Essential Care for Puppies: Key Points to Remember
Part 1: Feeding Puppies Properly
1. Prioritize Breastfeeding: If you have a litter of puppies from a mother dog in your home, ensure they receive ample mother's milk. It's crucial to provide the nursing mother with a wellbalanced diet and adequate rest. Newborn puppies rely heavily on their mother's milk for immunity, so those prematurely separated from their mothers are at a high risk of death. For stray puppies, if possible, find a "nurse" dog or opt for goat's milk powder. Feed the puppy every 23 hours. After feeding, use a damp paper towel to stimulate the puppy's urinary tract to aid in elimination, as puppies this young cannot do it on their own.
2. Vaccination and Deworming with Caution: It's best not to vaccinate puppies too early. Consult a professional veterinarian for the appropriate vaccination schedule, and always ensure the puppy is healthy before administering any shots. Be cautious with deworming, strictly following the prescribed dosage by your vet.
Part 2: Daily Care Tips for Puppies
1. Feed in Moderation: Puppies' digestive systems are still developing, so overfeeding can lead to stomach issues. Always adhere to the recommended feeding amounts. As commercial kibble swells with water in the digestive tract, eating too much at once can fill the stomach, causing vomiting and diarrhea.
2. Foster Good Eating Habits: Many dogs eat rapidly, which can strain their digestive system. Encourage your puppy to eat slowly from an early age.
3. Serve Treats in Small Pieces: Freezedried snacks should be rehydrated before feeding to puppies, making them easier to digest and preventing potential injury to the puppy's palate.
Puppies have weaker immune systems, so their living environment must be kept clean, wellventilated, and properly insulated. For any further questions, don't hesitate to consult an online veterinary professional.