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Choosing a Healthy Puppy
Healthy puppies are active, energetic, playful and cheerful. At first glance, they are all fluffy little buns that you want to caress. The size and weight of puppies depends on the number of babies in the litter, but to a greater extent on the proper care and feeding. Keep in mind that a healthy large breed puppy at the age of 30 days must weigh at least 2.5 kg, and at two months of age – at least 6 kg. He should not be either fat or thin, but rather – downed and strong. In all cases, the features of the exterior and temperament must correspond to the breed type.
It is quite simple to distinguish a seriously ill puppy: boring, watery eyes, dry nose, ruffled hair, sunken or, conversely, swollen tummy, weakness of the extremities. The unfortunate baby is lying all the time, trying to get into a secluded dark place, whimpers or groans. He may have vomiting and diarrhea, a staggering or hunched gait. Ask the breeder to feed the babies in your presence – the sick puppy will refuse food. Naturally, taking such a puppy is not recommended. Continue reading
Puppy Health Care
The responsible breeder is obliged to prepare the bitch for future motherhood by conducting antihelminthic therapy (deworming) and vaccination against infectious diseases a month before the alleged estrus. At the same time, born puppies receive, with the first portion of mother’s milk (colostrum), the most important basis for passive clostral immunity – ready-made antibodies that protect them during infancy. Thanks to this natural mechanism, the safety of suckling puppies from viruses and bacteria is ensured. If the necessary vaccinations have not been given to the mother, the amount of antibodies (antibody titer) in the puppies’ blood is markedly reduced, which affects the viability of the babies.
At the age of 4 to 12 weeks, the puppy’s immune system goes through a critical period of development. The number of immune bodies transmitted with breast milk (colostrum) is gradually decreasing, while their own immune defenses are not yet fully formed. In such a vulnerable condition, the baby stays until the full program of preventive vaccinations, which the owner of the puppy is required to complete, is completed. Continue reading
Puppy Tips
When deciding to buy a thoroughbred dog, you need to consider how your relatives and neighbors will relate to it. Of course, if we are talking about a private house with a large fence, then those living nearby are unlikely to be against such a purchase. But if we are talking about housing conditions, then the whining of a young puppy or barking of an already adult dog can adversely affect relations with neighbors. Also, keeping a dog requires considerable financial costs: visiting a veterinary clinic, feeding the animal and caring for it. Having a dog just for the entertainment of children or on a whim is not worth it. Therefore, it is recommended to buy a puppy only with a strong desire, readiness and the possibility of its maintenance in the necessary conditions, the availability of free time for training and care.
You should be aware that all dog breeds are divided into 3 groups – service, hunting and decorative. Therefore, it is important to find out in advance for what purpose the dog is acquired. You should not buy a dog with it on the street or in the market – this way you can buy not only a non-purebred dog, it can also turn out to be sick. Of course, it is better to choose with a specialist, but if he is not there, you must try to do it yourself by contacting a nursery or bona fide breeders. Continue reading
