Pay Attention to Vaccinations

Different dogs at different stages and with different roles should have their feeding methods adjusted according to the actual situation; otherwise, it is easy to cause malnutrition or overnutrition problems, seriously affecting the dog's growth and development.

1. Puppies Before Weaning

Puppies just born need to be observed several times a day to prevent the mother dog from crushing them. Newborn puppies cannot hear, and their eyes are tightly closed. Puppies generally open their eyes between days 9 and 13. Between days 13 and 17, they can start to hear sounds. While the mother dog is nursing, weaker puppies should be placed at nipples producing more milk. Also, check to ensure puppies that crawl out of the whelping box are immediately sent back. Hearing only becomes functional about a week after birth. Around 21 days after birth, puppies can gradually start walking, and at this time, it is necessary to prevent them from running out of the whelping area.

2. Post-Weaning Puppies

Extra attention must be given to puppies after weaning. The period from weaning to six months old is crucial for raising excellent dogs. This one-month period right after weaning is usually the most difficult for feeding and management. Because the mother's milk contains certain antibodies that protect the puppy's health, this protection diminishes post-weaning, making this a vulnerable period for diseases. Therefore, special care is needed during this time.

3. Young Puppies

The puppy stage is a critical phase to lay a solid foundation for the dog's body.Before 3-4 months, you can feed the puppy with milk cake, which is more nutritious than regular dog food. The nutritional needs at this stage are higher. After about 3-4 months, the diet can be switched to puppy food. It is also important to vaccinate the puppy and keep it warm during cold weather, as puppies at this stage are most susceptible to infectious diseases. Medium to large breed puppies can be given some calcium supplements appropriately.

Appropriate Dietary Adjustments at Different Stages

4. Adult Dogs

Caring for adult dogs is relatively easier. Just maintain proper care, feed them at fixed times and places, ensure plenty of exercise, and perform regular deworming.

5. Senior Dogs

As dogs age, their food requirements gradually decrease. Choose dog food with reduced hardness. Continue to take senior dogs for exercise but control the intensity to avoid overly strenuous activities. Provide sufficient rest time.

6. Lactating Mother Dogs

After giving birth, the whelping box should be cleaned properly, removing waste and stillborn puppies. Clean the mother dog's vulva, tail, and breasts with lukewarm water and soap. At this time, the mother dog is sensitive, so avoid allowing strangers near the dog to prevent emotional agitation, anxiety, or even biting. Within two to three days after delivery, the mother's feeding amount should be appropriately reduced, then gradually increased after four days, returning to normal within about a week. During lactation, the mother dog secretes large amounts of milk and thus can be fed extra and provided with certain supplements to strengthen nutrition. Feed 3-4 times daily and provide sufficient drinking water. Nutritionally, calcium supplementation is necessary because calcium is lost through the milk. Some dogs may experience postpartum convulsions due to severe calcium loss, so calcium supplements are important. Regularly check the mother's nipples for injuries caused by puppies and address them promptly if found.