Ultimate Guide to Feeding Puppies: Tips & Nutrition

1. Feeding

Newly weaned puppies have underdeveloped digestive systems. They are also susceptible to changes in their environment or diet, which can lead to loss of appetite and vomiting or diarrhea. Therefore, it's crucial to feed them easily digestible and palatable food. Start with a mixture of milk, rice porridge, fruit juices, and vegetable juices. As they grow older, gradually introduce puppy food. It's important to avoid feeding them bones or raw meat. Puppies often don't know when they're full, so overfeeding can cause digestive issues. To prevent this, feed them small portions multiple times a day.

2. Puppy Kennel

Maintain a clean and hygienic kennel environment, and regularly clean and disinfect it. Due to their weaker temperature regulation, puppies need extra care during winter, such as using blankets for warmth. In summer, ensure they are not exposed to direct sunlight and provide a cool, shaded area to keep them comfortable.

3. Grooming

It's not recommended to bathe puppies before they are one and a half months old; instead, use a towel to wipe them down. After that, when bathing, be cautious to prevent water from entering their ears, use petspecific shampoo, and thoroughly dry them with a towel before using a hairdryer to avoid catching a cold.

4. Exercise

Puppies are full of energy and enjoy physical activity. Until they have completed their full vaccination schedule, it's best to keep them indoors. This allows them to stay active, which can improve their bond with humans, enhance their metabolism, boost their immune system, and develop agility and sensitivity.

5. Vaccination

Generally, puppies can receive their first combination vaccine at around 3545 days old (homebred puppies have antibodies for up to 45 days, so vaccination can start between 4549 days). Around two months of age, they should receive another combination vaccine, followed by another four weeks later. Additionally, they must receive the rabies vaccine after reaching three months old. After completing the first year's vaccination schedule, puppies should be vaccinated annually, including the rabies vaccine and the combination vaccine.

6. Deworming

Dogs can host a variety of parasites, including internal parasites like roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms, as well as external parasites like fleas, lice, mites, and ticks. Some parasites can carry zoonotic diseases, so regular deworming is essential.