Caring for Samoyeds: Tips & Cautionary Notes

1. Breed Dogs

Ensuring the health and vitality of a stud dog is paramount, as they are expected to produce robust offspring with excellent genetic traits. These dogs should be wellnourished, with a diet rich in animal proteins to maintain their robust physique and vigorous libido. It's essential to keep them fit and avoid extremes of weight, whether underweight or overweight. Home care and regular exercise are key. Aim for two to three sessions daily, each lasting about half an hour, in a spacious area or the great outdoors. During the breeding season, introduce the stud dog to a noncycling female to stimulate his desire. Enhance his diet with highprotein and vitaminrich foods like lean meat, cooked eggs, and milk. In addition to twicedaily meals, consider adding an extra feeding session.

2. Bitch Dogs

Postpartum care is crucial for a bitch. Promptly clean the whelping area, remove any waste or stillborn puppies, and gently clean her vulva, tail, and breasts with lukewarm water and soap. It's important to keep her away from strangers to prevent stress or aggression. After the first two to three days, gradually reduce her food intake, then increase it over the next few days until it reaches normal levels after about a week. During lactation, a bitch produces ample milk, so her diet should be gradually increased to support her nutritional needs. Aim for three to four feedings a day, ensuring she has access to water at all times. Enhance her diet with additional protein, vegetables, and nutrients like broths or milk. For bitches with insufficient milk, consider feeding红糖水 or葡萄糖水 to supplement their diet and vitamin C.

3. Puppies Not Yet Weaned

Monitor the puppies regularly to prevent the mother from accidentally harming them. Newborns are deaf and blind, but their eyes typically open between the 9th and 13th day, and they remain silent until around the 13th to 17th day. Pay special attention to fragile puppies before their eyes open. During lactation, place weak puppies on teats with higher milk production and ensure they are returned to the whelping box if they wander off. Hearing develops after about a week. Around the 21st day, puppies start to walk, so prevent them from escaping the whelping area. By the 25th day, their appetite increases, and they require supplements like milk, rice porridge, or gruel, along with small amounts of fish oil, fish meal, and bone meal. Begin deworming with a deworming medication at three weeks of age, repeating every three to four weeks until 16 weeks, and then recheck for worm eggs at six months. After about a month, start to transition the puppies to a solid food diet, feeding them three to four times a day to support growth. Puppies are weaned around 50 to 60 days.

4. Weaned Puppies

Postweaning, proper care is vital. The period from weaning to six months is a critical time for developing highquality dogs. The first month postweaning is particularly challenging, with a higher incidence of illness and mortality due to improper care. Feed puppies a diet rich in protein, avoiding overfeeding. For puppies between two and three months, feed four to five times a day, ensuring they are only 80% full. Supervise feedings to prevent weaker puppies from going hungry while stronger ones overeat.

5. Senior Dogs

Older dogs are more sensitive to temperature extremes, so in cold weather, keep them indoors with a warm, dry bed. In summer, provide shade and a breeze in a sheltered outdoor area. Many senior dogs become overweight due to reduced activity, so monitor their diet and incorporate more vitaminrich foods. Older dogs may have diminished vision and hearing, and they may be slower to respond. Use gentle touches or hand signals to guide them, and avoid shouting or forcing them to play with children or other dogs.

Pet Doctor's Tip: For more comprehensive information on dog care, check out our article "Puppy Feeding Guide."