further dehydration and allow their body to focus on healing itself instead of digesting food. You should only fast your Frenchie for 24 hours before reintroducing food slowly over the course of several days or weeks depending on how severe their condition is. When your pooch has diarrhea, they can be thrown out of whack and their immune system can get compromised as a result. French bulldogs with diarrhea may also have an upset stomach, which could cause them to have a decreased appetite. If this is the case, they may not be getting enough nutrition and vitamins through their food. These enzymes break down food so that nutrients can be absorbed into their body. This will help them feel better faster! Probiotics also help to build up their immune system, which can become weakened due to stress or illness like diarrhea. This means that pups who are suffering from diarrhea will be able to fight off infections quicker than before! The next thing to consider is whether or not you should give your Frenchie prebiotics. If you find that your dog has a lot of loose stools, it may be a good idea to try giving them prebiotics for about two weeks and see if that helps with their symptoms. Give bland diet If your Frenchie is suffering from diarrhea, the last thing you want to do is give him a bland diet. The best way to recover from diarrhea is to feed him foods that are high in protein and fat. The nutrients in these foods will help repair the lining of his intestines, which may have been damaged by whatever he ate that caused diarrhea in the first place. Feed pumpkin When your Frenchie has diarrhea, you may be tempted to give him a pumpkin. It also helps relieve gas, bloating, and constipation. The best way to feed your Frenchie pumpkin is to give him tablespoons mixed with his regular dog food. You can also add it to a small portion of water for him to drink if he prefers. Pumpkin can be used as an occasional supplement for dogs with chronic diarrhea or those who suffer from frequent bouts of loose stool. Conclusion Diarrhea is one of the most common stomach problems that a French bulldog can get. It can be the first sign of illness or it can develop and suddenly attack your dog without warning. Either way, you must treat it as soon as possible to make sure your dog gets better, in the same way, you would for any other stomach problem.
This food is made for Pugs ages 8 weeks to 10 months. On the other hand, the ingredients list for this food leaves something to be desired. It lists brewers rice as the main ingredient with the second ingredient being chicken by-product meal. For such an expensive Pug food, they sure skimped on the quality of the ingredients! Pros Supports healthy skin, digestive health, and natural defenses Specially shaped kibble is easier for brachycephalic dogs to pick up Cons Brewers rice is the main ingredient 4. It might be expensive, but if you can afford it, it could help keep your pug pup healthy and happy for the long haul. Pros Helps support healthy brain and eye development Contains omega fatty acids for improved skin and coat Lists deboned chicken as the main ingredient Cons 5. Their Wilderness Puppy Grain-Free Dry Dog Food formula takes things even further with higher levels of protein than their original formula. The use of high-quality ingredients in high concentrations is what earns this food its rather expensive price tag. More than just healthy whole-food ingredients, this food is also fortified with healthful nutrients and supplements. Furthermore, it contains an optimal blend of essential vitamins including calcium, phosphorus, and more, to help support healthy bone growth. Pros Contains high levels of protein Uses high-quality ingredients Packed with healthful nutrients and supplements Cons More expensive than most puppy foods 6. We loved the large pound quantity you can buy it in and the relatively affordable price. Others ate the food but had difficulty digesting it. Still, dogs with sensitive stomachs, in particular, would do well to avoid this food. And the total number of dogs all breeds in the reports are .So while this is something that should be monitored and many more studies need to be done, it's important to keep in mind that this is a very small number compared to the estimated 77 million dogs in the U. The latest update is that there are no recalls at this moment that are linked to this issue. The Best Food for Pug Puppies and Adults What to Avoid: Quite a few ingredients that are found in a lot of dog food brands can be severely detrimental to a Pug and cause everything from allergic reactions itching, rashes, wheezing, running eyes, etc. Corn which includes as corn germ meal, corn gluten meal, and corn bran High grain counts which includes high levels of wheat, oats, barley, and other cereal grains which may be listed as hominy feed. Rice can be an exception; with rice, the hull, bran layer, and cereal germ is removed and for this reason, rice is often tolerated very well. By-products which are animal body parts deemed unfit for human consumption and can include brain, lungs, undeveloped eggs, and more. Generic meats or oils which can legally include roadkill and deceased zoo animals. What to Look For: All-natural preservatives; there are vitamin blends that work very well to preserve dog food and this often will show as mixed tocopherols. Natural flavoring Protein will come from wholesome animal sources including chicken, turkey, lamb, fish, bison, and beef. There will be no by-products or generic meats. If you offer grains, gluten-free grains are usually best. No other fillers or controversial additives. Helpful extras such as glucosamine and chondroitin beneficial for joint health , omega-3, 6 for healthy skin and coat , probiotics for immune health and antioxidants to help prevent disease. Some of the best food for Pugs includes: Best Formulas with Grains: 1. Wellness Complete Health for Small Breeds. The base of this kibble is turkey and oatmeal which is easy on the stomach for most Pugs. There is also salmon, brown rice, peas, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and apples. There are excellent levels of a wide-range of vitamins and minerals, good levels of omega-3 and 6, and glucosamine and chondroitin which are extremely beneficial joint supplements for Pugs. This is made in the US. Note that this offers puppy and adult formulas as well as 'healthy weight' for Pugs that need to lose a few pounds, and a senior formula. This line of Halo offers holistic recipes. This one has non-GMO produce and meats that are antibiotic-free and hormone-free with factory-free farming. The grains in this are oatmeal and pearled barley which are generally known for being well-tolerated. This is sized ideally for Pugs, and has no artificial additives, by-products, or corn. And, this is made in the US. Best Grain-free Formulas: 1. This is one of the best grain-free kibbles for Pugs; it's really top-of-the-line. The base is chicken and turkey. There is a wide selection of vegetables and fruits compared to some other brands spinach, broccoli, carrots, kale, sweet potatoes, apples and blueberries. Levels of omega fatty acids are ideal, via both salmon oil and flaxseed. And, there are good levels of glucosamine and chondroitin which as mentioned earlier are important for joint health. There is no corn, wheat, by-products, fillers, or artificial coloring, flavoring, or preservatives and this is made in the USA. This is another excellent choice that is formulated for dogs under 70 lbs. There are several great bases including lamb, beef, chicken, and salmon. There are zero chemical preservatives and no artificial ingredients. Added extras are healthy antioxidants, omega-3 and 6, and the very important glucosamine and chondroitin which are very beneficial for breeds like the Pug that are prone to joint and hip issues. This is a holistic kibble that offers non-GMO veggies and fruits and sustainably-sourced wild-caught fish and is ideal for Pugs that are carrying a few extra pounds. The base is salmon and whitefish, so most dogs love the taste. There are no chemical preservatives, corn, by-products, coloring, or fillers. Switching a Pug onto a Different Food If you just got a new Pug puppy, you may want to feed your little guy or gal something different than what was being given. And in many instances, this will be a good idea. The sooner you start your pup on a superior food that you've chosen yourself, the better. If you have an adult Pug, you may decide to switch foods due to an intolerance to certain ingredients some dogs do best with certain proteins like beef as opposed to chicken or vice-versa or maybe you realized that your Pug was not on the brand and you want to make a change. No matter the circumstances, if at all possible, it is best to change to a new brand of dog food in a gradual way because a quick switch can disrupt the digestive system. The goal should be a incremental change over the course of 3 weeks. Home Cooking Owners decide to home cook for their dogs for a variety of reasons: It can be less expensive; though, this depends quite a bit on what you buy and if you can purchase ingredients in bulk. It may be done to fully avoid preservatives, additives, by-products and other subpar ingredients; you know exactly what you are putting in. This can help avoid an intolerance or allergic reaction to an unknown ingredient. It is very flexible and adjustable. It can be a good choice for picky eaters. Other sources include beans such as lima beans, kidney beans, and butter beans must be cooked. Vegetables - This includes peas, carrots, spinach, zucchini, green beans, bell peppers, and butternut squash. You can also offer asparagus, kale, cauliflower, and broccoli in moderation since these foods can cause gas, Pumpkin in moderation is fine but typically reserved to help ease upset stomach issues. Fruits - This includes blueberries, raspberries both are low calorie, high in antioxidants, and water-packed , strawberries, huckleberries, banana, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, mango, kiwi, pear, peaches no pit , plums no pit , nectarines no pit , fresh pineapple, and apple no core, no seeds. Additional - This includes oatmeal plain , white or brown rice if no intolerance , quinoa, potato, sweet potato, cottage cheese, plain whole white yogurt, and eggs most dogs do best with scrambled eggs vs. Read more about home cooking for a Pug. Snacks and Treats We've covered the frequency of giving snacks and treats, but let's recap. Dry snacks, meant to satiate a dog in between meals should be given 3 to 4 times per day. And moist treats, meant to reward training and reinforce good behavior, should be given as needed. Now, the question remains on what to offer. All snacks and treats should be held to the same high standards that you have in place for your Pug's meals, meaning no synthetic preservatives, artificial coloring, artificial flavoring, soy, corn, by-products, high wheat levels, or generic meats. If your Pug's calorie intake needs to be carefully watched due to issues with weight gain, there will also be a need to opt for some low-calorie treats. And, to see more options, including moist treats for giving reward, continue on to the best snacks and treats for Pugs. After 2 to 3 days, if the problem has resolved, adding in additional ingredients can be done. Any diarrhea lasing longer than 3 days or moderate to severe vomiting lasting more than 12 hours should be brought to the attention of the veterinarian. Water Different elements will dictate just how much water a Pug dog requires , though a general rule of thumb is that each day, dogs need to drink about 1 ounce for each 1 pound. Offer bottled spring water or use a filter device like the. Related Articles: When a Pug is a Picky Eater - If you find yourself constantly scrambling to find foods that your Pug likes and their taste buds seem to change weekly, this will help you get things back on track. When a Pug is Always Hungry - If your Pug's appetite is ferocious and nothing seems to satisfy, these issues may be at the root of the problem. When a Pug Won't Eat - If your Pug puppy or dog refuses to eat or getting them to eat feels like a chore, these tips will help. How to Stop a Pug from Begging - If your Pug wants your food and is relentless about getting it, these guidelines will help stop this sort of behavior. Top 10 Pug Dog Eating Problems - A roundup of the most common eating-related issues seen with this breed and exact steps to resolve them. Do you have your book? All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Introduction Importance of choosing the right food for Pug puppies Feeding your Pug puppies the right food can significantly impact their health, growth, and overall well-being. A balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients and energy to support their growth and development and helps to prevent common health issues such as obesity, digestive problems, and food allergies. Factors to consider when selecting the best food for pug puppies When choosing the best food for your Pug puppy, there are several factors to consider, including their age, activity level, and specific nutritional needs. Reading the ingredient list and checking the nutritional content can help you to make an informed decision about the best food for your Pug puppy. Wet Food for Pug Puppies Benefits of wet food Wet food is an excellent option for Pug puppies as it is highly palatable and provides additional moisture, which is important for their growing bodies. Wet food also contains higher levels of protein and essential nutrients, making it a great option for supporting the growth and development of your Pug puppy. Best-reviewed wet food options Royal Canin Pug Puppy Wet Dog Food — This wet food is specifically formulated for Pug puppies, with a balanced ratio of protein, fats, and carbohydrates to meet their unique nutritional needs. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Wet Dog Food — This wet food is made with real meat as the first ingredient and contains wholesome brown rice, barley, and oats to provide the carbohydrates your Pug puppy needs to grow and develop. Dry Food for Pug Puppies Benefits of dry food Dry food is another great option for Pug puppies as it helps to clean their teeth and promote good oral health. Dry food is also a good source of essential nutrients and energy to support the growth and development of your Pug puppy. It contains a balanced protein, fats, and carbohydrates ratio to meet its unique nutritional needs. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog Food — This dry food is made with real meat as the first ingredient and contains wholesome brown rice, barley, and oats to provide the carbohydrates your Pug puppy needs to grow and develop. Homemade Meals and Snacks for Pug Puppies Benefits of homemade food Homemade meals and snacks are an excellent option for Pug puppies as they allow you to control the ingredients and ensure that your pup gets a healthy and balanced diet. Simple homemade meal and snack recipes for pug puppies Puppy-Friendly Meatloaf: Mix ground turkey or chicken, brown rice, carrots, and green beans for a tasty and nutritious homemade meal for your Pug puppy. Bake in the oven until fully cooked, and serve in small portions. Homemade Puppy Treats: Mix rolled oats, pumpkin puree, and a beaten egg for a simple and healthy snack for your Pug puppy. Roll out the dough, cut it into bite-sized pieces, and bake in the oven until crispy. Use high-quality, fresh ingredients, and avoid using spices and seasonings that can harm dogs. Store leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain freshness. A: Wet food can provide a higher moisture content, which can benefit Pug puppies as they need to stay hydrated. Wet food also has a more appealing taste and smell, making it a great option for picky eaters. Q: What ingredients should I look for in dry food for Pug puppies? A: Look for dry food that contains high-quality proteins like chicken or fish, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Q: Can I feed my Pug puppy homemade meals and snacks? Q: How often should I feed my Pug puppy? A: Pug puppies should be fed 3 to 4 times a day until they reach six months of age. Then, they can be fed two times a day. The food they need will depend on their age, weight, and activity level. Q: What is the best food for Pug puppies with sensitive stomachs? A: Wet food with simple ingredients, like boiled chicken and rice, or dry food specifically formulated for sensitive stomachs can be helpful for Pug puppies with digestive issues. Q: Can I feed my Pug puppy adult dog food? A: No, adult dog food does not provide the appropriate nutrients for Pug puppies as they are still growing and developing. Puppy-specific food is formulated to meet their unique nutritional needs. Gradual changes over a few days to a week are recommended to avoid discomfort. Conclusion Recap of the best food options When choosing the best food for your Pug puppy, several options exist. Dry food is also a good option as it helps to clean teeth and is easy to store. Final thoughts The most important thing is to choose a food specifically formulated for Pug puppies with high-quality ingredients to meet their unique nutritional needs. Choosing the best food for your Pug puppy will give them the foundation for a happy and healthy life. From pet nutrition books to online articles, a wealth of information is available on this topic. These resources will give you a deeper understanding of the nutritional needs of your Pug puppy and help you make informed decisions about the best food options for their growth and development. Although certain health issues that Pugs may experience are congenital and beyond our control, others can be influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet. Some of the most common health issues faced by Pugs include the following: Food allergies. Certain ingredients in their food can cause allergies in Pugs. Food allergies in Pugs may present as dry, itchy skin, ears, or paws. However, unlike allergies, food intolerances do not involve the immune system but can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. We highly recommend conducting an at-home dog food allergy test like the 5Strands kit. This particular kit can test for up to ingredients and determine which ones may cause food intolerance in your dog. Once you receive the results, you can use the list to avoid dog food formulas that contain potential allergens. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BOAS. Due to their compressed noses and flat faces, Pugs are prone to breathing difficulties and an inability to cool down easily. Eye problems. Pugs are at risk for various eye health issues, such as distichiasis, cataracts, dry eye, entropion, corneal ulcers, progressive retinal atrophy, and more. Ear infections. Pugs have narrow ear canals and deep skin folds around their face, making it easier for debris and bacteria to accumulate, leading to ear infections. Skin infections. Skin fold dermatitis is common in breeds with wrinkled skin, such as Pugs. Luxating patella. Pugs are susceptible to luxating patella, where the kneecap moves out of its normal position. Mast cell tumors MCTs , a type of skin cancer, are common in middle- to senior-aged Pugs, with cancer being the leading cause of death for the breed. Pugs are prone to obesity, which can exacerbate other health issues. Pugs are also susceptible to diabetes. Pugs are prone to obesity, leading to numerous health issues and decreased activity levels. A proper diet and sufficient exercise are crucial to keeping your Pug at a healthy weight. Overfeeding or providing nutrient-poor food can contribute to weight gain, which may result in a Pug becoming less active and more lethargic. More active Pugs require more calories and nutrients to sustain their energy levels, whereas less active Pugs require fewer calories to prevent weight gain. Pug Puppies. Require a diet that is higher in calories and protein to support their growth and development. They also need a balanced calcium and phosphorus diet for healthy bone growth. Feeding high-quality puppy food formulated explicitly for bulldog puppies can help ensure they receive the necessary nutrients during this crucial stage. Adult Pugs. Require a diet that is lower in calories and protein to maintain their weight and prevent obesity. They also need a balanced diet of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to support their overall health and energy needs. Senior Pugs. Senior dogs may require a diet lower in calories and fat to maintain a healthy weight and higher fiber to support digestive health. Senior dog foods often contain joint supplements to help mobility and joint health. Avoid common allergens. Pug often develops food allergies or intolerances, so it may be helpful if your dog food is free from common allergens, such as corn, wheat, chicken, and beef. Pugs can have sensitive digestive systems. Look for a dog food that adds probiotics to its formula. Dog probiotics support a healthy digestive system and immune system. Pugs can be prone to digestive issues, so look for dog food that is minimally processed, such as fresh dog food or homemade dog food for Pugs. Lower-quality kibble may contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and other ingredients that can be harder to digest and may cause digestive upset in some dogs. Easy-to-eat kibble size and shape. Brachycephalic breeds like Pugs have shortened skulls that can cause breathing and eating difficulties. Opt for dog food with a small, flat, or round kibble shape that is easy for Pugs to pick up and chew. Balanced Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Omega fatty acids can help support healthy skin and coat, reducing the risk of skin infections around the face and ears. They also help with skin inflammation and support healthy and shiny dog coats. Foods rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lutein, and vitamins A, C, and E can help protect the eyes from oxidative damage. These nutrients are found in many fruits and vegetables. Low-glycemic carbohydrates. To help manage obesity and diabetes, choose dog food containing low glycemic carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes or legumes, which release energy slowly and help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Low-calorie content. Joint support supplements. Look for dog foods containing joint support supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM, which can help maintain joint health and reduce the risk of a luxating patella. Chapter 2: The Reviews.
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 Michigan 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 Michigan? 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 Michigan? 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. Breeding quality Golden's to be Your Next best Friend! They are AKC limited Registration , Full registration available for additional fee to approved homes only. They come with a 1 year health guarantee and a life time of help with any concerns and support , vaccinated age appropriate, De- wormed ,complete vet examined. We love our Golden's. They are a true part of our family and family life. They Live in our home and go camping and traveling with us and are a huge attraction where ever we take them and the tail wagging and unconditional love is priceless. They are such sweet souls. They are best friends but they also make great service dogs, hunting companions, dock dogs, agility partners, walking friends, they are a very versatile dog. We raise these pups as if we were keeping all of them. They are held and played with everyday. They play with kids and have Social interaction with other dogs in our family. We take them outside and expose them to the outdoors , we also give them stimulating toys and water to play in to get them started to be confident, thriving ,well adjusted babies. Mom's name is Callie. She is light gold close to white in color and has a beautiful full coat. About 78 lbs. She is 4 years old. She has been very health dog. Has her Eyes, Heart, Hips and elbow clearances. DNA golden retriever panel also. She is so calm, loving and smart. She loves kids, people , walks, swimming. She is worth her weight in gold as far as personality. Dads name is Bounty. He is a very handsome boy. He also has personality plus. He is also a huge part of his family! He is pet, in his home and on the furniture! He is a beautiful and solid 80 pounds He had heart and eye certified and had many proven healthy babies on the ground. His Coat is gorgeous and his personality a plus. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their research and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder. Kaila Duggan. A good dog breeder is registered in a breeders association and breeds according to the rules and guidelines of the respective breed association. In addition to participating in beauty and performance shows at dog shows, this also includes health checks on their breeding dogs. These papers show which ancestors were involved in the development of the puppy and whether inbreeding was carried out. What makes a serious dog breed? The prices that dog breeders charge for their puppies mostly flow back into dog breeding. A profit is hardly achieved with good and species-appropriate husbandry. How do I recognize a reputable breeder? First, make sure that the dog breed leaves a clean and well-groomed impression. The following points can also help you buy puppies from a reputable dog breeder: Do all animals look lively and healthy? Do the puppies grow up in the family instead of having to live in a kennel outside? Are the parent animals on-site? Are you allowed to visit the puppies several times? Is the breeder interested in your living conditions? Would they like to know as precisely as possible where their puppies will live? Does the dog breeder take special measures to give their puppies a good start in life? For example, do the puppies get to know car journeys and train journeys? Are they used to other pets and children? Does the breeder grant themself a right of repurchase in the event that the buyer wants to give their dog back? These points are indicators of a reputable breeder. In addition, you should make sure that the puppies are not over-vaccinated and dewormed before buying. Worming treatments in particular can cause permanent damage in puppies that cannot be justified by a potential benefit. If the dog breeder is critical of your questions, that is also a good sign. Due to their balanced psyche and benevolent disposition, they have gained a reputation as ideal family companions, and their ineradicable passion for water and craving for retrieval make them indispensable for hunting. Golden Retrievers are medium-sized, well-proportioned dogs. Although their exterior is regulated by a single standard, there is a division into 3 types in the breed: English. Dogs of this type are easily recognizable by their wide skull, powerful legs, and very light, almost white coat. Dogs of this type are distinguished by an elegant constitution and graceful posture. Tall, thin dogs of rich dark color. To choose the right pet, you should study the breed standard. Then it will become clear what the perfect Golden Labrador looks like. Of course, the puppies are still too small, so it is rather difficult to assess their conformation. When choosing, first of all, pay attention to the following signs: The Coat. Labradors have dense and coarse guard hair without waves and feathers, a thick and soft undercoat. The AKC standard allows only 3 colors: cream, golden, dark golden, and light golden. A small white spot on the chest is not considered a fault. Expression of the muzzle. It depends to a certain extent on the eyes. In golden Labradors, they are brown or hazel, expressing intelligence and good nature. The eyes should not be cloudy or heavy. In puppies under 12 weeks of age, the iris is blue. The lighter the shade, the lighter the eyes of an adult animal will be. Body type. The back is short and straight, without dips or bulges. Puppies that are overly light, weak, gaunt, or overweight should not be chosen. A characteristic feature of the breed is a thick tail at the base and tapering to the tip, reminiscent of the tail of an otter. During swimming, the tail plays the role of a rudder. During a game, the puppies cheerfully lift it, but never bend or throws it on its back. Labradors are prone to hip dysplasia. For instance, you may want to get the essential things for your puppies like grooming tools, food, and shelter. Therefore, in the early days, pets really need the attention and care of their owners. To avoid digestive problems, puppies should first be fed what they ate at the breeder. And it is better to introduce all new products gradually and in small quantities. At 2 months, golden retrievers should receive food times a day, and when they reach 1 year they are transferred to double feeding. Until the golden puppy has received all the vaccinations, it cannot be taken out for walks. Therefore, before the end of the post-vaccination quarantine in the house, it is better to remove the carpets and cover the floor with disposable floor pads. These platforms will help you connect with people who have Golden Retriever puppies for sale or adoption near you. It can be a great alternative in looking for your future pup within the comfort of your home. AKC Marketplace is your trusted resource to help make a lifetime of responsible dog ownership safe, happy, and healthy. They help over 21, animal shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, pet rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies advertise their homeless pets to millions of adopters a month, for free. They pride themselves on connecting loving families with new furry friends and have happy customers all over the nation.
German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Welcome to our German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Different breeds like all different babies develop at different rates. There are going to be many exciting events for you to look forward to. Whether you are bringing your 8 week German Shepherd puppy home or about to be blessed with a litter of puppies. This is going to be an exciting, demanding but hugely rewarding journey. Newborn puppies are born at around days after fertilization. Newborn puppies are born with their ears and eyes tightly sealed. The reason eyelids are sealed shut is to form a protective barrier for the fragile developing eye. This helps to protect them from any foreign object, bright lights, bacteria or any other microorganism that can cause disease or damage. In the same way puppies ear canals are closed at birth to make them effectively deaf. This is a protective barrier to protect the fragile underdeveloped machinery needed to hear. In a mature ear the pressure caused by sound will mechanically move structures in the ear. German Shepherd puppies are highly dependent upon their noses. Puppies navigate by smell from the moment they are born. This helps them to identify their mom, the very important milk supply, siblings and surroundings. Newborn puppies are born with a fur coat however they cannot control their own body temperature yet. To keep them warm they are dependant on their mothers or another heat source. If you live in a cooler climate installing a heat lamp would be ideal to help keep the puppies nice and warm. Germans Shepherds make amazing mothers and will be relied on a lot at this stage. Mother dogs will only leave their newborn puppies to go to the toilet, eat and drink. However, when mom has gone the newborn puppies are not completely useless. They are able to use their front paws to drag themselves towards a heat source. When mom is away the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat. Along with being able to drag themselves to a heat source newborn puppies are also able to drag themselves to their mothers to locate the milk supply. They will move their heads around to search for a nipple, latch on and suck strongly. Newborn puppies are not born with teeth these will also develop in the next several weeks. Other than the above puppies are completely dependent upon the care of their dedicated mom. Newborn puppies have little control over the rear end of their bodies. To encourage their pups to pass urine and bowel movements the mom will lick their bottoms. Anything produced mom will then lick up and swallow to keep her puppies and nest clean. Some pups will even double their birth weight! Your German Shepherd puppy will still be highly dependent upon their mom at this stage. Beneath all their fur the vital organs will be working hard to mature. This includes the eyes. Your puppy will not be ready to open their eyes yet but lots of changes are taking place to prepare them for grand opening. The ear canals will begin to open around the same time as the eyes. When the ear canals do open, the ears are much more formed than the eyes are at this point in time. Their eyesight usually takes around 8 weeks to reach its full potential. When their eyes become wider, they will reveal blueish-gray eyes which are hazy in appearance. Their eyesight will continue to develop until around 8 weeks old. The ear canals will also open around 2 weeks. The puppies hearing has been developing much quicker than their eyesight and they will be able to hear most things by the time their ear canals fully open. However, their amazing hearing ability will continue to enhance over the next several weeks. At the moment your German Shepherd puppy will have cute floppy ears. Their adorable tall ears can come up anywhere between 8 weeks and 6 months of age. Floppy ears are common until your German Shepherd finishes teething. By then the ear cartilage will become strong and hard enough for the ears to stand up permanently. Now is a good time to start handling the puppies and get them used to your voice. Most puppies are wormed for the first time when they are 2 weeks old. All this development has happened so quickly, but things are about to get even more exciting. Between 2 and 4 weeks your German Shepherd puppy will begin to stand up this is when the real fun begins. Puppies milky teeth will also start to develop between 2 to 4 weeks. These sharp little teeth will remain until about weeks of age. These little daggers play an important role during the weaning process. Even the most patient moms will struggle to nurse with these sharp painful teeth. This reluctance to nurse will prompt the German Shepherds to seek alternative food sources. These sharp teeth will then help to make up for the lack of jaw strength when eating solid foods. Finally, these sharp puppy teeth play an important role in teaching the pups to gauge their bite pressure when playing with their mom and siblings. This is an essential life lesson that enables our powerful German Shepherds to become safer companions as they mature into strong adult dogs. During the last few weeks mom has done an amazing job of getting her babies strong and their mobility will have come on leaps and bounds well not quite yet but by 3 weeks of age your German Shepherd puppy will begin to trotter around. Most 3 week old German Shepherd puppies can stand and sit. With their baby teeth starting to cut through a lot of breeders. Especially those with large litters will start introducing some solid foods. This helps relieve some of the pressure for the devoted German Shepherd mom. When weaning puppies, you need to start off by soaking their food in either water or puppy milk replacement formula to make it mushy and more comfortable for them to eat. As they start to interact and play with their siblings their personalities will really start to show. You may also notice them starting to playfully growl at each other. At 3 weeks old it will become easier to start identifying different members of the pack. Breeders and moms will be kept on their toes and paws over the next few weeks. As the pups start getting more confident on their feet they will be running around and playing enthusiastically. At 4 weeks old they will begin to wag their adorable little tails. With solid food becoming a major part of their diet the pups will be passing bigger bowel movements. They will be able to show more control of their bowel movements as they take themselves away from their brothers and sisters to perform their business. At this stage mom will be taking a much more relaxed approach to parenting and there will be a lot more for the breeder to clear up. By this point mealtimes are a messy process. If it is warm and safe enough to do so we would recommend taking the pups out in the yard for feeding. German Shepherd puppies are becoming a lot stronger at vocalisations by 4 weeks old. When mom returns to her babies the litter will noisily greet her. Around 4 weeks of age your puppies will need to be wormed again. From this week onwards human interaction is very important in order to form relationships with people. Including different noises and smells. This exposure will ensure your German Shepherd puppy turns into a confident, friendly individual. Mom will also be doing an important job of teaching her puppies to not bite too hard. Even an 8 week old German Shepherd puppy would have the power in their jaws to break the smaller bones in humans fingers. This is why mom teaching her puppies bite inhibition is so important. For more information on bite inhibition please see our guide on German Shepherd bite inhibition. By 5 weeks old German Shepherd puppies will be eating a lot of solid foods, several times throughout the day. Those sharp little teeth would have done their job and mom will be gradually weaning her pups of the dependency on her milk. When mom does feed her puppies, she will only do so for a short period whilst standing up. They will be eating between five and six small meals a day. Although the pups no longer rely on mom for milk, they still need her help and guidance for the next few weeks. Mom will be teaching her babies important life skills to live alongside humans. In some countries 6 week old puppies are taken away from their mothers and moved into their new home. We would not recommend this as the puppies will miss out on continued bite inhibition training from their siblings and mother. This can result in a puppy who bites too hard which can be challenging to manage as they get older. In the USA your puppy will be due their first combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 6 weeks old. This vaccine helps to immunizes your puppy against hepatitis, parvo, distemper, parainfluenza and coronavirus. Most puppies will also need to be wormed again at 6 weeks old. Their last week together will consist of plenty of socialization and playing. Most breeders will arrange a 7 week health check up with the vet to make sure your bundle of fluff is fit and healthy to go to their new home. In the UK some breeders will arrange for the pups first 8 week vaccination to take place during this check. Although some vets advise against it. By the end of this week German Shepherd puppies are ready to leave their mothers and move into their new homes for good. The week you get to take your new puppy home. This will be a very exciting time, but you may also be feeling a bit nervous. There will be some challenged along the way for new puppy owners and your puppy will take some time to adjust to life without its mother and siblings. In the UK the first combined vaccination will help to immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. The first puppy injection in the UK typically will happen between 8 and 10 weeks. Some breeders would have trained the puppies to poop and pee on newspapers or puppy pads. From the moment you get them home it is important to show your German Shepherd puppy where to pee and poop. Puppies naturally like to pee where they have done so before so to avoid building history of peeing in your home is best if you can to avoid it. The more you can avoid accidents from happening as much as possible from the start the faster the puppy training process should be. All puppies are different, and some will get this quicker than others. The main thing to remember is not to discipline your puppy for accidents. The most successful way to potty train is to reward success and ignore accidents. Just clean them up quickly and thoroughly. Your puppy will love nothing more than being praised. For more information please see our guide on How to potty train your German Shepherd puppy. Already your German Shepherd puppy will feel like part of the family. German Shepherds puppies are always adorable but at 9 weeks they are at the age where they are still puppy-like but very clumsy,curious and keen to play with her new family, which is very cute. Your German Shepherds unique personality will make you feel very proud. At 9 weeks your cheeky German Shepherd pup will be feeling more confident, with this the need to explore everything and anything may end up getting them into trouble. Your puppy will develop new sleeping patterns and feeding routines which you will need to adapt to. Most puppies will sleep between eighteen and twenty hours a day at 9 weeks old. During the day when you are with your puppy generally you will not need to shut them away in a crate to nap. German Shepherd puppies are often more than happy to sleep whilst family life goes on around them. However, there will be times when sleeping in a crate is better and safer for your puppy. You must not leave a 9 week old puppy to sleep outside the crate if you are not home to watch them if they wake. Puppies are into everything and many innocent items found in the house could be a potential hazard to your inquisitive pup. For more information please see our guide on how to puppy proof your home. Even if your puppy can barely keep their eyes open other pups and children will still want to play and your German Shepherd puppy may find it hard to refuse. After a hard day of play the peace and quiet of a crate will enable your pup to have a well-deserved nap. If your German Shepherd puppy does need to go to the toilet in the night make sure you keep it short and to a minimum. Establishing a daily routine is the best way to get your German Shepherd puppy to sleep through the night. Part of this schedule will involve mealtimes. Your 9 week old puppy will need four meals a day. Split these up throughout the day and try to stick to similar times. This is to stop encouraging your puppy to wake up earlier and earlier because they associate waking with food. You should always reward your puppy either vocally, with a favourite toy or treats for good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour. Puppies and dogs want to be praised so they respond very well to positive encouragement. Punishing puppies and dogs may have a short term positive effect on their behaviour but long term you could be setting them up to fail. It is very important to socialise and expose your puppy to other humans, dogs and different scenarios whilst they are young. This maybe hard before your puppy has had all its vaccines however getting many different people to come and visit you at your home will enable them to get used to visitors. Before their full vaccinations you can also, you can take you German Shepherd puppy out and about with you to expose them to the outside world as long as you can carry them. If you live in the USA, your puppy will be due their second combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 9 weeks old. In the USA a minimum of three sets of the combined vaccine are required for your puppy. Although you cannot put your puppy down outside until after their final vaccination. Puppies 10 week injection In the UK is a booster vaccination to help immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. Check with your vet what date after their jabs your German Shepherd puppy will be able to go down outside. Your puppy will then need a booster between 6 and 12 months old. If you live in the USA at 12 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be due their booster for the combined 5in1 vaccine against hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, parvo and coronavirus and a vaccine against rabies and leptospirosis. If you live in a high risk area, they may also need to be given the vaccination to help immunize them against Lyme. If applicable at 16 weeks your German Shepherd puppy may need to have a fourth combined 5in1 vaccine. A minimum of three combined injections are required in the USA. Check with your vet what date they will be able to be out down outside. By 10 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be able to control their bladder a lot more. Potentially up to several hours. This is great time for you to introduce them to the big wide world and develop their social skills which you have already been building the foundations. When taking your German Shepherd puppy out try to introduce them to as many other friendly dogs, humans and noises you can. This will help your German Shepherd puppy to grown into a confident well-rounded dog. At 3 months old your German Shepherd will go down from four daily meals to three. These three portions will be larger than what they are used to which may cause stomach upset. If your German Shepherd puppy does get an upset stomach, try going back to four smaller meals for a couple of days and they try the three larger portions again. This can be a challenging time as your adorable German Shepherd puppy turns into a furry crocodile. Luckily the teething stage is only a phase as with human babies and short lived. In most cases your puppy biting should stop around when they are around 7 months old and have their adult teeth. You maybe noticing your German Shepherds gorgeous ears fluctuating between floppy and pointy. By the time your puppy has finished teething their ears should tick up all the way. This usually happens around months. As they grow their cartilage becomes stronger. Some puppies need another month or so to help them cope without going out for frequent toilet breaks. Even when your German Shepherd puppy is toilet trained occasional accidents are normal. German Shepherds do have large ears but they tend to grow into them as they get older. German Shepherd puppies will begin to grow their new adult coat between 4 and 6 months old. To make way for their adult coat all the puppy hair has to go. For several weeks you will notice an increase in shedding. This is a completely normal part of growing up for your German Shepherd. Being a double coat breed German Shepherds dogs have a topcoat and an undercoat. Twice a year your pup will shed their undercoat. Usually in spring and again in fall. They also shed in general days a year so be prepared for a lot of fur! They will very much look like a smaller version of their adult selves. Although your German Shepherd may look older on the inside, they are still very much a puppy. If you are looking to get your puppy neutered or spayed the recommended age is 6 to 9 months. However, it is common for some female puppies to get spayed at 4 months old. Summary: Your German Shepherd is bound to give you so much joy and happiness throughout its life. There will be challenges along the way but remember this is completely normal. German Shepherds are such an amazing breed and you will have a loyal friend for life. Related Posts. Blankets, pillows, and towels. The mother GSD and her litter need a quiet place to stay. It should be spacious, clean, and comfortable. If money is not an issue, you may purchase a commercial whelping box and a washable vet bed. But if you want to be thrifty, you can just make use of a clean cardboard box. Just make sure that the box is big enough for your GSD to stretch out comfortably. You may also buy a heat pad. It will provide warmth to the litter. Instead, put the heat pad under the whelping box, with one end on top of the box. Cover it with a towel to avoid overheating. The whelping box should be close enough to an electrical outlet so you can easily plug in the heat pad once you need more warmth for your Litter. Make sure they stay warm by providing a heating pad and lamp. You may add blankets, pillows, towels, or even old newspapers and a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel. Be careful though because puppies might get entangled and suffocate if the blanket, pillows, and towels are not taut. Puppy milk replacer, baby bottle, or feeding syringe If the litter is abandoned or orphaned, ask your vet to prescribe milk formulated for German shepherd puppies. Purchase a baby bottle or syringe for feeding. If you leave newborn German shepherd puppies with their mother, give her the first two days to bond with her litter and feed them. Once you see that your GSD has accepted her litter and is feeding them, you can put the puppies in a box beside their mother. She will take care of cleaning and nurturing her pups while continuing to feed them with her milk. But if she still refuses to take care of her pups, you must take matters into your own hands. To do this, place a clean towel or a washable vet bed inside a cardboard box. Keep the box beside your GSD but make sure that she cannot get in touch with her pups. Plug the pad into an electrical outlet and adjust the heat to maintain its temperature at 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The pups can get hypothermia if their body heat drops below 94 degrees Fahrenheit. See also How long should a puppy chew on a bully stick and when to take the bully stick away? Now, put your German shepherd puppies under the warmth of the heating pad at 95 degrees F and wait for them to feed. Only put three puppies per towel or one puppy per section of the vet bed for ease in feeding and monitoring. A mother GSD can produce about 4 to 5 cc of milk every hour. This means that she will need someone to feed her pups every 2 or 3 hours. To correctly use the eyedropper, put your puppy on its stomach and tickle its throat to induce swallowing. Repeat this process until you see that the pup has emptied the eyedropper. Pups will probably fall asleep after feeding. To avoid suffocation, place rolled-up newspapers in their box the pups can use them as pillows when they sleep. These are only temporary until the mother GSD starts to take care of them by licking them clean and keeping them warm with her presence. Weighing scale To make sure if the German shepherd puppies are gaining enough weight, monitor their weight by using a weighing scale at least 4 times a week. If the puppies are not gaining enough weight, they may not be getting enough milk or nourishment so consult your vet right away. Use a wet cotton ball or washcloth to massage or rub gently the anal region. A mother GSD can give birth to 4 to 9 puppies in one litter, 6 as the average. Newborn German Shepherd Puppies Newborns especially 1 to 3-day old German shepherd puppies are vulnerable so before you do anything, consult with your vet especially if you are inexperienced. Right after your GSD gives birth, check the 1-day old German shepherd puppies if they are breathing. If you notice a puppy having breathing difficulties, use a suction bulb syringe to suck out the blockage and clear its airways. Most of the time, they just sleep or eat. They usually eat every two hours during their first week of life. If the puppies are orphaned, you may wash them gently using a warm and moist cloth. Avoid over-bathing the pups because it can cause dehydration. You will notice some of them wagging their tails as well which is adorable to look at. The puppies will gradually open their eyes for the first time in 2 weeks. They will be curious so expect them to move around to inspect their surroundings. Instead of crawling, they attempt to use their legs even though their legs may shake. Check their weight to see if they are gaining well and continue keeping them warm and clean. Their ears will open so they can hear the sounds around them. Though their legs still shake when they attempt to walk, they can finally stand on their own. They will begin to socialize and explore their surroundings more so you should not separate the puppies from each other. They will start teething so they tend to bite everything. They will also be interested in eating solid food. The puppies can walk well at 4 weeks so they will continue socializing with their siblings, their mother, and their handler through playing. They can begin eating solid foods for the first time now that their teeth are fully developed. The puppies can be fully weaned when they reach 6 weeks because they become independent of their mother. They also improve their social skills by playing not only with each other but also with people. Not to worry because this is just a normal phase. This is a good time to expose the puppies to various sounds, places, and people. Teach them basic commands but focus on socialization and bite inhibition. If the puppies are not fully potty trained , train them now. At 9 weeks, the weight of male German shepherd puppies normally ranges from 9 to 10 kg while the females would be from 7 to 9 kg. Their height ranges from 12 to 15 inches. See also How to Crate Train a German Shepherd Puppy When the German shepherd puppies reach 10 weeks, their ears will become pointy but sometimes the ears are floppy. Their height and weight will continue to grow as long as they are adequately fed. By this time, your puppies should already know how to gently use their mouth in dealing with humans so you can enhance their training by teaching other basic commands. When they are done, let them play so that they learn how to do this on their own. Be patient because it takes time before they get the hang of it. If after 24 hours it still refuses to eat, use a baby bottle or feeding syringe to feed the puppy. Prepare a milk replacement formula using evaporated milk mixed with egg yolk, using two egg yolks for every half cup of milk. To avoid bacteria growth, boil the water first before mixing everything and store any leftover formula in the fridge. Gradually increase the proportion of milk replacement formula and decrease the proportion of puppy chow until you wean them off milk replacement completely. Your GSD puppy may have parasites because stools may look like pebbles or tan-colored, small balls which can be a sign that they have swallowed something in their litter box. This is particularly common when they are still with their mother because they tend to eat the feces of the other pups. Diarrhea can also be caused by stress, which is common for a newborn GSD puppy that has been removed from its mom. If this happens, make sure you give them enough attention and place your hand gently on their body to calm them down. Conclusion German shepherd puppies are truly a sight to behold from birth to adulthood. 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. Baby German Shepherds growing up! German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular dog breeds out there at the moment, with many devoted fans. They can be large and imposing as adults. But, like every breed, they have a cute puppy phase that many fall in love with. However, since most puppies are bought at weeks old, most of us miss out on this magical period of their lives. So what happens during those first important weeks? A typical German Shepherd litter consists of around puppies. The mean average, according to a study performed in , is 6. When they are first born, they will still have an umbilical cord attached and may be covered in amniotic fluid. Their mother should chew off the umbilical cord and spend the first few hours cleaning their pups. Then mom will focus on keeping her newborn pups warm while allowing them to nurse. At this stage, German Shepherd puppies will just sleep and avoid expending energy. They will frequently nurse from their mother. Newborn German Shepherds When baby German Shepherd puppies are first born, they are completely dependent on their mother. Their ears and eyes will be closed and they will be unable to regulate their own body temperature efficiently. A coat should be present, and the color will depend on the genes they have inherited from their parents. Black with tan markings is the most common for this breed. Additionally, they will be relatively immobile. They will be unable to properly support their own weight. Therefore, they will commonly crawl on their stomach to move about. They will also be unable to urinate or defecate on their own. Stimulation from their mother will be required to help them go to the toilet. One Week Old Baby German Shepherd In the first week, the puppies should bulk up significantly and double their birth weight. However, there will not be much change in their behavior. They will still primarily be focused on nursing and sleeping. To help themselves stay warm, the puppies will normally cuddle close to each other, except for when they are in a hot environment. At this stage, they will still be blind and deaf. While they are still unable to see very well, this is a big step. Eyes should open for the first time at around days of age. They will appear blue in color, but this will change into brown as they develop. They may become a little more inquisitive about their surroundings with their new-found eyesight, and may begin to crawl around a little more. We can expect to see them make some big steps at this stage. Firstly, at around days old, their ears should begin to open for the first time. They should now be able to both see and hear, though not too clearly. Their senses will continue to develop over the coming weeks. They will begin to be able to stand and support their own weight. Walking may still be tough, though! They will likely be pretty wobbly. You can also expect to see their baby teeth come in at around this time. While they still get the majority of their nutrition from their mother, they will begin to show interest in solid food. They will begin to become more independent at this age, being able to urinate and defecate on their own. Beginning Of Socialization With their sight and hearing, they are likely to show a little bit of adventure and courage for the first time, exploring their surroundings as much as their unsteady gait will allow them. This milestone also marks the beginning of the socialization period, a critical phase of their development. Things learned now can shape their personality and behavior for the rest of their lives. They may engage the other puppies in clumsy play and show body language such as tail wagging for the first time. They will form relationships with their den mates, their mother, and humans. This stage is critical in getting the puppies used to humans. This can be achieved by gently exposing the puppies to human presence and contact so that they can see that they are no threat. While their brains are still very much in development, they are still able to learn some simple concepts at this stage. Crate and potty training can begin at this age. They should now be able to walk pretty well. This mobility will allow them to further play with their family and be even more curious about their surroundings. On top of this, their baby teeth should now be fully formed and the weaning process should be fully underway. They should be offered soft but solid food. They may begin to show signs of more complex social behaviors towards their other den mates, and they should learn important skills like bite inhibition. The socialization process should continue, with the puppies gently being exposed to new people, sights, and sounds. The German Shepherd babies will also be further weaned off the mother at this time, slowly moving onto a fully solid diet. Six Week Old Baby German Shepherd At this age, you will begin to see the puppies become even more independent of their mother. Six week old puppies are gaining social skills rapidly, and love to play with people and each other. Seven Week Old Baby German Shepherd When we move into the seventh week of their life, a new significant phase of development starts to begin: the fear period. While this sounds disconcerting, it merely means that this is the time that many puppies begin to show fear towards new things, rather than curiosity. Things that the puppy may find scary or uncertain during this time can make for big changes in their personality throughout life. For example, if a puppy has a bad experience with a human at this stage, it may lead them to becoming fearful and distrustful towards people for the rest of their life. This is why gently exposing the puppies to humans and common sights and sounds beforehand is important. By preemptively socializing the puppies with humans, we can help this period run smoother. The puppies will have reached weights of around pounds and should be around inches tall. Their ears will lie flat but should begin to become erect and upright over the coming weeks. They will be fully independent of their mother at this age. They should be completely weaned, with some basic training and socialization. From here, new owners are expected to continue to train and socialize them, as they are still within a critical period of development. New owners will also need to continue to ensure the German Shepherd puppy is fed a good, nutritionally balanced diet. For more information, you can check out our full puppy development guide here. And make sure you also take a look at this guide to bathing a puppy!
Do Golden Retrievers Get Jealous? They are widely regarded as friendly, affectionate, clever breed that is great with kids and other animals. Just like any other dog, Golden Retrievers also love attention and treats, and will use their many skills to get what they want from their owners. Do Golden Retrievers get jealous? Yes, Golden Retrievers do get jealous. They can form close bonds with family members, and as such, are known to suffer from other emotional behavioral issues such as separation anxiety. Jealousy can become an issue if you have other dogs or children and your Golden Retriever feels like he is not getting attention when he wants it. So, what are the signs and symptoms you should look out for and how do you cure jealousy in Golden Retrievers and dogs in general? Why do golden retrievers get jealous Golden Retrievers and dogs in general are social animals. They have an innate need to form social relationships with each other and with humans. The dog -human relationship is a very important one for them. Most dog breeds have evolved to the stage that they would find it difficult to survive without us. They may not understand that we are the sole provider of food, shelter and safety for them, but it appears to be hard wired into their brain that they must be close to us and that a relationship with a human is important. If I give my attention to another dog or person, by playing with them, or hugging or sometimes just talking, my dog will go nuts barking and trying to get my attention focused back on him. Do Golden Retrievers really get jealous or is it just instinct? In a study published a few years ago, study author Christine Harris showed that dogs in general do get jealous when they see their owners giving attention and affection to another animal or human compared to a nonsocial object such as a book. This is what causes him to snap or bark, or to get between you and whatever he is jealous of. What are the signs that your golden retriever is jealous? Dogs show display jealousy in much the same way as humans. They can lash out unpredictably, causing them to behave in a way that they may not usually behave. Here are a few common signs that your Golden Retriever is not happy that you are giving your attention to someone else. Jealousy, especially between two dogs is often signalled by growling or staring. Most of the time, the dog on your lap will not be happy and will start to growl to let the other one know that he was here first, and he wants you all to himself. If this type of jealousy is not addressed early, it can escalate into barking and all out fighting between dogs. Giving you lots of unexpected affection and attention Golden Retrievers are usually less confrontational than other breeds. You may notice that rather than growling or barking, your Retriever may use body language to tell you that he wants all of your attention. This may include climbing up on top of you when you are watching TV, or in between you and your spouse when you are sitting on the sofa. Pushing other people or dogs away Another subtle way that dogs, especially Golden Retrievers can show their jealousy is by using their bodies to physically push themselves in between you and another dog or person. Dogs use their bodies all of the time to let each other know if they are in their space and sometimes we can fail to pick up on this. A classic example of this is if you are crouching down to pet one of your dogs or to hug your child, your other dog will come bounding over and squeeze himself in between you and your child or other dog. Retreating to his quiet place Not all dogs know how to express their jealousy, and some can become despondent. They may just retreat to the sofa or their crate instead. If your dog is regularly hiding and avoiding contact you should investigate it further. Dogs can be in pain and not show it. Older Golden Retrievers often suffer from hip and knee problems and some develop heart and lung conditions that can make them lethargic. Does your dog run around after you with his blanket in his mouth, or does he constantly steal your stuff looking for you to chase him? Barking and jumping around are not the only ways that Golden Retrievers and dogs in general can exhibit jealousy. Next time your dog steals your shoe, try and remember what it was you were doing before you gave him your attention. I bet you were probably interacting with someone else, or playing with another dog. Just like with young children, dogs will often do crazy things to get your attention. How do you stop your Golden Retriever from getting jealous? Some trainers will tell you to shower your dog with affection when he shows signs of jealousy as it can be a sign of separation anxiety. Golden Retrievers do not do well by themselves, especially if they are left alone or outside by themselves for a long period of time. This is probably the worst thing you can do. Golden Retrievers are very smart, and rewarding any bad behaviour is going to leave you with a Retriever that is very unruly and difficult to live with. Regular, meaningful exercise is a great cure for lots of dog behavioural problems. If your dog is exhibiting jealous behavior regularly, then he may not be getting enough one on one time with you. A great way to build a bond with your Golden Retriever, while exercising, is with agility training. Agility is an excellent method of training your dog to take commands and to be around other dogs with you. Food is one of the top drivers of jealous behaviour among dogs and it can lead to fighting and other bad behaviors. Feeding separately means feeding your dogs in separate rooms or one outside in the yard with the other in the house. Praise the good behaviour The worst advice when it comes to training dogs is to ignore the bad behavior and praise the good. Ignoring bad behavior is basically telling your dog that what he just did is ok, and then praising him for it. You may need to gently push him away, or use your body to block his advances. But as soon as he gets the message and retreats, then praise the good behavior. Avoid over-excitment Many dogs, especially young Golden Retrievers can get over excited very easily and this can lead to unpredictable and sometimes, bad behavior. It can turn into a crazy situation with dog s jumping and barking and running around. If this is a common scenario in your house, try to keep things calm by ignoring your dogs when you come home rather than showering them with affection. It can also be a good idea to greet your dogs separately so that they both get proper attention and it reduces the chances of jealousy. Yes, jealousy can often the be the cause of Golden Retriever aggression. Jealousy can often be a difficult problem to diagnose as it can easily be mistaken for other behavioural problems. Golden Retrievers are smart dogs and are not usually aggressive or dominant towards other dogs. Jealousy can often be the underlying cause of excessive barking or attention seeking behavior in Retrievers. Are Golden Retrievers Good family dogs? Yes, Golden Retrievers make great family pets and usually get on well with kids and other dogs. They are usually an easy going breed, and are easy to train. Before getting a Golden Retriever you should ask yourself a few important question. Will you have enough time to train, exercise and feed a dog? Do you work long hours, or are you a stay at home parent? Do you have a baby or are you planning on starting a family soon? These are all questions you should be asking yourself before you commit to any new puppy or dog. Golden Retrievers can be fiercely loyal, but what is the point when that loyalty changes to something like overprotective jealousy? Golden Retrievers can get jealous and possessive if not trained or socialized properly. They may get jealous of anything that they feel is threatening to take your attention away from them. They show this by getting between you and others, whining, barking, and nipping. It could also be a change in routine that may have triggered this jealous behavior. They will show you this jealousy through their body language, not only by snarling or nipping but anything they can do to get your attention off of someone or something else and back on them. Golden Retrievers are generally easy-going and friendly. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. We only recommend high-quality products that are used and recommended by real owners. If you use these links to buy something we earn a small commission. I read through, this interesting research study by the University of California to understand just how much dogs do experience jealousy. In the experiment. Dog owners were asked to pay attention to and give affection to three different objects in plain view of their dogs. The first object was a book, next to a Jack-O-Lantern plastic pumpkin and the last was a stuffed dog toy that could bark and walk. The owners were told to interact with these objects as if they were real dogs. They talked to them as if they were talking to their own dog. They also completely ignored their own dog while doing so. Interestingly enough the toy dog received the biggest reaction from the dogs as they displayed many of the behaviors that were considered signs of jealousy. So if you think your Golden Retriever has gotten jealous then yes you are probably right. The earlier you intervene the easier it will be to help correct any aggressive behaviors before it goes too far. Here are some signs to watch for. They may also feel like they need to protect you from someone or something. What Does it Mean? Dogs are historically social animals and always run with a pack, whenever someone or something is threatening a member of their pack they mark their territory as a signal for others to stay away. Your Golden Retriever could be trying to take a stand by making his claim through urinating all over his property. Your home is their safe place, if someone new enters they may be worried about that safe place being invaded. They are also creatures of habit, so even if your sweet innocent Golden Retriever is well socialized as a puppy he could still have problems when his routine is interrupted by a perceived threat to his pack. Adding a new person or pet to your household is most likely the cause of this sudden jealous behavior. There can be other reasons too, however. If your dog is bored and he sees you engaged with other people or things it could cause him to react with jealousy. If your Golden Retriever sees or perceives that you are giving more of your attention and love to someone or something else this may cause him to feel insecure and cause feelings of jealousy. A suddenly mobile toddler or baby could also be alarming to your Golden Retriever. If your child has recently learned to crawl or walk it could be unsettling to your Golden Retriever and he may not know how to react to it. He could also feel very threatened that the new mobility of your child is endangering his space. What to Do! Feeling possessive of you or his toys or other resources like his food or water can make a Golden Retriever act in an aggressive jealous way. This is a natural instinct for all dogs as many are bred with the intention of protecting their owners from threats. Noticing how your dog feels is the first step to helping him overcome his jealousy before it becomes dangerous aggression. Figuring out why he feels that way may take a little more investigative work. Tip: Keep a diary or notebook and write down any time he shows signs of jealousy, what he was doing and why you may think it happened, soon you will start to notice a pattern. Let them feed your dog, give them praise and treats, let them bond with your pet, and be their new best friend for a while while you…. Your Golden Retriever is Jealous of the Baby If your Golden Retriever is jealous of your new baby you may have your work cut out for you. The best time to prepare your pooch for a new baby is… well before that precious bundle arrives. Dogs like routine and predictability none of which describes life with a newborn. If you are able to slowly prepare your home and your Golden Retriever for life with a new baby then you will be less likely to see jealous behaviors. If you missed that opportunity or your pup is still having problems all is not lost. It will take some time, but your pup can find peace again. Some tips to help with a new baby are: Never leave your baby unattended around your dog. This helps to prevent resource guarding. Make sure your dog has a solid understanding of basic commands. Keep a safe and quiet place for your dog to escape to his crate or bed in a different room when the baby gets too much for him. Give him treats and praise for all positive interactions so he can learn to associate a new baby with pleasant things. Let your dog get used to the baby on his own terms never force him. Include him in walks and playtime. Give your dog an item of clothing or blanket that smells like your baby and reward him for being around it. Seek professional help if your dog gets aggressive. Your Golden Retriever is Jealous of a New Pet Have you recently gotten another Golden Retriever thinking that you were going to have a best friend for your current dog? Besides following some of the same pointers above you should also try and keep their food and water separated as well as toys and other items that your Golden Retriever may feel like belongs to him. Keeping this separate space can resolve some of the natural instincts animals have to protect their food source. Also, give him a safe place to retreat away from the new pet if he needs it. I have this dog crate from Amazon for my small dog Bear. Learning to deal with an energetic puppy or even just a new furry friend can feel overwhelming and your Golden Retriever will need some time and space to himself so he can rest and relax without the stress of a new curious critter all over him. Take them on walks together. Dogs are pack animals and will enjoy getting out of the house and peeing on stuff as a fun bonding activity. Give them treats whenever they are together. This will help then create positive associations with being together. Try and make your attention even to both of them. Go Back to the Basics Work on all the basic training commands such as sit, stay, drop, down. You will need a solid foundation and accurate execution. When you run into problem behaviors and you need to redirect with something else use these commands, and you should have a stronger chance of seeing compliance. It may be helpful to also attend obedience lessons with your dog or get help from a personal trainer. Even if you have done this before, it could be a great refresher as well as save you from having to make heartbreaking decisions if his aggression were to get out of hand later on. Lavish with Praise When Appropriate Whenever your dog is showing good behavior that you want to see make sure to give him plenty of love and affection as well as a healthy treat link to healthy treat options on Amazon or two. This will help to reinforce positive behaviors and teach your Golden Retriever the things that will get him the attention he craves. For mild cases of jealousy, it can often be cured with a dose of a little extra attention, playtime, and love. This could make the problem much worse and create resource guarding with you as the resource. If you think this is the problem you may want to read this article from preventive vet for some extra help and tips on how to solve it. Asking a trusted friend or neighbor to take some time working with your pet or maybe babysitting for a few hours so you can give the attention you need to yourself and your dog is nothing to feel ashamed of. Taking care of a small dog as well as many other responsibilities can be overwhelming for a lot of people. Even little changes like hiring a dog walker or having your little pooch work through this amazing brain training for dogs program can make a big difference. In the end, it will be better for everyone if your dog is learning that others can give it the love and care it needs just as much as you can. Never disregard, avoid or delay in obtaining medical advice from your veterinarian or other qualified veterinary health care provider regardless of what you have read on this site or elsewhere. At times, your Golden Retriever can get jealous. As they come to your family and spend time with you and other members of the family, they will start to form close bonds with everyone. Because of this, they may feel jealous as well as some other emotional behavioral issues. This can include separation anxiety until your dog gets used to you leaving during the day. Jealousy will sometimes become an issue if you have children or other dogs around the home. Sometimes your dog will feel like they are not getting attention at the times that they want. Recognizing the signs of your Golden Retriever feeling jealous can make a difference and will help you to solve some of the problems. Spending time with your Golden Retriever is a good way to solve some of the issues too. Your Golden Retriever is generally an easy dog to work with. They like to spend time with everyone in the family, have a lot of energy, and will get along and try to please you. Out of all the dog breeds that you choose to go with, this one is the least likely to get jealous when you pay attention to some of the other people in the home. However, even this breed is able to get jealous, especially if they have not been able to get attention. If you were gone on a long trip or you have not been able to spend the time you often do with your dog, such as not being able to take them on as many walks or play with them as often, then these feelings of jealousy are likely to happen and you will need to deal with them as early on as possible The good news is that your Golden Retriever likes to get attention from anyone they can in the family. If you have a spouse or some kids in the home, they can each take a turn playing with and entertaining your Golden Retriever. Since the dog will like to work with anyone and can have a lot of fun with them, this is a good way to make sure they get the attention that they need while keeping the jealousy away. Golden Retrievers, as well as other dogs, are social animals. This means that they have an innate need to form strong social relationships. These relationships are important between each other and with humans as well. You will find that the Golden Retriever really values the dog to human relationship. Most of the dog breeds out there have evolved to a stage where they would struggle to survive without a human to help them get by. They may not be able to understand that humans are the sole providers of safety, shelter, and food for them, but they are hard wired to stay close to humans and they value this kind of relationship as well. If you notice that your Golden Retriever starts to act jealous and shows some of the signs that we list out below, then this is done because they are protecting the important relationship they have between their owners and themselves. While this is a natural instinct to work with, you do need to stop the behavior before it gets worse and your dogs start to fight, or your Golden Retriever barks and growl at other people in the family. It is important to be able to look out for certain signs of whether your Golden Retriever is jealous or not. This will help you to recognize some of the signs and then fix the problem before it goes out of hand. This means that they may rely on growling and barking to make this happen. Both of these methods are going to be the first sign that your dog is not happy, but sometimes it is hard to tell that the barking and growling is due to jealousy. A good way to tell is to see what else is going on when the Golden Retriever displays this behavior. For example, if you have the Golden Retriever on your lap and another dog or your children come over to you and you give them attention, you may notice the first dog is not happy. They may decide to growl to let the other person or animal know that they were there first and they want you to themselves. This type of jealousy may be normal but it is something that you need to fix as soon as possible. If you let it alone and do not correct the situation as early as possible, you may end up with barking and fighting between the different dogs in your home. Giving You Attention and Affection Golden Retrievers are not a confrontational breed like some of the others out there. You may notice that they will not bark or growl as much. Instead, they will rely on other types of body language to show what they want. This could include climbing right on top of you while you are watching TV or even getting in between you and another person on the couch. Pushing Other Dogs and People Away Your Golden Retriever may show that they are jealous by using their own bodies to push themselves between you and another person or another dog. Your dog will need to use their bodies to let someone else know if they are in their space. It may happen without us really paying attention to what is going on. If the trigger for this behavior is that you are giving someone else attention, then this is a sign your dog is jealous. Going to Their Quiet Place Some dogs are not good at expressing their jealousy and they may become despondent instead. Many Golden Retrievers and older dogs are not going to do some of the other signals to show they are jealous. They may just head to their crate or another spot to be alone. This is sometimes a sign that they are not feeling well. If they do it often, then it may be a sign that something else is wrong, but if it seems to happen when you give someone else attention, then it is likely your Golden Retriever feels jealous. Seeking Attention Another reason why your Golden Retriever may show they are jealous is that they are seeking your attention. They may try to steal your shoe, bringing you their blanket, or doing something else that gets you to look at them. If you notice that this tends to happen when you are giving someone else in the home attention, then it is likely done to get you to pay attention to the dog. How to Stop Jealousy In Your Golden Retriever If your Golden Retriever is showing some signs of being jealous, then it is a good idea to take steps to stop any bad behavior that they may exhibit. Some advice out there tells you to give your dog more attention when they exhibit these behaviors. This is a bad idea because it rewards bad behavior in your dog and will encourage them to keep acting in that way. Luckily, there are a few other methods that you can use to help stop the jealousy in your Golden Retriever and make sure that they behave the way that you want. Some of these include: Give Them Exercise If your dog has had some time to run around outside and get tired, they have less time to feel jealous about the people and other animals around them. Sometimes they may get jealous simply because they need to run off some of the energy that they have. The next time they start to show some of the signs we discussed above, take them on a long walk and see if that helps. Feed Your Dogs Separately If you have more than one dog in the home and your Golden Retriever seems to be acting jealous, then it is time to feed them separately. Food can make dogs jealous the most and it will lead to the dogs fighting and misbehaving. Feed the dogs at the same time, but have them eat in different rooms or have one inside and one outside. Pay Attention to the Good Behavior Rather than paying attention to the bad behavior and giving them more attention, it is better to pay attention when your Golden Retriever is behaving well. If they try to get onto you or are right on top of you, you can gently push them away or use your own body to block their advances. If the Golden Retriever listens and gets the message to back off, then this is the behavior that you want to praise. You do not need to overdo this praise, but you can tell them how good they are being and even pet them a little bit. This helps your Golden Retriever to know what behaviors are acceptable by you. Give Your Dog Their Own Toys Sometimes it is tempting to just have a bunch of toys that all the dogs can share when you have more than one. Your dog is not going to be good at sharing. If you assume that they will, then this can cause jealousy and even some confrontations. Let each dog have several toys that are all their own to avoid this. Avoid the Excitement A little bit of excitement is fine, but if you let it get out of hand, this can cause issues. You will really need to work on this with your children too. When your dog gets overly excited, they will be unpredictable and this can lead to some bad habits along the way. If there are children around the home or you have other animals, sometimes the dog will feel like you are giving attention to the others rather than to them. With some of the tips above, you will be able to provide your Golden Retriever with some of the attention they need, without rewarding their bad behavior, and you can get them to stop feeling so jealous.
With their pointy bat ears, Frenchies are adorable miniature bulldogs with extremely flat muzzles. They can benefit from the right growth formula to provide immune system support and skin health, and aid with digestion to help cut down on their not-so-adorable gas during puppyhood. Royal Canin French Bulldog dry puppy food is tailor-made nutrition created just for your pure breed French Bulldog puppy. This exclusive breed-specific diet is uniquely formulated for your French Bulldog puppy, with the specific nutrients to help them thrive. An exclusive mix of antioxidants and vitamin E supports their developing immune system to keep their bodies growing strong. Exclusive nutrients reinforce the skin barrier for healthy skin. And a combination of highly digestible proteins, precise fiber content, and high-quality carbohydrate sources supports healthy digestion to help decrease flatulence and unpleasant stool odors. Once your French Bulldog puppy is over 12 months old, transition them to Royal Canin French Bulldog Adult dry dog food for precise nutrition into their adult years. Read more Promoting pet health and wellbeing Creating value for our entire ecosystem Committed to become certified carbon neutral by Cookie Settings. Three to four times a day 4 — 5 months 6 months and above Two times a day Pregnant or breastfeeding French Bulldogs may eat up to three times a day within eight hours. Meanwhile, puppies require more frequent feedings than adult dogs due to their rapid metabolism. In general, a French Bulldog puppy should be fed three times daily between two and six months. Once the French Bulldog puppy reaches the age of six months, the feeding frequency can be reduced to two meals each day. As developing puppies, your Frenchie requires a consistent daily feeding plan. The feeding plan should incorporate at least three measured meals per day. Its dinner schedule is vital, as it allows ample time to digest the food and go pee or potty before bedtime. Between 14 and 18 weeks, you can begin accustoming your French Bulldog puppy to two meals each day. If your veterinarian advises you to keep your French Bulldog on a three-meals-a-day diet, this must be properly followed. Senior dogs can be fed on the same schedule when given three meals a day. Since elderly dogs do not move as much, they may develop too much weight. Consequently, you should ensure that the food contains fewer calories, more fiber, and an appropriate balance of fat and protein. Your veterinarian should have a recommended amount of treats you should give your dog. Again, it will vary according to its weight and level of activity. If you must frequently use treats for training, use tiny bits or give them a licking mat. Best Dog Foods for French Bulldog A feeding guide for Frenchie dog lovers would be incomplete without the information on the best dog food for their furry companion. There are numerous food options available for French Bulldogs. The best pet food varies from one Frenchie to another. Perhaps your French Bulldog is a fussy eater or suffers from food allergies. It is feasible to provide a balanced diet for your French Bulldogs if you use the best store-bought or homemade dog food that contains all the nutrition needed by your dog and as prescribed by your veterinarian. The list below shows the best dog food options you can provide your French Bulldog: Dry Food: Dry dog food is commercially available kibble. This can be an excellent alternative for French Bulldogs with sensitive stomachs. French Bulldog puppies require high-quality dry food that is high in animal protein to aid in growth and muscular development. Wet Food: Wet food is contained in a can; it is primarily composed of water and is considered highly mushy food. However, wet food expires more quickly than dry food, making it the least practical alternative. Home-Cooked Diet: A home-cooked, protein-rich diet like a chicken meal is excellent for French Bulldogs. Unlike ordinary kibble, it contains no additives or preservatives. It supports healthy digestion and may help avoid various problems related to a bad diet, including obesity, dry skin and coat, pancreatitis, diabetes, and a low immune system. French Bulldogs are prone to developing a variety of joint and back issues. Along with other joint problems, they may develop luxating patella or hip dysplasia. Both glucosamine and chondroitin are critical components of a high-quality French Bulldog dog diet. These essential vitamins assist your French in developing the connective tissue necessary for healthy joints and spine support. Omega-3 fatty acids can assist your Frenchie to keep muscle mass and strength by reducing inflammation and soreness. Also, this can promote healthy skin by preventing itchy and flaky skin. Whether wet and dry food, raw food, or a homemade diet, each dog food offers several benefits and drawbacks. Consult a veterinarian before deciding to know exactly what food option suits your Frenchie. Any French Bulldog owner will attest that vomiting is far more common in this breed than in other dogs. While it cannot be totally prevented, you should know what human foods are toxic to French Bulldogs. Some of the foods to avoid are not only bad for Frenchie; many of them can be fatal. They may result in poisoning and, in the worst-case scenario, death. This section enumerates some of the most dangerous foods for French Bulldogs. I will discuss why these foods are poisonous and when you should contact a veterinarian. The first and most prevalent is chocolate. It contains a toxin called theobromine , which can cause a variety of health problems when consumed in large amounts. This can cause irregular heartbeats, seizures, and sudden death. Garlic and onions should also never be included in the diet of your Frenchie puppy or adult dog. Even a trace of these vegetables can result in anemia and red blood cell failure in your pup. Poisoning symptoms include lethargy, fatigue, vomiting, rapid breathing, and an increased heart rate. However, remember that you may not immediately notice poisoning symptoms because the toxic consequences may take a few days to manifest. Additionally, grapes are one of the most toxic foods for your Frenchie. A dog that has consumed grapes may exhibit stomach bloating and diarrhea. They need to be taken to a veterinarian immediately. In severe cases, gastric lavage is the best course of action. Candy, artificial sweeteners, corn on the cob, roasted bones, avocado, raisins, almonds, cherry, peach, plum, coconut oil, mustard seeds, alcohol, coffee, blue cheese, and tomatoes are also regarded to be unsafe for French Bulldogs. Furthermore, there are certain foods that you should avoid giving your Pitbull owing to the negative side effects they may cause. While they are not considered dangerous, they can cause nausea, diarrhea, and weight gain. Numerous dogs wind up at veterinarian clinics due to improper food intake. While prevention is always the best course of action, it is critical to understand emergency care and medication expenses. Read our article on French Bulldog costs to learn more about the medical expenditures associated with a French Bulldog. These adjustments should ideally take place over 5 to 7 days. Consult a veterinarian in this scenario, especially if you intend to switch to a raw or homemade diet. Feeding an Overweight French Bulldog French Bulldogs can quickly gain weight, resulting in various health problems. Thus, dog owners need to notice when their Frenchie gets overweight to assist the dog in maintaining a healthy weight and living a healthy life. Average adult French Bulldogs should have a body weight between 19 and 29 pounds for males, while 18 to 28 pounds for females. The most common indications that your Frenchie is overweight include lack of muscle definition and difficulty breathing during brief exercises. In terms of visual indicators, a Frenchie within their healthy weight will have a thin layer of fat covering their ribs. Meanwhile, those with excess fat have noticeable deposits in the chest and stomach area. Also, you should be able to see and feel their spine as they bend and curl into a sleeping position. Furthermore, Frenchies have an hourglass form, with a visible waistline that is smaller than their chest when they are not overweight. Regardless of these symptoms, it is always advisable to seek confirmation from a professional veterinarian. Feeding an obese Frenchie means maintaining a consistent food plan throughout the day to aid in weight loss. Additionally, this stops your dog from eating more than it requires. Apart from planned feeding times, serving the correct meal proportions is essential. If your Frenchie is overweight, owners should focus on how much food is offered to them. Reducing their daily kibble intake by half a cup can help them significantly reduce weight. Moreover, you should offer them foods with fewer calories, more fiber, and more protein. As a result, your Frenchie will burn more calories and lose weight more quickly. It is preferable to give your dog treats that contain only one ingredient, are low in calories, and contain no added sugar, such as sweet potato and blueberry bites. Alternatively, you can treat your dog with items that are already in your refrigerator, such as tiny portions of sweet potatoes, apples, and bananas. Regularly weigh your dog, monitor how many calories they intake, and establish a target body weight for them. Also, pain can make a Frenchie nervous and unable to eat, so keep an eye out for evident signs of injury. Another common reason for your French Bulldog not to eat is discomfort in the mouth caused by dental issues. Furthermore, gastrointestinal conditions, certain medicines, vaccination, overfeeding, or other serious health problems can cause a French Bulldog not to eat. As a result, you must keep an eye on your Frenchie and contact your veterinarian if the condition persists for weeks. Do French Bulldogs Eat a Lot? French Bulldogs are opportunistic feeders by nature. Thus, they will continue to eat as long as you provide pet food. They may begin to require more than is necessary to fulfill their appetite due to this behavior. Also, when a French Bulldog is agitated, it may begin to overeat. The most effective strategy to combat stress-related overeating is to thrive in a calm environment. At times, your dog may become bored and eat more than usual to keep itself occupied somehow. Thus, you must keep a watch on any of these factors. Can French Bulldogs Eat Bones? Dogs should not consume cooked bones of any kind. The bones may splinter, resulting in deadly shards that might cause injury due to choking hazards. Thus, if you wish to offer your Frenchie a bone, vets recommend raw meat bones, preferably from farm-raised chicken. These are best given after a meal to prevent them from eating too much. Remove it after around ten minutes and store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for tomorrow. To avoid bacterial contamination, it is recommended to discard it after a few days and keep it separate from other raw meat and food. Can French Bulldogs Be Vegetarians? Each Frenchie is one-of-a-kind. Simply because your French Bulldog likes veggies does not mean it can go full-on vegetarian. Also, bear in mind that many veggies are dangerous and toxic to your French Bulldog. Certain vegetables are acceptable to be fed to a French Bulldog, but only in small portions. Final Thoughts French Bulldogs are, without a doubt, playful, intelligent, and compassionate dogs. On the other hand, Frenchies are greedy eaters, and food serves as their primary motivator. Thus, a critical component of owning this breed is understanding how much, how frequently, and what food to feed a French Bulldog. You can supply dry food, wet food, raw food diets, or a homemade diet for your pet. Since Frenchie pups and adults may have food sensitivities, providing or making the best dog food for their age and nutritional requirements is critical. By doing so, you can help your Frenchie prevent undesirable health problems. This can help guarantee that your Frenchie receives the safest and healthiest diet as much as possible. Let us know in the comments below about your experience with feeding your French Bulldog! My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Pin64 71 Shares When we first brought Claude home, we had no idea on how much food we should be giving him. We spoke to our vet, and this is what he told us about how much you should feed a French bulldog puppy. A French bulldog puppy should be fed 3 times a day whilst there are still 2 to 6 months old. Once the French bulldog puppy reaches 6 months, you can reduce the feeding schedule down to 2 meals a day. But now having been a French bulldog owner for 3 years, I can now look back and give you some more detail on exactly what our French bulldog puppy feeding schedule was like and how it worked for us and him. French bulldog puppy feeding chart Below you can see a French bulldog puppy feeding guide I put together. It contains some rough guidance on how you should schedule and plan his feeds, and what other factors you might need to take into account. Please do print it out and put on your fridge. How many cups of food should I feed my French Bulldog? Before you look at the French Bulldog feeding chart below, you might want the quick answer to how many cups of food to feed your French Bulldog. As a general rule of thumb, you should feed a French Bulldog puppy aged 8 to 12 weeks around 1 and a half cups of food a day, in 3 separate meals. As your Frenchie gets older, the number of cups of food you should feed them will change. You can see the cup amounts and frequencies in the French Bulldog feeding chart graphic below. This French bulldog puppy feeding chart tells you how much you should feed them Source: Canin The French bulldog puppy feeding chart shown above is taken from the Royal Canin dog food range. This is exactly what we fed Claude as he was growing up. They range a specific French bulldog puppy food, and on the packaging you will see a version of the chart above, including how best to feed your own puppy. Handy Hint: To stop your Frenchie from bloating and possibly choking you should use a suitable feeding bowl. Here are the best French Bulldog food bowls that vets recommend. When you take your puppy to his new home, he should already be used to eating puppy food. As I mentioned earlier, you should be feeding your French bulldog puppy 3 times a day. They need that regularity as they are growing and burning a lot of calories. You know how energetic they are! How much you feed them at each mealtime will typically be half a cup of their dry puppy food. Across the day, that will equate 1. However, their weight and health will then determine how much you feed them as they get older. Calories matter, but are hard to count As French bulldogs get older, you should try to feed them according to their weight. For every pound, they should be fed between 25 and 30 calories. However, for the rest of this French bulldog puppy feeding guide, I am just going to talk in cups. Puppy weight How can weigh your puppy at the vets or, and this is can be a more interesting and fun way if your puppy already knows how to sit, have them sit on a scale at home. It will not be as accurate as a scale at the vet, but it could be a cheap and fun experience for you and your pet. Because of this, your puppy may be a little stubborn about eating dry and wet food if they were only just recently weaned. Here is where the math gets a little more detailed, but not too complicated. When they are between 8 to 12 weeks old, the puppy should be fed about 1. This food should be high in calories since they need extra nutrients that they are no longer getting from their mother. This kind of follows the main rule when it comes to spreading out the meals to 3 times a day. But for younger pups, many owners will split the 1. Because feeding them 0. Once they are between 6 and 9 months old, they should be used to their eating routine. That is when the main rule is applied because by then, the pup will be maturing into its adult size and should weigh between 20 and 25 pounds. What about older dogs? Also, if you are wondering how much they should be fed once they start hitting their senior years, they should be fed a little less as long only if they are not as active. Make sure you still stretch out the meals to 3 to 4 times like when they were puppies because it is not uncommon for their stomachs to weaken with old age. Overweight or underweight? French bulldog puppies usually weight between 8. Once they reach 6 to 9 months, they are just at or are closer to reaching their adult weight, .If the puppy is underweight, then add very small increments to each meal every day until they are no longer underweight. It is important to not add too much food because of the possibility of them getting a twisted stomach. If the puppy is overweight, you can either slightly reduce the size of their meal until they lose weight, or you can give them more exercise. Many people prefer the later since it helps the pup to get stronger and adds more bonding time. The same methods apply to grown French bulldogs as well. Handy Hint: Read this guide which explains how to check if you have a fat French Bulldog who needs to lose weight, with tips on how to get the pounds down. If the dog does not appear to be gaining weight when they are underweight or vice versa if they are overweight, you might want to take them to the vet since it could be a sign that something is affecting their health. Health conditions Since not every animal is the same, ask your vet the next time your pup has a check-up what a French bulldog of their size and age should weigh. Health factors like diabetes yes, dogs can have diabetes , can make your pup need a more strict diet or feeding routine. Here are some different diets and feeding routines. Raw food vs. Many dog lovers say that there are too many preservatives, fillers, wheat, corn, and protein in dry and wet food. While the raw food diet can be more natural, especially if it is organic, you also have to make sure your pup would be getting more foods with vitamins and minerals mixed in with the raw food that your pup would need. Raw food diets can be more expensive, require more storage room for the meats and veggies, and take longer to prepare. However, you would be personally ensuring that your little French bulldog pup is getting their full daily nutrition without harmful by-products and additives. Is there a good dry food diet? Possibly the biggest questions out of all of them: is there any good dry dog food out there and how do I find them? The answer is yes, there can be some healthy dry dog food products, but it takes some time to look for. The key is to look for dog food that does not contain any preservatives, fillers, wheat, corn, and too much protein. Fillers basically do not provide any nutritional value and can even harm your dog since most of the ingredients they use as fillers are common allergies for dogs that can cause skin conditions, bowel issues, and more. Wheat and corn are included since they are also a popular allergen for dogs. Too much protein is even more dangerous for them since it can put more pressure on the organs, throw off nutritional balance, increase the likelihood of diabetes, and can harm dogs that already have diabetes. To see the safe and dangerous fruits list, click here. Another two meat choices would be duck and turkey, but these are a little less common to find, especially if you are looking for a French bulldog specific dog food. Your dog eats his food too quickly Another common problem is how do you control how fast your French bulldog puppy eats. French bulldogs love to eat their food and eat it fast, which is one of the primary causes of GDV. Frenchies will stop eating for a number of reasons, some more serious that others. Conclusion So there you have it, your guide to how much you should feed your French bulldog puppy. Everything in this feeding schedule and the French bulldog feeding chart you see is based on personal experience. Once in the morning, and once in the early evening. Keep a regular feeding routine, and your Frenchies will stay as healthy as ours has! How often should I feed my French Bulldog puppy? Home » How often should I feed my French Bulldog puppy? Your puppy has been on unlimited food all of the time. If on the smaller side 5lbs , we recommend four times per day. If a little bit stouter, you can start with three times a day. We recommend giving them as much as they want at each setting while they are growing babies. As they age and grow you can take it down to times per day. Two feedings per day seems to be the amount of times most people end up feeding their Frenchies. When you place your puppy on a feeding schedule it helps with the potty training as well. After eating, take them outside to potty. Make sure to tell your little one how good he is for doing his duty outside. Basically you just fill the water up to the level of the dogfood. If they continue to turn their nose up at the kibble, try adding a bit of canned dogfood to the kibble. Puppies are like humans. Some overeat when stressed and some undereat. Changing to a new home is an environmental stressor even though we are sure your Frenchie is enjoying being the center of your world. Each Frenchie is different and each human family is different. Do your best at scheduling for you and your Frenchie to live your best lives. Regardless, it is best to feed your puppy their old food for at least two weeks if you can. Then, you want to swap the proportions. After a few days, you can give your puppy only the new food. The most common is diarrhea. It might be worth a trip to the vet if your pup starts throwing up their meals, refuses to eat, or has allergic reactions to the new food. French Bulldog Puppy Diets French Bulldog puppy diets may consist of kibble, wet food, raw food , or homemade food. Each of these has pros and cons. Some pet owners go all in and make their own dog foods. This can get complex, as, with raw or homemade food, you have to be sure to give your dog all the nutrients they need to stay healthy. It is also typically more expensive than prepared meals kibble or wet food. However, the benefits might be important if done correctly. You know exactly what your dog is eating, no questions asked. Frenchies often have allergies and sensitive tummies. So you should avoid foods with too much protein but make sure meat is still the first ingredient! Also avoid or limit grains, soy, and wheat, as these are common allergens. The number of calories your puppy needs will depend on their age, weight, and exercise levels. Different types of food will also have different calorie levels. For example, they will generally need to eat more wet food than kibble for a balanced meal, because canned food has fewer calories. At the start of the day, weigh out the right amount on some scales and divide it between five bowls. Four of these will make up regular meals spread throughout the day, the final bowl is for you to put aside to use as training treats or to reward good behavior. This will help you to resist the temptation to use higher carb training treats. Feeding a French Bulldog Puppy Kibble The most affordable option, when considering both your time and money, is kibble. The most time-consuming and expensive are raw and homemade diets. You can find it easily at the store, and your only prep time will be to open it and pour it into a bowl. The biggest con is that there are some low-quality brands of kibble out there. As in any business, some are just in it for the money. However, these disadvantages can be overcome by choosing a high-quality brand. Look out for formulas specifically tailored for French Bulldogs. Specialized recipes are carefully shaped to help them out. Another good thing about wet food is that it keeps your dog hydrated. However, due to the water in wet food, it has fewer calories. Your pup will need to eat more wet food than dry food, making it the more expensive of the two. Wet food is also messier than dry, especially if your pup is a messy eater. It also takes time to prepare as you will need to buy the ingredients individually, and prepare the meals. Raw food also requires more clean-up time than any other food. Feeding a French Bulldog Puppy a Homemade Diet Feeding a puppy a homemade diet has many of the same pros and cons of feeding raw. Homemade food with properly cooked meats is less risky than a raw diet. It will still be costly and time-intensive though. Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published. We do not claim to be veterinarians. French Bulldogs can easily become overweight or underweight , especially the lazy ones. Some french bulldogs are hyperactive while others are couch potatoes. It is also critical that you maintain a consistent feeding schedule and never slack off on feeding your French Bulldog. Even more important than that is feeding your Frenchie the proper amount of food daily. Young Frenchies have high caloric and nutrient needs. French Bulldogs aged anywhere from weeks of age need a total of 1. Spreading out the meals minimizes the peaks of energy your French Bulldog will experience due to dramatic rises and decreases in blood sugar levels between meals. Feeding only twice daily can sometimes lead to gastric dilatation volvulus. By this stage, your French Bulldog is ready to get into an eating routine that they will continue on for the rest of their happy, little chubby lives, barring no serious medical ailments later on in life. From around 6 months to 1 year of age, you can start feeding your French Bulldog a very high quality adult doggy food. It is important to maintain a strict routine for your French Bulldog. You can always supplement a few treats in between. Wink wink. A half a cup at a time will make sure your Frenchie is pleasantly tubby and happy. Some days, it seems like a French Bulldog can never get enough food. This seemingly natural hunger is relative to the breed and you should be weary of overfeeding your French Bulldog. Monitor your Frenchie as she eats and make sure she only eats her own food, especially if you feed your French Bulldog near other pets. Note that non-neutered males may grow into the low 30lb range. Always consult a vet. Ideally, 2. This sort of consult is always quick and cheap sometimes free and you owe it to your companion to get the opinion of an expert veterinarian. Overweight Frenchies can suffer from some very severe health problems, including heart disease just like humans , labored breathing, and lack of physical exercise. Never take a French Bulldog out to play in sweltering heat, they can die. Generally, older French Bulldogs will require slightly less food than their young counterparts. However, do not restrict food from your French Bulldog if they appear to be underweight or hungry. A reader pointed out in the comments below that these calculations would put french bulldogs in the 40lbs range somewhere around calories per day. This is obviously an outlier situation and no french bulldog needs that many calories. This means feeding your french bulldog less food as they age. If they look thinner than usual, you can move up by 5 calories per pound of weight until you find a magic number. No french bulldog is identical and our suggestions are based on average weights computed to a mean average calorie intake suggestion. Read: I use this calculator and a pad of paper. See this guide in order to determine the appropriate weight for your Frenchie. Subject: How much should I feed my French Bulldog? How often and how much do I feed my Frenchie puppy? Because we feed more than one puppy at the same time the rest of their litter mates , we put a large bowl full of their puppy food in their kennel and let them eat until they are satisfied. Once all of them walk away from the bowl we know they are done, and we take it away. Puppies are changing and growing rapidly, and they need to eat more frequently at least 3 times a day to provide all the proper nourishment and nutrition for their rapidly growing bodies. Make sure your Frenchie always has access to fresh water through out the day. There is a guide on the food bag that tells you how much to feed your puppy at a given weight. This is only a rough guide depending on activity level, etc. We believe PawTree has wonderful products and we recommend that you keep your puppy on one or more of their excellent products for life. These are all-life-stages products so there is no need to start with a puppy chow and then transition over to an adult chow. However, if you would like to use another high-quality chow, the transition should be made gradually so as not to upset your puppies digestive system which could cause loose stool or diarrhea. For an adult chow, you can get by with a percentage or two less on the protein and fat content, but unless you have a weight problem with your dog, generally the higher the protein and fat content the better. However, we love the grain free chows form PawTree which use sweet potato. All of the various meats are good, although if you have a very food sensitive Frenchie, turkey or duck are generally better than chicken, and fish can sometimes cause issues. If you are feeding your Frenchie a high quality chow, you can probably get by without special supplements. Our Frenchies love them like they are treats. NuVet has made a noticeable improvement in our kennel, especially with our pregnant and whelping females. We were told about this supplement by a breeder friend of ours who obtained fantastic results in her kennel by using this supplement every day with each of her dogs. She said she solved several problems from skin rashes to low milk production in mothers, along with several other nagging health issues when she started giving each dog in her kennel one of these supplements daily. When you use the number provided you can purchase these supplements at a significantly discounted rate versus the retail cost. Have More Questions?
A bunny hopping gait or loose walk. Trouble getting up from a nap Difficulty walking up or down stairs to greet you. Other common Lab joint problems include osteoarthritis from old age and not necessarily hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, which can result in lameness of the front legs. Always consult your veterinarian if you see the symptoms of Labrador hip dysplasia. X-rays and a full exam are necessary for proper diagnosis. Dog hip dysplasia surgery for severe cases in medium-to large-sized dogs can be expensive. In most cases, rehabilitation services can also be costly and postoperative care can be long and arduous. Age may keep your dog from being a good candidate for surgery. Non-surgical treatment options often have no age restrictions. Dog hip braces, such as the Ortho Dog Hip Hound brace , support the low back and hip area for mild to moderate hip dysplasia. The purpose of the Hip Hound brace is to stabilize the hip and lower back areas by holding the head of the femur in the hip socket. This reduces grating of the bone, which allows for post-surgical healing or pain-free exercise. Braces come in all sizes so you can find one that is perfect for your pet and allows for maximum support. Is a Hip Hound Brace right for your pup? Designed for dogs who suffer from arthritis and mild to moderate hip dysplasia. Since Labs are prone to joint issues, your dog may be diagnosed with elbow dysplasia Fragmented medial coronoid process. A veterinarian we work with has used the Ortho Dog Hock Holder brace for the hind leg over the elbow joint. We recommend you give it a try! This breed already loves water so much, you may not be able to get them to stop swimming! We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. However, if you had a veterinarian watching this plump pup play in the grass, they would have a much more sobering outlook. This puppy is suffering from the early stages of Canine Hip Dysplasia. What is Canine Hip Dysplasia? This results in the separation of the joint and the resulting wear and tear on the cartilage and bones. What Dogs Get Hip Dysplasia? No one knows for sure why some dogs develop this painful joint condition. However the severity of the illness seems to be linked to both the nature genetic component and the nurture environmental and nutritional elements that the dogs experience as they grow. However, it seems to be less prevalent in puppies with parents passing rigorous hip testing through the OFA Orthopedic Foundation of Animals. This is why it is vital to only buy puppies from breeders who have tested the parents for both hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia , which is the same joint deformity in the elbow socket. For example, if puppies grow too quickly, are lacking specific nutrients or have electrolyte imbalances, they are more likely to get CHD when they get older. Again, this issue is more often seen in larger breeds since they undergo more growth and skeletal changes than smaller breeds. The main two things you want to avoid are rapid weight gain and over supplementing too much calcium into the diet. You will also need to follow the feeding schedule set out by your veterinarian and not feed your puppy too much food. All dogs have a genetic code of how big they will get as adults. Your job, to reduce their risk of hip dysplasia, is to make sure they grow at a steady growth rate over time and not shoot up too quickly by feeding them a balanced diet specifically formulated for large-breed puppies. Environmental Factors Puppies are not usually born with hip dysplasia; it develops as the dog matures. You can take your pup out for a low-impact game of fetch in a park or a swim in a pool. However, doing activities such as forced running, stairs, jumping or agility courses when joints have not fully matured is thought to increase the likelihood of hip dysplasia later in life. The easiest way to tell if you pup has CHD is to do an x-ray of their hips while they are sedated. This allows the veterinarian to see if the joint fits together as it should. However, barring an x-ray diagnosis, there are a few symptoms to look for in more advanced cases. Signs of CHD include: Sitting in a frog position with one hip splayed out. Exercise intolerance. Swaying gait where the back end moves back and forth in a pronounced fashion. Reluctance to run, jump or climb stairs. Bunny hopping , especially up stairs. Difficulty getting up. Back legs or hips are painful when touched. Hind leg lameness, which worsens with exercise. Back legs are more close together when the dog stands than the front legs. In more severe cases, you may see muscle wasting in the back legs and hindquarters. Arthritis may develop as the disease progresses. Your dog may start to show unexplained aggressive behavior as the pain increases. Again, the best way to diagnose CHD is with an x-ray. These test rank the hips as Excellent, Good and Fair. You should not buy a puppy without ensuring the parents have at least a Fair rating, and preferably a Good or Excellent hip score. Obviously, dogs exhibiting these scores should not be bred. Yet, even if both parents have great hips, this is not a guarantee that the puppy will be free from hip issues. Refrain from making your puppy your jogging or jumping partner until they are grown. Even if you do everything right, if your dog carries the genetic predisposition for CHD, you may still encounter it when your pup reaches adulthood. If your dog develops CHD, there are several ways to treat it. The best course of action should be determined with your veterinarian. You can also add in exercises such as swimming and leash walking to keep the muscles toned around the joints. Physical therapy and massages have also been known to help. Some dogs undergo total hip replacement surgery , just like humans, and have good success with this approach. There are other preventative surgeries, such as juvenile pubic symphysiodesis JPS that vets give puppies with a high likelihood of developing CHD as a preventative measure. Conclusion While CHD is certainly a frustrating diagnosis, there are many treatment options to help your dog live a long, satisfying life. If you take a proactive approach to their treatment, you can still have an energetic, happy companion that will keep you company on walks, swim with you at the beach and lay by your feet when you relax. Disclaimer All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Learn how your comment data is processed. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Labradors are incredibly athletic dogs that love to run, play, and swim. Since they're such an active breed, their legs and muscles are their most significant attributes. If you notice that your Lab's legs are uneven, should you be concerned? Dogs with longer back legs should be presumed normal and healthy unless the dog is showing signs of pain or discomfort. If your dog reacts when you touch their back leg joints or changes their behavior, you should speak with your vet about your concerns. There are several reasons why your dog's back legs might be shorter in the back. Some aren't so concerning, but there are some potential health concerns that may occur. You should be aware of those and signs to look out for. As long as your dog is acting normally, there should be no reason to be concerned. Even though it may look uncomfortable to you, there are some completely normal instances where this may occur. Puppies often go through awkward months as they develop into the fully grown pets we know and love. Some parts of their body grow faster than others. This often results in some very uneven body compositions. Perhaps the most important thing you can do during this time frame is to puppy-proof the house. The goal of doing this is to try and decrease the likelihood of an injury. Some ways to prevent accidents include blocking off any staircases and keeping an eye out for items that could become jumping hazards. It can be very uncomfortable and debilitating to dogs. Hip dysplasia is when the hip joints become loose or deformed, causing various health conditions. This disease can be found in dogs of any age or breed but is very common in breeds like Labradors and other large breed dogs. Some of the symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs include the following: Inability to walk or stand up Limping Inability to jump or climb Sitting in abnormal positions Hopping while running Reduced activity level Stiffness in the back legs, which causes the back legs to appear longer than the front. If your dog is diagnosed with hip dysplasia or Arthritis, talk with your vet for more information and suggestions to help your dog feel more comfortable. Also, you might want to talk with other Lab owners who might have gone through the same thing with their dogs to see what they did. Dwarf dogs result from breeders choosing to breed popular dog breeds with small dogs to create a smaller "cute" version of the dog and create an illusion of a permanent puppy. Dwarf dogs have many health concerns since they tend to be very different from their original breed. Dwarfism in dogs characteristics include the following: Smaller than other dogs of the same age and breed. Slow growth Bone structure abnormalities that are inconsistent with the breed. Spotty coats If you suspect your dog has dwarfism, you should take your dog to the vet as soon as possible. If your Labrador is mixed with an unknown dog, another breed may influence its body structure. If you think that your dog could be mixed with an unknown breed, a DNA kit may be a worthy investment. The information you get from this product will help you gain some valuable insight into what other breeds are present in your dog. They can also swim and retrieve birds and ducks for their owners. Their muscular hind legs are a valuable tool as they swim tirelessly through frigid waters and can push ice out of their way. Old English Sheepdog Old English Sheepdogs have a sloping topline, meaning their back is at a slight slope due to their high rear legs. Depending on how severe the case is, it may cause extra strain on the legs that are taking most of their weight. If you are an active person who spends time running or biking with your dog, be sure to pay attention to how your dog is feeling and stop for breaks if necessary. Standard Body Measurements in Labradors Labradors are medium-sized and can reach around .The back should be level, while not sloping up towards its rear legs. Their hind legs should be level with their front and be very muscular. The most important thing is that your dog is healthy, happy, and well taken care of. Conclusion Overall, if your dog shows no signs of discomfort, the difference in leg size shouldn't be an issue unless you plan to put your dog in shows. If your dog is still growing, that's most likely the cause of appearing high in the rear. They can help you rule out some possible causes, such as hip dysplasia, dwarfism, and Arthritis. Be sure to look out for hazards around the house and yard to prevent any future injury. BUT: Lazy sits. Yes, these can be a problem. The thing is, a puppy's joints are not firmly connected in baby puppyhood, everything is loose and waggly. They are growing fast, making them uncoordinated, and their muscle strength often isn't enough to make up for the laxity of the joint connections. Couple all this in with the slippery floors which many people train on, and you have a problem. The pup ends up sitting weirdly, and the handler reinforces this, and soon the weird sit has become trained in permanently - and it is not always a 'good' way for a dog to sit, lifelong - with legs out like skis either side of them, or on their haunches etc etc. HOWEVER, there is a way to fix all this, which is 1 always train on something grippy like carpet or a piece of vet bed and 2 teach your pup to beg so that you strengthen abdominal muscles and get those rear legs under their body, where they should be. If you can teach a solid 'sit up and beg' behaviour, then you can teach a sit which is straight - because it's the same thing just with the front paws down.Beg is impossible to do unless the dog's legs are under them parallel, not over on one haunch and properly under them, not out like skis. At first, your dog may need to support themselves with a paw on your legs whilst you train - but over time their abdominal muscles will get stronger and they will be able to do it without support. Here's how: Click to expand.I think lazy sits may sometimes be related to the dogs basic geometry. Cooper has long back legs and actually looks uncomfortable when she does a proper sit. She normally only does a proper sit when she wants to be ready to move quickly. She did get her hips checked when she was spayed, and the vet gave her a no hip problem score. Anyway Cooper does that and so far seems to have great hips. Does dignity matter to dogs? When is the right time to use that choice, if at all, is an intensely personal and tough decision. This is my personal slant on a difficult subject. One that comes up quite regularly in many doggy forums. Even when quality of life is really all but gone. Palliative Care For Dogs When people are dying, we accept that all we can do is make them comfortable. Palliative care is an important branch of medicine that many of us will depend on in our twilight months. Palliative care for dogs is a somewhat newer concept. When I was young, if a dog was diagnosed with terminal cancer, as my Golden Retriever was, the dog was normally put to sleep on the spot, or very shortly afterwards. Our vet made the diagnosis in his surgery and we took our dog home to have a last couple of days together. The vet then came out to put him to sleep in his own home. At this point, pain meds controlled his pain absolutely without making him drowsy, in a week or two that would not have been the case. He was also in full control of his bodily functions. Still continent, and able bodied. Still enjoying life. Later on he would have become incontinent, and may have had problems with his balance. No one suggested that we extend his last few weeks with drugs. Though he might have lived for several more months this way, it was not considered to be an option by my family or our vet. He never suffered, apart from the mild symptoms that had led us to the vet in the first place. And he spent his last couple of days pottering about the house and garden quite happily. I have no regrets about the decision we made. It was the first time, at just 18 years old, that I had been involved in such a decision, and I have made many such decisions in the intervening years. Yes, he could probably have had a few more days of joyful living. Possibly a few more weeks. And we may have deprived him of that time. But the risk that he would then begin to suffer was not acceptable to us. And knowing that he never suffered at all, was and still is, a comfort to me. I believe that the course many people take nowadays, the course that they may be encouraged to take by their vet and by friends and family, of waiting for the suffering to start before making that final decision, does not benefit our dogs. Younger Dog Euthanasia Of course with younger dogs, especially if the illness is not terminal, then there are a whole range of other factors to consider. With elderly dogs, once illness has set in, there is very often only one way to go. And that is downhill. This is heart breaking for owners and poses a dilemma, because the dog is often otherwise well in himself, and not necessarily in pain. Loss of back end awareness is sometimes accompanied by loss of control over bowels, with the inevitable distress that this causes to both of you. Does Dignity Matter To Dogs? I was saddened to read recently about a person who had nursed their own elderly dog through weeks of incontinence before death. I was sad for her, and doubly sad for her dog. For me, that would not be an option. And that an elderly dog would be very distressed by being unable to keep itself clean. Knowing that there is no hope of recovery, and believing that a dog has no concept of or fear of death, is enough to keep me from going down that route. They hate the mess and stress of caring for a sick old dog, the broken nights, the smell, and the worry. They quite naturally want it to end. So they make the wrong decision. For all the right reasons. They are trying to put the dog first, and to ignore their own needs. So they keep the dog alive for a few more weeks. It is miserable for the owner, and miserable for the dog too. That is a whole other topic, but perhaps we are too reluctant to make use of this option which is readily available for our dogs and can prevent a great deal of suffering. What do you think? Is there ever a right time to let go? Or should we let just let nature take its course? To hold that distinction for 29 years in a row is not surprising since Labs are affectionate, intelligent, and fun-loving family dogs. They are also known for their trainability and versatility, so that you see members of the breed in various endeavors such as search-and-rescue missions, drug and weapons detection, and guide dogs for the visually impaired. For individuals who have Labs as loyal companions, it can be very distressing when they see their beloved dog suddenly limping or, worse, collapsing because of problems with their hind legs. Signs of Back Leg Problems Despite being a sturdy breed, Labrador Retrievers are prone to problems in their hind legs. This is due to a genetic predisposition to certain diseases, their size and body frame, and weight distribution. Please note that an accurate diagnosis can only be made by a veterinarian after a complete physical examination and diagnostic procedures. Among the most common injuries that younger aged Labs sustain are bone and toe fractures and avulsions or tearing of leg parts below the knee. In middle-aged and elderly Labs, they may develop a partial or complete tearing in the ligament of the knee, a condition known as Anterior Cruciate Ligament ACL injury. The reason for this improper fit is because the socket is shallow and not deep enough to accommodate the femur head. Because of this, the joint wear out faster, causing pain when the head and socket surfaces grind together. There is a genetic predisposition for CHD. If a puppy has CHD, the signs will start to manifest at the age of two years old. In some cases, CHD may develop as a result of nutritional and environmental factors, or you may have these factors aggravating the existing genetic condition. Unfortunately, osteoarthritis in dogs is also accompanied by degenerative joint disease. You may find your Lab unable to walk because of weakness or pain in the legs. First is Canine Diabetes , which presents signs and symptoms that are similar to humans, such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, appetite changes, and hind leg weakness. This is frequently seen in senior dogs that are overweight. This is a deceptive condition because it mimics the signs of aging in dogs, including increased drinking and urination, and increased appetite. However, it also manifests with weakness and muscle wasting in the hind legs. A common condition in the breed is slipped discs as a result of their active behavior. Your Lab may also suffer from Fibrocartilaginous Embolic Myelopathy FCE , which develops when a piece of cartilage travels through the bloodstream and blocks a blood vessel in the spine. On the other hand, Degenerative Myelopathy is a painless, but gradually progressing disease wherein the dog exhibits hind leg weakness. Leg weakness occurs gradually over a long period of time until the dog collapses, unable to hold its weight any longer. Treatment When you notice back leg problems in Labradors, they must be brought to the veterinarian immediately for an assessment. Aside from a physical exam, the vet may have x-rays and MRI scans done to determine the cause. Once the cause is determined, the vet may advise surgery, such as in the cases of CHD, tumors, and myelopathies. Dogs with hormonal problems may require regular injections of insulin and other medications. Conservative treatment includes putting the Lab on a weight loss program, reducing their physical and play activity, making changes in the home putting ramps on stairs and couches for ease of access to the dog, and wearing braces or other supportive devices for the hind legs. Many back leg problems in Labradors can be treated. It is vital that they be detected early so that treatment can be done immediately before they become serious. Further reading. Labrador Back Legs Giving Out? I did some research to find out why it might happen. Trauma is another reason, such as cruciate ligament tears. Another potential cause is degenerative myelopathy. Younger dogs are prone to trauma, such as ACL injuries, while older dogs are more often affected by arthritis or degenerative diseases. Keep reading to find out how to diagnose and help your best friend. The muscles get weaker from a lack of use, a process known as muscle atrophy. This can result from recent or more chronic injuries or problems, but it is more common when the problem has been ongoing for a lengthy period of time, such as with arthritis. Muscle atrophy causes the muscles in the leg to become thinner and less able to help your dog stand. It is commonly called muscle wasting and may be reversible with treatments such as physical therapy. It can occur in one leg or in all four. It is often noticeable by the leg or legs being thinner or smaller than they were previously, especially detectable if it is just in one leg. This can happen when they have a fracture or break, or if they have a torn ligament. It is most common in the knee joint, which is also known as the stifle. In some cases, the problem is one that your dog is born with, such as a luxating patella, where the kneecap moves out of place. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia can be present in younger or older dogs. Pets that are affected do not have a normally formed hip ball-and-socket joint. This can cause excessive or irregular motion within the joint. It can even lead to the femur bone slipping out of place and causing a hip luxation. The irregular motion of the joint often leads to discomfort or out-and-out pain. Over time, it will often lead to arthritis. Some pets are minimally affected while others need surgery. Treatment for hip dysplasia may involve surgery where the hip joint is replaced with a total hip replacement surgery. For milder cases or when surgery is not an option, pain medication may be prescribed by your veterinarian to treat the discomfort and keep inflammation at bay. Joint supplements or fish oils may also be used to keep the joint as healthy as possible. Arthritis Arthritis is a common disorder in dogs and many suffer from it, especially as they age. It can occur due to irregular joints or secondary to trauma. Arthritis is often coupled with degenerative joint disease. The cartilage within the joint gets worn down over time. Arthritis can occur in any joint: It tends to be very common in dogs within their hips or knees but can also occur in joints such as the elbows. It tends to be less common in joints such as the digits or toes. Typically it causes discomfort so the limb is used less. This leads to weakness, which can cause the back legs to give out. Arthritis may be treated in a variety of ways: If your pet is overweight, your veterinarian is likely to recommend a weight loss program. Anti-inflammatories, such as carprofen, may be used to combat pain and inflammation, but these should be prescribed by your veterinarian before you give them to your dog. Other treatments include laser therapy, which also helps treat inflammation. Acupuncture can also be used to provide relief. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative myelopathy is a devastating disease that occurs more often in large breed dogs than in smaller breeds. It can occur in Labradors although it is more common in German Shepherds. It is a disease that affects the spinal cord and often usually ascends or moves from the back legs to the front. It usually starts as weakness or ataxia in the hind legs. It tends to occur in older dogs, usually those 8 to 14 years of age. Degenerative myelopathy has no known cure. It is treated symptomatically, although pain medication is not normally needed. Slings may be used to help you walk your dog. Trauma Trauma is the most likely cause for your younger Labrador having trouble walking with one or both hind legs. The most common cause in medium and large breed dogs, such as Labs, is an anterior cruciate ligament injury, or ACL injury. This is a ligament in the knee that may partially or completely tear. Other causes of trauma include bone fractures or avulsions. These tend to occur in parts of the leg below the knee, as the femur is the thigh bone and is the strongest bone in the body. Treatment will depend on what type of injury has occurred. For many, surgery is needed, especially with an ACL injury. Without surgical correction, they may continue to have weakness in their hind limb. The injury will also often progress to arthritis as the pet ages, which can cause pain for years to come. As with many other injuries, treatment may involve anti-inflammatories prescribed by your veterinarian, as well as pain medications such as gabapentin. For some pets, braces or splints are used to stabilize the joint and support the limb. Chronic care may be needed, especially when the injury leads to a progression of chronic pain and arthritis. Related Questions How can I help my Labrador with weak back legs? The most important thing to do when dealing with a dog whose legs are weak is to have him diagnosed by a veterinarian. This affects treatment as well as the prognosis. In the meantime, supporting him can help a great deal, such as walking him with a sling. Padded bedding can help support his joints when he sleeps in his bed. Passive range of motion exercises, where you carefully put his limbs through their normal range of motion, may be recommended by your veterinarian to help at home. What kind of treatment is available for my Lab with weak back legs? The type of treatment available for your dog all depends on what is causing him to have weak back legs. Some cases need surgery to be corrected, while many involve supportive care. This can involve medications prescribed by your veterinarian, such as anti-inflammatories or pain medications. Chronic care may involve chiropractic treatment or acupuncture. Laser therapy is often used in acute and chronic cases, as well. Some patients also benefit from rehabilitation therapy, such as hydrotherapy, where they may swim or walk on a treadmill. Trusted by millions of dog lovers worldwide. What can cause hind leg problems in Labrador Retrievers? It has various causes. So, if your dog has hip dysplasia, there are several possible reasons why. First off, Canine Hip Dysplasia can be a genetic health issue. On top of that, it also disproportionately affects larger breeds, such as the Labs, much more than smaller breeds. There are also other factors behind Labrador back leg problems like this, such as how much exercise a Labrador Retriever gets and other nutritional factors. To understand what hip dysplasia is and how it affects a Labrador, you have to know the mechanism of how the affected area works. The hip joint is a ball-and-socket type of joint. In healthy dogs, this joint should move against each other smoothly without any issues at all. However, dogs with Hip Dysplasia will have trouble with this, as the ball and socket grind up against each other instead of moving smoothly. In short, there will be a lot of grinding, which then leads to losing mobility in that joint. Eventually, if left untreated, this joint may lose function due to the abrasive nature of friction. Hip Dysplasia will cause your Lab pain and discomfort, so it is incredibly crucial to spot it on time so that you can get your Lab the proper treatment, and they can move in relative comfort. Causes of hip dysplasia 1 Genetics Before anything else, genetics plays a major role in canine dysplasia. Because of this, it is important to make sure that you buy from a reputable breeder that clears their puppies from this disorder. Still, early diagnosis is important to make sure that you take the appropriate measures to alleviate any discomfort for your dog. Take note that a lot of factors can contribute to hip dysplasia. On the other hand, one thing you should also know is that if your Lab gets too much exercise especially when they are still puppies , this might cause a lot of stress in their joints. Ultimately, it can also cause dysplasia or make it worse. There are certain types of dog food that are specifically made to help puppies from large breeds appropriately manage their growth rates. Hence, you can tell that proper health management is already a decent precaution for hip dysplasia. You cannot prevent the skeletal disorder if it is genetic, but you can certainly make the proper preparations to not exacerbate the condition. However, lameness in the back legs is one of the behaviors generally attributed to canine hip dysplasia. Other symptoms include:.
Temperament: Friendly, stubborn and playful. Pugs are known for their wrinkly squished face, curled tail and sturdy body. Shih Tzus tend to look very different. They are often shorter, with wide bodies and longer fur. They also possess a squished face, but it is not wrinkly like that of the Pug. Expect your mix to have a sturdy body with long legs, and the smushed face of a Shih Tzu. Their tail can be either curly or straight, but tends to curve over their backs. Coat and Colors The Pug Shih Tzu mix comes in a range of different colors, including black, white, fawn, brindle and brown. Brown and brindle tend to be the most common, and white markings are very common with these dogs. Their coat is long and will need regular trimming as it does continue to grow. It is straight in texture and soft to the touch — this means that it is prone to tangling, so daily brushing is a must for this breed. Height and Weight These dogs tend to be on the sturdier side, weighing between pounds and ranging in height from inches. However just like most mixed breeds, their size can vary and can occasionally be out of these ranges. Known for their love of children, these dogs make a great choice for families with young kids. Pug Shih Tzu mixes are perfect for apartment living. They do not tolerate the heat very well. Both parent breeds are ancient breeds that are over years old. Shih Tzus are known for being confident and hard headed, whilst Pugs are known for their easy going, good natured temperament. As a result the Pug Shih Tzu mix is known for having a well balanced temperament and gets along well with everyone and everything. They little dogs just love to play especially with you , so make sure that you set aside time each day to play games with them. Also make sure to provide plenty of toys for them — tugs, squeaky toys and balls tend to be some of their favorites. A quick walk around the block with some play time in the backyard or even inside is enough for this dog. More than anything the Pug Shih Tzu mix is a couch potato and just wants to cuddle with you on the couch. They love to be with their owners so much they suffer from separation anxiety. So if you are going to be away for long hours, having someone stop by to take them for a walk can help to curb the anxiety. One of the downsides is this breed can be very headstrong which can make training difficult more on this later. The good news though is they are not big barkers. They will bark to alert to someone at the door or something out of place, but other than that they tend to be very quiet. This makes them a great option for apartment living. The Pug Shih Tzu mix makes an amazing family dog. They love to play with children and get very excited, just make sure they play gently! They do not require a lot of physical or mental stimulation and do well in most homes. This breed is also excellent for first time dog owners, or even families with children. The biggest care commitment with this dog is their grooming and maintenance. Exercise Requirements A short walk around the block with a few minutes of play at home is plenty for this breed. In general the Pug Shih Tzu mix is a fairly lazy breed, so you do not have to put a lot of running or walking time into them. If you are looking for a hiking companion, this is not the dog for you. This breed should always be walked on leash or in a fenced-in area. These dogs have a tendency to wander and are not very good with recalls, so keeping them on a leash is best for their safety. Number of Walks Per Day: 1. Total Exercise Needed Per Day: 30 minutes. Grooming and Shedding The most intensive part of caring for a Pug-Zu is the grooming. Although the Shih Tzu is considered hypoallergenic, this trait does not always carry over into the Shih Tzu Pug mix. Daily brushing is needed to prevent their coat from tangles. Your dog will need to visit the groomer about every six weeks for a trim. Keep baths to a minimum as this can dry their skin out. Small dogs are also prone to dental issues, so make sure their teeth are brushed one to two times a week. Another thing that you will need to do is clean out their ears weekly to avoid infection. With little planning ahead you could get reimbursed for every vet bill from now on! Feeding and Diet This mix should be fed kibble specifically designed for small dogs — they do not need anything super high in protein. As a puppy it is best to feed them three times a day. Once fully grown switching to two meals a day will work. Remember these dogs are prone to obesity, so make sure not to free fed them or give them lots of of snacks. These dogs can live anywhere from years old. How to Train a Pug Shih Tzu Mix While training this dog you should remember that these dogs are highly food motivated. So using a combination of positive reinforcement and rewarding good behavior is the best method of dog training for them. However these mixes are known for being very stubborn and sometimes hard-headed, so repetition and patience is needed. The best way to avoid this stubbornness is to only train in small bursts of about ten to fifteen minutes — this keeps your dog from getting too exhausted. It is important to lay down rules with them from an early age to make sure that they are well behaved when they are older. Socialization is extremely important as a puppy to ensure they become a well-rounded adult. In general they are known for being very well behaved with children, other dogs and pets. They love strangers so do not expect them to ever be a good watch dog. Fortunately this little dog does not need a lot of mental stimulation. Just some basic obedience training is needed to make sure that your dog listens as they grow older. You can also come up with fun games to play with them. These dogs love almost any game that you can come up with — fetch, tug, you name it, these playful dogs will love it. These puppies were frequently developed for desired characteristics like as softer dispositions, smaller stature, and hypoallergenic properties. The Shih Tzu This ancient Chinese species was intended to serve as a companion to emperors, monarchs, and queens. Shih Tzus loved nothing more than snuggling and being pampered like tiny fuzzy deities by their strong owners. They are famously difficult to train, despite their adaptability. These sociable canines are little, weighing 8 to 22 pounds and about 8 to 12 inches tall. Your Pug-Zu will be full of personality, sweet, affectionate, and headstrong at times. The Pug-Zu will require a lot of your time and attention in exchange for a lot of love. The Pug-Zu requires a moderate amount of exercise, as well as early socialization and training, to get along with children and other animals. The Pug-Zu will prefer to spend the most of the day with his people and will be upset if you leave for lengthy periods of time. Scientists have proven that they are the result of a hybrid between a Lhasa Apso and a Pekingese. For first-time dog owners, this is a fantastic dog. This breed mix of Shih Tzu and pug has a vibrant attitude, minimal aggressive nature, and is extremely welcoming and energetic, according to its human owners, making it an ideal breed for first-time dog owners. This canine breed loves cuddling and spending time with its human companions This is far not the sole instance of dog crossing, albeit it did provide excellent outcomes. Shih Tzus are currently one of the most popular dog breeds on the market. Despite this, individuals continue to attempt to cross Shih Tzu with other dogs, such as pugs. And it is undoubtedly an intriguing combo, as you will see below. Your Pug Zu will get along with your other pets, including cats, and because they are little, they will be good with kids. To prevent your Pug Zu from becoming damaged, you should also educate children on how to handle him safely. People dogs are Pug Zus. If you pick this combination, you should be aware that you will get an extremely reliant dog. Your Pug Zu will try all in their ability to get attention and will remain by your side at all times. They really excellent with Children This dog is as adorable as they are being pug tzus. It has a very caring and loving personality. They get well with others through swimmingly with youngsters as well as other pets. This pug Tzu mix is going to benefit greatly from early adaptation through social mingling and training. Some puppies will appear like their Shih Tzu parent, while others may resemble their Pug parent. Short, stumpy limbs; curled tail; triangular, floppy high set ears; round, almond eyes; short, stumpy limbs; curled tail Shih-Tzu coats are long, flowing, and silky, whereas Pug coats are short and smooth. Brown, fawn, apricot, white, brindle, and black are some of the colors available. With a tiny yet large physique and long silky hair, Pugzu might resemble a Shih, Tzu. With a coiled tail, a robust physique, and a wrinkled squashed face, it can also resemble a Pug. The tail can be straight or curved, and it is commonly curved over the back of the animal. The greatest height is around 28 cm 11 inches , and the weight ranges from 5 to 9 kg 10 to 18lbs. Even though they are quite little and appear to be ornamental, this is not the case Height, weight The Shih-Tzu Pug breed mixes are robust dogs that weigh between 10 and 20 pounds when fully mature. However, like with other mixed breeds, they can fluctuate in size and occasionally fall outside of this range. Coat and Color of Coat White, black, brown, fawn, and brindle are some of the hues available for the Pug-Zu. The most prevalent hues, however, are brindle and black. Cleverness and playfulness are the two most common characteristics in a Pug-Shih Tzu mix. The majority of Pug-Zu owners have stated that their dogs have a lively streak, but that they will not play if they are not in the mood. Pug Zus are believed to be faithful, if not a touch clinging and protective, to their owners. They might not be the ideal choice for households with little children who might damage such small dogs by mistake. Living Style Pug Tzus make excellent companion dogs for lonely or elderly individuals, as well as those who live in densely congested areas. Even so, you should take them for a stroll now and again. Training and Activity As previously said, the Pug Tzu incorporates characteristics from both parents, but on a smaller size. Pugs are the polar opposite of Shih Tzus, who is extremely energetic and require frequent walks. As a result, you end up with a dog who has a modest demand for park walks and other activities. While leaving the dog inside your home for an extended period is not recommended, you can do it for a decent length of time. The Pug Tzu is also considerably calmer than the Shih Tzu again, one of the main traits from the Pugs. This means that you can always bring it for an outdoor walk. Pug Tzu, on the other hand, is far easier to teach than Shih Tzu. This is because they are not as tenacious as the Shih Tzu. Exercise The Pug-Zu does not require much exercise. A quick stroll and some games should keep them entertained for the rest of the day. Pug Zus are little dogs with a lot of energy. Regardless of whether you allow them to exercise inside or outside, make sure they get at least 30 minutes of activity each day. This may be done as a game or as a walk. As a result, the ultimate figure is somewhere between 12 and 13 years. This varies greatly from one dog to the next and is dependent on the surroundings, the amount and quality of care provided, the parents, and diseases, the latter of which may be extremely unexpected. Grooming is the most time-consuming aspect of caring for a Pug-Zu. Brushing is required regularly to keep their coat from becoming too excited. Every six weeks, your dog will need to go to the groomer for a trim. Bathe them only once or twice a week to avoid drying out their skin. Small dogs are prone to tooth decay, so wash their teeth once or twice a week. You will also need to clean their ears once a week to avoid infection. The amount of hair your dog sheds is determined by its DNA. What is the most important factor to consider? Their coat has to be groomed daily and trimmed regularly. You might be asking if a dog breed like this can be left alone while you are away. These adorable tiny potato sofas scream for your attention and want to cuddle on the couch with you. Playful Shih-Tzu Pug breed mix has a sweet and lively personality. It enjoys spending time with its owners, and it has a confident character and playing with children, making it an excellent family pet. When you need a companion, it will adore you and offer you nice, warm cuddles in return. Smart Pug-Zus, like their parents, are intelligent and well-known. Pug-Zus, like their parents, are bright and well-known for their intellect. They are constantly eager to pick up new techniques and participate in fresh and interesting activities. Price of Pug zu Puppy Pug-Zu pups are cute, but they should be handled with caution since they can be delicate. For unskilled or novice owners, a Shih Tzu may be a better alternative. It also requires less grooming and upkeep than a Pug. Pugs can be a little obstinate at times, and they may not always obey commands. Overall, both types are friendly and caring, making them perfect family companion dogs. The Pug-Zu will not enjoy being in the water if the puppy is more like a Shih Tzu. Pugs, on the other hand, are fond of water, but without adequate training, we cannot say that they are good swimmers Does Pug-Zus have a lot of barking? Pug-Zus do not tend to bark and will only do so if something is out of place or if they notice an outsider. As a result, Pug-Zus is easygoing for anyone who may quickly become connected to such a loving dog breed. The Shih Tzu crossed with Pug is an ideal home inhabitant due to his petite stature. Adoption of a Pug Zu Another excellent option for finding a puppy or adult dog is to visit an animal shelter or rescue organization, where you will be required to pay adoption fees. Adopting a dog is usually far less expensive than buying one from a breeder. Avoid buying a dog from a puppy mill or a breeder. If the breeder appears to be pressuring you into purchasing a puppy, you should search for another breeder. Your new dog should be checked for any potential health issues. Conclusion Almost every family will enjoy having Shih-Tzu Pug breed mix as a pet. These little canines would be at home in both apartment buildings and the suburbs. These dogs are excellent companions for first-time owners because of their extroverted personalities. Shih-Tzu Pug breed mix and pug zu puppies are a wonderful addition to any family. They flourish in both the suburbs and apartment buildings. They are an excellent choice for first-time dog owners due to their simple disposition. All they need is a simple walk around the block and a game of pulling to be pleased for the day. The Pug Shih Tzu mix may be the dog for you if you want a distinctive canine that is more than simply a sweet natured and friendly couch potato. For everything related to dogs particularly pugs , our website has it all. Our staff are avid fans and dedicated owners of Pugs. We hope to answer all the questions you have about Pugs. Just read and enjoy. Feel free to share if you find it valuable to others! Best regards, You may also check out sites like www. If he has the long coat just like his Shih Tzu parent, then he will be needing daily brushing as his coat can tangle very easily. Moreover, other grooming needs of your pet dog such as nail clipping and ear cleaning can also be done efficiently by a groomer. For Shih Tzu Pugs that inherit the shorter coats, they will need relatively less maintenance. Their lifespan is just average for small breed types. For this reason, potential owners of this mixed breed should need to take time understanding both breeds of origin as well as get as much historical information from the dog breeders. The knee joint, most often the hind leg, slides in and out of place which causes extreme pain to your dog. This can be crippling. Hip Dysplasia: The Pug breed is genetically susceptible to this condition, and the possibility of passing it to its offspring is highly possible. The Shih Tzu Pug mix is prone to have idiopathic epilepsy which is characterized by seizures that occur for no known reason. If your Shih Tzu Pug experiences an episode of seizure, take him to your veterinarian to determine what treatment is appropriate for your companion dog. Epilepsy: It is the abnormal formation of the hip socket which causes extreme pain and lameness on your dog. Allergies: This is a common ailment in all dog types. Your Pug crossed with Shih Tzu may suffer from a variety of allergies ranging from food, contact and inhalant allergies. If you see your pup rubbing his face a great deal or licking his paws a lot than what he usually does, then have him check by your veterinarian. Eye problems: Diseases of the eye are not uncommon among the Shih Tzu and the Pug dog breeds because of their large eyes. Some of the eye conditions common to both breeds include proptosis, distichiasis, progressive renal atrophy, and dry eye. The above health conditions can be avoided by making sure that you only purchase from a reputable breeder who is able to present you with health clearances for both parent breeds. Pug crossed with Shih Tzu Food Requirements The Pug crossed with Shih Tzu is a typically small hybrid, so their dietary requirement is fairly minimal too. Here are some of the best dry dog food for small dogs. He will be requiring a nutrient-rich kibble that satisfies his age, small size, and activity level needs. Plan to feed him one-half to one cup of high-quality dog food daily which should be divided into two meals. Opt for dog food or kibble that is low in carbohydrates and fillers that may cause him to overeat to feel full. Always go only for the best dry dog food and avoid the nutrient-deprived worst dry dog food at all cost. For healthy dog food options for your Pug Shih Tzu, here are some more recommendations: Wellness Complete for Small Breeds The Wellness Complete brand is known for creating food formulas that focus on quality ingredients and high nutritional value. This formula for small-sized dog breed is a good option for your Pug Shih Tzu. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food This dog food is formulated with a limited list of premium carbohydrate and protein sources. It supports a healthy, shiny coat and excellent digestive health. Orijen Adult Dog Food Orijen is a dog food brand that works well for almost every breed type. Its ingredients comprise of a perfect blend of chicken, turkey, fish, and avocado. This dog food is made with high-quality and easy-to-digest ingredients rich antioxidants and vitamins C and E to support a healthy immune system of your senior Shih Tzu Pug mix. Since your lovely mixed pooch is a medium-size one, you could also offer them some of the best large breed dry dog food formulas and see how they like them. But you should never experiment like that with cubs and old doggos — here are the best puppy food brands and the best senior dry dog food recipes, respectively. Shih Tzu Crossed with Pug Exercise Requirements Despite his small size, the Shih Tzu crossed with Pug is a relatively active dog and therefore requires a moderate amount of physical activity. A minimum of 30 minutes of exercise per day, which includes either an outdoor walk or an indoor play, would suffice. When staying outdoors during the summer months, make sure your Pug Shih Tzu does not overexert himself too much under the sun since this hybrid is very sensitive to heat. Indoor activities are always welcome on these days. The Shih Tzu Pug mix can live quite happily in small spaces, so they are perfect for small apartment living as long as you make sure they still get their adequate need of short walks and lots of playtimes. They are always willing and enthusiastic to learn new tricks, although there are times that they can be stubborn. Be gentle but firm in training your Pug Shih Tzu pup. This is called the positive reinforcement method which will aid your pup in a long way to behave well and eliminate unwanted behaviors. Puppy socialization is known to effectively reduce having aggressive behaviors, fearfulness, and anxiety later on in their adulthood. This is to keep your Pug mixed with Shih Tzu from getting bored and to further improve its social interactions. The cheerful Pug Tzu brings together the friendly personality of the Pug and the confident character of the Shih Tzu for a sweet-natured family companion. His warm and affectionate disposition makes him a fun companion to children and other animals as well. This cute and lovely hybrid is friendly to everyone even to strangers. The personality from both sides of its parent breeds makes the Pug Tzu have a loving as well as trusting nature. With early socialization and proper training, the Shih Tzu crossed with Pug can go along well with children and can be your loyal family pet companion. Be a responsible owner by feeding them the right amount and type of food, socializing and training them early and giving them sufficient amount of exercises daily. If you were able to accomplish those things rightly, expect a Pug Shih Tzu mix that will shower you with lots of affection and loyalty. Lifespan Sociability When you are looking for a Pug Zu puppy, make sure that you are looking for a good breeder and do some research. You also want to learn about the health conditions that the parents have. Pug-Zus tend to be loving and friendly dogs, but they can have a stubborn side to their personality. Training and early socialization are essential for Pug-Zus so they get along with other pets and remain calm around people. You should know that you are going to have a very dependent dog when you choose this mix. Your Pug Zu will do everything in their power to get attention and they will always be by your side. Your Pug Zu will make friends with your other pets, even cats, and they are small, so it will be fine with children. They love getting attention and have playful, positive personalities and make great companions. Usually, these dogs are curious, fun-loving and even-tempered. They love everyone, they might be happy to lead any intruder into your house. Are These Dogs Good for Families? The result is a family companion with a sweet nature. Buy high-quality food so that they get the nutrition that they need. You can do this as playtime or as a walk. One thing to know is that your Pug Zu is heat sensitive, and they will get overexerted easily in a hot climate. Because of this, you want to start training early. This may make them fear you. This hybrid loves food and is going to eagerly respond to treats. This is going to help during your training. You also want to socialize him early. Socializing them early will help with reducing fearfulness, anxiety and other possible behaviors. You also want to add some activities that will stimulate him mentally to his training. These can be things like puzzles or games. This will help keep your Pug Zu from becoming bored and to improve his social interaction. If your Pug Zu has a long coat, you will need to brush it daily since it can tangle easily. If you have a Pug Zu with a shorter coat, the maintenance will be easier. When Your Pug-Zu should be bathed only when necessary and with dog shampoo so as not to impact his natural oils. You also may have allergies , different infections, joint problems, dental concerns, and problems with hot climates. Minor Conditions. Pug Zus are excellent for first-time dog parents as they are playful and friendly, and they are also known for their low aggressive tendencies. Moreover, they are great with kids, which means that they make the perfect pets for families. Some can be the result of multi-generation crosses. What do they look like? In general, Pug Zus have brown eyes and black noses, and a mask on their faces is quite common. They can have a wide variety of coat colors, such as black, white, brown, brindle, or fawn. Some hybrids can look like their Pug side more than their Shih Tzu side and the other way around. Most are equipped with triangular ears that flop down and that are well-spaced apart. This small breed is known for its robust body, which can make the dogs give off the impression that they are sturdier than they really are. Their short limbs might bow at an angle. Pug-Zus look very similar to another popular Shih Tzu mix, the Shichon. This affectionate and funny companion dog weighs in at around 8 to 22 pounds and measures anything between 8 and 12 inches. Do Pug Tzus Shed? The amount of shedding that you can expect if you become a Pug Tzu parent is variable. As previously mentioned, some dogs might have a shorter or a longer coat, and this can directly influence how much they shed. In any case you should take care to brush your dog regularly as well as wash him with a gentle shampoo. Consider using clippers to keep him in a short haircut. What Is the temperament of a Pug Shih Tzu mix? Pug Zus are very sociable, and even if the puppies do have to be socialized as early as possible in order for them to become used to other animals and people, they thrive on human interaction. Pug Zus also tend to suffer from separation anxiety. However headstrong they might seem at times, Pug Shih Tzu mixes respond well to training, especially if they have set routines in place. It is recommended that their owners set up short training sessions that last for up to ten minutes at a time every day. Positive reinforcement and treats will convince your Pug Shih Tzu puppy to behave. How long does a Pug and Shih Tzu mix live? The typical lifespan of a Pug Zu is anything between 9 and 12 to 14 years. How Healthy is this mix? Some of the most common health conditions that a Pug Zu is likely of developing throughout their life are the following: Patellar luxation Some Pug Shih Tzu mix owners might notice that their puppy skips a step every now and then. If this happens, veterinary assistance is required as many Pug Zus can develop patellar luxation, or it can be a genetic issue that they are prone to. Treating this health issue depends on its severity. Hip dysplasia This dog breed is more or less likely to develop hip dysplasia due to the genetic material coming from their Pug side. There is a high possibility that a parent that has hip dysplasia passes it on to its offspring. Skin health problems A Pug Shih Tzu mix can develop several skin conditions, and two of the most common ones are allergies and atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis can be caused by a number of factors that range from dog food to grass. Epilepsy Idiopathic epilepsy can affect some dogs, but not all. If your dog experiences a seizure, immediate veterinary care is necessary. Documenting the seizure might also be required in order for the veterinarian to establish just what type of epilepsy the dog is suffering from. All of these diseases are more or less typical for small-sized dogs. Due to their anatomy, Pug Zus also tend to develop respiratory problems, including sinus infections. Other health issues that can affect this breed are yeast infections, staph infections, and demodectic mange. Some puppies can experience vaccination sensitivity. Make sure to talk to your veterinarian about preventive care and take your dog to the vet clinic for check-ups at least once or twice a year. Furthermore, as they grow old, Pug Zus are known to develop the typical diseases of geriatric dogs, such as arthritis, heart conditions, and even cancer. Regular blood tests and other diagnostic methods can ensure that these health problems are prevented or treated at the right time before they become more severe. How Much is a Pug Shih Tzu? The cost of a Pug Zu puppy can vary a lot depending on several factors. We recommend getting your puppy from a breeder whose reputation is excellent. The Pug Zu can be considered an excellent companion dog. It adapts well to new environments and new people, and it is not particularly challenging to train, either. Motivating your Pug Tzu with treats is easy as this dog breed loves food. In terms of activity levels, you will notice that your Pug Shih Tzu mix does love spending time outdoors and playing fetch, for example. However, compared to many other breeds, it can do well with daily walks that last up to one hour on the whole. If what you are after is a good watchdog, a Pug Zu might not be the best dog breed for you. These dogs are known for being so friendly that they can even take well to strangers. Besides, they do not bark in order to get your attention to alert you of an intruder. Due to their trainability, playfulness, and affectionate character, Pug Shih Tzu mixes are among the best canine companions for people who live in apartments. In this respect, a Pug Zu is not a good, but a great dog. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.
Vet records Aryan Labs-Expert in Breeding Silverlab Aryan labs are in the last of our list of silver lab puppies for sale in Wisconsin. These are the quality Labrador breeders and pet sellers in Wisconsin. They love to spend their time retrieving and swimming with their silver labs. Likewise, lab training is very important. Here they strive to produce genetically healthy dogs. They are the reputable breeders of silver Lab retrievers for the last 8 years. All of their Labrador puppies are registered with AKC. Due care and pets planning is the main feature of the Aryans. Features Proper Silver Puppy Lab planning Socializing at the right age Deworming Health clearance and medical documents availability Puppies Parent Meeting They sell their entire puppies on limited registration. Full AKC Registration can be purchased for an additional price depending on the litter. Visitors allowed by appointment between am and .There are different names above. All the above breeders are reputed. Also, you can track and trace your orders online. Resultantly, their success rate is high. Owing to that, people love their bloodline. Although, silver labs for sale are easy now due to the overwhelming impact of digitalization. The Internet made it possible to promote and sell different products and services online. Also, it has cut down the traveling time, expenses, and physical fatigue. Precisely Keeping in view the ease of our readers, we have research on silver lab puppies for sale in Michigan. In this way, people around the globe can search and find anything. Sterling silver labs and queries like lab puppies for sale Appleton, wi can serve your purpose. Moreover, you can also find lab puppies Racine, wi, and lab puppies Kenosha, wi with the addition to silver lab puppies for sale in Iowa. By getting online products, you have both merits and demerits. But, it is a time-saving technique. If you like to know the same about silver lab puppies Indiana , you can visit its dedicated page. Final Verdict We have mentioned the best Labrador breeder and silver lab puppies for sale in Wisconsin at a low price. You can decide on your own but if you ask me for my suggestion, I would like to have a silver lab retriever from Mallard Lane Labradors. They have a good name in the industry and a good client satisfaction levels. In view of the above, if you need more information, please comment below. Our team will respond to you instantly. Furthermore, if you know about more resources online, you are welcome to submit. We always try to follow the feedback. Actually, feedback is more important. Therefore, we pay head on it. Hopefully, you liked the post. If so, kindly share it with your friends. Because sharing is caring. Related Articles about Labrador Puppies Sale:. We have AKC English Lab puppies for sale Our goal here at Winter Valley Labs is to breed excellent dual purpose AKC Labrador Retriever puppies that make great companions and family pets, that also have the ability to excel in the field as well as show ring. And of course, in our hearts. We breed for quality, not quantity. We breed English Lab puppies! Each of our litters is carefully planed and bred with purpose. We are a small breeder in Hatley, Wisconsin. Our love and passion for Labrador Retrievers drives us to better the breed and provide families with healthy, happy, perfect pets, companions and hunters. We have been breeding labs for over 10 years, and look forward to that number growing. We bred our first litter in January of .We hope to grow in size now that we have the room for it. We love to take the dogs out bird hunting, and am excited to get them started on waterfowl this year as we are located on the river. I have been around dogs my whole life, but the lab has always been my favorite. I started studying at the UW of Stevens Point for Wildlife Ecology and Captive Wildlife management, and had done some study in veterinarian medicine but complications with pregnancy forced me out. I decided after my first son was born that I wanted to stay at home with my babies anyways both human and canine. So I am now a stay at home mom for all of our babies. Prior to that I had worked at an animal shelter as well as a grooming and boarding facility. I am doing some online studies for genetics and animal behavior, as I am always striving to be very well educated with the dogs. I am an avid hunter and LOVE spending the days outside with the dogs. Please note; We do not breed silvers, charcoals or champagne. We do not breed labradoodles, golden labs or any other designer breed. We do have English lab puppies for sale- We breed Fox red lab puppies, yellow lab puppies, black lab puppies, chocolate lab puppies and white lab puppies. Fox red and white labs are registered as yellow labs! These ARE akc recognized unlike the dilute colors. Click here to see what english lab puppies we have that are ready to go and looking for their loving forever homes! Our focus is on the English Lab breed. Please contact us for more information on any of our wonderful English Lab puppies, or upcoming and planned litters! We will help you find the perfect puppy for your family! All of our English Lab puppies are vet checked with the vaccines that are needed and also wormed. They also have their dewclaws removed. If in any case a dew claw, or partial dew claw grows back, that will be the buyers responsibility to take care of, if they feel the need to do so. This can be done at the time of spaying or neutering. This is not a common thing. All of our English Lab Puppies are placed with limited registration Pet homes only If you are looking for full registration Breeding rights Do not wait until pickup day to discuss this with us. Our dogs come from primarily American field lines. A couple dogs have a small mix of English show lines in their pedigree, a couple generations back. We are looking for families to volunteer time with their kids to come here and help us socialize Thunder Labrador puppies. Appointment required. Call .Thank you military Veterans, law enforcement and first responders. Claim your dollar discount on a Thunder Labrador puppy. Must bring appropriate ID to receive discount. Because of you, we get to raise Lab puppies for a living in the greatest country that has ever existed. Thank you also to those people who stepped up to the plate and adopted all of the Moonlighter Labs!!! We placed the last dog on November 4, .Puppy selections go in the order of deposits received by Thunder Labradors. Specify sex and color and include your phone number. Puppies available now and soon: Now accepting deposits of to secure a pick for our litters. Picks go in the order of deposits received. Buy a Thunder Labrador and see why we get so many repeat customers and referrals. Email us below at thunderlabradors hotmail. All Thunder Labrador puppies go home with a five pound bag of Fidovite to sprinkle on puppy's food. We request that you buy one or two more five pound bags, as needed, while your puppy is going through the rapid growth phase. If your finances allow, supplement for life to aid in a lifetime of good health. Go to www. No Thunder Labradors are sold for breeding purposes. We do extensive DNA testing along with radiographs to guarantee your Labrador puppy's health. Our bloodlines consist of primarily American field dogs. Some of our pedigrees have a small mix of English show champions in the line. Compare us to others. There is a table below that tells you what all these acronyms mean. You want none of them. We believe everything begins and ends with pedigree. Most of our stud dogs are titled JH too. That is how you get a smart, trainable puppy. Most of our pups never see the field at their forever homes. But, with training, these dogs will hunt or hunt test. Tell us what you want to do with your dog and we will steer you in the right direction. Equally as important as a pup's ancestry, is the socialization he or she receives. All of our puppies go through an Early Neurological Stimulation Program. ENS that starts at 3 days old. A bio-sensor program used to increase the pups' performance later in life. Puppies going through this program were found better able as adults to cope with stressful situations, problem solve and were physically healthier with higher cardiovascular performance, stronger immune systems, adrenal glands and heart beats. See our Testimonial Page and see what past customers have said about our Labrador pups. Our program allows for socialization and motor skill development. Pups are handled daily. We have over 25 years experience socializing puppies and fulfilling customer needs. The tail works on all our puppies. One poop in the kennel is too many. Consistent temperatures with in-floor heat and Air Conditioning. Consistent dog and human interaction too. Great for first time puppy owners. It's not cheap but it's money well-spent. House trained, Crate trained, Leash training started. Payable at the end of training. You may visit any time with an appointment. We take photos for the website as time allows. You are welcome to make a field trip and bring your camera. Please step on our sanitation mat before you enter the kennel. Most dams and sires are on site. Most customers live within a couple hours from us so feel free to visit and take all the photos you wish. A link is above left and at the bottom of this page. Pups will be coming from our stud Woody JH. Their pedigrees are as sweet as their temperaments. Also, Boom will now be siring litters. Because we love our dogs:.
german shepherd 3 week old puppies - Adopt a new best friend. By choosing to adopt, you participate in a statewide effort to provide homes for deserving and loyal German Shepherds. We cover all vet expenses and will purchase all needed supplies for your foster dog while they are in your care. Adopt a Dog Help us help future dogs. Donate your time. Campaign for fundraising. Transport dogs to their destinations. Make a difference in the German Shepherd community. Apply to volunteer with us and provide care for German Shepherds that truly need it. Apply to Volunteer We have found homes for hundreds of happy German Shepherds. Below is a list of German Shepherds that have successfully found a new home. German Shepherd adoption has changed our lives, and it can change yours, too. Bodie A friendly German Shepherd with a lovely black coat. Bodie was a lovely, personable German Shepherd that was finally adopted by a loving family after a long battle with homelessness. She also loves engaging in friendly play with cats! Jill Adopted in , Jill became a playful and positive addition to her family. Jill had previously completed behavioral training prior to adoption, making her an asset to any home. Now, she enjoys daily walks to local parks. Mesaba Once abandoned by his previous owner, Mesaba found a loving family in Georgia, who named him Mesaba after their Minnesotan roots. Mesaba now enjoys walks in the park, play time with friends, and a loving family. Giroux After previous domestic issues with cats, Giroux found a home with one of our volunteers. He now enjoys cheering up his new owner, who has previously lost a German Shepherd to age-related difficulties. Abbie After a history of neglect, Abbie was able to recover from her past trauma and find a loving and accepting home in .She now enjoys playing hide-and-find with new toys, playing in the local pond, and being part of her new family. Fletcher After abandonment from his previous owners, Fletcher was finally able to join his new and supportive family. He now enjoys long walks, lots of attention and plenty of space for personal recreation. Matilda Matilda was shy before reaching out shelter - but after some training, she was finally able to come out of her shell! She now spends time with her new family, receiving more love than she could ever imagine! Queen Adopted in , Queen is a playful and positive addition to any family. Queen had previously completed behavioral training prior to adoption, making her an asset to any home. Ike Ike is the life of the party. We are pleased to announced that after years of neglect, Ike was finally able to join a family of his own. Now, Ike enjoys playing with his new owners and enjoying a life of abundant love and affection. She was once abandoned by her previous owners, but with some care and rehabilitation, Lady was able to relocate to a loving family of her own! Schatzi Talk about playful! Schahtzi is a lovely German Shepherd that was able to join a loving family after a past of neglect. Now, she enjoys lots of exercise and good memories with his new family. See More Alumni Give in memoriam. To us, a dog is family. Every pet has a story, how they were rescued and what they meant to us. Tell us your story. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". It does not store any personal data. Functional Functional Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Performance Performance Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Analytics Analytics Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Others Others Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
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german shepherd 3 week old puppies - Accidents are part of the process, but if you follow these basic house training guidelines, you can get the newest member of your family on the right track. To potty train your puppy, establish a routine Puppies do best on a regular schedule. The schedule teaches them that there are times to eat, times to play and times to do their business. Typically, a puppy can control their bladder one hour for every month of age. So if your puppy is 2 months old, they can hold it for about two hours. Take your puppy outside frequently—at least every two hours—and immediately after they wake up, during and after playing, and after eating or drinking. Pick a bathroom spot outside, and always take your puppy on a leash to that spot. While your puppy is relieving themselves, use a specific word or phrase that you can eventually use before they go to remind them what to do. Take them out for a longer walk or some playtime only after they have eliminated. Reward your puppy every time they eliminate outdoors. This step is vital, because rewarding your dog for going outdoors is the only way to teach what's expected of them. Put your puppy on a regular feeding schedule. What goes into a puppy on a schedule comes out of a puppy on a schedule. Depending on their age, puppies may need to be fed two or three times a day. Feeding your puppy at the same times each day will make it more likely that they'll eliminate at consistent times as well, making house training easier for both of you. Pick up your puppy's water dish about two and a half hours before bedtime to reduce the likelihood that they'll need to relieve themselves during the night. Most puppies can sleep for approximately seven hours without needing a bathroom break. If your puppy does wake you up in the night, don't make a big deal of it; otherwise, they will think it is time to play and won't want to go back to sleep. Turn on as few lights as possible, don't talk to or play with your puppy, take them out to the spot where they relieve themselves and then return them to bed. Top 10 pet tips Sign up to receive our exclusive e-book full of important information about caring for your pet, including training techniques and answers to frequently asked questions. Tether your puppy to you or a nearby piece of furniture with a six-foot leash if you are not actively training or playing. Watch for signs that your puppy needs to go out. Some signs are obvious, such as barking or scratching at the door, squatting, restlessness, sniffing around or circling. When you see these signs, immediately grab the leash and take them outside to their bathroom spot. If they eliminate, praise them and reward with a treat. Keep your puppy on leash in the yard. During the house training process, your yard should be treated like any other room in your house. Give your puppy some freedom in the house and yard only after they become reliably house trained. When you can't supervise, confine When you're unable to watch your puppy at all times, restrict them to an area small enough that they won't want to eliminate there. Browse Dog Crates on Amazon. You can use a portion of a bathroom or laundry room blocked off with baby gates. Or you may want to crate train your puppy. Be sure to learn how to use a crate humanely as a method of confinement. If your puppy has spent several hours in confinement, you'll need to take them directly to their bathroom spot as soon as you return. Mistakes happen Expect your puppy to have a few accidents in the house—it's a normal part of house training. Here's what to do when that happens: Without a lot of drama, immediately take them to their outside bathroom spot. Praise your pup and give a treat if they finish there. Don't punish your puppy for eliminating in the house. If you find a soiled area, just clean it up. Rubbing your puppy's nose in it, taking them to the spot and scolding them or any other punishment will only make them afraid of you or afraid to eliminate in your presence. Punishment will do more harm than good. Clean the soiled area thoroughly. Puppies are highly motivated to continue soiling in areas that smell like urine or feces. It's extremely important that you use these supervision and confinement procedures to minimize the number of accidents. Make plans for when you're away If you have to be away from home more than four or five hours a day, this may not be the best time for you to get a puppy. Instead, you may want to consider an older house-trained dog who can wait for your return. If you already have a puppy and must be away for long periods of time, you may need to: Arrange for someone, such as a responsible neighbor or a professional pet sitter, to take them for bathroom breaks. Alternatively, train them to eliminate in a specific place indoors. Be aware, however, that doing this can prolong the process of house training. Teaching your puppy to eliminate on newspaper may create a life-long surface preference, meaning that even as an adult they may eliminate on any newspaper lying around the living room. If you plan to paper-train, confine them to an area with enough room for a sleeping space, a playing space and a separate place to eliminate. In the designated elimination area, use either pet pee pads, newspapers cover the area with several layers of newspaper or a sod box. To make a sod box, place sod in a container such as a child's small, plastic swimming pool. You can also find dog litter products at a pet supply store. If you have to clean up an accident outside the designated elimination area, put the soiled rags or paper towels inside that area afterward to help your puppy recognize the scented area as the place where they are supposed to eliminate. Print Potty train your puppy quickly Housebreaking is one of the least desirable tasks when adding a new puppy to your family. It is never fun but consider it a necessary task. You will never regret having a dog that knows your home is not a bathroom. When to start housebreaking Housebreaking should begin the day you bring your puppy home from the breeder. It is important to establish quickly that there is a right and wrong place for your puppy to go potty. How long does it take to house train a lab puppy? I wish I could give a definitive answer for this, but the truth is that every puppy is different. Most puppies can be completely house broke by the time they are months. But assume there will be a lot of ups and downs through the process. Some puppies learn very quickly and rarely have an accident. Others take more time to make the connection. Here are some things you can do to help the process go smoothly. Have the right attitude! Keep your attitude in check to help this process go quickly and smoothly. Have patience! As already stated, potty training can take some time. It may happen, but it is unlikely. Instead, plan for a long haul and then you will be more patient and understanding when mishaps happen. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. Step 1: Establish a place for your puppy to go potty To get started housebreaking your puppy, you must first establish a place where it is okay for your puppy to do his business. Find a place outside that is not too far from your home, but an area where you are not worried about killing the grass or trampling plants that are important to you. Consider this carefully, because once your puppy starts going potty in this area it will be exceedingly difficult to move or change the area. Once the scent is there, it is natural for dogs to continue going potty in the same area over and over. Do I have to potty train outside? In some areas of the country, winters can be very cold. Some new puppy owners wonder if it is too cold for their Labrador puppy to go outside to potty train during these times. The answer is no. Most Labs can easily be outside for a few minutes even during the coldest nights to go potty. A pee pad is a disposable, leak proof pad that is scented to attract your dog and encourage going potty on them. We highly discourage using pee pads because in the long run it is confusing to your dog. If you spend time teaching your puppy to NOT go potty inside your home and then flip-flop and begin letting them go inside your home on a pee pad, your dog will be confused. Besides, eventually you must retrain them to going outside, so the best policy is to never start letting inside be an option. Step 2: Establish a routine and schedule for your puppy Establishing a routine is the single most important step for housebreaking. The more consistent you are, the faster your puppy will learn to go outside for potty. This time will increase rapidly over the next few weeks, but that first week is going to take a lot of time and energy on your part to consistently let your puppy out on a schedule. To make being consistent easier, consider this: Set a timer When housebreaking puppies, we find that setting a timer is helpful. An hour flies by and you hardly realize it. For the first few days at least, set a timer and let your puppy out hourly, especially if your puppy is not in a crate. We will discuss that more in a bit. Timing is everything There are other times when you need to let your puppy outside. Immediately after eating or drinking your puppy should go outside. Eating and drinking will trigger a need to go potty, so to avoid accidents, take your puppy out every time they eat or drink. And if they drink a lot of water, you may have to take them out several times before they are back on schedule. Anything you can do to make going potty a routine will help your dog learn and associate that going outside is where I need to go to go potty. Use a command I know this sounds crazy but using a command can help your dog form an association between the command and going potty. At first this is meaningless to the puppy. And you cannot discipline your puppy for a potty accident in the house that you never saw happen. The solution for this is never let your puppy go unsupervised. This can be exhausting, that is why we suggest using a crate to help. The stern words must be said during the accident or immediately after to have any effect. Using a crate to house train your puppy First, while your puppy may not love his crate right away, if properly introduced and used consistently, Labs usually come to love their crates. As den animals, dogs will view their crate as a den where they can go to sleep or get away from the business of the home. Learn more about crate training your Labrador puppy here. When using a crate to housetrain your puppy, you first want to make sure that you have a very small crate. One that is just a little bigger than your puppy. This is particularly important because you do not want your puppy to be able to move around much in the crate. If they can move around, they can and often will go potty in the crate. So, start with a very small crate and get bigger crates as the puppy grows. Whatever you choose to use to block off the larger area, make sure that it is not something your puppy can chew on or ingest. You will still need to find a way to gradually increase the area that the puppy has access to, so I just find the multiple crate solution easier. You should still set a timer and take your puppy out on a regular basis, and you will want to schedule some time each day for the puppy to run around the house and play while supervised. Step 4: Using praise to speed the house breaking process You can help your puppy more quickly understand that going potty outside is the right thing to do by giving your puppy well-timed praise. But the praise must be well-timed. You should give the praise while your puppy is going potty outside or immediately after. Timing is very important! Lots of people get upset when the dog goes inside but fail to praise when the dog does the right thing. Not all dogs are the same. Some puppies will whine just before they go potty in the house, or whine at the door when they need to go. Some will hide somewhere you cannot see them and do their business there. Still others may scratch at the door. How long can a puppy hold it overnight? With young puppies, weeks old, you will need to get up several times a night to let them out. It can be helpful to limit the amount of water your puppy has access to close to bedtime. We usually aim for every 3 hours and then steadily increase the time as they get older. But each puppy is different. Final thoughts on how to house train your Labrador puppy Remember that housebreaking is a process. It rarely follows a straight line and more often there will periods of success and occasional mishaps. Stick with it and before long your puppy will understand that going potty in the house is not okay. Until next time, happy retrieving. How to housebreak your Labrador puppy. Time to start potty training your Labrador Puppy Potty training or house training is one of the first things that you will have to focus on after bringing home a Labrador Puppy. However, you must know what to expect when toilet training a Lab puppy, you must be prepared with patience and dedication since house training can be difficult in the beginning. Here are the house-training basics that you will need to follow to train your puppy. House training is done over time, and here is how. You can also take your puppy into your yard if you have one. Teaching your lab puppy go potty in the yard is the best idea since Labradors produce a lot of waste when they are grown. If you live in an apartment you have no other option but to take your Lab outside to evacuate. Lab puppies love to go outside and explore new territories. So for apartment dwellers, the first months of potty training will happen indoors. Puppies can refuse to go potty on surfaces that they are not used to. For example, if your puppy gets used to evacuating on hard floors, going potty in the grass will feel awkward to your puppy, and will prefer to do it on the sidewalk. So, using an artificial grass puppy pad while you potty train your Lab indoors can help to transition to real grass when your puppy is ready to explore the outside world. How to toilet train a Labrador Retriever Puppy Keep an eye on your puppy for signs like circling, sniffing, and scratching the floor. This means that your puppy needs to potty. Take your puppy outside or to the designated potty place in your house or apartment. This will help your dog know that is the place to go do the thing. If the activity is successful praise your puppy for doing a good job. You can also give your Lab puppy a treat for doing a good job, Labs are a food-motivated breed, so yummy treats help a lot with training. Positive reinforcement will help your Labrador to go potty in the right place. Limiting the movement of your puppy will make it easier to keep an eye on during this process. Consider using baby gates to close an area of your house. The area must be big enough so that your puppy can move and play inside. It should be close to your yard or the area of your house where you want your Lab to go potty. Also, this area must be easy to clean, you can expect accidents in this part of the potty training. Then take the puppy to the potty place and let it finish there. Do not scare the puppy if you catch it in the act, the goal is to get its attention and let it know that it is not doing the right thing. This is something you must teach your dog. Do it patiently and be consistent with the training and eventually, you will get your Labrador fully house-trained. Use some white vinegar diluted in water or an enzymatic odor remover to thoroughly clean the area. For this period, you might need the following items to begin potty training your Labrador puppy. Make sure they are all pet-friendly and of a reputable brand name. Absorbent pee pad : Dog training pads mostly come in handy in the first stages of house training, before your puppy can go potty outside. The benefit of a pad is that the mess your puppy makes will be confined to just one place and it will be easier for you to clean up. Stain Remover : As a routine, accidents are bound to happen. And this is why having a good cleaner is extremely important. Along with a pet, cleaner make sure you also have ample small towels on hand. Dog poop bag and Pooper scooper : Having these is also very important. They will come in handy when you have to pick up and discard the mess your little friend makes. You can carry these in your bag or even in your pocket when you go out on a walk with your dog. Treats: Many dogs are motivated by food, and this is why you will need food treats that your Labrador puppy enjoys. After your dog listens to your commands and goes to the right place, give him a treat, so he understands that food comes after he goes to the right place. A leash and collar: This will allow you to show your dog where the right place is. Barrier gates : This is also an essential supply as it will confine your dog to a specific place. Barrier gates make it easier to keep your house floors clean. Pee finder : Finding and cleaning dried pee will help prevent future accidents. You might also want a car seat cover in case you have to travel somewhere with your little friend. An artificial grass pad to train your puppy for the outside. When to start house training your Labrador puppy: On a general note, younger Labrador puppies have very short attention spans. At what age should a lab puppy be potty trained? House training should begin as soon as your Lab puppy arrives at your home. Which is normally at 7 to 9 weeks of age. So, if your little Labrador puppy is a few weeks old, you might begin with basic command words to get familiar with the house routine and also your voice. You can use this time to show your new Lab puppy the areas of your house it is allowed to be in, and close off any part of your house that is off-limits to your dog. The best moments to train your Lab puppy are: After a nap. Supervise Your Puppy Your second job is to supervise or contain your puppy when his bladder is filling up. You can do this by crating him for a few minutes, or by cuddling him in your arms. I recommend the cuddle option for the first few days, that way you can introduce the crate gradually once he has settled into his new home. Either spend your first day together in the yard getting a feel for how frequently they pee. As you can see, there is some guesswork involved in house training a puppy, but not too much. The secrets of successful outdoor toilet trips Not wanting to pee outside is a common toilet training puppy problem and one we look at in more detail in this article. Keeping your puppy company is the key. You need to go outside with your puppy and wait there with him until he has done a wee. This may take longer than you would like, and you probably have better things to do than stand in your yard while your puppy chases butterflies or plays with your shoe laces. But stay outside you must, until he has done that wee. Coming Indoors Early If you must come indoors before your puppy has relieved himself, you need to supervise him very closely. Hold him in your arms — or put him in a small crate for a few minutes — before going back out to try again. It is a new puppy problem, and it will pass. And if you teach your puppy to pee on command, it will pass even quicker! Rewarding success If you put plenty of effort in, and take your puppy out a great deal in those first few days, he will quickly learn that the place you have allocated to him for potty purposes is the place to pee. You can praise him and give him a little treat for doing so. Have your treat on hand keep them next to your poop bags so you remember to grab both on the way out , and deliver it right after your puppy has completed their business. Rewarding his successes and ignoring his accidents is the quickest way of successfully communicating what you want, and quickly potty training your puppy. Stage 2 — Learning self control During stage 2 your puppy begins to develop some self control. This means he can wait a few minutes before emptying himself when his bladder starts to feel full. Keep an eye on your puppy for the tell tale signs that he needs to use the toilet: whimpering, whining or barking sniffing about, especially sniffing in circles! Using Your Crate If your puppy is now used to his crate, you can start using it stretch out the gaps between toilet trips. Accidents during stage 2 At some point during stage 2, many puppies will be able to last an hour or so between wees. This is when puppy parents often relax their vigilance, and their puppies start having accidents in the house again. Simply go back to shorter gaps between trips to the yard for a few days. Then start to space out those trips again, but more gradually this time. Stage 3 — Extending the clean zone This is where all your hard work starts to really pay off. Once your puppy is confidently and consistently toileting outdoors, and you can further stretch out the gaps between toilet breaks, and start to introduce your puppy to the rest of your home. Take it slowly, and if accidents occur, to go back to shorter gaps between trips outdoors for a few days. Bear in mind that your puppy may be used to peeing in the yard and not in the kitchen by now, but they might not automatically understand which rule applies to the lounge. Method 2: How to potty train a puppy indoors This section has a lot in common with how to potty train a puppy when you work. So follow method 2 if you need to know how to potty train a puppy in an apartment as well. And that means using pads. How to potty train a puppy on pads The simplest way to do this is to restrict the puppy to a smallish room with washable floors. Cover the floor with puppy pads to begin with, with their bed in one corner. How do you train a puppy to pee on a pad? With this arrangement in place, as long as your puppy leaves his bed to pee which his mom will have encouraged him to do , he will pee onto the pads. So over the next few days, reduce the area of the floor that is covered with puppy pads by half. You should find he begins to make an effort to pee and poop on the part of the floor that is covered — but it needs to be a sizeable part to get this good habit established. How to potty train a puppy fast using pads — reducing the toilet area By the end of the first week, you can begin to reduce the part of the floor that is covered with puppy pads right down to a small area, preferably near the back door. It is usually best to do this when you have some time booked off work — or during a long weekend when the weather is fine. But if you choose to crate train your puppy LINK alongside potty training him, the crate can be a useful aid for potty training too. Once your puppy thinks of the crate as their bed, they will be reluctant to soil in it. You Still Need To Watch Your Puppy Always watch puppies closely in their crate during potty training, and whisk them out to the right spot at the first sign they might need to relieve themselves. You can find out a lot more about crate training and the role it plays in rapid house training on this page. As well opportunities to use the toilet, Labrador puppies need company and socialisation while they are small. So, if you are going to go back to work you need to arrange someone to look after him, or to come in at intervals throughout the day to play with him and take him out. Here are some articles which will be of interest if you are thinking of getting a puppy and work full time:. Labrador house training routines. We want them to learn to wait until they are outdoors before emptying their bladder or bowels. It is about maturity too. We need to understand that tiny puppies have immature bodies and are not physically capable of waiting very long. On your side There are two factors on your side in the potty training process. When it comes to bladder control, fortunately your puppy improves with every day that passes, so this factor does not work against you forever. The same applies to the fact that the puppy has been removed from his nest, he will soon learn to accept his new nest. The principles of puppy potty training The puppy is learning the principle of extending the nest area, which he keeps clean instinctively, to include your entire home. Punishment is counter-productive in this process as it teaches the puppy to avoid emptying himself in your presence. Rewards are helpful, but given the right routine, a puppy will naturally learn to be clean without them. The secret to successful house training lies in selecting targets that the puppy can achieve. If your puppy sometimes needs to wee every 15 minutes whilst he is awake and active, you will have to take him outside every 15 minutes. Restricted access Start small applies here too. Allow your puppy access only to a small part of your home. Increase the area he has access to, only when he is capable of keeping the current area clean. Just because he can. And because the sensation of a filling bladder is a new one. Your job is to teach him to wait a little longer. You do this by confining him for a short time, every time his bladder fills. You can confine him in his nest within a crate , or in your arms. He will be reluctant to wee in either location. If he wets himself, you have waited too long! It takes two You need to go outside with your puppy, and stay out there with him, each time he needs to wee. A tiny puppy is unlikely to empty himself on his own. This especially applies in cold or wet weather. Routines Matter When House Training a Labrador Retriever Based around these practical requirements you can create your own house training routine. For a puppy that needs to wee every half an hour, it will go something like this Take puppy outside to the toilet area and wait with him until he empties himself Bring him indoors and allow him free access to your kitchen for fifteen to twenty minutes Crate or cuddle the puppy until it is thirty minute since his last wee Take the puppy back out to the toilet area If at any time the puppy does not empty himself then confine him for another ten minutes and try again. As soon as he is regularly not needing to wee after thirty minutes you can extend the duration of free access to your kitchen. Provided you stick to these principles and strategies, the house training process, though quite intense for a short while, will pass smoothly.