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Whether you have a puppy or an adult poodle, it is best to start house training him soon after bringing him home. The earlier you begin, the quicker your poodle will know the proper place to go to the bathroom. The longer you wait, the more ingrained bad bathroom habits can become, making house training that much harder. Your poodle should know when it is time to go outside to use the bathroom. Since puppies cannot hold their bladders for very long, they will need to go out more frequently. Good times to take your puppy out are first thing in the morning, after playing, and after eating or drinking. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source As your puppy poodle ages, wait for longer periods before taking him out after different activities. This will strengthen his bladder muscles. Keep the schedule consistent to decrease the chance of accidents in the house. Your poodle should go to the bathroom in the same place every time he goes outside. This will help him remember where he should go. If you have a backyard, choose an area that is away from areas where people would go e. The area should also be away from potential distractions, such as a busy street. Put some puppy pee pads down so he can relieve himself when you are not home. As he gets older and can hold his bladder for longer, discontinue using the pee pads. Go to source If you do not have a yard, pick a nearby grassy area. Although you should identify the general area where your poodle should go, allow him to pick the exact spot within that area. When you take him outside, let him sniff around and explore within the general area until he settles on a specific spot. It may be tempting to give your poodle only a few minutes to go to the bathroom before you bring him in, especially if you are in a rush. However, rushing your Poodle when he is outside will not be very effective for house training—he may hold it so he can spend more time with you inside, increasing the chances of him having an accident. Ideally, you should give your poodle about 15 to 20 minutes outside. As you house train your poodle, reward him with positive reinforcement e. However, if he has an accident, do not punish him. Punishing him will make him fearful of you and make house training more difficult. Use an enzymatic cleaner that will remove the odor so your poodle will not go back to that same spot. Go to source If you catch him in the act of having an accident, interrupt him with a firm verbal command e. When he finishes eliminating outside, give him verbal praise and a treat. She is awesome! We love her dearly, I am the main care giver, my name is Marlette. The question is we have been consistent with Charlotte about sleeping in her cage, not with us. This is one Poodle who hates her cage. She does not bark or wine long but she does not sleep well in her cage. She gets up at in the morning and soon after wants to sleep during the day when she sits with me. I know this because I check her to see if she needs to go potty. After I find out she's okay she runs to my bedroom stands at the side of my bed I still put her back in her cage. It is so hard! I put a blanket, toys, treats but she would rather be with me then go to her cage. My husband thinks I hold her to much, I do feel she wants time with me in the day time and I am most happy to play, cuddle, train her then knowing she was in her cage all night. Charlotte only takes an afternoon nap in her cage. Charlotte loves to be with me if I leave the room she looks for me follows me everywhere. Could this be the problem? Answer: Hello There! This is one of the Poodle's most endearing qualities and it is why so many people choose to have a Poodle. Poodles love to be with their human family members and can become quite sad and despondent if they are not allowed to be close to their human. There definitely needs to be some adjustments to how things are being handled at night. However in regard to spending time with her during the day, there is no such thing as too much time with a dog. You are not spoiling your Poodle by holding her;you are simply giving Charlotte what she naturally needs.However, regarding the cage.There are several elements to consider: 1 You don't say how large or small this cage is; however we are assuming it is a small crate type enclosure. Metal wire cages are just terrible for dogs as the wire grating can cause havoc on paws. And both small crates and cages are too confining for a dog to be in overnight. For your Poodle's comfort, we would suggest choosing a designated area that would hold her dog bed and toys. This can be a small gated off area or an indoor canine playpen. You would leave the entrance to this open when you are home so your Poodle can enter into it when tired and wanting to take a nap and you would close it at night, to keep her secure and in one spot while sleeping. However, there is no reason to check on her as often as you do. Just the sound of you approaching may wake her up; dogs can hear so much better than we can. As you are tiptoeing up to her cage, most likely you think you're being super quiet but she hears you coming. So, from her perspective, she is sleeping or at least resting quietly , you come up to her. She believes that you are initiating interaction, so she in turn runs to your room. But wait! You really didn't intend for that.You put her back in her cage and now she's really confused. Is she supposed to sleep? Is she supposed to wait one more hour until you tiptoe back in? Is it a game.With your Poodle puppy being 4 months old, she can hold her urine for 4 hours. It is important that Charlotte learns to control her bladder as she grows up. At 5 months, she should be able to hold her needs for 5 hours.And then no matter how old she is, 8 hours will be the maximum time that she will be able to hold her bladder. And there is no need for you to be waking up so often. So, as you can see this is really not a matter of your Poodle hating her cage; it is just a matter of mistakenly training her to think she is supposed to keep leaving it to run to your room. As a side note, be sure to take her for a nightly walk about 2 hours before bedtime to tire her out, have the last snack of the day no later than 1. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. Fit the non-slip crate liner and add a comfy, cozy mat or bed. Provide your puppy with tasty treats and a couple of chew toys to tempt him inside the crate. A bowl of water is also essential that you can offer your puppy. Finally, you need to fasten the crate door open to prevent your furbaby from hurting himself if he bumps into it. Cut off a small piece of the blanket, and put it into the crate, wrapped up in the bedding. Keep the remaining piece of blanket somewhere safe and dry. You can now allow the puppy to investigate the crate. Poodles are curious, intelligent dogs, and you might even find that your pup goes into the crate immediately to eat the tasty treats inside. Poodles are clever pups who learn simple cue words pretty quickly, making your life much easier. You can begin using verbal cues from the get-go. Crate Feeding Crate feeding your Poodle can be a fantastic training technique, especially for shy, reluctant pups. Make a big deal out of dishing out the food so that your puppy gets excited. Now, put the bowl of yummy food just inside the door of the crate, out of reach of your puppy so that he has to go into the crate to get his meal. Next time you feed your puppy in the crate, move the bowl further back inside the cage. Eventually, your puppy should happily spend his meal times contained in his crate. Shut The Door Hopefully, your Poodle puppy will now view the crate as somewhere safe where he can enjoy his meals. Start by closing the crate door while your puppy is eating his meal. Be ready to open the door again as soon as the little guy finishes his meal. The idea is to keep your pet confined for around five minutes, but let your puppy out before he begins complaining. You should expect a small amount of whinging at this stage in the training process. If your pup starts complaining, turn around the ignore him. Once the puppy is quiet and calm again, you can turn around and open the crate door. If your puppy begins panicking and is distressed, open the door, and take a few steps back in the training process. Ignore the undesirable behavior, and wait until your pet desists and is calm again. Close The Door For Longer Periods If all is going well, you can start increasing the amount of time your puppy is confined to his crate. At this stage, your Poodle should be able to spend an hour or so in the crate before you let him out for a potty stop and some outdoor time. Potty Breaks Remember that your puppy must feel safe and comfortable when in his crate. So, you need to give your puppy some outdoor time every couple of hours and let him outside as soon as he comes out of the crate. Remember to factor in some bonding time after your puppy has relieved himself and before you put him back into his crate. After a month or so, you should expect your Poodle puppy to tell you when he needs to go out by heading directly to the door. By the six-month mark, your pup should be able to wait for around four to six hours before he needs to pee. Never expect your dog to wait for over eight hours before he has a chance to go to the bathroom! Clean Up Immediately! Unfortunately, accidents are inevitable when potty training your puppy, no matter how careful you are. Bad behavior issues can easily develop if your puppy becomes resentful of spending time in his crate. If the accident is outside the crate, clean your flooring thoroughly with an enzyme cleaning product. You must also clean the crate thoroughly to remove every trace of potty smell. Here are some harmful mistakes that you want to avoid. Never use the crate to punish your dog! Remember To Give Your Puppy Regular Breaks Very young puppies have extremely small bladders, so you need to remember to take your puppy outside for a bathroom break every two hours at first. The dog is a pretty hygienic animal, so you must not leave your puppy too long so that he has an accident in his crate, which would distress your pet and risk him associating his crate with bathroom spots. You must not expect an adult dog to wait for more than four to six hours before you take him outside for a bathroom break. You also need to socialize your puppy to be a well-adjusted, well-balanced dog. Final Thoughts I hope you enjoyed our guide to crate training your Poodle puppy? Please share the article if you do. Your Poodle should regard his crate as a safe spot where he can go when he needs to chill out and relax. The crate is also a useful tool for potty training your puppy and keeping your pet safe when you leave him home alone. Did you crate train your Poodle puppy successfully? How did it go? Tell us how you got on in the comments box below. Meet our writer Alison Page Alison Page was brought up with dogs and various other pets! For a few years, Alison worked as a Practice Manager in a small animal veterinary clinic. Alison is now a full-time writer, specializing in creating articles on the care and training of dogs, cats, and fish. Leave a Comment. They prefer a quiet, confined, enclosed area where they feel safe and secure. In fact, the proper use of a crate can help in housetraining, provide secure travel, lower the stress in a dog, keep a dog safe in certain environments, and keep him from damaging his surroundings. Wire crates vary from heavy gauge to lighter weight types which fold and store easily. Wire crates allow total ventilation and enable the dog to see everything in his environment. That visual stimulation may be too much for some dogs. Some dogs may pull or chew on the sheet covering the crate. To avoid this, place a piece of thin plywood on top of the crate. The plywood should be large enough to allow the sheet to hang a distance from the crate where the dog cannot gain access to the sheet. Plastic or metal airline crates are required to ship a dog by air. Most airlines have specific crate requirements for canine shipping, so consult with your airline carrier. An airline-approved crate also offers greater protection to the dog in an accident. Plastic airline crates separate into two halves which can be stacked for storage. They are also safer for small dogs or puppies as there is less chance of a leg, paw or jaw getting caught in the wire. Fabric or soft-sided crates are light weight, fold easily, and are convenient when traveling. A dog must be completely crate trained before you can trust him in a soft-sided crate, because the crate can be chewed through or rolled and moved. For these reasons a soft-sided crate is not recommended for puppies. New crates can be bought in pet shops and discount pet food outlets, from pet catalogs, at dog shows, farm supply stores, department stores, or on the Internet. Be prepared to thoroughly clean and disinfect a previously-owned crate before using it. The price will depend on the size, manufacturer and type. Many come with a removable floor. Some can be ordered with doors on the side or the end, or both. Various kinds of crate pads are available to cushion the bottom of the crate. Most crate pads are washable. Most dogs are very accepting of a crate. Any complaining at first from a puppy is more likely due to adjusting to his new environment and perhaps the loss of his littermates. Place the crate in a room the family uses, such as the kitchen. Keep it out of drafts and away from any blowing hot or cold air vents. Start by feeding the Poodle in the crate. This will make the crate a positive place and enable him to eat without any interference from other dogs or children in the house. Establish a routine. Put him in the crate for naps, when he must be left alone for a few hours, or whenever a responsible person is unable to supervise him. Be sure to remove a collar with tags as it might become caught in an opening or wire grates. Most healthy puppies learn to sleep through the night within a few weeks. Large puppies such as a Standard Poodle can be clean through the night as early as 8 weeks. Smaller puppies may take a bit longer. Housebreaking can be achieved more quickly if the owner is consistent about using a crate routine. Keep the pup crated for as long as it can hold it, then take the puppy straight outside, giving ample opportunity for the pup to relieve himself. Give the puppy a lot of praise when he eliminates and then take him back inside for at least 15 minutes of free time before going back in the crate. The idea is to build up the amount of time the pup is able to both hold it and remain free in the house by gradually giving the pup longer periods of free time inside the house, then crating for a period of time before letting him back outside. If you find your puppy is soiling the crate pads, towels or blankets in the crate, remove them and keep the bottom clear of any bedding. Some puppies will soil in their crate and hide it in their bedding. If there is no padding, the puppy must sit in his waste. Some puppies are used to eliminating on newspaper, so the use of paper to line the bottom of a crate is not recommended. All crates should be large enough to permit the animal to stretch out flat on his side, stand up and turn around. If you do not know the approximate adult size of your puppy, buy the larger size. For an adult dog, use a crate close to his length, measuring from the tip of his nose to the base of the tail. The height and width of the crate will be proportionate to the length. A temporary crate is most convenient for a puppy. Look for a used one. If you must use an adult size crate, make it smaller by placing a large plastic box in the back or making a moveable partition out of wire or wood. Make sure whatever you use is safe and secure if the puppy chews on it. If the crate is too large it is not as effective a tool for housetraining, because the puppy can move away from where he has eliminated. There are very few dogs that will not accept confinement. While more common with adult dogs than puppies, there are a few which seem to show signs of claustrophobia when crated. Before giving up, try a different kind of crate. If, despite every effort to use positive methods, the dog is obviously frantic or panicked, it is inhumane to continue its use. These dogs can do physical damage to themselves trying to escape. It is always worth trying, however. In most cases, use of a crate will prevent or solve undesirable behaviors, enhancing the relationship you have with your dog. A dog crate is not recommended as a method of confinement for a dog regularly left alone all day, although some dogs may learn to tolerate it. If necessary on a temporary basis, the dog must be well exercised before and after crating. Additionally, he will need extensive personal attention when you are home and freedom during the night rather than being crated again at bedtime. It is also very important that the crate is large enough so he can stand erect and stretch out fully on his side. An oversized crate is recommended. It must also have a non-spill water dish. Ideally, someone will come during the day to provide a time for elimination and exercise. An exercise pen x-pen can be attached to the front of each side of a crate, allowing the dog or puppy more room to move about while still being confined and providing a space outside the crate for him to eliminate. For puppies, a crate can be used as a playpen for general confinement. It should be large enough for a sleeping space with bedding at one end and a papered area for elimination at the other. Again, a water dish must be provided. Be aware that a puppy raised in isolation may suffer from lack of socialization, leading to difficulties in training, housetraining, and poor social skills with other people and dogs. Dogs are social creatures, and a puppy that lacks sufficient human contact will grow up to be a poorly-adjusted dog and pet. You can leave your dog home alone, knowing he will not damage your belongings. He is protected, comfortable, and unable to get into trouble. Housetraining is easier as the close confinement encourages cleanliness and control. You can establish a regular routine for your dog and prevent accidents in the house. You can keep the dog from being underfoot or in the way during meals, prevent him from wandering outside when people might leave outside doors open, or when he becomes over-stimulated and needs time to calm down. You can travel with your dog knowing that he cannot get loose in the car or escape if a door is open and that he cannot distract the He is safely confined for his protection in an accident, and he has the comfort of familiar surroundings when away from home. If you plan to show your dog in performance venues such as agility or obedience, it is essential that the dog be crate trained. Your dog needs a quiet place to relax while at the show. Simply lead the dog to the crate, put him in, and close the door. He has his own space, a den, where he can retire when tired, stressed, or needing to escape too much attention from children in the household. He can avoid the consequences of undesirable behaviors that have been prevented. He can more easily learn to control his bodily functions. He can remain in proximity to the family when supervision is impossible instead of being banished to the garage or yard. He can be included in family outings and trips rather than being left home or at a boarding kennel. Feeling secure in a crate will lessen his anxiety when he has to be crated at the vet or groomer. Accustoming your dog to a crate makes shipping the dog much less stressful. You want a well-mannered pet, and your dog wants to please you. A dog crate can accomplish this for you both. Additionally, the cost of a crate is minor compared to the expense of replacing furniture, carpeting, or veterinary bills from your dog eating inappropriate and harmful objects. This information has been provided to you at no charge. You are free to use it provided it is used in its entirety with no changes or alterations and that the copyright remains intact. If you have found this information to be helpful, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to: Versatility in Poodles Franklin, NC To make a donation via PayPal, please click the Donate Button: The contents of the www. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website! If you think your pet has a medical emergency, call or visit your veterinarian or your local veterinary emergency hospital immediately. Versatility in Poodles and www. Reliance on any information appearing on this website is entirely at your own risk. Menu Start Right Away! The most wonderful tool available for helping you train your puppy is a crate. After all Canines are den animals. If the crate gives your puppy just enough space to sleep comfortably, he probably will not want to use the crate as a potty area. That means that when you cannot directly supervise your puppy you can keep him in his crate, knowing that he will instinctively control himself when in the crate — as long as you do not leave him in there longer than his little puppy bladder can handle! If you leave a puppy in a crate for more than a couple of hours at a time, you are setting him up for failure. If you take him out often you will give him the opportunity to get it right. That is the GOAL!!! If you take him out on a regular schedule this will be discussed under House-Training , you will have even better success. When purchasing a crate there are two things to consider. The ultimate size of your dog. Our Standard Poodles tend to range from 45 to 55 pounds and stand 22 to 25 inches high at the shoulder. Unless you are going to be buying different crate sizes as the puppy grows, it is best to buy a crate with a divider. My recommendation is that you look at www. They come with a divider. Your puppy has already been introduced to the crate. So Crate Training should begin immediately upon your arrival home. There are numerous training aids which provide guidance in this area. However, since it is important to begin a training routine immediately, the following basic tips will give you a start: Never push or shove your puppy into the crate Never use the crate as a means of punishment Coax your puppy in with toys or a treat Reward your puppy with lots of praise and another treat Also note: Do not leave your new puppy alone in the crate for more than 2 or 3 hours during the day. Your puppy will need to relieve itself often. Because they do not naturally like to soil their sleeping area this works in your favor for potty training. They will whine or bark so you can quickly take them outside. In this way the puppy learns to tell you when it needs to go outside and you should show your approval. This may be a little challenging at first when the puppy seems to whine to want out of the crate. You have to set the pace as to what whine or bark you will accept. Do not give in to every whine or bark. If possible place the crate in your bedroom at night until your puppy feels secure. This also allows for you to hear its whine when it needs to go outside to potty. Use old towels or blankets for bedding to begin with. For the first few nights placing something of yours with your scent on it will help your puppy feel more comfortable and secure. Soon your puppy will be sleeping through the night. You establish the times for going to sleep and waking up. Be consistent. Thereafter do not place anything in the crate until his potty training is well under way. The idea here is that if your puppy has an accident he will be wet and uncomfortable until you come to rescue him. When your puppy is dry and clean for two weeks straight then you can try giving him a towel and see how he does. When possible leave the door open during the daytime in a restricted area so that the puppy can go in and out at will. The crate is not only used to help you house-break your puppy but also to help you establish yourself as leader and set clear limits for your young puppy. A puppy that is not crated gets into lots of expensive trouble before he is full grown. Dogs do not suddenly outgrow destructive chewing and getting into things, so it is best that they never learn that they can chew or destroy furniture or other valuables. More helpful hints: The rule for puppies between seven to fourteen weeks old is that they are in their crate more than they are out. When they are out they are confined to a puppy-proof area and under close supervision. If no one is available to watch, the puppy does not receive freedom. Remember, your puppy is a baby and also needs a lot of sleep and down time. When he is out of his crate he is usually in overdrive, playing hard. After about fourteen weeks you can start to be a little less vigilant and see how it goes. If your puppy is getting into trouble back up and limit his time out to supervision time only. Gradually work toward having your puppy out for longer and longer periods of time without him getting into trouble. Also, do not give him the run of the house. Start in a small area and as he earns your trust widen the area he is allowed to be in. As he gets close to a year old you can gradually leave your puppy out longer while you are home with less supervision. However, make sure you check on him frequently to be sure that he is not getting into trouble. Crate him when you leave the house, at least for the first eighteen to twenty-four months of his life. Remember, he is not considered full grown until he is two years old. When your Poodle has proven that he is trustworthy while you are home, you can then allow him out of his crate while you are out. Start with short periods of time. Eventually, when he can handle small amounts of time, you can extend his free times to longer and longer periods, until he can be home alone several hours of the day. To prevent future behavior problems by giving privileges too soon, your puppy should sleep in a crate from day one. The crate can be in your room, but your puppy should not be allowed to sleep with you. Using a crate is an excellent way to ensure that your puppy will not destroy something valuable. Be sure also to have lots of hard chew toys available for him to chew on. Dogs that are given too much freedom too soon are bound to get into trouble and learn to be destructive. Many behaviorists and dog trainers agree that separation anxiety can be triggered by failing to set boundaries and limit freedom when a dog is young. A young dog that does not get too much freedom too soon can learn to be alone without becoming destructive. Before we go any further we want you to know that the training of your puppy has already started. The mother of the puppies start training her babies right away. It is a delight to watch her gentle but firm ways. One thing she teaches them is about keeping there eating and sleeping areas clean. Here at Poodle Mojo we aid the mother in the natural training process and then we continue the process so your puppy comes to you already potty and crate trained. It is up to you to know how and to continue in their training. Remember… In order to house train your puppy successfully you must crate train your puppy. If you are buying your puppy from us it will have already been introduced to the crate. Yes, we have heard some people say that a crate is cruel. Well, these people think dogs are people instead of canines. Dogs are den creatures. They like a safe place to be able to go to. They also like their own place. If you have to relate in people terms, well then, you have a house and you have a bedroom. Some of you also have your favorite chair. The first training priority for most new puppy owners is house-training. This is definitely job number one for any puppies living with humans. Therefore, the key to this process is to reward your puppy when he does what you want, and to keep him from ever making a mistake. Supervision is the KEY in this process. Young puppies do certain things when they are getting ready to relieve themselves. Typically, they begin to sniff the ground while moving constantly, sometimes in a circle, looking for a good spot. Until your puppy is well trained, go outside with him. The right spot should be a spot that you always take him to until he can go out by himself. The Schedule The most effective house-training is a combination of crate training and schedule feeding and potty training. And remember consistency is the key to success. Here is an example of a potty schedule for an 8 week old puppy: am — Potty. There are three different poodle sizes — standard, miniature, and toy. Ranked 7 in breed popularity by the American Kennel Club, this wickedly clever canine breed can quickly be crate trained. How do you crate train standard, miniature, and toy poodles? The crate training process will be a similar process to training any canine breed. You will want to begin when a puppy to establish good habits early on and purchase a crate that is large enough for them to stand up comfortably. To crate train your poodle, no matter their size, you should follow these steps consistently: Introduce your poodle to their crate using positive reinforcement. Place treats and comforting items like blankets and favorite toys in the crate. Begin feeding your pup meals in the crate. Every two hours, take your poodle outside. Make sure that you are bringing them straight from the crate to the door each time. Ensure that every time the crate door is opened, you bring your puppy outside. Be mindful of giving your poodle adequate playtime and bonding time with you. Continue these steps until your puppy always goes to the door when they need to potty. This article will answer any questions you have about crate training, potty training, house training, and creating a better-behaved dog. It will cover each size variation and the details you need to know in caring for each unique poodle breed. Crate training can seem intimidating at first, but with a brilliant breed like the poodle, it will be a piece of cake! The process designates a safe space for your pup and instills in your poodle that, when they leave the crate, it is for a potty break. You may find it difficult or unsettling to leave your pup in a crate, especially during the first few weeks that they are home, and you want to cuddle and love your new poodle. However, establishing a routine as soon as possible will be the fastest and easiest way to guarantee your dog has fewer potty accidents in your home. How To Crate Train Poodle Puppies The process you will follow to crate train your poodle puppies consists of the following steps: Introduce them to the crate and use plenty of positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement will be your greatest ally in the crate training method. It allows your puppy to feel safe. Set some treats or toys in the crate and have it decked out with blankets and other comforting items. Allow them to sniff around the area and decide for themselves. Start feeding them meals in the crate, making this a safe spot where they can let their guard down. Always keep water in the crate and make it a nice place to rest. Take your puppy out every 2 hours and always take them directly outside after they come out of their crate. Make sure that while crate training, especially in the early stages, when the crate door is opened, you bring your poodle pup directly outside. Make sure that they are getting a balance of play and bonding time but are still going out every two hours or so, then directly back to their crate. For the most part, this is what the first month or two will run until you can trust them to tell you when they need to go out by going directly to the door. By the 6-month mark, your puppy will be able to hold their bladder for around hours, but you should never make a dog of any age hold their bowels and bladder for over 8 hours. There is no exact timeline for how long this process will take because all dogs are different, but it should last around weeks for most dogs. You could see drastic results in the first week and be able to offer your poodle more playtime, but you should remain diligent no matter how fast your pup catches on. By the third month, they should be taking you to the door or pawing at it when they have to go. The goal of crate training is that they will be able to communicate to you when they need to go in the future. If they are showing significant progress, reward them with more freedom but continue taking them out at the same time while heading directly to the door each time. A great behavioral training course can really help with crate training. I found a fantastic training system called Brain Training for Dogs. If you need any behavioral training at all for your dog, I would highly recommend this course! Check it out here The Potty Schedule Outlined In case you prefer a more specific outline or blueprint for scheduling, the following list gives the times that you should make sure to bring your poodle outside to use the bathroom: First thing when you wake up in the morning Before each play break Every 2 hours or so during the afternoon After their nap After each meal about minutes after eating to digest and have to go badly After drinking lots of water Right before bed As you can see, your poodle should get plenty of time outside of the crate. If you are not offering them this free time, you are doing it unethically and irresponsibly. It will be a gradual process of integrating them into the crate, and then once they are trained, slowly integrating them out of the crate while leaving the door open as an option. Follow these steps to implement the crate training process correctly: Start with more social hours at first with lots of potty breaks. After the first week or so, slowly add more crate time and reduce the amount of free social hours, adding an hour or two a day for the first few weeks. The middle of the process week should be very focused on maintaining a schedule. Two hours in the crate Right outside for a potty break. At this point, you can increase the social hours and reduce the crate hours. They will catch on in time, and they will finish their training when they are ready. Remember that accidents will happen during this training, and it is important not to punish your puppy because of them. You can add the following items to make it cozy for your pup: Fuzzy blankets A small water bowl Toys Chew bones Use rubber that is good for puppy teeth and gums. Do not use a real bone that could sliver off into sharp pieces. This could be a choking hazard for canines of any age, so you need to be very careful in selecting bones. These are some comforts that will make the crate feel like a safe haven instead of a punishment. I recently wrote the guide to the best toys for poodles. I discuss crate training related topics such as boredom and separation anxiety, as well as the best toys to help curb these behaviors. You can learn more here. This will only make them fear the crate and you, making the process take significantly longer or not work at all. Make it cozy and safe. Make meal-time designated to the crate. Leave treats in the crate when they successfully hold it for a potty break. Slowly add to the amount of time they must hold it. Some go by the method of the month to hour ratio for potty breaks. For example, if your puppy is two months old, they can hold it for two hours. If your puppy is three months old, they can hold it for three hours, and so on. Develop a term you say excitedly to invite them to go back to their crate. The reason that crate training works is because a dog is a relatively hygienic animal that will not want to sit with their urine or fecal matter. Some reasons why you should crate train your poodle are: It teaches them not to poop or pee where they sleep. It helps strengthen their resolve to control their bowels and bladder. This offers you peace of mind knowing you are not leaving them to develop bad habits. It helps your dog become well-trained for travel and comfortable with future crate-required plans. It offers them a safe shelter that is all their own. It lets them know that you alone establish their schedule. It helps the dog see you as the alpha and aids in your retaining control. This avoids having an out-of-control puppy that is beyond training. It will end up being their security blanket, and if done correctly, crate-training offers them a space they can retreat in for serenity and solitude. Mistakes to Avoid When Crate Training Your Poodle There are plenty of ways to accidentally do a disservice to your dog while crate training them. This will result in them fighting you the entire time, and you risk them not properly being potty trained. You will need to take them out often to avoid them sitting in their waste. You may consider taking them out every hour, but you must take them out at least every two hours. Do not confuse crate training with locking them up all day because they will need many potty and social breaks. Keep in mind that their bladders might be larger, and they can hold it for longer, but not more than hours. You may have to reprogram their brain that they need to hold it unless they are outside. They want to be creating a relationship with you and the world. If they are not getting time to play and enjoy human interaction, your poodle can quickly become depressed or develop anxiety. This is probably the most important takeaway you should hold on to. Now that you understand the basics of crate training, you must learn the differences between each type of poodle. The poodle breed overall has won countless blue ribbons, is the national dog of France, and is known for its pedigree and class. The three classifications for poodles that are based on their size are: Toy — The smallest variation will often be less than 10 inches tall and weigh under 9 pounds. They are bred from larger poodles, so they retain the same behavioral and personality characteristics as larger poodles. Miniature — The miniature poodle is closer to the toy poodle in size and is between 11 to 15 inches tall and weighs between 10 and 20 pounds. Standard — The largest variation of poodle will be over 16 inches tall with most being around 25 to 30 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 75 pounds. They are bred for retrieving and intelligence. Selecting A Crate for Your Poodle There are tons of crates to choose from, but your primary considerations going into the crate selection will be the following: Select a crate that allows your dog to stand up, spin around, and not feel claustrophobic. You will want it a few inches taller than their height when standing straight. If there is room to designate a bathroom area in the crate, it is too large. Crates for pets will most commonly come in the following materials: Wire Plastic Fabric If you select a wire crate, your pup can see their surroundings. This allows them to look around and feel included, while a plastic crate may have walls that make them feel too confined or left out. Best Crates for Each Poodle Size It can be difficult to know what size crate will work best for your poodle. Here are my favorite crates on Amazon for each toy, miniature, and. Crate Training Your Poodle: Behavioral Problems and Solutions Your dog will sometimes cry during the early stages of their crate training. Some common behavioral issues of the poodle breed to be aware of are: Barking at all hours of the night Digging holes in the yard or your carpet Chewing on furniture or shoes Jumping the fence when let outside Stealing human food Hand chewing or biting Potty accidents Many of these behaviors are triggered by a bored poodle that is not getting enough socialization, exercise, or bonding time. Play more games with them Provide toys that are mentally stimulating, like puzzles that release treats Provide more chew toys if they are biting hands. They may be teething and need special Puppy Chew Toys Teach them more tricks and take opportunities to train them Your poodle is very intelligent and loves to be trained. Give them more brain activity and tasks to accomplish, like training, and the happier your poodle will be. Dogs like to feel a sense of purpose, just like humans. Show them more attention, and most of these bad habits will cease. Without adequate care, your poodle will become depressed, anti-social, anxious, or downright badly behaved. Check out this video to help stop your poodle from barking in her crate: Final Tips on The Crate Training Process Potty training your puppy will be a challenging but worthwhile process! This psychological training will condition them to follow your lead, have their safe-space and territory, while also communicating more clearly when they need to go outside. Take their lead in how ready they are to be free of the crate. If they cry at night, it is normal. Animals get scared of the dark, just like humans. Reduce their anxiety by making them feel less isolated. When your puppy has playtime, leave the crate door open. You may notice that they go back in willingly. The right crate connects to their instincts and should be well-embraced by the poodle breed. If you are going to commit, commit properly by avoiding punishments and making this a consequence-free period of learning for them. In Conclusion Take the crate training technique on in baby-steps. The tortoise beat the hare for a reason. Offer your dog love, affection, treats, and consistency — and they will be potty-trained in no time! Crate training should not be about leaving them in the crate all day, but more about instilling healthy habits. The crate should feel like their safe space. Find more ways to add comforts and offer them treats each time they go in their crate. Be mindful not to rush the process or force it upon them. It will happen naturally as you develop your routine with one another. I hope you found it helpful. Here are some products that I personally believe every owner should employ to help ensure the best quality of life for their dogs. But in all honesty, these are the exact products that I use and recommend to everyone, even my own family. Lemonade Pet Insurance : Lemonade Pet Insurance has enabled me to afford a very high level of veterinary care for my dog, Angus. Even after he was diagnosed with cancer a few years back. This program actually works, and at a small fraction of the cost of hiring a dog trainer! Pet Plate is the dog food subscription service I use to provide extremely healthy, pre-portioned meals for my dog. Pet Plate gives my dog Angus the highest quality nutrition at a very affordable price. BarkBox : Without a doubt, my dog enjoys Barkbox more than anything else I buy him. BarkBox delivers a customized box of themed toys, treats, and other products to your door each month. In addition, I like that a percentage of proceeds is donated to local animal shelters. I Purchase this service for my dog Angus and have saved hundreds of dollars over visiting his local vet with questions or more minor health concerns. Brent Hartman I'm Brent Hartman. I've been a dog lover my entire life and have owned many animals over the years. When my black lab Angus passed away, I was looking for another friend to share my life with. As a result of my research, I've come to love poodles and wanted to share some of what I've learned with you. Whether you're looking to adopt a poodle, or already own one, I created Poodle report to be the ultimate guide to help you find the answers you need. Recent Posts.

Everyone knows responsible breeders take care of their pets. The first is to do all the necessary vaccinations. Thus you will protect your dog from many contagions. Although, dogs are sensitive to human words and actions. They remember words focusing on the tone with which they were said. Dogs are good observers, they Psychology of dogs: don't allow your dog to bite. Don't allow your dog to bite, as it can lead to very unpleasant consequences. Mostly, the owners aren't worried because of that their pets can sometimes grab their legs or a little scratch a hand with teeth, because it's nothing serious. Often people don' How to develop a powerful dog's bite? Have you ever heard the Bull Terrier, which is used in boar hounding, bites bull's nose with such force that the animal loses consciousness from the shock. Here's another story: pit bull can easily hang for half an hour, grasps with its jaws on the object Proper feeding of puppies Food is one of the main features of the proper development of the dog. Many factors depend on how your dog eats: the development of locomotor system, hair's beauty, presence or absence of various diseases. Therefore, feeding is an important point at any p Some information you should know before you get a dog How long have you been dreaming about good and fluffy friend? Maybe you thought not once about getting a dog. Maybe your child asks for a puppy? However, before making such an important decision, you need to think carefully and weigh all the "pros" and "c please choose. The cost of a Pug varies substantially. The puppy will most likely have papers but will not be of show quality or have breeding abilities at this price point. Although it is a great amount of price, knowing the dog comes from a good line may be worth it. You will need to account for various expenses in addition to the purchase of the puppies. Puppy mills and backyard breeders should never be considered when it comes to adopting canines for a household. Puppy mills are commercial breeding factories that mass-produce dogs for sale in pet shops, advertisements, or the Internet. Due to insufficient or filthy food and water, animals die of malnutrition or starvation. Many go through major behavioral issues. Besides, animals that are sick or dying obtain little or no veterinary attention. Profit is also a motivator for backyard breeders. Backyard breeders may seem to be your friendly next-door neighbor. It may be difficult to find a trustworthy Pug breeder in Nevada. To find the ideal Pug breeder, you will need to be patient. Here are some suggestions to assist you in this procedure. This strategy produces excellent results for many prospective buyers. Consult Your Local Veterinarian Speaking with your local veterinarian is an excellent approach to ensure that your information is coming from a reliable and experienced source. Speak with your veterinarian about what to look for in a breeder. What should you inquire about? What warning indicators should you be on the lookout for? Additionally, contact the veterinarian for referrals for reliable Pug puppy breeders in your region. Get in Touch with Your Local Dog Club After you have examined the directories, look into your local dog club in further depth. Chat with Other Dog Owners If you have a friend who owns a Chinese Pug, discuss the methods they took to locate their pet. Another alternative is to contact obedience or training school directly. Locate and approach other Pug owners. There are a few items you should have on hand as you welcome your puppy or adult dog into their new home to make things easier for both of you. Pugs are affectionate, have cute looks, are loyal, and have a laid-back attitude. Pugs thrive on human affection and are better suited to those who have a lot of time and love to offer. They are an excellent choice for first-time dog owners. They enjoy being held and get patted, and they can become envious or upset if your affections are focused on someone else. Their primary disadvantage is the significant clinical problems that arise from that lovely short snout, so make sure you have enough money to cover any future health problems. Pugs, which were originally bred to be lap dogs, thrive on human company. If you are considering adopting a Pug, there are a few things to consider. The following are some key facts regarding this dog breed. Pugs Shed a Lot Pugs, despite their adorable appearance and affectionate nature, are one of the most shedding dog breeds. It has been observed that fawn Pugs shed significantly more than black Pugs. The fundamental reason for this is that fawn Pugs have two coats, whereas black Pugs have one. They Crave a lot of Attention Pugs love their owners and want to spend as much time with them as possible. They were bred for companionship and are perfectly delighted to spend their days snuggled up on the sofa with you. They Suffer From Many Health Issues Pugs suffer from various health difficulties that can negatively impact their well-being. The Pug is a brachycephalic breed, which means its face and nose are short and compressed. This can cause breathing issues, which is why Chinese Pugs snore a lot even when they are not sleeping. Skin difficulties, breathing problems, vision problems, tail difficulties, and other health issues are also common in Pugs. They Are Very Stubborn While each dog is unique, it is safe to say that Pugs are strong-willed to the point of being stubborn. Whether it is food or love from their owner, a Pug will go to great lengths to get what they really want. They prefer temperatures that are neither too hot nor too cold. Make sure your Pug has a comfortable place to sleep and does not spend too much time outside in inclement weather. Pugs are good for families with children since they are usually gentle and enjoy playing games with them. They are nice and enjoy being cuddled. They are mostly harmless due to the form of their mouth, which prevents them from biting hard. If you have kids, you will see that Pugs will quickly become their best companions. How Long Do Pugs Live? This is significant since it will assist you in estimating the number of years your fur baby will remain at your side. This makes them one of the most long-lived dog breeds. Female Pugs have a life expectancy of .You may extend the life of your Pug by making her happier and healthier. Have you ever wondered how many different colors of Pugs there are? Only two colors are possible in a purebred Pug: fawn and black. The American Kennel Club, as well as other major kennel associations, regard these colors as standard. Like any other state, In Nevada, the popular fawn-colored Pug is the most well-known variety to see. This is due to the fact that two-thirds of Pugs are fawn or in the fawn range. When most people think of a Pug, they imagine it in this color. The majority of people are unaware of the white Pug or the Albino Pug. Despite the fact that fawn is the most popular color in Pugs, the black gene is dominant. Black Pugs feature a rich, dark coat, as well as a black muzzle or mask and ears. Silver-fawn is frequently referred to as a fawn. Their coats have a gleaming gray luster and are the lightest color a Pug can be. Silver-fawn Pugs are uncommon, and many people who own them refer to them as fawns rather than silver-fawns. Over To You Thank you for taking the time to go through my article. Did you find the above information helpful? If yes, which part of the subject grabbed your attention the most? Were you aware of these specifics before? If not, what did you discover in this article that was new and perhaps exciting to you? Which colored Chinese Pugs are you looking for? I like the black ones. Please let me know if you believe I overlooked any points on this issue that would have made the post more interesting. You can also tell me if you have any other topic in mind that you would want me to talk about. Let me know your opinions in the comments area. Share this article with your friends and family if you found it useful. Related Topics:. He has a human neighbor--who should have known better--who has been tormenting poor Clipper for years. One day Clipper got out and, instead of minding his own business, the neighbor continued to torment this poor little pup. Clipper did the only thing he knew to get rid of this menace and he bit the neighbor if I had been there, I might have bit him myself. Now Clipper is being evicted and facing a certain death sentence in the shelter. When not being tortured, Clipper is a sweet and fun-loving little pup. He's about 9 yrs old and weighs 17 lbs. He loves to hike and cuddle, and prefers your lap whenever he can get it! Clipper has recently been working with a professional trainer and is doing wonderfully. Clipper's previous owner has generously offered to continue to pay for sessions if the adopter is interested. We are waiving the adoption fee for Clipper. Just trying to get him into a place of his own where he'll be safe. This sweetheart deserves so much more! Small dogs like Clipper can live up to 20 years, so you still have the opportunity to give him the best years of his life! If you are interested in meeting and possibly adopting Clipper, the first step is to submit an adoption application. Please go to our website www. Small right facing arrow These pups are in Las Vegas, Nevada too! Below are our newest added Pugs available for adoption in Las Vegas, Nevada. To see more adoptable Pugs in Las Vegas, Nevada, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! Exercise Grooming The pug has origins majorly from China and Netherland. The Modern pugs are imported from China; the earliest breeds have also been known to originate from there. However, the pugs have a history with royal families in the Netherlands and England. The Modern style pugs were brought in to Britain in from China. The pugs were tended by the ruling families in China. The imperial court kept pugs because they were treasured by the Emperors who assigned guards to protect them while they the pugs lived in extravagance. Keeping pugs in Europe started at the House of Orange in the Netherlands. The pug became the official pug of the house after it saved the Prince of Orange from Assassins. Although these pugs were said to have been brought from China, the pugs from Europe at that time, as seen in pictures depict longer legs and nose. The pugs became prominent in the United States in the nineteenth century. They easily became family companions and show dogs. They became recognized by the American Kennel Club in .This occurred in , it was the first time a pug would be winning the show since it began. The pug would do anything to please its owners this is what makes them suitable to keep in many homes. Their loyalty is unwavering, they do well with children their calmness and sturdy physique allows them to tolerate children easily. Their Alertness makes them good security dogs but they are not predominantly used for security purposes. Pugs are stubborn, but this does not transform into aggressive manners. The pug thrives indoors. It is usually kept close to families that own it. It is classified by most Kennel Clubs as a toy dog. Despite their adaptation to heat, pugs cannot thrive well outdoors in hot and humid regions Pugs do not require high-intensity exercises; however moderate exercising will be sufficient. A reserved and reasonable amount of space for the dog to move around is ideal. The pugs have a fine coat that is sufficient to protect them from heat and cold. Maintaining a pug has low requirements. However, wrinkles and eyes have to be cleaned daily. Our Pugs puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. Frequently Asked Questions Do Pugs eyes fall out? Yes, pugs have a shallow eye socket. Therefore, excess force around the eyes can lead to the eyes falling out. This condition is called ocular proptosis. It is also common to other dogs that have shallow eyes sockets and big bulging eyes; Bulldogs, Pekingese and Chihuahuas. Do Pugs snore? The pug is a brachycephalic dog breed; having a short muzzle and a flat face. This makes breathing difficult and leads to the pug snoring. The pug is more likely to develop eyesight problems that could cause blindness. Their bulging eyes also make them susceptible to eye injuries. What are the foods I should avoid feeding my Pug with? Avoid mushrooms, onions, garlic, and avocados. Green tomatoes and Raw potatoes are also harmful. Do not give any alcohol and caffeine-containing food. Is the Pug good with family? Yes, the pug regardless of its physical outlook is very friendly and playful. Its history of intimacy with humans makes it suitable for the family. Can Pugs be left alone? However, it is okay to leave your dog alone for about 8 hours. Note that pugs are companion dogs and want to be with their owners all the time. Why are Pugs hyperactive? Pugs have been bred for a very long time as companion dogs. They naturally get excited about seeing their owners and this leads to a series of hyperactive displays. Would a Pug ever calm down? Pugs generally become less hyperactive as they grow older. A pug might reach about 2 years of age before showing signs of calmness. However, a calmer adult pug will occasionally go into a hyperactive mode when exited. Keep your dog from situations that will result in a fight. Maintain healthy conditions for your pug and yourself; avoid smoking, it can be harmful to your dog Do Pugs drool? All dogs drool to a certain extent. However, your pug might drool more given the architecture of its mouth. Its loose and large lips contribute to some drooling, especially when engaged in any physical activity. The pug Is a very playful dog, alert and even-tempered dog. Good with family and children especially. Clingy and popular dubbed as a shadow, this loving dog will follow you everywhere you go. Are you interested in purchasing a Pug? 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Loca, photo courtesy of Jim Wallace Winter Related Concerns with the Boxer Dog There's both indoor and outdoor elements to address that will affect your Boxer in the winter, as well as specific care to keep the most common wintertime issues at bay. And, if you're off to a late start on some of this, we'll also cover treatments, as well, to get your Boxer back into good shape. Humidity Levels in the House What happens: You might notice that your skin gets a bit dry in the winter, but for dogs, it can do that and much more. Constant arid air can cause skin to get itchy if your Boxer is licking at his paws and nibbling at himself, this is one of the possible reasons , but it can also cause peeling and flaking. Another concern is that super dry air can cause breathing issues with the Boxer dog. The throat will get scratchy and the dog may start to snore at night. With brachycephalic breeds like the Boxer, this winter related issue is more prevalent than with other breeds. What to do: The most effective way to combat this is to use quality humidifiers in the house. However, this can have negative consequences. Over the course of a day, dogs puppies especially, but Boxers of all ages build up a reservoir of energy. This is released when they are taken out for purposeful exercise. If this activity time is reduced or plain-out skipped, where is that energy going to go? A restlessness can develop that is the canine equivalent of cabin fever. It can make a dog stressed, and there may be some chewing on non-toy items or other signs of destructive behavior. Wintertime restlessness can also develop due to a dog going for long periods without the opportunity to engage his canine senses. Dogs are better behaved and are able to relax when they have periods during the day to fully use their incredible canine scent detection and hearing. In regard to cold intolerance, some people assume that just because a Boxer is big and strong looking, that he can withstand the outdoor elements. Not necessarily so. Some Boxers do not like being outside , or being cold. The ability to be out in the cold with or without precipitation, all depends on a Boxer's age young pups and seniors have more trouble , how long he is outside, the actual temperature and wind chill, his personal acceptance of weather conditions, body fat percentage, and his health status. In regard to how long a Boxer dog can stay outside in freezing winter weather, keep in mind that wind chill should be looked at as opposed to just air temp. With that in mind, with a temp above the freezing mark of 32F, a Boxer can handle being taken out for a good 20 to 30 minutes, 2 or 3 times per day. What to do: It's very important to make sure that your Boxer feels really comfortable when outside in the winter. If not, this can impact both house training and exercise. And limiting exercise affects everything from mood to weight loss of muscle mass, increase in fat. You don't want your Boxer lean and in good shape for just half the year. If you start getting super cold temps in the range of negative 20, just 10 minutes is about the duration you'll want your dog to be out. Tails and ears are prone to frostbite. So, if needed, obtain a quality, weather-resistant winter coat for your Boxer. Most appreciate the extra layer that it gives. Then, dress up warm yourself and enjoy the outdoors! Appetite Changes in the Winter You may wonder if Boxer dogs eat more or less in the winter. And the answer to this depends quite a bit on the extent that you keep up his activity level. All things being equal, if he is exercising as much as normal, he will tend to eat more. If your Boxer is less active in the winter, you may notice a decreased appetite and this is mainly due to the dog self-regulating. If your adult Boxer is eating more but moving less and is gaining winter weight, you may want to offer the same amount of food but have it consist of fewer calories. This can be accomplished by removing some of the higher calorie food and replacing it with low calorie ingredients such as peas, carrots, string beans, blueberries, and raspberries. This is triggered, for the most part, by the change in daylight hours and not so much due to the actual changing weather. A ZoomGroom Brush is a great tool to use for this. The skin on the pads is thicker more cells than other areas. However, depending on what type of surfaces your Boxer routinely walks on, the paws may be softer or more durable. To help paws become tough without causing injury, it takes lots of time walking over different surfaces. The pads are also cushioned with fat which does protect them to a certain degree from the cold and connective tissue which acts as a shock absorber. What can happen in the winter: Any surface that a dog walks over is going to have an affect on the paws. It can be a good thing, such as a gradually toughening them, but in the winter it can cause immediate or cumulative damage: Sharp ice shards can cause small cuts. Small pieces of snow can become wedged between the toes or pads. It melts, refreezing into ice, and stretches the skin there. One of the biggest winter concerns is chemical burn from ice melt products and damage due to salt. Additionally, dogs can use some help with traction in the winter when powering over ice and snow. How to protect the paws: The best thing you can do for your Boxer in the winter is to prevent paw issues before they start by using a quality paw wax. Paw wax at any time of the year will help keep them healthy. However, a good one will add a breathable layer of protection that prevents snowballing and offers a barrier from winter chemicals and even the cold. Another great element is that wax helps a dog with traction this product is a vital element of caring for sled dogs and finally, if your Boxer does have some skin issues there dryness, peeling, irritation , a good canine paw wax will aid in allowing those things to heal. You'll want to look for a paw wax that is non-oily, absorbs fast, and is durable. This is applied every 10 to 14 days. It is prone to drying, peeling and cracking. Nose issues can be very painful for a dog and once an issue starts, it will often get worse very quickly without intervention. When the weather is cold, humidity is low; therefore, the air holds much less moisture in the winter than it does during any other time of the year. When cold arid air is heated, it simply warms up. No moisture is added. And of course, the air in your house is recirculated air from outside, every time you open the door, new dry air comes in. However, for most healthy dogs, the nose does hold some moisture. In addition, a dog typically licks his nose times per day. You may not notice on day one. Day three and day four, now issues may begin. A chapped winter nose can lead to itching, peeling, cracking, and possibility of infection. Though, if there is already some peeling and cracking, if you use the right product, you can treat these issue from home. Cracking in which puss oozes out or bleeding from deep cracks often needs to be treated by the vet, as infection may be present. To prevent winter related issues with the nose, you will want to routinely use a quality nose balm. It will keep it properly hydrated during the winter though we recommend maintenance levels all year round, with summer being a concern as well. And, it offers a layer of protection to shield the nose from wind burn, chapping and the drying effects of arid air both indoors and outside. Some contain chemicals and additives that not only are not effective, but can also cause more irritation to an already sensitive area. For normal winter maintenance, apply this 1 time per week. The cold dry winter air can have a brutal effect on both skin and coat. Skin will become dry you may notice some flaking and the coat can lose its shine. Over the course of the season, it can become coarse and brittle, essentially looking like the epitome of unhealthy fur. And remember, even inside, your heating system will add heat but not moisture. Baths — Many owners tend to give less baths in the winter. These build up over time. So, continue to give your Boxer puppy or dog a bath every 3 weeks for proper winter care. No, not at all. Some products cheap ones are not properly pH balanced. Humans need a pH balance of about 5. Dogs need a pH balance of 7 to 7. We need different levels than our dogs because our epidermis the top layer of skin is 18 to 20 cells thick and it is only 8 to 10 cells thick on canines. In addition, part of winter care for a Boxer should involve making sure the bathing products add even extra moisture to combat what the dry air is continually sucking out moisture. If the skin is already irritated and itchy, consider use a specialty shampoo to restore things see below. But now the shampoo is washed out and the conditioner will only protect to a certain degree. For this reason, it can be really helpful to protect the fur with a leave-in product. It will serve several purposes: Reduce static Reduce damage from contact friction the continual wear on the coat from contact and movement again surfaces Prevent breakage Help both skin and coat retain moisture As an added bonus, it gives a nice, clean scent Be sure to get all areas of the body, even the tail. If you keep on a regular schedule, this only needs to be done about 2 times a week. If you have any left at the end of winter, no worries, this is great in the summer too, to prevent the drying effects of the sun and the fading that can go along with that. This is ideal for regular use to keep skin and coat healthy. This keeps skin and coat in great shape, and keeps a Boxer smelling pretty good in between baths. Alternatively, you may be true New Englanders like us or live in another area where cold snaps and winter storms are just part of the package. In either case, please remember that while Boxers are strong powerful dogs, they are not invulnerable to the effects of winter. He or she will silently thank you for it, and before you know it, spring will come. Things to do now.Become a Member - Receive reminders when we add new pages of information to this site and you can suggest something for us to write about. Submit photos of your Boxer for us to place on this site. Browse Boxer Dog Supplies - Our recommended care products for optimal health, comfort, and happiness. Check out our book - Simply the most comprehensive, helpful Boxer dog care book that exists. You may also like: Boxer Dog Water Requirements - How much water a Boxer should be drinking each day and ways to help your puppy or dog reach that goal. Boxer Dog Paw Issues - Covers what can go wrong and how to fix issues. Prevention and treatment. Boxer Dog Feeding Guidelines - How much, how often, dry vs wet, and top recommendations for optimal health. Boxer Dog Allergies - Resolve allergies for good. Steps to reduce allergens and treat symptoms. Covers all 3 types: Contact, food, and environmental. Boxer Dog has Odd Colored Urine - Reasons why the urine may be discolored and what this can point to. We live in Chicago and it is currently winter and very cold with some days of intense snow.I am also in the process of trying to housebreak him.A: Some puppies and dogs love the cold, especially being able to run through the snow. Other puppies or dog avoid it at all costs. In general, with Boxer dogs and cold weather, you need to keep an eye on the time that they are exposed. With Boxers in snow, this can cause additional obstacles and possible health concerns if they stay outside too long. In your case, obviously, we need to work on getting him outside in this weather so that he can do the deed. Owners of small breeds dogs have a good alternative; they can train their tiny dog to use a litter box or pee pads. However, this is not applicable to the Boxer. If you try to train a young pup to use pads indoors during cold weather, you will end up with a large adult dog that expects to go to the bathroom inside.Not what most owners want. There are some ways that you can make going out into the cold more comfortable for your puppy and help train your Boxer to go outside in the cold for housebreaking: 1 Put a canine sweater, vest or coat on your puppy. Some Boxers need clothes, and specifically a coat or vest that helps the dog maintain core body temperature. In the winter, most will do well with a water-resistant fabric. When your Boxer is led outside with an outer layer of protection, and realizes that the cold air is not biting at him, he will be more prone to actually enjoy being outside, exploring around a bit and relieving himself. A dog's paw is made of skin. While it is thick skin, it is still skin. It is a very huge misconception that a dog's paw can handle any surfaces. When it's really cold out, the ground is even colder than the air. And this will be transferred to a puppy or dog's paws. It can end up really chilling a dog. You can use a quality paw wax, which has the added benefit of keeping the paws moisturized, protected from ice and 'snowballing' when tiny pieces of ice or snow get stuck between the toes or between paw pads and will offer a dog better traction in what can be slippery surfaces. Note: If your Boxer has very dry paws, you will want to use a paw balm that heals dry skin. Another option, but one that only some dogs tolerate Boxers seem to either love it or hate it are canine shoes. If you do opt for this, look for those that close around the ankle with velcro, as these are very easy to get on and off. The salt that is commonly put down on ice and snow can cause great discomfort for a dog. It can not only sting when a dog steps on it, but the salt can often cause quite a bit of irritation if a pup stands on it for too long of a time. Ice melt chemicals can cause chemical burns. Even if you do not use this on your own property, this can be tracked into your neighbor as vehicles enter from other areas. Paw wax will help protect a Boxer from this and if you are not protecting the paws, try to bring your Boxer to an area that is not treated. Dogs do not like having a very small area. They like to be able to choose "just the right spot". Providing a well shoveled, good sized area will allow your Boxer to feel as if they have enough room to roam, find the right spot and then eliminate. Once making the above changes, each and every time that your dog goes outside with you and handles it well.Offer excited, happy words, pats, and a tasty dog treat. Holding up a paw from the ground Any other adnormal behavior If you notice any of these signs then its important to head back inside as soon as possible. Remember that each situation can change very quickly too. Your boxer might be fine one moment, then suddenly too cold the next. Both the nose and paws are extra vulernable throughout winter. Often drying out and cracking leaving a painful sore. Additionally, the paws are also exposed to harsh ice-melt chemicals and grit salt used on the pavements. Granted this all depends on your area, where you walk, and how cold it gets. Not all situations will require this. Winter jacket If temperatures get down to 5C or lower then its recommended to get a winter jacket for your boxer. This will help your boxer retain some body and remain mostly dry should it be misty. Ensure the winter jacket is water resistance with high visibility material incase the weather changes unexpectedly. If your cold tap runs extremely cold like mine! In most cases, dogs prefer water that is room temperature compared to cold water. Be ready to exercise indoors If the weather conditios are too bad to go outside, be ready to maintain some level of exercise inside the home. Adding a extra calories will add a little extra mass and help your boxer to remain warm. Of course, I am not advising to make your boxer fat or overweight, but many breeds do in fact benefit from eating more in the winter. As winter fades out reduce the calories back down to normal levels and his weight will come back down with it in no time. FAQ Section Below will be a summary of the most important questions and answers provided above. Do boxer dogs get cold easily? In general, yes, boxers do get cold easily. This is thanks to their short single-layered coat and large body surface area. What temperature is too cold for a boxer dog? Winter coats will keep them warmer and drier for longer and allow you to exercise your boxer dog outside in colder temperatures. How do I know if my boxer is cold? If your boxer is cold he will display through body language and actions. Look for tail tucking, back hunching, slow movements, holding a paw up from the ground, shivering, whining, or anything else unusual. Can boxer dogs go out in the snow? Boxer dogs love playing in snow, and for a short while, will be completely fine to do so. Always watch for signs that indicate your boxer is getting cold. Can my boxer puppy go outside in cold weather? The Puppy Mag makes an active effort to search for plagiarized content using plagiarism detection software. If plagiarized content is found, action will be taken.

Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Final Thoughts So, your 5 month old German Shepherd puppy does not look like a cute round and fluffy cub. It is the time when it has entered its juvenile growth stage, and it will become an adolescent in a month. Its behavior has also changed a bit. The pup is not that unruly delinquent it used to be a month ago. It becomes more obedient and shows its intelligence in training and exercising. However, it can still get into trouble, if left uncontrolled, with its immense energy making it bite, chew everything it sees, and jump at everybody it encounters. So, it may be a severe test for your patience before your pet enters the next stage of its life. Here is what you need to know about the main characteristics of your five month old German Shepherd, its temper, behavior, energy, and training needs. Size and Appearance If you are worried about whether your puppy is healthy enough and has reached the normal size and height for this age , check the appropriate measurements. Measuring and weighing your doggy regularly is a good option to ensure everything is OK with it. Your GS dog continues to gain weight quickly. The male puppy weighs about pounds kg , while females are a bit of lighter — pounds kg. If we speak about height, boys are taller at the shoulder — inches cm , while girls reach inches cm. Check how big its parents are. If they are smaller than average, your pet may take after them. They will recommend a specific diet to improve the situation and check whether this difference is not connected with a developmental disorder. Remember that if your puppy grows too fast, but its parents are not too big, it may also be a problem. Quick growth can cause damage to its bones. Your 5 month old German Shepherd experiences some other developmental stages in its teeth, ears, and fur. The teething period continues. You will see that for the next two or three months. The adult teeth replace the milk ones, so the doggy needs more calcium and other nutrients in its diet. The incisors have already grown in most puppies at this time. Now, you can expect premolars and canines. So, your puppy continues to bite and chew everything it can reach. You need chewing toys at this period badly. As for the ears, they usually stand straight up at this age. Anyway, you need to consult your veterinarian at this point. Droopy ears can be normal, too, so you should not interfere with the natural way in most cases. You may also need to add some supplements to the diet or change it completely to more raw meat and other natural ingredients. Using chewing toys is helpful not only for teething. You may damage the auracles, so be careful not to play too hard with your pet, and never pat it on the head during this period. Its adult double coat has already almost formed. So, your puppy can shed a lot and need more brushing and grooming. At this age, most GS puppies start their sexual maturing. Some boys can reach it up to 6 months of age. It means they will start looking for mates. It is full of energy and always ready to play a lot. Its playful nature can often get it into some trouble, so you need to watch out when your doggy is playing and running outside. Your pet will also try to test its boundaries right now, so you need to be very consistent with your pup at this juvenile stage — it should see an indisputable leader of the pack in you and all your actions towards it. Remain pretty firm with your commands, but never forget about treats. The young dog will chew and bite all the things around, destroying your shoes, socks, dresses, trousers, pieces of furniture, and other, even the most unexpected, household items. Tug-o-war and other energetic puppy games can help a lot. Work at teaching your pet not to bite. Bite inhibition should be provided regularly, strictly, and consistently. As for walking, your doggy needs a lot of it outside. It can walk up to 10 kilometers about 6 miles. However, never make your pet walk or run as far as that. Two walking sessions of minutes each per day is enough. Moreover, at this age, puppies can experience a strange adolescence problem — panosteitis. This health disorder is bone inflammation, so your pet starts limping when it gets up after a nap. If you do too much exercise with it, the results may be lameness, pain, or anorexia. This condition relieves by itself in most puppies in several days, while in others it may last for a few weeks. Health and Care Your 5 month old German Shepherd puppy is a healthy young adolescent, growing fast and feeling full of energy. By this age, it should have undergone 3 vaccination rounds, with the last vaccination session at weeks of age for DHPP and rabies. The next rounds will be needed at the age of 12 and 16 months. However, you should check with your veterinarian if all the due vaccines have been taken and administer them if something was skipped. If your puppy gets good nutrition and a lot of exercises, it will grow fast and healthy. Though, you may need to know if there may be certain health issues in the future. Do thorough research on the hereditary history if you want to be preventative. Running a DNA test can also help a lot, especially if you are worried about the possible appearance of degenerative myelopathy. So, look carefully for such things as: dry and itchy skin;. A 5 month old German Shepherd is wrapping up the juvenile growth stage and only a month away from entering the adolescent stage of their journey to adulthood. Pretty soon their unruly behavior full of biting, chewing and jumping on everyone they see, will be tampering down as they become more and more mature. These teenage delinquents will still test your patience for at least 4 more weeks before they enter the next phase of development. Overall Behavior: Still young and full of energy, 5 month GSDs will still be full of vigor and ready to play. They are still in the juvenile stage of development and could still get into some trouble. They should be behaving a little better than month 4 assuming they are getting the proper training. However, they will still most likely be acting out with some of the normal juvenile behavior. You will need to be calm and consistent as pups this young will begin to test their boundaries. Stay firm with your commands and make sure they are aware that you are in control. Biting and Zoomies: Bursting with energy, they will need plenty of outlets to release all of their pent-up aggression. Tug-o-war and other puppy games are a great way for them to release some of that energy. Still teething for at least another month or so, you need to make sure that bite inhibition is being taught on a consistent basis. Stay patient, once they finish the teething stage at 6 months, they will calm down a little and be easier to deal with overall. Training: At 5 months, they are still highly susceptible to training, so make sure to have a solid plan in place for bite inhibition and obedience. Although they are extremely smart animals, what you teach them now at this young ripe age, will dictate their future temperament immensely. Learn to communicate on their level to better understand what they are thinking or trying to tell you. Patience and consistency are key to successful training. Use positive reinforcement methods for training to establish a bond and trust. Basic obedience training will involve teaching them some common commands. Ideally these should be taught when they are much younger at around the 2 month mark. Sit — Say sit and push their butt on the ground. Repeat this and reward them for obeying. Reward them when they obey on their own. Heel — Teach them to heel when walking. Stand still and pull the leash until they are next to your leg. Reward them for being obedient. Stay — Tell them to stay. Walk around them in circles and stop them from following you. Pull on the leash when they try. Reward them for obeying. Repeat this getting further and further apart. If you need some help with training, here is a video with some useful tips and tricks: Physical Development: At month 5, they have grown quite a bit and should be right around half the weight of their full-grown adult size. They are still gaining weight pretty fast. Males should be now standing close to the range of 14 to 16 inches at the shoulder. Males should be tipping the scales at around 40 to 49 pounds. Females are right behind them weighing in between 35 and 40 pounds. They are still in the teething stage with a few more months to go. Their adult teeth continue to replace their milk teeth. At this point, they have probably already had their incisors replaced depending on the dog. The canines and premolars will soon follow. At this point, their ears should be standing up in most cases. Their adult double coat of fur should be almost done filling in at this stage. It is possible that at this age, they start maturing sexually. Some males can even reach sexual maturity as young as 6 months old. This means they are possible getting close to the time when they look for mates. Nutrition: At this age, a German Shepherd should be on a diet of either high-quality puppy kibble or a healthy homemade diet that consists of the right balance of calories and protein. We recommend feeding your GSD an all-natural diet of healthy raw meats, fruits and vegetables. To do this, you need to know which foods are safe for your dog. Avoid any toxic foods and never give them too many fatty treats. Obesity can add to the conditions that German Shepherds are already prone to. Extra weight can make it hard for dogs that already suffer from things like Hip Dysplasia. It also adds to the risk of them developing other diseases that include arthritis, diabetes, hypertension and worse case cancer. If you do end up feeding them puppy kibble, two cups of food total, three times a day is recommended. Make sure to stay consistent with their meals. Health: A German Shepherd puppy at this stage should be healthy and growing at a fast pace. Make sure their height and weight match up with this size chart to make sure they are keeping up with the standard. At this point, they should have already had 3 rounds of vaccinations. Their last vaccination should have been their 16 to 18 week DHPP and rabies shots. With a clean diet and plenty of exercise, they should be healthy and thriving at this age. However, it is much better to be preventative and prepare for any future problems. One way to do this is by researching their history and looking for any hereditary problems in their bloodline. You can also run a DNA test to look for certain conditions. Degenerative myelopathy, for instance, can be detected via the genes. Regardless, you always want to keep an eye out for any sudden sickness that could afflict your GSD. Here are some things to look for: Diarrhea Exorbitant coughing, gagging or sneezing Gums turn red or get swollen Hard time breathing. How should I train my 5-month-old German Shepherd puppy? Average Size and Height The average size of a 5-month-old German Shepherd is 12 to 26 inches tall and 35 to 49 pounds. However, there is a lot of variation in size among German Shepherd pups. The average height of a 5-month-old puppy is also affected by its sex. A male German Shepherd is typically about 2 to 4 inches taller than a female German Shepherd. In terms of weight, the average 5-month-old male German Shepherd weighs about 40 to 49 pounds, while the average 5-month-old female German Shepherd weighs 35 to 44 pounds. Although they vary in size and weight, they are generally a medium to large dog breed. Nutrition For 5-Month-Old German Shepherds Choose high-quality food to ensure your pup gets the right balance of protein, fat, and nutrients. Puppies also need smaller meals more often than adult dogs, so divide their daily ration into meals. As your GS grows, you can transition them to an adult diet. Give your German Shepherd puppy nutritious raw meats, fruits, and veggies at five months. Avoid giving them any poisonous meals and fatty goodies. These ingredients will help your puppy develop natural immunity. Physical and Behavioral Changes One of the most noticeable changes will be in size and weight. German Shepherds typically weigh between 35 and 49 pounds at five months old. German Shepherd puppies start losing their baby teeth during that time. It can be painful, and you may notice your pup chewing on toys or furniture. Ensure you provide chew toys for your puppy to gnaw on. Their ears should be standing up in most situations at this point. Finally, 5-month-old German Shepherds start to develop more of an independent streak. They may become less interested in cuddling and more interested in exploring their surroundings. A male German Shepherd is usually larger than its female counterpart. Males have bigger muscles, while females are more slender. Both males and females have an athletic build with no extra weight. Male German Shepherds are more protective and aggressive due to their muscular structure and greater size. So for those who want a companion, a female German Shepherd is recommended. A female German Shepherd tends to get along better with children owing to their more maternal, less aggressive disposition. Plus, a female German Shepherd is easier to train and has a greater capacity to socialize with other dogs and people. Despite her intimidating appearance, the female German Shepherd is not as jealous or territorial as the male. Both male and female German Shepherds are lively puppies that adore leaping. Both dogs must have moderate to high daily activity or become unruly. If they do not consume excessive energy, they may bark, chew, walk around the home, and do other things to express their dissatisfaction. Becoming Independent Your German Shepherd is becoming more independent and may start to test its limits with you. It is normal behavior for a German Shepherd puppy, as they begin to assert their independence and figure out their place in the pack. Your German Shepherd will soon grow into a well-behaved adult dog with patience and positive training. You can help your puppy in this stage by being consistent with giving rules and boundaries. Offer praise and affection when your puppy behaves well, and be firm but fair when they misbehave. Meanwhile, continue providing plenty of play opportunities, as this will help burn off excess energy and keep your pup from getting into trouble. Positive Reward-Based Obedience Training While they are loyal, protective, and intelligent dogs, German Shepherds can also be strong-willed and stubborn, making them difficult to train. Positive reward-based obedience training is a training method that relies on rewards to reinforce good behavior. With this kind of training, it is believed that the behavior is more likely to be repeated if a reward follows it. The most common rewards used in this training are treats, but verbal praise and petting can also be effective. Positive reinforcement-based training helps build a trusting relationship between owner and dog and encourages dogs to want to please their owners. It is effective because it motivates dogs to learn new things to get the desired rewards. When done correctly, reward-based training can result in a well-behaved German Shepherd who is a joy to be around. Chew Toys for Your 5-Month-Old German Shepherd German Shepherds are notorious for being high-energy dogs and need lots of exercises to stay healthy and happy. This dog breed also needs to chew on toys and bones to keep their teeth clean and their gums healthy. Chewing is a great way to keep them occupied and prevent them from getting into mischief. In addition, chewing helps to relieve boredom and can provide mental stimulation. Avoid easily splintered or broken toys, as these could pose a choking hazard. Do not give your puppy toys that are too small or too large for them. Moreover, look for chew toys specifically designed for teething puppies, as these will usually have raised nubs or ridges that help to soothe sore gums. There are a lot of chew toys available on the market. You also have the option to create homemade chew toys for your puppy. For instance, you can create tug toys from an old sock or t-shirt. You can do it by simply tying a knot in the fabric to create a loop. Remember that even simple things like sticks and leaves can make great chew toys. Just make sure to supervise your puppy while playing with them, and avoid anything that could be sharp or dangerous. Unfortunately, these problems can sometimes be severe and even deadly. Here are some of the most common health issues for a 5-month-old German Shepherd. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia It is a condition that affects the joints, and it can be excruciating for dogs. Get your German Shepherd checked by a vet if you suspect they may have this condition. Allergies The allergy may be triggered by things like pollen, dust, or even certain types of food. It could be an allergy if you notice your dog scratching a lot or having trouble breathing. It occurs when the stomach becomes bloated with gas or fluid and then twists on itself. It can cut off the blood supply to the stomach and cause potentially fatal damage. Symptoms of GDV include restlessness, drooling, vomiting, and a distended abdomen. Diabetes A German Shepherd is particularly prone to diabetes due to its large size. Symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, urination, and appetite, as well as weight loss and lethargy. If not given attention and medication, diabetes can be fatal. Panosteitis If your German Shepherd has it, you will notice that he only uses three of his four legs or has other signs of lameness. It appears between five and fourteen months of age and is generally referred to as growing pains. This condition is not hereditary or permanent. Five months old German Shepherd puppies need 25 to 30 minutes of exercise per day. It may seem like a lot, but remember that they were originally bred as working dogs, so they have a lot of energy to burn. Another good way to exercise your puppy is by playing games such as fetch, puppy tug, or Frisbee. Also read:.

Reviewed by Barri J. Morrison, DVM on Apr. Golden Retrievers are medium-sized sporting dogs that weigh 55—75 pounds, with females weighing on the lower end of this range. Their height can range from 21—24 inches tall. They have a broad head, short ears, deep chest, and muscular build. Caring for a Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are known for their thick, water-repellent, lustrous golden coats. But their golden fur can range in color, so you can find white Golden Retrievers to red Golden Retrievers. No matter the color, Golden Retrievers have a double coat. This means that they have a thick undercoat of short hair covered by a layer of longer hair. Due to this double coat, Golden Retrievers shed a lot. They also tend to develop matted hair behind their ears and on their hind limbs. So, Golden Retrievers require a lot of grooming—either at home or by a professional groomer—to keep their coats healthy. Goldens have a moderate amount of energy, even in their senior years. They enjoy a wide variety of activities such as running, going on long walks , retrieving, and swimming. They make excellent therapy dogs and guide dogs for people with impaired vision. However, due to poor breeding, some Golden Retrievers may develop a handful of health issues. Make sure to do your research when looking to adopt a Golden Retriever, or find a reputable Golden Retriever breeder so that medical issues are less likely. Hot spots develop more often in warm, humid environments and after swimming because moisture gets trapped near the skin. This moist skin causes discomfort that leads to scratching, chewing, and licking. These behaviors then cause the normal microbes on the skin to multiply, and the skin becomes inflamed and infected. A hot spot usually develops quickly and can lead to hair loss, redness, and moist skin that may ooze, crust, or develop thick scabs. If you notice any signs of hot spots in your Golden, take them to a veterinarian. Hot spots typically resolve quickly with medication. Atopic Dermatitis Atopy Atopic dermatitis atopy is an inflammatory and extremely itchy skin condition that Golden Retrievers are predisposed to. It can be triggered by environmental allergens such as insects, fleas, pollen, dust mites, or mold or by a food allergy , often to the protein in the diet. Goldens are believed to have a genetic predisposition. Golden Retrievers with atopy are constantly scratching, chewing, or licking themselves. This self-trauma leads to hair loss, thickened skin that can be red or black in color, or a rash consisting of macules discolored skin or papules raised skin lesions. Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder that happens when the thyroid gland loses its ability to produce thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms such as: Unexplained weight gain Recurring skin and ear infections Thinning of the fur Dry, scaly skin Golden Retrievers are predisposed to hypothyroidism and typically develop symptoms when they are middle-aged. Although this endocrine disorder is common, it can be well-managed with lifelong medication. This can cause pain and, over time, arthritis. Hip dysplasia can develop in one or both hip joints. Some Golden Retrievers are born with congenital hip dysplasia—which is rare—while others can develop this condition during their senior years. Hip dysplasia can be managed with joint supplements and certain medications, but in serious cases, surgical intervention may be required. Elbow dysplasia encompasses several different inherited orthopedic conditions that ultimately lead to degenerative joint disease DJD within the elbow. Eye Conditions Golden Retrievers are prone to a few different eye conditions, including: Pigmentary uveitis: An inherited eye condition where brown or black cysts develop on the eye. They are usually benign and develop when a Golden is at least 5 years old. Treatment usually includes eye or oral medications. Over time, pigmentary uveitis can cause cataracts and glaucoma , which require emergency treatment. There is no cure for PRA, but blind Golden Retrievers can still live long, happy lives with proper care. Cancers Goldens can develop a few types of cancer as well. Lymph nodes that commonly enlarge with lymphoma are on the neck, behind the knee, and inside the thigh. There is a relatively high prevalence of this condition within the Golden Retriever breed. Hemangiosarcoma HSA : An aggressive form of cancer that most often originates in the spleen, liver, or heart in Golden Retrievers. This type of cancer forms a blood-filled tumor that can rupture at any time and cause a dog to bleed internally. A ruptured tumor can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. It develops during the first year of life, so responsible breeding is key to ensuring prevention of this condition. SAS occurs when fibrous tissue slowly forms in the heart and causes an obstruction of blood flow. Over time, this condition causes the heart to stop functioning properly, resulting in heart damage. Golden Retrievers with SAS often have a heart murmur that can be heard during a routine physical exam, but dogs with mild to moderate SAS may not show any symptoms. However, those with severe SAS are lethargic, tired after short periods of exercise, may collapse, and can die suddenly. What to Feed a Golden Retriever Golden Retriever puppies should be fed a large-breed, high-quality puppy formula until they are 1 year to 18 months old. Once they reach maturity, they will need to be transitioned to a large-breed, high-quality adult. How to Feed a Golden Retriever Full-grown Golden Retrievers do well with twice-daily feedings, in the morning and evening. Golden Retriever puppies need to eat more frequently—about three or four times each day on a consistent schedule. Golden Retrievers love to eat, so a slow feeder bowl can be a great way to help them slow down their eating and prevent digestion issues. If your dog eats too quickly, it can cause vomiting and possibly bloat —an emergency situation where the stomach twists on itself. Follow the feeding guidelines on the back of the bag of the large-breed puppy formula, based on their age and expected body weight. Once a Golden Retriever is 1 year old, transition them to a large-breed adult formula that has fewer calories to prevent unwanted weight gain. Your veterinarian is your best resource for determining how much to feed your Golden Retriever to maintain a healthy weight. Nutritional Tips for a Golden Retriever Starting a Golden Retriever on a joint supplement early in life can help slow down or possibly prevent arthritis. Talk to your vet before giving your pup any supplements like Movoflex , Synovi Chews , Dasuquin , Cosequin, or Flexadin. Another supplement to consider for a Golden Retriever is omega-3 fatty acid fish oil. This helps to reduce inflammation in the joints, makes the coat more lustrous, and protects the skin barrier from allergens in the environment. Behavior and Training Tips for Golden Retrievers Golden Retriever Personality and Temperament Golden Retrievers generally have a great temperament—they are often friendly with children, other pets, and even strangers. They enjoy being the center of attention and being petted. In fact, Goldens will often nudge you gently so that you continue to pet them. They may try to eat socks, shoes, furniture, or get into the trash. To keep your Golden Retriever safe and prevent digestive issues or gastrointestinal obstructions , keep a watchful eye on them when they are puppies. Cute Golden Retrievers have a lot of energy and require lots of exercise to be happy and healthy. They are considered a quiet breed, as they bark infrequently and are not known for digging up yards. Golden Retriever Training It is usually easy to train Golden Retrievers due to their kind temperament and their eagerness to please. They are very food-motivated, so using small treats as rewards is highly effective. Socialization is also a very important part of training Golden Retrievers as puppies. Fun Activities for Golden Retrievers Agility. Your dog is special! Chances are that you chose her because you like Goldens and you expected her to have certain traits that would fit your lifestyle: Even-tempered, affectionate, and happy-go-lucky Good with kids and other pets Large, strong, and athletic Above average intelligence and trainability when positive reinforcement training methods are used Loves to play games, especially fetch People-oriented and eager to please However, no dog is perfect! Of course! Although they are still used for hunting, Goldens excel at many other activities including search and rescue and guide work. They do require ample exercise and swimming can be a great outlet for their endless energy. Her beautiful coat requires brushing and in some climates, a summer trim may be in order. She is intelligent, understanding, and eager to please her family. The Golden Retriever is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Golden. By knowing about health concerns specific to Golden Retrievers, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in Golden Retrievers to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Golden Retrievers. At the end of the booklet, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Golden looking and feeling her best. And unfortunately, your Golden is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. It starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections Golden Retrievers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in Golden Retrievers. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Roundworm egg as seen under the microscope. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Golden is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time. This is convenient for you and easy for your friend. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Genetic Predispositions for Golden Retrievers Cancer Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs. Your Golden will likely live longer than many other breeds and therefore is more prone to get cancer in his golden years. Many cancers are cured by surgically removing them, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy. Early detection is critical! Hemangiosarcoma is a type of bleeding tumor that affects Golden Retrievers at greater than average incidence. These tumors commonly form in the spleen, but can form in other organs as well. Unbeknownst to a pet owner, the tumor breaks open and internal bleeding occurs. Some tumors can be volleyball-sized or larger before signs of sickness show. We often find clues that one of these tumors is present during senior wellness testing, so have his blood tested and an ultrasound performed at least yearly. Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer that afflicts Golden Retrievers more than other breeds. This disease makes the body form abnormal lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Because white blood cells can be found throughout the body, this cancer can show up almost anywhere. Lymphoma is a very treatable form of cancer, with an excellent success rate in dogs receiving chemotherapy. Treatment can be costly, however, and is a lifelong commitment. Luckily, lymphoma is one of the few types of cancer that can often be found with a blood test, so we may recommend a complete blood count twice yearly. Mast cell tumors can look like anything. Be sure to have all lumps and bumps checked out. Mast cell tumors are a particularly nasty type of skin cancer found more often in Golden Retrievers, and the sooner they are surgically removed the better. Trouble is, they often look just like other kinds of skin lumps and lesions, some of which are harmful, and others not. All suspicious lumps should be tested and any questionable lump should be surgically removed as soon as possible. Many cancers are cured by surgically removing them, so early detection and removal is critical. This means your Golden is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off blood supply to the stomach, and sometimes the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as 30 minutes. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes out , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! Normal hip x-rays X-rays taken of a dog with hip dysplasia. Bone and Joint Problems A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Golden Retrievers. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia , an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. Keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. Cataract Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Goldens. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. Glaucoma, an eye condition that affects Golden Retrievers and people too, is an extremely painful disease that rapidly leads to blindness if left untreated. Symptoms include squinting, watery eyes, bluing of the cornea the clear front part of the eye , and redness in the whites of the eyes. Pain is rarely noticed by pet owners though it is frequently there and can be severe. People who have certain types of glaucoma often report it feels like being stabbed in the eye with an ice pick! Glaucoma is a medical emergency. Distichiasis is a condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye. This is one of the most commonly inherited diseases in dogs, and your Golden is more likely than other dogs to develop this painful condition. If untreated, these abnormal hairs can cause corneal ulcers and chronic eye pain. Several treatment options are available, and the prognosis is good once the hairs have been permanently removed. Allergies In humans, an allergy to pollen, mold, or dust makes people sneeze and their eyes itch. In dogs, rather than sneeze, allergies make their skin itchy. Commonly, the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for this condition. Allergies, swimming, overgrowth of hair in the ear canals, or an accumulation of earwax can all predispose your dog to ear infections, which are painful and annoying. Goldens are very often afflicted by allergies, which cause itching and inflammation in the ears and elsewhere. The earlier we diagnose this disease, the less discomfort and pain he will suffer. Be sure to call us if you notice him scratching or shaking his head, a foul odor from the ears, or if his ears seem painful to the touch. By monitoring for ear infections and treating them early, we also reduce the likelihood of eardrum damage that can lead to deafness. Most ear infections tend to recur until we work together to control the underlying cause. Epilepsy There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary, or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, with Golden Retrievers commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, they will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control, with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and effectiveness. Note the length of the seizure, and call us or an emergency hospital. Heart Disease Some Golden Retrievers inherit a heart condition known as aortic stenosis. This disease causes a partial obstruction of blood flow as it leaves the heart, which means the heart must work harder to pump enough blood. If the condition is severe enough, your dog may faint or just seem to run out of energy during exercise. He may also have difficulty breathing, cough, or not grow as much as he should. Golden Retrievers are also especially prone to a life-threatening heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, in which the heart becomes so large, thin, and weak that it can no longer effectively pump blood to the body. As this problem advances, he may act weak or tired, faint or collapse, breathe in a labored way, or cough. Diabetes Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease in dogs. Any breed can be affected, but Goldens have an above average incidence. Dogs with diabetes are unable to regulate the metabolism of sugars and require daily insulin injections. It is a serious condition and one that is important to diagnose and treat as early as possible. Symptoms include increased eating, drinking, and urination, along with weight loss. If he shows signs, we will conduct lab tests to determine if he has this condition and discuss treatment options with you. Treatment requires a serious commitment of time and resources. Well regulated diabetic dogs today have the same life expectancy as other canines. Some of the blood supply that should go to the liver goes around it instead, depriving the liver of the blood flow it needs to grow and function properly. If your friend has PSS, his liver cannot remove toxins from his bloodstream effectively. Surgery may be needed, but in some cases, we can treat with a special diet and medication. Bleeding Disorders Your Golden Retriever is prone to a bleeding disorder called hemophilia. This is an important test, as we may not know your pet has this disorder until severe bleeding occurs during surgery or after a serious injury. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes. Treatment is usually simple: replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. Taking Care of Your Golden Retriever at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Golden live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She needs a thorough brushing at least weekly most of the year. Twice a year she blows her coat and loses crazy amounts of hair; daily brushing is recommended during this time. Golden Retrievers generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. She excels at dog sports like flyball, agility, dock diving, and obedience. She has a passion for water and swimming is a perfect form of exercise for this water retriever. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help, and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Golden Retriever needs help. For the most up-to-date information on DNA and other screening tests available for your pal, visit www. Your Golden counts on you to take good care of her, and we look forward to working with you to ensure that she lives a long and healthy life. Please contact us when you have questions or concerns. References: Ackerman L. Second edition. AAHA Press; .Veterinary medical guide to dog and cat breeds. Jackson, Wyoming. Teton New Media; .Gough A, Thomas A. Breed Predispositions to Disease in Dogs and Cats. Wiley-Blackwell; .Canine Inherited Disorders Database [Internet]. University of Prince Edward Island. Key Takeaways About Golden Retriever Health Problems The Golden Retrievers breed is usually healthy, but they can have some health problems, especially as they get older. Golden Retrievers can get allergies, which can make them itchy, give them skin problems, and tummy troubles. As Golden Retrievers get older, they may have problems like arthritis, joint disease, trouble with their memory, dental issues, and their eyes and ears may not work as well. Golden Retrievers should see the veterinarian at least once a year for a check-up, and older dogs or those with health problems may need to go more often. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: When disco moves and funny bones become a challenge for Golden Retrievers Hip dysplasia is a common Golden Retriever health issue. Symptoms include difficulty in walking, stiffness, and lameness. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and proper breeding practices can help reduce the risk of hip dysplasia. Elbow dysplasia is another orthopedic condition that affects Golden Retrievers. It occurs when the elbow joint develops abnormally, causing pain, lameness, and limited mobility. Treatment options include medication, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery. It gradually leads to the degeneration of the retina, resulting in progressive vision loss and eventual blindness. Regular eye check-ups and genetic testing can help detect PRA early on. It leads to a decrease in thyroid hormone production, causing symptoms such as weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, and skin issues. Medication and dietary management can help manage hypothyroidism in Golden Retrievers. Allergy symptoms include itching, skin irritation, ear infections, and digestive issues. Identifying and avoiding allergens, along with medication and proper grooming, can ease allergy symptoms. One type is Osteosarcoma. This is a type of bone cancer that tends to affect large and giant breeds, including Golden Retrievers. It often develops in the long bones and can cause lameness, swelling, and pain. Treatment options may include amputation, chemotherapy, and palliative care. Symptoms of ear infection include itching, redness, odor, and discharge. Regular ear cleaning and drying, along with prompt treatment of infections, can help prevent recurring ear issues. Heart Disease: Matters of the heart, because Golden Retrievers have so much love to give Heart disease, including conditions like cardiomyopathy and valve disorders, can affect Golden Retrievers. Symptoms may include coughing, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and fainting. Regular veterinary exams, a balanced diet, exercise, and medication can help manage heart disease in Golden Retrievers. It can lead to various other health issues, including joint problems, diabetes, and reduced lifespan. A balanced diet, portion control, regular exercise, and weight management are crucial for preventing and managing obesity. It is a condition that requires careful attention and understanding. These seizures can range in severity and unpredictability, posing challenges for both the affected dogs and their devoted owners. Managing epilepsy in Golden Retrievers involves a comprehensive approach, including regular veterinary care, adherence to prescribed medications, and creating a safe and supportive environment. Golden Retriever Health Problems Related to Aging Golden Retrievers, like all living beings, experience certain health issues related to aging as they grow older. While individual dogs may age differently, some common health problems that can arise in aging Golden Retrievers include: Arthritis: As Golden Retrievers age, they may develop arthritis, which causes joint inflammation, stiffness, and pain. This can affect their mobility and overall quality of life. Degenerative Joint Disease: Along with arthritis, degenerative joint disease can occur in aging Golden Retrievers. This condition involves the progressive deterioration of joint cartilage, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Symptoms may include disorientation, confusion, memory loss, changes in sleep patterns, and decreased responsiveness. Dental Issues: Dental problems, such as periodontal disease and tooth decay, become more common in older Golden Retrievers. Regular dental care and professional cleanings are essential to maintain oral health. Vision and Hearing Loss: Golden Retrievers may experience age-related vision and hearing loss as they get older. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help check and address any issues. Cancer: While cancer can occur at any age, the risk of developing cancer increases as Golden Retrievers age. Regular veterinary examinations and early detection are vital for managing and treating cancer effectively. Heart and Kidney Diseases: Age-related heart conditions, such as congestive heart failure, and kidney diseases can affect older Golden Retrievers. Monitoring their heart and kidney function through regular check-ups is crucial for early detection and management. Weakening Immune System: As Golden Retrievers age, their immune system may weaken, making them more susceptible to infections and diseases. Ensuring they receive proper nutrition, exercise, and regular veterinary care can help support their immune system. Early detection of health problems and appropriate management can help improve the quality of life for aging Golden Retrievers and ensure their well-being in their senior years. Are Golden Retrievers Healthy Dogs? Golden Retrievers, like any other breed, are not exempt from health issues. While they do have some specific health concerns that are more prevalent within the golden retriever breed, it is important to understand their health status in comparison to other dog breeds too. When considering the dog breeds and broader spectrum of canine health, here are a few other factors to keep in mind about Golden Retrievers: Moderate Prone to Health Problems: Golden Retrievers can be considered moderately prone to certain health problems in comparison to other breeds. Breed-Specific Conditions: Golden Retrievers have their fair share of breed-specific health concerns, as mentioned in the previous section. These conditions, while more common in Golden Retrievers, may not be as prevalent in other breeds. Overall Health Variability: It is essential to note that individual Golden Retrievers can vary significantly in their overall health. Responsible breeding and proactive health management can greatly influence the health outcomes for individual dogs. In summary, while Golden Retrievers have some breed-specific health problems, they can be considered moderately prone to health issues compared to other breeds. The breeder you pick has a big impact on how healthy and well-behaved your furry friend will be. Ensuring Genetic Health A good Golden Retriever breeder cares a lot about the health and well-being of their dogs. They make sure to check the health of their breeding dogs and do genetic tests to reduce the chances of the puppies getting inherited diseases or health problems. By carefully choosing dogs with clean health records to be parents, they can lower the risk of passing on genetic conditions to the puppies. Health Guarantees and Support Good breeders often give health guarantees for their puppies , which means they promise that the puppy you get is free from any known genetic defects or health issues. They are also there to help and support you as your puppy grows up. When a breeder shows this level of commitment and support, it means they are responsible and want to make sure you and your puppy have a happy and healthy life together. Proper Socialization and Early Development A responsible breeder understands how important it is for puppies to have positive experiences and learn social skills from a young age. They create a safe and stimulating environment for the puppies, where they can see and hear different things and have new experiences. Good breeders also take good care of the puppies by making sure they get their vaccinations, deworming, and regular check-ups with the vet. This helps the puppies start their lives in the best possible health. When you pick a breeder who cares about health and breeding responsibly, you are helping to improve the overall quality of the breed. Responsible breeders work to keep the good qualities of Golden Retrievers, reduce genetic diseases, and make sure they live long and healthy lives. When you pick a reputable breeder, you can feel confident knowing that your new furry friend comes from a good family, has been taken care of properly, and has a better chance of being healthy. Outlined below are simple steps you can take to minimize the risk. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Keep your Golden Retriever at an optimal weight to reduce the strain on their joints and lower the risk of obesity-related conditions. Provide a balanced diet and regular exercise tailored to their needs. Keep hazardous foods, plants, and objects out of their reach to prevent accidents and potential health issues. Use veterinarian-recommended ear cleaning solutions and gently remove dirt or debris. Avoid inserting anything deep into the ear canal to prevent injury. Moisture trapped in their fur can lead to skin irritations and provide a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. By following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of health issues in your Golden Retriever and promote their overall well-being. Regular veterinary check-ups, proper grooming, a nutritious diet, and a safe environment will contribute to a long and healthy life for your beloved furry canine companion. A balanced diet plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall health of Golden Retrievers, and it can contribute to the prevention of certain health issues. Providing your Golden Retriever with a nutritionally complete and balanced diet, tailored to their specific needs, can support their immune system, promote healthy weight management, and provide the necessary nutrients for optimal bodily functions. Additionally, certain supplements may have potential benefits in preventing or managing specific health issues in Golden Retrievers. Different illnesses prevent different signs and symptoms, as the above conditions highlight. Any deviation from this could be considered a sign that your dog is unhealthy and needs to visit a vet. There are more than a few ways you can do this, with proper care and love being the most notable. Take them for regular walks, give them mental stimulation, and get them checked by a doctor when they show signs of getting sick. What are the warning signs your dog is crying for help? There are quite a few warning signs for this, with changes in appetite, differences in breathing, changes in sleeping habits, and a lack of energy being some of the more notable. How long can I leave a Golden Retriever alone? Golden Retrievers are social dogs that thrive on human and dog companionship, and it is generally not recommended to leave them alone for more than 4 to 6 hours at a time. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Are they at risk for cancer? The playful and adventurous Golden Retriever is among the most popular breeds among families and sportsmen alike. When bred responsibly, these robust and warm-hearted dogs can live long, active and healthy lives. With any dog breed, there are health risks that are more prevalent among Goldens than among other breeds. Here are a few common health problems to watch for in your Golden Retriever. Hip Dysplasia Among the most common health problems seen in Golden Retrievers is hip dysplasia. As in humans, the canine hip is a ball-in-socket joint, where the head of the femur thigh bone rotates smoothly within the socket of the pelvis. These large bones are held in place by powerful ligaments. Deformation of either the hip socket or femoral head can cause uneven bone wear and can unduly stress the attached ligaments. Advanced cases are characterized by joint inflammation, pain, stiffness, and degeneration of the bone itself. Dogs with symptomatic hip dysplasia will often have trouble performing simple tasks like climbing stairs or jumping onto a chair. Your vet can use imaging technology to assess the severity of the dysplasia and can prescribe symptom relief. Cancer The cancer rate among Golden Retrievers is unfortunately among all dog breeds. Hemangiosarcoma is an aggressive and fast-growing form of cancer seen in dogs overall and in Goldens in particular. It arises from the blood vessels and can be diagnosed microscopically in its early stages. Other forms of cancer often seen in Golden Retrievers include Lymphosarcoma, Osteosarcoma , and Mastocytoma. The key to prevention and successful management of these conditions is vigilance. As with all cancers, improved outcomes are associated with early detection. Cardio and Respiratory Conditions Like other large breeds, Golden Retrievers are at risk for a variety of conditions affecting the heart, lungs, and circulation. Among the most common and most damaging is [subvalvular aortic stenosis SAS —a narrowing of the vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the body. Narrowing or partial blockage of the aorta causes the heart to work harder than it should and can have serious effects, including death. If your pet shows signs of lethargy, weakness, or difficulty breathing, see your vet immediately to rule out SAS. Skin Conditions Golden Retrievers tend to have a dense undercoat of insulating fur covered by a longer outer coat. This created an ideal environment for potentially harmful bacteria to grow and thrive. They are also at risk for allergic skin reactions—and the presence of mites, ticks, and other parasites can exacerbate existing skin reactions or produce new ones. Regular bathing, grooming, and parasite prevention can help lower the incidence of skin problems in your Golden. Also, be aware that your pet may have a contact sensitivity to certain molds, dust, or other environmental agent. Goldens are also susceptible to granulomas granular non-cancerous tumors , sebaceous cysts inflamed oil glands in the skin , and lipomas fatty, usually benign tumors beneath the skin. Regular vet visits can help to diagnose these conditions and to determine the best course of management. Other Conditions Golden Retrievers are at risk for several other conditions not mentioned above. These include: Cataracts a white or yellow film that clouds the eye and impairs vision Hypothyroidism low thyroid activity Bloat gas of fluid buildup in the stomach, causing pressure on other organs Ear Infections Cecily Kellogg is a pet lover who definitely has crazy cat lady leanings. Her pets are all shelter rescues, including the dog, who is scared of the cats. She spent eight years working as a Veterinary Technician before becoming a writer. Today she writes all over the web, including here at Figo. Your Pet's Type. Among those dog health problems are hip dysplasia, skin conditions and allergies, and cancer. And we owe it to our good boys and girls to watch for these common golden retriever health issues by paying attention to possible precursors and symptoms of this health concern. Unfortunately, the condition can worsen as golden retrievers get older. Because golden retrievers are such an active dog breed, hip dysplasia can be a somewhat debilitating condition for your older dog. Be aware if your golden retriever exhibits any of the following signs or behavioral changes: Impaired movement — This can include limping, swaying, or trouble getting into a comfortable sitting position. Decreased activity — Golden retrievers love to get out in the world and play. Hip Dysplasia Treatment and Prevention A veterinarian can identify hip dysplasia in your golden retriever through a pelvic radiograph, which helps identify where the hip socket is in relation to the femur. Unfortunately, hip dysplasia is irreversible. However, goldens have a double-coat, which can facilitate the growth of bacteria if not brushed and cleaned regularly. That said, more than half of this popular dog breed suffer from a skin condition and golden retriever ear infection during their lifetime. Excessive shedding — Golden retrievers shed a lot. Skin Condition Treatment and Prevention Most skin conditions are ultimately benign. Once diagnosed, your veterinarian can prescribe a proper course of treatment to provide your pup with relief, such as anti-itch medication or steroids in severe cases. Because of how much they love the outdoors, golden retrievers should also be regularly treated for fleas and ticks. Studies have been conducted to try to figure out why the cancer rate among golden retrievers is so high, but they have so far been inconclusive. Many veterinarians will also provide several treatment options, such as: Surgical treatment Radiation therapy Immunotherapy5 Unfortunately, the only course of action we have for cancer prevention in golden retrievers is to closely monitor them and bring them in for veterinary care if they exhibit any alarming signs. With storefronts on Amazon , Chewy , and Petco , the healthy dog revolution has never been more accessible. Reviewed by Dan Richardson, Veterinarian Dan Richardson has been a practicing veterinarian for over 10 years. He specializes in surgery and orthopedics. Dan is originally from rural western Nevada and attended the University of Idaho for undergraduate study and Oregon State University for Veterinary School. The Richardson Family enjoys camping and spending time on the water fishing, paddle boarding, or digging their feet in the sand somewhere warm. Why do so many golden retrievers die of cancer? This can happen because the socket may be too shallow, the joint may be too deformed, or the ligament in the area may not be strong enough. Sarno explained that improper nutrition and obesity can also be causes. Normally, this joint functions smoothly so the active dog can easily walk, run, and get up and down. But if left untreated, a dog may not be able to walk again. Sarno said. Subvalvular aortic stenosis SAS , when the part of the heart that carries oxygenated blood out of the heart is narrowed, subsequently causing blockages, is a common ailment in Golden Retrievers. But there's an upside: "A lot of dogs with SAS are typically asymptomatic, and it rarely progresses to something more serious," Dr. Sarno explained. If you notice this, it's best to bring your dog for an annual checkup. Others occur when mold, dirt, food, fleas, or other invasive items grow under your animal's skin. Most common, according to Dr. Sarno, are lipomas — benign masses made up of fat cells. You can watch for signs like an obvious mass, weight loss, or difficulty eating, but much like cancer in humans, we know very little about a cure. Veterinarian Ann F. Hubbs writes for the Golden Retriever Club of America, "Goldens can develop a tendency to bleed with resulting excessive bruising, bleeding from the gums, and other mucous membranes, or bleeding during surgery. Bleeding tendencies most often result from cancer, autoimmune diseases, liver failure, toxin exposure, or infectious diseases that affect the ability of the blood to clot. In other cases there is an inherited defect in the ability to clot blood. However, "many doctors are currently working with genetic testing to find a potential cure for the disorder," Dr. While this issue can be identified quickly as dogs will limp, skip, and have abnormal sitting positions, it may not be noticed until about six weeks of age, according to dog-walking site, Wag. And even better, the prognosis is usually positive. Dogs can live with the disease while still leading a healthy, normal life! Surgery can be performed so the cataract doesn't slip from the tissue that holds it in place. Though cataracts can cause poor vision or blindness, a dog can still continue to live a happy life! They are warm-hearted, and they even know how to help us in emergencies. Bonding with both dogs and humans is no problem for them! Despite being so faithful and passionate, golden retrievers require a lot of attention from us to stay healthy. If you are looking to adopt a golden retriever or you already have one, please watch out for the following health and behavioral problems: 1. Cancer Golden Retrievers have a high chance of getting cancer. In the 's, their lifespan was between 16 and 17 years old, and now they live until 9 or 10 years old. We recommend taking your Golden to the vet at least twice a year to make sure everything is ok. You can treat cancer in time! Your dog's touch and love can heal your pain, and your care and affection can heal your dog's pain. It's all an exchange of optimism. Why do golden retrievers get cancer? The good news is that researchers are always looking for more information about cancer and are involved in trying to answer this very question. Golden retriever cancer rates have become higher in the past several decades, meaning the cancer predisposition may be the result of a genetic mutation that emerged recently. It is also possible that hormones present in all dogs work differently in certain breeds, affecting their tendency for cancer. Genetics also plays a role. If two dog parents have cancer, their puppies may also have a predisposition to the condition. As greater numbers of golden retrievers get cancer, there is also a greater chance that at least one parent of golden retriever puppies will be vulnerable to the disease. This is another reason to purchase only from reputable breeders or sources. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia If you notice your dog having trouble getting up, favoring one leg, or having stiff and slow movements, please take your dog to the vet immediately. Your Golden is lively and jolly, always ready to run freely on a grass field. Even if they are in pain, they will still try to play because they are such radiant souls. The best thing to do is to prevent your doggie's condition from getting worse. Their playful personality will always keep them optimistic and bubbly. Epilepsy Epilepsy can manifest in your Golden Retriever as a seizure. If your dog is having a seizure, immediately clear away any dangerous objects around your dog; they can hurt themselves. The good news is, that you don't need to put anything in their mouth because dogs don't have a choking hazard in a seizure as humans do. They don't understand what is going on with their body and they rely on you to guide them. Put yourself in their shoes and help them relax. Separation Anxiety Golden Retrievers are loyal and courageous. They'd jump on any chance to play with you, and they are always willing to make new friends. Leaving the house breaks their heart, so they share their feelings of sadness through barking. Your golden needs a lot of exercise and hugs. As hard as this sounds, don't be super agitated and overjoyed when you leave or come back home; this can make your dog's anxiety worst. Instead, share your enthusiasm throughout the day, listen and reach out to your dog when they least expect it. Every dog breed has specific health problems, and despite all the issues mentioned above, Golden Retrievers fill our hearts with warmth and joy. We need to help them stay healthy and happy. Would you like to adopt one too? We understand how much responsibility it takes to raise a dog, and being always by their side makes a huge difference in raising an adventurous and healthy doggie. Through Furbo , you don't have to worry about separation anxiety! You can talk to your dog anytime, calm him or her down, and make sure everything is ok. Also,if your dog is obedient and considerate, you can fill their tummy with their favorite treats! Furbo features a bark alert, which can be especially useful for dogs with separation anxiety. Bark alert can bring you peace of mind, helping you address potential problems and train your dog not to bark if they're feeling separation anxiety. With audio filtering technology, Furbo filters out neutral noises, ensuring a lower risk of false alerts. Being prepared for potential golden retriever issues can also help you determine whether this type of canine companion is right for you. Understanding the most health problems with golden retrievers also lets you be more proactive. You can test for the most common conditions, so cancers such as melanoma, lymphoma, and hemangiosarcoma — as well as other conditions — can be detected early. The prognosis for dogs is better with early detection and treatment. If you understand the golden retriever health issues that are most common, you can also take steps to prevent them. Understanding golden retriever health problems also let you be more alert for early signs of hip dysplasia and other problems so your dog does not remain in pain needlessly. Some health problems in golden retrievers are quite common. Genetic predispositions can mean retrievers are more likely than other breeds to get certain medical conditions. All dogs are predisposed to some health concerns, and this breed is no different. Knowing about the risks lets you be a better dog parent by helping you take action to keep your canine friend healthy.

Pugs require attention, but should also have a space of their own in which they feel comfortable when you are not home or are otherwise occupied. Provide your pug with an area of its own including a bed and blankets, some toys, and easy access to food and fresh water. This way, even if you cannot pay attention to your pug for a moment, they do not feel alone. Remember that pugs are sensitive to very hot temperatures and rapid temperature changes. Avoid setting up their space in areas with continued direct sunlight or near heating and cooling vents. Pugs are prone to nervousness and anxiety. You can help them calm down by being consistent in your daily routine. This means scheduling feeding times, walks, play times, and quiet times as close to the same time every day as possible. Because of this, it is important to schedule a vet check as soon as you bring your new pug home. It is important for your pug to be seen by a veterinarian regularly so that it can get preventative veterinary care. A bi-annual check up will ensure that your dog stays up to date on immunizations, preventative medications, and that any emerging health problems can be dealt with quickly. Younger pugs may need to see the vet more often until they are spayed or neutered and have completed their first course of shots. Your vet will help you work out a preventative care schedule for things like annual shots, heartworm treatments, parasite elimination, vaccinations, microchipping, and teeth cleanings, all of which are important parts of keeping your pug healthy. This is especially important if you have children in the house. Teach your children how to recognize when your dog is anxious or fearful, so that they know when to back off. Caring for your Pug Pugs can be highly entertaining dogs due to their big personalities and clownish nature. They generally do well in family environments where they have lots of company all of the time as they love to spend time with everybody. Pugs and barking As with any dog, your Pug is likely to make noise in one form or another. How much your dog barks will be down to them as an individual. Training and socialisation When it comes to training Pugs, although they are a clever breed they can also be very strong willed. Training needs to be ongoing and firm but fair. You can start positive, reward-based training from day one, whether you get your Pug old or young. Exercise Pugs can be prone to gaining weight that can make breathing problems worse, so it is important to keep them active and avoid any weight gain. Your Pug will need up to an hour of exercise a day. This should include shorter walks, with extra playtime and lots of brain-stimulating activities. Several shorter walks throughout the day can help to stop them from becoming too tired or overheated, which is a great way to keep them active throughout the day. Keep a close eye on your Pug as they can tire easily due to their difficulties getting enough oxygen. As soon as you start to notice them struggling to breathe, stop and make sure they get enough of a rest. You will also need to avoid exercising them in the heat as this can cause even more problems since they can be at higher risk of heatstroke. Grooming Even though their coats are short, Pugs can still shed loads. Luckily, they tend to love being groomed as it means a lot of attention all on them. Pay close attention to the folds in their skin, as these are the perfect breeding ground for bacterial and fungal infections if left damp. You can teach your Pug from an early age to love tooth brushing and nail clipping so you can keep those pearly whites and paws in great condition. Pugs and children Pugs adore company and really love people of all ages. They often get on well with children, especially if the Pug loves to play. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and play with dogs with care and kindness, to prevent any issues. Always supervise children and vulnerable people with your Pug and make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. Pugs and other pets Pugs are known for getting along well with other pets and dogs. Introductions still need to be done carefully, though, just in case. Good, kind training will also help them become well-rounded dogs that keep calm in new situations. Your vet or vet nurse will be able to tell you how much your dog should be eating. If you give your dog an occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily food allowance. You should try to feed your dog at the same time every day to get them into a routine. Remember to leave a gap after eating and before exercising. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. These breeders must do extra health tests and meet higher standards for breeding. See our advice on what you need to know about flat faced pets and how to choose a healthier pedigree pet. Set-up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, some centres will vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around six months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will have already neutered the dogs they rehome where appropriate. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or if your dog outgrows them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catching any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. A group of Pugs is called a grumble! Pugs are an ancient breed, dating back to Ancient China where they were bred for Emperors. Pugs were bred to be companions, which is why they love people so much. Getting a Pug Do plenty of research before you get a Pug. Although they are loveable and friendly, they are sadly likely to get a lot of health issues more so than many other breeds. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a Pug. Breed-specific rescues specialising in Pugs are out there too. Good rescue centres should let you know of any existing health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will have been well socialised and have all necessary health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. Not sure if a Pug is the right pet for you? But, owning a Pug does come with some challenges. Since Pugs are prone to carrying excess weight, this brings in the care elements of both eating a healthy diet and following an appropriate exercise schedule; though this can be tricky, since Pugs must be exercised with care in regard to both duration and intensity. Pugs have thick coats of fur with heavy shedding, lots of wrinkles that need to stay clean, and are generally prone to skin sensitivities. This all requires proper grooming and upkeep. Aside from this, is the general care that applies to every dog. While many owners do this as part of the excitement and preparation of bringing a new pup into the household, this is something that should be done on a regular basis throughout your Pug's life. This can lead to accidentally swallowing things, toxic poisoning, or choking. Proofing the house involves removing small items from the floor, placing cords out of reach or wrapping them in cord protectors, finding new places for shoes and other objects that may be chewed, and placing child-proof locks on any lower cabinets that a Pug may be able to access. The Pug is prone to skin yeast infections, eye issues, and is a heavy shedder, so this a breed that requires lots of grooming. It is best to stick to a schedule in regard to these care tasks. Baths - Bathe you Pug once every 3 weeks, even if your puppy or dog does not appear to be dirty. This will help prevent bad odors , keep skin properly moisturized, and loosen dead hairs from the coat. Young pups can be given a bath in the kitchen sink and older adults can be placed in the bathtub. Because the Pug has sensitive skin, use a shampoo that has a pH between 6. A terrific shampoo to use on Pugs is Earthbath Shampoo which has plant-based cleansers and no additives. The Oatmeal and Aloe formula is ideal for just about Pug since it works to keep skin in great shape. Don't forget about a wash-out conditioner. Hair cuticles open during the shampooing process and a conditioner smooths them down. Eye maintenance - Pug's eyes are large and slightly bulging which means they are prone to picking up debris that can irritate the eyes or scratch the cornea. Small food particles are a top culprit. Keep the eye area clean by wiping it at least once a day and as often as after each meal. For this, you can use the same type of wipe that you have for your Pug's wrinkles see next tip. Wrinkle maintenance - Pugs have lots of deep wrinkles on their head and face making these areas prone to skin infection, so attention must be given to keep these folds clean and dry. Wipe the wrinkles at least once a day, and up to 3 times a day by opening each fold and wiping it with a grooming wipe. If you are looking for a good grooming wipe, Earthbath All-Natural Grooming Wipes are excellent for cleaning wrinkles, wiping the eye area, and to spot-clean a Pug in between baths. Brushing - Pugs are heavy shedders, a lot of the dead hairs will stay lodged in the coat and some will fall to the floor. So, even if you do not notice much shedding, it's important to brush your Pug on a regular basis. Young puppies can be brushed once a week, but adult Pugs should be brushed at least every other day and as often as once per day. Use a tool that will reach down through this breed's thick coat and pull out all the loose and dead fur. While you may be envisioning using a brush, a grooming glove like the Delomo Pet Grooming Glove works very well on a Pug's dense coat. This has over grooming tips that latch onto dead hairs and debris. Pugs are a brachycephalic breed that is very prone to breathing issues. Using a collar when on leash, which places pressure on the trachea, is near guaranteed to exacerbate this. So, part of caring for a Pug involves using accessories that do not impede breathing. For this reason, a harness should be used any time a Pug is on a leash. Harnesses displace tension over the shoulders, back, and chest, leaving the neck free. This is a step-in design just the front legs are placed through the holes, so nothing has to slip over the head , there is an easy-close adjustable Velcro flap on the back, and it is made with air-mesh to keep a Pug cool and comfortable. What you choose to feed your Pug will have both short and long-term consequences, affecting everything from weight maintenance to allergies to intestinal health. Pugs do best with a dry kibble as opposed to a wet canned food; a dry formula tends to keep stools firm and is better for the teeth. Puppies should be fed 3 times a day and this can transition over to twice per day at the 9-month mark. Several dry snacks should be given in between meals and moist treats can be given to reward good behavior such as house training and obeying commands. This breed generally has a very hearty appetite and this, along with their intolerance for extended exercise, makes it easy to gain excess weight. Pugs also tend to have sensitive stomachs and are prone to skin reactions from food additives. Therefore, aim to provide all-natural foods that have no chemical preservatives, no artificial flavoring or dyes, and no by-products, high grain counts, generic meats or oils, corn, soy, or other cheap fillers. If you are not sure what rating your Pug's current dog food has, a good place to check this is Dog Food Advisor which rates the quality of hundreds of brands. And, if you are looking for a good kibble, one recommended brand is Wellness Complete for Small Breeds. For snacks and training treats, Wellness offers several good choices in their line, and if you have an adult Pug and you are working on helping them keep off excess pounds, a good low-calorie option is Fruitables Skinny Minis Dog Treats. Pugs need to drink 1. The tap water in many regions of the US, the UK, Canada and other countries is either outright unsafe or improperly monitored. A number of studies have found drugs in tap water including contraceptive medications, Prozac, Naproxen, Ibuprofen and even illegal drugs; these contain fine particles that are not caught by municipal filtration systems. Other toxins include Chromium-6 a known carcinogen , fluoride which is toxic to canines , chlorite which can cause central nervous problems and HCB which can cause can cause liver disease and skin lesions. And, heavy metals are also an issue. So, for this care tip you can offer bottled spring water, a filtering device that connects your kitchen tap, or a more portable device like the Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher. Pugs are prone to bloat, a dangerous and potentially fatal twisting of the stomach. Raised bowls are a contributing factor, as well as eating or drinking too fast or too close to a bout of exercise. For this reason, place food and water in floor-level bowls. If your Pug tends to gulp down his food or water quickly, use a slow-feeder bowl. After eating a meal, do not take your Pug out for exercise for at least one hour. Another element to consider is that stainless-steel bowls are recommended since plastic bowls can cause allergic reactions to either the material itself or to dyes and tend to more easily harbor bacteria, fits the requirements of both height and material. When saliva and tiny food particles mix into water, this creates a slimy film in the dish, which can lead to a dog avoiding it. With food bowls, caked on food can lead to a buildup of bacteria and even mold. Make it a habit to wash both of your Pug's dishes with hot water and soap every day. Since dogs can be very protective of their bowls, a good time to do this is in the evening, after dinner or once your Pug has gone to sleep. Despite their reputation for being lazy, Pugs can have a good amount of energy. And, you'll want to meet this by keeping your Pug moving along, for several reasons: Exercise plays an important role in a Pug's physical health; it's good for the heart and lungs, regulates metabolism, helps maintain proper muscle composition, boosts the immune system, and can keep certain diseases at bay including canine diabetes and even some forms of cancer. Exercise also plays a vital role in a dog's mental health; it allows a dog to release any restlessness that bottles up and allows for desensitization and socialization to all outside elements. At the same time, too much exertion in either duration or intensity can lead to breathing difficulties or overheating for this brachycephalic breed. So, the goal for this care element is to exercise your Pug on a regular basis while keeping in mind your dog's limitations. Pugs do best with at least two walks per day. Each session should last a minimum of 20 minutes, but can extend to 45 minutes or even longer if your Pug is game. Breaks should be taken at the halfway mark of a short walk, every 15 to 20 minutes for a longer walk, or any time that a Pug is breathing noticeably heavier than normal. Bring your Pug into the shade and offer fresh water, ensuring that breathing is back to normal before starting up again. Light to moderate cardio sessions can also be added in, with a rousing game of fetch being the easiest to play and one that most dogs love. Pugs are sensitive to seasonal changes in temperature and some care elements will need to be adjusted. Summer - Hot humid weather makes summertime care a bit tricky with Pugs. Breathing issues are more pronounced and it's more difficult to keep a Pug active. It can help to take your little guy or gal for walks in the early morning and then later in the evening, avoiding the hottest parts of the day. You can help your Pug stay cool by offering lots of water and refreshing treats like frozen blueberries or raspberries. Stay aware of hot walking surfaces which can cause burns to a dog's paws. Take routes in the shade when possible and use a paw wax to offer a layer of protection. Another helpful care tip is to give your Pug a cooling mat to rest on. The Green Pet Shop Self-Cooling Pet Pad works by drawing excess heat away from the body, is self-activating you don't have to plug it in , and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Winter - Plunging temperatures and slippery weather conditions can make wintertime care a bit challenging as well. Fortunately, Pugs have thick coats which help them stay warm in the winter, but never-the-less, many don't like to go out when it's snowy and cold. And, even with dense fur, dogs that are outside for too long, particularly when it's below freezing, are vulnerable to developing hypothermia. So, continue to take your Pug out for their regular exercise sessions, but limit this on days with heavy winter precipitation or below-freezing temperatures. Another aspect to keep in mind is that arid winter air can lead to issues with dry skin. Be sure you are using a hydrating shampoo see care tip 2: Baths and apply a paw wax every two weeks to offer better traction and keep the paw pads in good shape. The Pug is prone to certain issues related to the joints, bones, and ligaments including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and Legg-Calve-Perthes. In addition to this, all dogs age 8-years and up suffer from some level of osteoarthritis and this is more common with breeds that have the aforementioned issues. For this reason, supplying your Pug with a quality bed to rest and sleep on that provides good cushioning and proper support for the body is vital. This should be an appropriately sized orthopedic memory foam bed with at least a 2-inch base. Either a flat mattress or a bolster bed will work and sometimes dogs do have a preference. Because Pugs tend to snore and may have other sleep-related breathing issues, like sleep apnea, being able to place their head on a bolstered cushion which helps extend the neck can be helpful. This also has a non-slip backing and the cover is machine-washable. There are lots of effective toys that can help your Pug in a number of ways and it's always better to have just a few that do their job than a ton that are ignored. Teething puppies need teething toys that help them scratch their itchy gums and soothe the discomfort of erupting teeth. Pugs of all ages that enjoy chewing should be given durable chew toys that they find pleasant to use, as opposed to looking to non-toy items in the house. Pugs that are home alone and suffer from separation anxiety can be helped with interactive toys that respond to them and a companion toy that helps ease feelings of isolation. Toys breeds and brachycephalic breeds are both prone to tooth decay, so that means that if you have a Pug you need to pay particular attention to keeping your dog's teeth clean and healthy. A build up of plaque, which eats away at tooth enamel and can travel under the gum line, can lead to terribly painful infections, tooth loss and more. Taking care of your Pug's teeth includes brushing the teeth with a quality canine toothbrush and effective canine toothpaste, or using a spray if your Pug is intolerant to brushings, and offering daily dental treats like GREENIES Dental Chews. Note that this applies to puppies as well, since decay on milk teeth can affect adult teeth that are waiting to emerge. Pugs should have their teeth examined by the veterinarian at least once a year during their wellness checks. An x-ray may be taken to look for any decay and if there is plaque or tartar present, this may require a 'full dental' which involves scraping the teeth clean. This is done with a dog under light sedation. Trauma is one of the leading causes of death for all puppies, the Pug breed included, and is a top concern for Pugs of all ages. Many instances of severe injury and death can be prevented by following some simple care tips: If your Pug has trouble navigating stairs most applicable to puppies and seniors , block these off with a gate. When outside, never allow your Pug to be off leash. Never allow your Pug to be in the yard unsupervised. If you have a puppy, do not allow anyone to handle him unless they have been shown proper handling techniques, which includes using both hands, one under the rump and one supporting the chest. Have young children stay on floor level to play with your Pug. Always be aware of where you are walking, especially at night, so that your puppy or dog is not accidentally stepped on or tripped over. If your Pug will be a passenger in your car, use a safe canine car seat or a canine belt restraint. These yearly for dogs age 1 and up or twice-per-year typically starting at age 8 visits are crucial for good health, prevention, and the best possible prognosis, should any issues be detected. The vet will perform a full physical examination to check for issues seen with canines in general and health issues specific to the Pug breed. Vitals will be taken temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate and your Pug will be weighed. The head will be checked eyes, ears, nose, mouth. The coat and the skin will be examined to look for any signs of concern. Proper posture will be assessed, knees and hips will be examined, and reflexes will be checked. A stool sample will be tested for possible parasites and a blood test will be run to evaluate overall health, flag any infections, and check organ function and electrolyte and protein levels. Senior dogs may have more advanced testing, including x-rays. During the visit, this is your opportunity to ask any questions; a good owner is an involved owner. The American Humane Association estimates over 10 million dogs and cats are lost or stolen in the US every year. Here are some tips to prevent this: If your Pug tends to run off, consider spaying or neutering. Intact dogs can have strong urges to take off, looking for a mate. If your Pug darts for the door as soon as its open, have a rule that everyone knocks before entering to allow enough time for someone to hold onto the dog. Consider having your Pug micro-chipped; dogs with chips are returned to owners at a much higher rate than those without. Have current photos of your Pug. If your dog does become lost, create 'lost dog' posters and bring these to all animal services and shelters within a mile area dogs are sometime brought to local shelters but send further away if there is over-crowding. Did you find these care tips to be helpful? This is available in both soft-cover paperback and ebook. Pug Paw Care - The most common issues seen and helpful tips to keep the paws in excellent shape. When a Pug is Super Itchy - Top reasons that cause both acute and chronic itchiness and how to offer fast relief. Housebreaking a Pug - Pugs typically aim to please, but house training can still be a bit challenging. See exact guidelines for fast success. Tips to Keep a Pug Busy and Occupied - Does your Pug stay home alone or seem lost unless you interact with him or her? See super-helpful advice to keep your Pug entertained and happy. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Overview When you have a dog from the age of a young pup, this gives you a wonderful opportunity. It offers you a chance to bond with your dog from the very beginning. This also gives you an advantage because you will be able to train and teach your pup what they need to know before they learn any bad behavior from elsewhere. This section will discuss how to care for a Pug puppy, starting at 8 weeks old and up until he or she is an adult, at the age of 1 year. Transition to a New Home Things will run much smoother if you plan ahead and have most, if not all, of your puppy care items already in your home. Here are the most important items to have: A crate — One with an adjustable size is best to fit the needs of a growing Pug puppy. Crating is a good night time method to use until a pup is housebroken. Gates or a playpen — Choosing an area to gate off or using a canine playpen are good options for when you must leave your Pug puppy home alone or for when you cannot be right at his side. This keeps the pup in a controlled space which helps in regard to bathroom needs and keeping a puppy in one area when he or she has strong chewing urges. Puppy food — This should be obtained before the puppy is brought home. Owners will not always agree with the food that a puppy has been being fed, however any change should be done gradually. Have the food that the Pug has been used to eating on hand, as well as your new choice. Details regarding making this change can be found here: Feeding a Pug. You'll also want them to be sized appropriately and at floor level. Honey — Puppies are prone to the condition of hypoglycemia, which is a rapid and dangerous drop in blood sugar levels. Stress, among other things, can bring this on and while going to a new home is a happy event, it can also be stressful for a little pup that is leaving all that he knew and no longer has the companionship and friendship of his litter-mates. Treatment can be provided at home as plans are being made to bring the puppy to the closest animal hospital or veterinarian. A small dab of honey is rubbed onto the gums and then the puppy should receive professional treatment, sometimes an IV to restore sugar levels back to normal. Leash, collar and harness — Pugs are prone to conditions that involve breathing problems. The body structure of this breed confines breathing passages into a small space and Pugs can have smaller than normal nasal passages and openings stenotic nares. For this reason, using a harness can help a Pug breathe easier when on leash. A short 6 foot leash works best for both potty training and heeling. Read more : Choosing the Best Collar and Harness for a Pug Grooming supplies — The thick coat of a Pug sheds heavily and brushing it well and offering baths on a regular basis can help control shedding. Starting dental care at a young age can help a puppy become used to this grooming element and set up a foundation for a life time of good dental hygiene practices. Keeping the wrinkles, eyes and ears clean are important part of caring for a Pug puppy. Read more: Shedding - Expect your Pug to shed a lot and be prepared by having the right tools. Dental care - Taking care of your Pug's teeth should be high on your priority list. Ears - Expected shapes and proper care. Wrinkles - Keeping the wrinkles dry and clean. Sleeping supplies - Some owners prefer to have their puppy sleep in the bed with them and while this is not always a bad thing, an owner should think about how that will play out as the pup matures into a much larger adult dog. Having a pup get used to his own canine bed from the beginning, set up in a quiet corner of a room, may work out best. Do keep in mind that Pugs crave human companionship and do not like to feel isolated. Setting up the bed in a quiet corner of a well-used room allows a Pug to have a nice area to retreat to for rest and sleep while allowing him to be close to his human family. It will be normal for a little one to sleep anywhere from 16 to 18 hours a day.This included both night time sleep and naps that will be taken throughout the day. Chew Toys — Teething will begin around the age of 3 or 4 months old and can last up until a Pug puppy is 8 months old. Having a good supply of toys on hand for a puppy to chew on is important. Puppy Proofing Before bringing a puppy home and on a regular basis at least weekly owners are encouraged to go over all floors to remove any small objects that could be accidentally swallowed. All items that could be chewed on such as pocket books and shoes should be placed up high until the Pug has matured. Whining It is normal for very young puppies to cry when first brought to a new home, this usually only lasts for a week or so as the pup becomes used to his new family and environment. This can also be a sign of needing to go to the bathroom, so following house training guidelines, be sure to take your Pug puppy outside on a regular basis. Vaccinations for the Pug Puppy An important part of caring for your puppy will be to make sure he or she is up-to-date for all needed vaccinations. An 8-week-old should already have received his shots, as well as a de-worming. Veterinarians will have varying schedules, however this is a general guideline: 5 weeks Parvovirus: For puppies at high risk of exposure to parvo, some veterinarians recommend vaccinating at 5 weeks. Dogs at high risk are those that live in areas where wild life raccoon, skunk, deer, etc. The inclusion of either canine adenovirus-1 or adenovirus-2 in a vaccine will protect against both adenovirus cough and hepatitis; adenovirus-2 is highly preferred. You will want to talk to your veterinarian about this. Reactions to Vaccines Immunizations are intended to stimulate the immune system to then protect a dog against a specific infectious disease. It is very important to have your Pug receive all needed vaccinations. Your Pug may react to immunizations in ways that range from soreness at the site of injection to mild fever to allergic reactions. The allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. Mild- Mild reactions include fever, sluggishness, and loss of appetite. Mild reactions usually resolve without any treatment needed. This is called Urticaria. This happens when there is a reaction of the skin and shows as hives or bumps. It is usually extremely itchy. Urticaria may progress to anaphylaxis, which is considered life-threatening. However, Urticaria is the most common reaction in dogs if a reaction is to happen. Severe - The most severe reaction is anaphylaxis. This is a very fast, sudden, severe allergic response that causes breathing difficulties, collapse and possible death. This is very rare. Urticaria the moderate and most common reaction, if one is to occur happens soon after vaccination, often even before the puppy is brought home. It can happen in the car while you are driving back to your house. Your veterinarian will recommend immediate return to the hospital for treatment. Urticaria is usually treated successfully with injectable corticosteroids like dexamethasone or prednisone. Antihistamines do little to help with acute allergic reactions but may be given by injection to help prevent recurrence of symptoms after steroids wear off. Mild vaccination reactions usually require no treatment. However, if the symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, call your veterinarian. Growth Rate A Pug puppy grows quickly and this can happen gradually or with spurts and stops. Many Pug puppies have a growth spurt near the 3 to 5 month mark. As the pup nears the 1 year mark, growth will slow down. Once a Pug reaches his or her full height, there may still be some growth in the width of the Pug, as the chest widens and fills out. How a Pug ages and his growth is rapid, yet can be staggered during the first year. Getting Your Puppy Comfortable One of the most important parts of bringing a puppy home is allowing him or her to become used to their new surroundings. Allow your pup to roam around and check out his new environment. Be sure to keep a puppy's water in one designed spot so that the pup can know that it can always be found. The drinking and feeding area should be in a quite corner of a room, without much foot traffic or noise, since small puppies can feel vulnerable while eating. The absolute longest that a 2 month old pup can hold their needs is 2 hours. The bladder and bowel muscles are not yet fully developed. As they grow older, this time will increase as they have more control over their body. Usually it will increase by 1 hour for each month that goes by. Therefore, a 3 month old can hold on for about 3 hours, a 4 month old for about 4 hours and so on.With 8 hours being the maximum time for any age. Informational Note: When your 2 month old needs to go outside at least every 2 hours, be sure to not get stuck into that habit.It is important to slowly increase the time intervals. Your 3 month old can wait about 3 hours, but only if you allow the pup to use his bowel and bladder muscles to work and grow stronger. If an owner always brought their Pug outside every 2 hours, the dog would never learn to hold their needs for a longer period of time. Keep reading about the best way to house train a Pug puppy. All puppy vaccinations should be given before you take him or her out to the park, to pet supply stores or any other area in which there may have been or could be other animals. Many new owners already have another dog in the household. As your puppy grows older and is receiving the needed vaccinations, you can slowly begin introducing your new puppy to other dogs and allow normal socialization to begin. The Necessities of Care To have a healthy and happy puppy that will grow into a happy and healthy adult dog, make sure to always provide the essentials: A proper diet. You will need to decide if you want to offer manufacture food, home cooked food or a combination of both. Pugs are very sensitive to their human's emotions. A hug goes a long way! All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. He is goofy, silly, and fun. Pugs were originally bred to be lap dogs and this is evident in the affection that they show to their owners. Nothing makes a Pug happier than being a member of the family. With their large heads, big, sparkling eyes, and wrinkled faces, Pugs are able to achieve a wide variety of human-like expressions- happiness, surprise, and curiosity. So whether you have a Pug already or are wanting to adopt one, here are all the facts and tips for creating a lasting bond between you and your pup. Meet The Pug Height: inches tall at the shoulder Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years Fur type: Pugs have a double coat of short, smooth hair. But they do shed a lot, because of this they are not hypoallergenic. Color: Typically fawn or black. But coats can have different tints like apricot or silver. Personality Pugs are happy, affectionate, loyal, charming, playful, and mischievous. They can be trained to be social from a young age. They are even tempered and gentle. Many people would say that Pugs are a lot of dog in a little space. Pugs tend to be sensitive to the moods of their owners and are eager to please them. Energy Level Pugs are a small, quiet breed, and are for the most part inactive while indoors. They are great for apartment dwellers. While they are docile and peaceful dogs, they do require a daily walk or some playtime to get their wiggles out. Good With Children Because they are bigger and sturdier than most other toy breeds, Pugs are an ideal pet for children. They can withstand some rough play and love to be around people. They are sweet and loving by nature and will protect your children as well as entertain them with their goofy and charming antics. However, if your children are looking for more of an active breed that they can play fetch with or take for long walks, a Pug would not be the best choice for your family. Good With Other Dogs If trained from a young age, Pugs can learn to be social with other animals and can even be trusted with other animals like cats and rabbits. Shedding Pugs have a short, double coat, and shed profusely. We recommend that if you live with a pug, to invest in a vacuum cleaner! Grooming Needs Regular brushing and monthly baths will help keep your Pugs coat in great condition and shedding to a minimum. A rubber curry brush will help remove and catch the shedding hair. Pugs do not naturally wear down their nails, so regular nail-trimmings are necessary. Teach your Pug to tolerate teeth cleaning. This will help prevent him from getting gingivitis. It may seem like a daunting challenge, but the more frequently you brush your Pugs teeth, the more acclimated to it they will become. One of the best things that you can do for your pug to ensure a long healthy life is to regularly clean out his face folds. The wrinkly folds on his face, although adorable, are a hot breeding spot for infection and bacteria. It is very important that after baths you dry out the folds and in-between baths you clean them out. You can use a dry cotton ball to get the junk out or a wet wipe, whichever you have handy. They do have a love for food, so using treats to your advantage might help your little guy learn quicker. Start training your puppy from the minute you bring him home, the earlier you start training, the faster he will pick it up and learn to behave well. How To Feed My Pug If you allow your pug to eat as much as he would like to, you will end up a roly-poly puppy. Pugs will eat everything and anything that you give them, so be sure to measure out their food and feed them small meals at regularly scheduled times. Pugs are usually allergic to foods like corn, soy, and wheat. Try feeding them raw food. Eating a raw, natural diet will ensure the best health of your Pug. Your Pug will love eating raw food! A high-quality diet of Raw food will ensure the best health condition for your pup. Because Pugs are prone to obesity, watch their calorie intake and weight. If you chose to give your dog treats, do so in moderation. Give table scraps sparingly and try to avoid giving your furry friend cooked bones or foods that are high in fat. Feeding Your Puppy Your cute little Pug should start eating a scheduled diet around 8 weeks. He should eat 4 times a day. This schedule should be followed until your furry friend reaches 3 months of age. At this time you Pug can start eating 3 times a day instead of 4. Feeding Your Adult Once your Pug reaches 1 year, he will be ready to start eating adult food. At this time you may also want to decrease his eating from 3 times a day to twice daily. This will be your best option because Pugs tend to gain weight very easily. He should be broad at the shoulders and narrower beyond the shoulders, with a slight widening in the rump area. If you Pug happens to have a square shape, he is getting too much food. Health Concerns For Pugs To ensure you are getting a healthy Pug never buy one from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Heat stroke: Pugs suffer from heat stroke if they are outside for too long. When outside with your pug, watch for signs of overheating. They are definitely house dogs and should not be kept outside Breathing: Because of their short snout, pugs are prone to wheezing, snorting, and snoring loudly. Obesity: Be aware of how much you are giving your Pug. If your Pug is developing a square shape, he is eating too much. Pug Dog Encephalitis: This disease is not treatable nor is it testable. Most vets cannot diagnose it until after the death of the dog. It is an inflammation of the brain and meninges. It usually occurs between 6 and 7 months of age and is fatal. Will my pug bite? Pugs are strong-willed but rarely aggressive. They will only bite in moments where they feel threatened or the need to protect. When will my pug stop growing? Some Pugs will actually stop growing then, others will put on a few more pounds before they reach a year. At 1 year your pug puppy will be considered an adult, and by this time their full height is reached. They will still keep filling out in width in the chest area and a little more muscle until about 18 months. If you notice your pug gaining weight in other areas or later than 18 months he may be gaining unnecessary weight and should be checked out by the veterinarian. Can pug eyes pop out? Since Pugs have such beautiful bulgy eyes, they can accidentally go through something call proptosis, which is the popping out of the eyes. You might think this to be a very uncommon, scary thing, but in reality, it is more normal than you think. It is most common among breeds with short snouts and shallow eye sockets, like pugs. It can be a result of a trauma or it can happen completely all of a sudden. Immediately call your vet and she will give you further instruction on how to help your dog. Can pigs swim? Like most dogs, Pugs have a natural ability to swim. Does that mean that he will like the water? Not always. Make sure you introduce your pug to the water in a fun, positive way so that he will have a great first experience. This first time will really make it or break it in terms of him enjoy or disliking the pool. The barrel shape of your Pug does make it harder for him to swim than other breeds and he may get tired very quickly, but as long as you are there to supervise and help him if he starts to panic, he should be fine to swim. When will my pug go in heat? Your female pug could start her first heat as early as 4 months or as late as 15 months. The most typical time is between 4 and 6 months of age. The average heat cycle will last from 2 to 3 weeks and your pug will enter heat every 5 to 8 months. How much do pugs cost? It all depends on pedigree, the area of the country, and health tests that the breeder has done on the parents. Many people would think that the more expensive the pug, the better the quality of life it will have. While that may be a good guess, price does not always indicate how your pug will live. Buying a puppy at weeks is always a guessing game. Are pug puppies hyper? Pug puppies are known to be more energetic than their older parents. This energy usually lasts until about 1 year of age. At this time they tend to slow down and really embrace their lazy personality. Why does my pug howl? Pugs are very loyal dogs. They attach themselves to their humans and love them with all they are. They do not like to be left alone. Some Pugs have been known to howl when their humans leave. Every dog is different though, you might get a pug that howls in conversation or one that never makes any noise. Why do pug tails curl? Kind of like our tailbones. It consists of bone and cartilage. This is an anomaly in how the vertebra develops. Specifically, the bones and the tail form a twisting wedge shape. The twisting is what causes the tail to curl. So if you are looking for a dog with a ton of personality, one that will make you laugh as well as love you until his dying days, look no further. Your Pug will be your constant companion. He will love you as no has ever loved you before. Give him a lot of attention and love and you will have a forever best friend. About Jenna Barrington Hi! My name is Jenna and I am a proud pet parent of a gorgeous Golden Retriever. I grew up surrounded by animals and developed a love for anything on four legs! I spent a year working as a night puppy nurse for Doberman Pinchers, delivering puppies and taking care of all the health needs of the parents. I work now as a professional copywriter and researcher and am happy to be able to share my love for dogs by contributing to TruDog. Small Pets Taking Care of a Pug Puppy Pugs are some of the most soulful looking animals on the planet, and are very expressive. You can easily recognize a pug as these small breed dogs have a wrinkly face and a curled tail. They first came to international prominence when mobile operator Vodafone used them to endorse their brand —the ad with the pug, named Hutch in the ad, was a stupendous success with the pug soon becoming a household name. But there are certain things that you must be aware of if you also want to adopt this cute pet. Unlike adult pugs, small pug dogs are most likely to suffer from a number of health issues ranging from obesity, overheating and pharyngeal reflex. So, you need to be the doubly careful when dealing with these vulnerable puppies. If you are worried, you can take heart from the fact that taking care of the pups is uncomplicated and easy as they have very few demands. Before bringing home the pug puppy Ensure that you have all the grooming items in place starting from brush, cotton swabs, and petroleum jelly to puppy shampoo and dog treats. Here are some guidelines that you can refer to when taking care of the pug puppy: Training the puppy to follow your commands: There is no substitute for a well-trained dog, so train the puppy from day one. The first six months are the most crucial as during this period, he will learn the most which will mold him. Every time he responds correctly to your commands, like sit, run, jump, and come, give him some treats and words of encouragement. But there is one caveat: keep the sessions short as being such a young dog, his power of concentration is limited. To start with, minute sessions would be ok. Also, when taking him for a walk, better use a harness which will provide protection to his windpipe. Potty training: This is a very important stage of puppy training. When he is young, he has very little control over his bladder, so you need to take him out for potty breaks more frequently than you would do to an adult. He may demand potty breaks every hours at this stage, but as he grows older and his control over the bladder imp roves, the frequency will gradually become normal. However, under no circumstances, you should overlook his tendency to soil corners of the home thinking that it is an isolated incident, because it is not. Deal with such incidents with a firm no, or else he will become a big nuisance and a lazy dog. Grooming routine: The pug has a double coat which keeps shedding continuously, so daily grooming is essential. Brush the pug at least twice every week and vacuum him extensively. In what is unusual, pug dogs are very fond of water, unlike other dogs. You can easily find soaps and other bath related items that are designed for puppies in the local outlet, use them. Try oatmeal based shampoos which not only keeps his skin soft, but protects his sensitive skin. Pugs have narrow ear canals, so chances of getting an ear infection if water gets into its ear are higher in pugs. What you can do is use soft tissues or a cotton ball to wipe the ear clean and dry. If your pug is shaking his head violently, then it may indicate an ear infection —and if there is an infection, get in touch with the vet immediately. Cleaning of Pug Wrinkles Pug wrinkles are called folds, which serve as a great place to accumulate all sorts of unwanted stuff like water, mucous, dirt, tear, food etc. Cleaning of pug wrinkles is an easy task and getting the Pug used to it at an early age is a good idea. Some owners use an Ear Bud or Q-Tip for this purpose, but we would not recommend this as the slightest struggle from your Pug could cause an eye injury. Instead, you can use baby wipes or medicated wipes. You can fill a cup with lukewarm water and dip the baby wipes or cotton swab in it. After that, run the moist tip of baby wipes through the wrinkles so that all dirt and grime particle come out. At the end, you should use a cotton swab to smear petroleum jelly inside the wrinkles to keep the internal skin protected. Tackling overheating issues: Pugs are adversely affected by warm conditions and may get dehydrated. So, ensure that the living condition of the pup is cool- special care needs to be taken during the summers when the pugs feel great discomfort. Regularly check the room temperature where the pug is kept, and if you feel that the room is too hot, you have to either move it to a cool room or else you have to provide him with lots of water. In extreme conditions, there are cold compresses that you can put on his belly till it cools down. Exercise: Pugs are actually overweight for their size, so unless they exercise a lot heath issues are a given. Take him for a daily walk and play different games with it which will help it maintain its health. Be careful not to take him out on a bright sunny day, as it can dehydrate him. Feeding the puppy: There are special diets that are designed for pugs. But you may be unsure which brand to select for your puppy as there are so many different brands in the market. The best thing to do in such a situation is to take the advice of a vet. Pugs would eat almost anything and in the process put on a lot of weight. So, make it a point not to overfeed it. Also, if your dog prefers a particular food and you want to wean it away from that food, do it gradually. Normally, puppies in the age group 3 to 6 months should be fed at least three times a day. And from 6 months to 1 year, change it to two times. To make the feeding process easier for the pet, try using bowls that has an elevated shape off the ground. For more guidance, please refer to this article : Puppy feeding tips for new dog owners Dealing with obesity: Overeating will not only make the pug overweight, but may pave the way for ailments like leg pain, eye disorders, and lung problems. About Rahul From Delhi, Rahul is an animal lover at heart. He is a writer and most of his writing revolves around making people aware of animal issues like health, training and grooming.

Articles Labradors are easily among my top 5 favorite dog breeds of all time. It is really hard not to love these smart, loyal, and beautiful dogs. I am not the only one that thinks that labs are the best thing to have happened to us. However, not all Labradors are equally as popular, with the Mini Lab being one of the most controversial variations. The term Miniature Labrador is used to describe Labrador Retrievers that are smaller than the Standard Labrador breed. They are not recognized as a standard variation of Labrador Retrievers. Miniature Labradors can appear as a result of dwarfism or mixed breeding with small dog breeds. One of the reasons why Mini Labradors are so controversial is their health issues. We shall take a closer look at these and all other care needs you should know about if you are considering getting one. Strictly speaking, this is not accurate. There is no such thing as a standard smaller version of a Labrador. The miniature versions around are either Labradors with the dwarfism trait or mixed Labs. The dwarf versions are what most people refer to when they use the term Miniature Labrador. They are more or less like your average Labrador, with just a few differences in appearance. Here is what you can expect: Size Miniature Labradors vary in weight depending on their origin. Dwarf Labs can weigh anywhere between 30 to 40 lbs, while mixes with smaller breeds can go as low as 20 lbs. In terms of height, Mini Labs are usually 3 to 10 inches below the inch height average of Standard Labs. Build The build with Miniature Labradors is usually less proportional than regular Labradors. They often have malformed limbs that may be short and bowed. This applies both to Dwarf Labradors and those from mixes. Facial and skull features The facial and skull features are where the Miniature Labrador has the most similarities to the standard breed. They have the same large droopy ears, wide forehead, and narrow, long snout. However, Mini Labs with the dwarf trait may have a disproportionately large head and shorter snout. Coat Mini Labs have short, dense coats that can be chocolate, black, or yellow. If they are a result of mixed breeding, they may take coat traits and colors from the other involved breed. However, dwarf Mini Labs are often very sickly and may have a lifespan as short as 5 years. Here are some of the common health problems that affect the Mini Lab variety in general. Limb Malformation Limb malformation in Miniature Labradors is most commonly seen in dwarfism as a result of the SD 2 genes. This results in short, often crooked, and uneven limbs. The bones are also more prone to issues like fractures and arthritis, which makes Mini Labradors more fragile than their regular counterparts. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a condition that mainly affects large dog breeds , including Regular Labs. However, the Mini Lab is one of the exceptions that often suffer from the joint anomaly despite its smaller build. Intervertebral Disc Disease Intervertebral disc disease occurs when the tissues between spinal vertebrae break down. This leaves both the spinal column and the spinal cord that it protects exposed and at risk of injury. In very serious conditions, the Miniature Labrador may suffer spinal compromise with consequences including chronic pain and even paralysis. Obesity Mini Labradors may be small but they have appetites just as large as regular-sized Labs. This, combined with their numerous musculoskeletal issues and subsequently lower levels of activity, leaves them more prone to obesity. Fortunately, this is something you can very easily prevent by watching what and how much your Mini Lab eats. Image from Instagram: lunalabi There is no standard price for the Miniature Labrador. This is because their breeding is not very common, and thus, there are not very many breeders with set prices for the dog breed. Even then, the higher limit makes Mini Labs some of the most expensive niche dogs out there. Here are a few of the reasons why this may be the case. This is because breeders rarely intentionally breed them as a result of the numerous health issues that they are associated with. This means the only other way for you to get a purebred Mini Labrador is through litter rants which are also very difficult to find and unpredictable to selectively breed. With such a tight supply, breeders that have Miniature Labrador Retrievers have free reign to set the price as high or low as they wish. Firstly, they need to screen the involved dogs for health issues that need to be selectively bred out to ethically produce Mini Labradors. They also have to take care of the pregnant Mini Labradors which usually end up having very complicated pregnancies and deliveries. All these costs add up and make the resulting Mini Labs quite pricey. These people drive the demand in the market which makes the dogs expensive despite all their issues. At least they have redeeming qualities including their endearing personalities that we will get right into. Can Miniature Labs Get Aggressive? Temperaments Of Miniature Labradors Image from Pawstruck There is a common belief that Miniature Labradors are aggressive and noisy like other miniature versions of large dog breeds. This is not at all true. Remember that Mini Labs are strictly speaking not a standard variation and are thus in every way just like Regular Labradors in terms of personality. Here are a few traits you may notice if you happen to get one. Eager To Please Miniature Labradors live to please and thrive on approval and praise. This will come in handy during training as they are usually also very eager to learn new skills. They love to play, especially with their favorite human friends, which is ideal if you want a lively companion to bring life to your home. Social Miniature Labradors are social butterflies. This works well if you have a large family or happen to have other pets. With a little socialization, there is no one that Mini Labs will not get along with. Loyal Loyalty is something else you have to look forward to from your Mini Labrador. They form strong bonds with people they spend a lot of time with, especially for things like playtime and feeding. Intelligent Mini Labradors may be smaller than regular Labs but this does not make them any less smart. The little pooches pick up very easily on new skills, which makes them convenient to train and easy to live with. Do Miniature Labs Shed? They are also sometimes prone to skin issues including dermatitis and odors. This means that you pretty much have your work cut out for you in terms of grooming. If you plan on doing some of the grooming yourself, here are a few tips that may come in handy. The best way to get ahead of things is to get on a regular grooming schedule. Mini Labs shed seasonally. When the shedding is minimal, you could go for a twice-a-week interval. If they are shedding more heavily, increase to 4 times a week or even every day. It is also important that you invest in the right grooming tool, in which case we recommend the FURminator Undercoat Tool. Removes loose hair: reaches through the topcoat to remove loose undercoat hair without cutting skin or damaging the.FURejector button: just push the button to release hair with ease. Seamus Cherry Blossom Whitening Dog Shampoo is ideal for the job here, whether your Mini Lab is white, yellow, or even darker tones like red or chocolate. Its gentle formula works wonders leaving your dog with healthy, shiny fur and a mild, floral scent. This automated vacuum also stands out in that it is designed to clean up specifically after pet particulate messes, including fur and dander. Yes, small dogs can make for good guard dogs, but they work better as watchdogs. This is especially the case if the particular small dog breed is known for temperament traits like alertness, wariness towards strangers, and a vocal predisposition. If the dog breed is the social and friendly kind, then the pooch may not do well as a guard dog. Are Teacup Labradors Real? Teacup Labradors are not real. While there are breeders that market Mini Labradors as teacups, it is more or less impossible to get a Labrador to the 2 to 5-pound range that defines the teacup breed. Dogs that look like small Labradors may either be dwarf Labradors or mixes between Lab Retrievers and other small breeds. With Dwarf Labs, the dog will have every other feature similar to Standard Labradors, from facial features to coat traits. With mixes, on the other hand, they may have features from the other non-Labrador parent. Make sure you understand the implications of investing in a Lab that was bred via runt breeding or a Lab that is diagnosed with dwarfism. Avoid getting your Lab through breeders who have purposefully bred dwarfism into their Lab puppies or through breeders who have purposefully bred litters to be smaller than average. Try and ensure that your Mini Labrador maintains a quality diet and eats a dog food specified for his age, weight and activity level. Keep up with routine grooming practices, and ensure your dog sees a vet regularly for wellness exams and check ups. In spite of not being the healthiest dogs, Mini Labradors are just as friendly, affectionate and playful as their full-sized counterparts. Mini Labrador dogs are still Labradors, and as such they are some of the most highly sought after dogs in the world. These dogs are renowned for their family-friendly temperament and companionability when it comes to children. They also get along great with other pets including both dogs and cats. Labradors are very high energy , however, which can be exhausting for the more laid back owner. That said, in the right home and with an active family , Labrador dogs can thrive. They are incredibly intelligent as well, meaning training is a breeze. In fact, Labrador Retrievers are some of the top employed service dogs throughout the world, thanks to their keen sense of emotional intelligence and ability to pick up so quickly on what their people need of them. However, Labs can become very bonded with their family and do get bored easily when left alone for too long. This boredom can lead to destructive behaviors like digging, marking, barking and chewing. Mini Labrador Training and Socialization Requirements Like all dogs, the Mini Labrador should be trained and socialized at an early age to prevent behavioral issues. Like all dogs, Labrador Retrievers require plenty of socialization and training at an early age in order to grow up happy, healthy and well-rounded. Even though Labrador Retrievers are highly social and friendly, they can be prone to behavioral issues and even aggressive tendencies if they are not raised and socialized properly. Because they are so intelligent, Labrador Retrievers love to learn. They are also eager to please and highly food motivated. Instead, use positive reinforcement tactics like treats and praise. If you find your Mini Labrador is becoming distracted or bored during training sessions, try and offer several five minute sessions throughout the day and provide him with plenty of breaks and playtime in between. Tips on Socializing Your Mini Labrador Socializing your Mini Labrador is just as vital as training is to his overall health and happiness. A dog who is properly socialized is a confident, well-rounded dog that is less likely to exhibit aggressive tendencies and fear-based behavioral issues. Try and ensure your dog has positive first time experiences and as many new experiences as possible as he develops. Introduce him to different people, children, other dogs, sights, sounds, and so on. Encourage your Mini Labrador gently using treats and praise to help him associate the world around him with something positive. Most importantly, avoid forcing your Mini Labrador into a situation or experience he is clearly frightened of. Doing so could exasperate his fear and lead to future problems down the road. Labrador Retrievers are naturally energetic dogs. Bred water retrieving dogs, these guys love to be with their people and will enjoy being outside and having a job to do. A Mini Labrador will be no different, and will enjoy a variety of exercise routines including both mental and physical exercises designed to keep him healthy and happy. Mental Exercise Labs are considered some of the smartest dogs in the canine kingdom. As such, they are happiest when they have jobs to do or when they are given plenty of appropriate, dog-safe activities to keep them busy. We recommend investing in interactive puzzle toys and slow feeders to keep your Mini Lab engaged and challenged. You can also take time to set up fun little obstacle courses in and outside of your home with furniture or appliances and encourage your dog to complete these courses for treats. Not only will this help keep your dog mentally and physically sound, it will help build the bond between the two of you. Remember, Dwarf Labradors can suffer from a higher rate of bone and joint issues, spinal issues and chronic pain. They may also suffer from brachycephalic airway syndrome due to their abnormal skull development. This can lead to respiratory issues, heat intolerance and exercise induced collapse. When dealing with a Dwarf Labrador or Mini Labrador, be sure not to over-exercise your dog and to monitor him in warmer weather. The appropriate exercise for a Mini Labrador will include about 30 to 45 minutes of exercise a day as well as free playtime in a securely fenced backyard. Mini Labrador dogs are also highly social and get along with other canines, so dog parks are another great way for your Mini Labrador to have his exercise needs met. This is especially beneficial for dogs who might suffer from breathing difficulties. The harness is ideal for medium sized dogs like Mini Labradors and will help you guide your Lab on walks easily and naturally. The material is comfortable for your Lab as well, and even includes reflective materials for safer evening walks. Still, they require routine grooming and upkeep to ensure they stay healthy. The Mini Labrador is a shedding dog, so he may not be the ideal companion for those who suffer from allergies. This is a breed who has a dense, double-coat that is weather resistant and self cleaning. The good news is that he only needs to be bathed once every six weeks or so with a quality dog shampoo and conditioner. Over-bathing your Mini Labrador can lead to skin and coat issues. Your Mini Labrador will not need hair cuts or trims, though he will need routine brushing. While he sheds year-round, the Mini Labrador sheds heaviest twice a year during the shedding season in Spring and Fall. During the shedding season, you may want to brush your lab a few times a week to collect and reduce loose hair from his undercoat and keep it from your clothing and furniture. Outside of shedding season, you can get by brushing your Mini Lab once a week. Along with bathing and brushing, the Mini Labrador should have his ears checked regularly to prevent chances of moisture and build up leading to an ear infection. His teeth should be brushed daily using a safe toothbrush and dog-friendly toothpaste , and his nails should be trimmed or ground down regularly. Gonicc Dog Nail Clippers. March 7, Miniature breeds are the new trend in the dog world. Not only are they super-cute, but their smaller size makes them a choice for prospective owners who may not have room for their full-size counterparts. Miniaturizing any breed comes with health consequences, especially when it involves a large breed dog such as the Labrador. Do miniature labrador dogs exist, and if so, how small are they, and do they have any specific health issues? Do Miniature Labradors Exist? The answer is both Yes and No. However, miniature labradorsresult fromquestionable breeding practices that can create a host of problems for both the pups and their owners. So if these miniature labs do exist, what are they like? Overview of Miniature Labradors Besides being smaller in size, miniature labradors are the same as any normal labrador in all aspects. Mini labs are extremely devoted to their owners and love to please them in all sorts of ways. They love accompanying their owners in any activity they do, especially if it involves physical exercise. Due to their smaller size, miniature labrador dogs are lighter in weight than your average lab. Mini Labrador puppies tend to make excellent pets for families with lots of children and activity. Despite that, there is a bit of controversy surrounding the overall health of these dogs. Dwarfism Like humans, dwarfism is a condition that is known to exist in many breeds, including Labradors. It affects dogs just like it affects humans, causing a slowed growth of bones, which causes the dog to develop a shorter-than-normal stature. Dwarf labs are conceived by breeding two labradors that carry the genes responsible for dwarfism. When both dwarf parents contribute a copy of the dwarf genes, the litter is born with predisposed dwarfism. There are two types of genes responsible for dwarfism in labradors known as the SD1 and SD2 gene. SD2 Gene: Known as skeletal dysplasia. It hinders bone growth and prevents them from reaching full size, giving the lab a smaller appearance. Thus, the Labrador cannot grow as much as a typical lab, causing them to develop a smaller stature. Crossbreeding Another way most breeders create miniature labradors is by crossbreeding them with another small breed of dogs. And to sell them at a premium is unethical and can land the breeder in trouble. Another problem with hybrid miniature labs is that they might not always turn out to be perfectly healthy. Breeding Runts This one is perhaps the most popular technique for creating a miniature breed. With some breeds, this technique can be quite successful and can yield puppies that are significantly smaller in size than the average puppy of that same breed. However, there are some issues with this technique as well. Runt parents can produce standard-sized puppies. Because the small-size of these runts is usually due to some health condition, or worse dwarfism, the same genetic flaws would probably pass on to the litter they conceive. Also, some breeders inbreed these runts, which can lead to difficulties of their own. And even though they are predisposed to specific health issues, breeders have evolved labs so that these defects are slowly decreasing in pedigreed dogs. However, methods used to produce miniature labradors can re-introduce those defects back into the population of miniatures. So what are those health defects? And which mini labs have them? Defects In Miniature Labs The method of producing miniature labs, which leads to the highest amount of defects, is dwarfism. Both SD1 and SD2 genes can cause abnormal growth, which can worsen or create entirely new defects within a miniature lab. Some of the most prevalent defects associated with dwarfism in mini labs are: Bowed Legs and Knees: Labs with dwarfism appear shorter because their legs are malformed. Swollen Joints: Because dwarfism causes a malformation of the bones in labs, it can put uneven pressure on the joints, causing swelling and inflammation. Swollen joints are usually helped through regular medication but could need surgery in some cases. Worsened Joint Dysplasia: Joint dysplasia is a predisposed defect that many labradors suffer from naturally. Not only is joint dysplasia extremely painful, but it can also lead to arthritis, which might even lead to the dog getting euthanized in severe cases. Larger Skull and Breathing Problems: Dwarfism is also associated with abnormal growth of the skull, including the muzzle, which creates breathing problems for the Labrador and deteriorate their quality of life. Should You Get a Miniature Labrador? Now for the most important question, should you buy a miniature labrador? Most breeders and advertisers of miniature labs are untrustworthy. Let us explain a bit more: 1. And considering that a miniature labrador dog suffers from way more than the average dog, caring for them is more involved. For a labrador to officially register with the AKC, they must be between .If a labrador does not meet these requirements, they can still get registered with the organization. However, the owners must provide the pedigree documents to prove that the dog is purebred. A miniature lab is only about 2 to 2. FAQs What is the lifespan of a dwarf labrador? Unlike a standard labrador, a mini lab might only live up to 5 years, even if they receive full medical care and attention. What can you buy instead of miniature labradors? What is the difference in height between a standard and miniature lab? Unlike other miniature breeds, a miniature lab might only be 2 to 3 inches shorter in height than a standard labrador. How much do miniature labradors shed? A miniature lab has the same double-coat as a standard labrador. They shed an adequate amount of fur, particularly during the spring and fall seasons. Do miniature labradors bite a lot? Miniature and standard labs are both more prone to biting during puppyhood. But once they become adults, the habit mostly subsides, provided they get proper training. Featured Posts:. Photo from: henryhenrichsen Well, yes. There is a mini version of the Labrador Retriever. This dog is slightly smaller than the standard Lab. However, this dog is not officially recognized. There are some teacup dogs and miniature dogs that are recognized by the AKC American Kennel Club , but the mini Lab is not among them. So, how did breeders even come up with the idea of a miniature version of the Lab? Like with any other miniature version of one dog, there are a couple of ways miniature Labradors can be bred. However, we advise you to do your research right from the start to see if it really is a purebred Labrador. Unfortunately, many of these small dogs are created today as a result of crossbreeding. So, breeders crossbreed Labradors with some other smaller dog breed, resulting in a dog that looks like a Labrador, but in a smaller package. Today, there are various Labrador mixes , and we think that many of them are wonderful dogs, but these dogs should not be sold under the name of mini Labrador. Crossbreeding is quite a complex process that should only be undertaken by experienced and educated breeders. Unfortunately, many breeders today put quick money first, while not paying enough attention to the health records of the dogs they intend to crossbreed. Vet exams and health records are even more important in the case of combining two different dog breeds, each of which has its own needs, its own history, and the health conditions to which it is prone. Dwarfism In Labradors Just like with humans, dwarfism can also be found in dogs. This condition is an endocrine disease, which is characterized by a lack of growth hormone. In dogs like these, besides the growth hormone, there also might be a lack of some other hormones. This is a congenital disease, which means that a puppy will inherit it if both of its parents have it. So, if you breed two Labradors that have the dwarfism gene, you will be getting puppies that will have the same gene. In dwarf Labradors, there are the SD1 Gene and the SD2 Gene that are the reason for this medical condition to appear, and thanks to which there are miniature Labrador Retrievers today. The first gene stands for Osteochondro dysplasia to appear in Labradors. This state makes a dog have bent legs, deformed paws, and enlarged joints. The second gene stands for a genetic mutation called skeletal dysplasia. Dogs with this diagnosis have a body of normal size, but their shorter legs make them different from the standard Labrador. Also, their legs might be slightly curved. Its head also might be larger than average, while its nose might be shorter. Breeding Runts Simply put, breeding runts refers to taking the smallest dog from a litter and breeding it with another equally small dog. This sometimes involves inbreeding of two dogs from the same litter, where it only matters that both dogs are smaller than the others. It is not recommended that brother and sister dogs have puppies together. Although in some cases they can produce completely healthy offspring, in many cases, serious diseases are recorded in such dogs. Breeding runts is not considered ethical. These dogs often have more serious health problems. Also, it is important to mention that breeding two small dogs does not necessarily mean that all their puppies will be equally small. So, when in search of mini Lab puppies, make sure to check that the breeder you are dealing with is completely ethical and trustworthy. Their basic difference is, obviously, their size. This is why we call them the miniature Labrador. For many of these dogs, this will actually be the only difference. Also, their legs are shorter than those of the standard-sized Lab. In some cases, many people will not even notice that they actually own a mini Lab. For this reason, we wanted to investigate the origin and characteristics of miniature Labradors. If you like everything about the Labrador Retriever, but its size makes you doubt the decision of adding this dog as your new family member, well, maybe a mini Lab would be a marvelous solution. But, should you really be taking a risk and buying a mini Labrador Retriever dog? This way, we can get an insight into the temperament, appearance, and health of this smaller Lab. Based on this, we can make a conclusion about how much the mini Lab actually differs from the standard Lab. Or, how similar these two dogs are. Temperament For many dog lovers, the Labrador breed is the number one breed among them all. The mini Lab is a bit smaller than the standard Labrador. However, their personalities are quite similar. The mini version is equally kind, friendly, and loving as the standard version of this dog. These miniature dogs are also in love with their human family, and the thing they like the most is spending time with them. So, with a mini Lab, you will have your own shadow following you around wherever you go! This dog gets along well with children and other pets. Also, this dog is quite energetic and needs different activities, both physical and mental, to stay happy. This dog is literally a Labrador Retriever in a smaller package. The one thing that differentiates them from standard Labs are their short legs. They also have floppy ears, big eyes, and a broad head. There is a slight difference when it comes to the weight and height of male and female Labradors. According to the Labrador growth chart , males usually weigh from 65 to 80 pounds, while the average weight of females goes from 55 to 70 pounds. The average weight of a Labrador Retriever goes from 55 to 80 pounds. Miniature Labs are quite lighter, and they weigh from 35 to 50 pounds. The difference in weight can be noticed as early as around two to three months of age — at this age, a standard Labrador will reach a weight of 20 to 25 pounds, while a mini Lab will probably weigh 16 to 22 pounds. According to some opinions, a Labrador is a large dog. Some other people see this dog as a medium-sized dog. The average height of a standard male Lab goes from 22 to 24 inches tall. Females are usually 21 to 23 inches tall. Many miniature dogs are usually a lot smaller than the same dogs of the standard size. However, there is not a big difference in the height of a full-sized Labrador and the mini version of this dog. Miniature Labradors are only two or three inches shorter than the normal sized dogs. So, the average size of mini Labs goes from 19 to 22 inches. Some of these dogs might be even shorter… around 17 inches. Coat Characteristics Photo from: thejoniexpress Some of the standard Labrador colors are black, chocolate, and yellow. We can also find mini black Labs, mini chocolate Labs, and mini yellow Labs. Labrador Retrievers shed quite a lot, so they are not the best option for people with allergies. This is also the case with the mini Labrador. Its double coat is dense and short, and you can expect to find its hairs all over the place. A miniature Labrador will have short legs. Also, we have learned that this dog might have many additional health issues. What are those medical conditions? What is the overall quality of life for this dog? Coat: Are Mini Labs hypoallergenic? If you are after a hypoallergenic dog, you will have much better luck with Labradoodles , which are Labs crossed with Poodles. Unfortunately, the Mini Lab has the same tendency to shed as a standard Lab. Their thick double coats are waterproof on the top layer, soft and fluffy on the inner layer. Thanks to their double coats, they can withstand heat and cold much better than their owners can. That being said, every dog is different and their preferences should be taken into consideration. A house dog would not like being left out in the cold, whereas a dog used to winter would find your home too stuffy with the heating on. Do Miniature Labradors make better house pets? Purebred Labradors are known to be awesome family pets. They get along great with kids and are as loving as they are active. Your Teacup Lab Retriever will be no different. However, due to issues with their health, your Mini Labrador Retriever dog might be more time-consuming to take care of. According to Google, there are plenty of runts that live to lead healthy lives but they often have lower survivability in their puppyhood. On the other hand, Labradors born with dwarfism will need a lifetime of specialized care and attention. Exercising your Miniature Labrador Retriever Mini Labradors have the same energy levels as their standard counterparts. The only difference is that they are even more susceptible to joint disorders such as hip dysplasia. You also want to provide them with enough stimulation, lest they get bored and become destructive. How often should Mini Labs be groomed? Too much shampooing can also cause their coats to dry out, which will either cause itchiness or an increase in oil production. Neither of which will do your dog any favors. Check their eyes and ears frequently to ensure that there are no abnormalities. Nails need to be clipped every few weeks or when you can hear them clacking on the floor. As you can see, they are quite low maintenance and only require a brush every now and then. Any ole slicker brush you get off Amazon will do, although some pet parents like to use a furminator to get their annual shedding under control. How do you feed a Toy Labrador? They will need the same nutrients as a large-breed dog. Miniature Labrador Health Issues Depending on what caused your Labrador to be smaller than the breed standard, you might need to be prepared for a shorter than average lifespan. Dogs with dwarfism might only live 5 years, whereas the breed average is 10 — .They also suffer from certain physical disabilities such as short legs, bowed knees, swollen joints, turned-out feet, and a low slung back. Dwarf Labs also have proportionally large heads. There are two main kinds of dwarfism, SD1, and SD2. The SD1 gene is called osteochondrodysplasia and will manifest as malformed legs. These dogs will most likely develop dysplasia and cause pain and lameness, something that the Labrador breed is already susceptible to. The SD2 is the more common form of dwarfism and it causes skeletal dysplasia and inhibits their bones from fully developing. This means that while their legs will be shorter, they will not have any deformities. Another genetic mutation that might create a Miniature Labrador lies in their faulty pituitary gland. A malfunction that inhibits their growth hormones naturally stunts their growth and leaves them smaller than other Labs. All three mutations can increase the risk for retinal dysplasia which causes blindness. Smaller Labs bred with runts are often more sickly than regular-sized Labs. However, they can also be just as healthy. This popular breed of dog could also develop ear and eye problems, and hypothyroidism. The other health issues that Labbie owners should look out for are obesity and cancer. How Much is a Miniature Labrador Puppy? Most breeders do not advertise their stunted puppies as bigger Labradors are often more desirable. First of all, they should be breeding healthy Labradors who do not carry the gene for dwarfism. Just be aware of the risks involved as they are unregulated. With a background in animal science, dog training, and behavior consulting, her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge make her a trusted source for dog owners. When not writing or leading the K9 Web content team, Cess can be found volunteering at local shelters and participating in dog-related events. Leave a Comment. Welcome to Miniature Labs! Labs have been on the top of the list when choosing a family pet therapy dogs and hunting companions. The Miniature Labradors are really no different when it comes to temperament, looks and being family friendly. They are a bit smaller so they take up less space! They still have all the great attributes as a standard lab like great coats, webbed feet for swimming and otter tails. There have been a couple of good breeders that have invested a lot of time into the Miniature Labrador Retriever. We hope that these dogs will continue to bless all of us with their GREAT personalities and their zest for life for a long time to come! We breed our miniature Labrador puppies using many of the breeds listed on our miniature lab breed origen page. However, we do try to keep "Lab" as our primary breed. By doing this, it helps to preserve what past miniature labrador retriever breeders have started as well as help build the future of the mini lab breed. Above is a 15 month old standard labrador Chocolate Left lbs next to one of our miniature labs 15 months right merle 34lbs www. Their legs appear to be bent because they are malformed. This bone malformation causes them to have problems with their knee and hip joints, which can be painful and crippling. Any type of dwarfism can cause additional health problems to the animal. Although you associate dwarf Labradors with short legs, they can also have abnormally formed skulls. This can result in breathing problems. They can also have problems whelping, and require c-sections instead of being able to give birth naturally. Disproportionate leg and body lengths, such as seen to an extreme scale in the Dachshund, can also result in spinal problems and painful movements. Although some dwarf Labradors will live full and happy lives, they are at a greater risk than their unaffected cousins. It is therefore very important that Labrador breeders ensure that they do not breed from Labradors who carry the gene for dwarfism. Dwarf Labrador Health Tests Before you buy a Labrador, their breeder should have carried out a variety of health tests on both of the parents. One of the things you should make sure that they have tested for is dwarfism in Labradors. There is a test available for SD2, which will tell the breeder whether the parent carries the gene. No Lab with the gene should be bred to another with it, as they could result in the puppies having dwarfism. Miniature Labrador Breeders A Labrador Retriever small breed is something that has been coined by a few dog breeders to try and cash in on a market of dog lovers who want a small Labrador Retriever to fit into their lives. Every month hundreds of people scour the internet looking for a miniature black Lab or miniature chocolate Lab to join their family. And unscrupulous people will take advantage of these people who are innocently putting their faith in them to provide a happy, healthy new friend. They will provide you with clear, breed specific information. Those claiming to be miniature Labrador breeders may be producing puppies that carry the Labrador dwarfism gene. They may have cross bred their lines with a smaller breed of dog. Or they may be producing regular sized Labs and simply giving their customers the misleading impression that they will remain the same size. Words Of Warning From Lab Breeders If you are researching Labrador breeders, here are some negative buzzwords to keep your eyes peeled for: Micro Labrador Mini Labrador Miniature Labs These words demonstrate that the breeder is either lacking knowledge about Labradors or is trying to mislead puppy buyers. Either way, they are not the breeder that you want to approach. Well, yes, you can. Some Labradors are smaller than others! Within the bounds of usual Labrador size, they are a bit shorter, lighter and just plain littler than other Labs. You will also find that some English Labradors are chunky in build but short in height. Short legs are more fashionable in the show ring at the moment. So this can be removed as the reason for them being shorter legged. Small Labradors who are simply at the lower end of the normal spectrum can be found from reputable breeders, and they are a good option if you want a Labrador temperament in a slightly smaller package. The other option is to buy a Labrador mix, who is crossed with a smaller breed of dog. Just make sure that you check out the health tests that are relevant to this breed as well before you commit to the puppy. But no healthy Labrador will stay small to the miniature extent. Lab puppies that stay really small do so because they are undernourished, ill or have a disease. Even dwarf Labradors are only around 2. If you want a small Labrador Retriever, then think about why. Is it to do with a lack of space, or simply a personal taste issue? Small dog breeds are popular at the moment, but fashions change and the most important part of any pet is their personality and temperament. I hope that you will decide that a full sized Labrador is worth the loss of space on the couch, in exchange for the love and devotion they will give you for the next ten years. Find Out More About Labradors!

Dilated pupils Stupor or coma Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can quickly become an urgent health problem in toy and small-breed dogs, say experts. Without intervention, there is risk of dogs slipping into a coma and possibly dying. Juvenile hypoglycemia, which is seen in puppies less than 3 months of age, generally occurs because puppies have not fully developed the ability to regulate blood glucose concentration and have a high requirement for glucose. In toy and small-breed dogs that timeframe is greatly reduced when compared to larger dogs. A simple case of hypoglycemia is often due to overactivity combined with too much time between meals. Providing a simple sugar solution and hydrating liquid are key. I shake it out and wrap the puppy in it to bring up his body temperature. If the puppy seems to be getting better, I follow up by giving small amounts of warm sugar water over the next few minutes. A high-quality, nutritious dog food is important in helping to sustain a dog. Owners also should provide a warm environment. Smolarz crates puppies and adult dogs when they are fed to ensure they eat. When they are that small, you have to be sure they have enough to eat. I make sure they have kibble to eat freely, and I feed puppies three to four meals a day until they are 5 months old. Premier Pups is the way to go. Our Yorkie Poos and their parents — Yorkshire terrier and Poodle, are raised with love, care, and passion by our dedicated Puppy Agents. The puppies are interacted with daily to ensure they are happy and ready for a smooth transition to their new homes and families. They are raised in a nourishing environment and provided with regular health screenings and tests to ensure they are in great health and ready for adoption. Our year health guarantee is offered as an assurance that we stay true to our Premier Promise. At Premier Pups, we also offer various options for nationwide delivery for our out-of-state customers looking to adopt a Yorkie Poo puppy. A fluffy and glamorous animal, the Yorkie Poo is a designer puppy that will give you instant puppy fever. It takes after both of its parents in an impossibly cute appearance and inherits the personality of both the Poodle and the Yorkie. This means, that the Yorkie Poo is one intelligent, sweet, and spunky toy dog. This pooch gets along great with kids and other pets and is a fantastic fur baby for any household. We partner with the best dog breeders in the nation to offer you healthy, happy Yorkie Poo puppies. Find your dream Yorkie and Poodle mix puppy today! A few of our Yorkie Poo Pups. Havapoo vs Shih Poo Comparison The Havapoo and the Shih Poo are two fantastic doodle dogs that know no limit when it comes to loving their humans. They are sweet, cuddly, and playful, and they love being with their people more than anything else. Both of these small doodle breeds are renowned for their intelligence, toy-like appearance, and darling nature. If your dream is to be the pet parent of a gorgeous bundle of joy, one that will impress you with.Welcome to the exciting world of doodle puppies! If you're considering adding a new fur baby family member, you're in for a treat. Doodle puppies are simply amazing. They are friendly, loving, and playful dogs that are perfect for families with children. With so many different types of doodle breeds available, one more adorable than the next it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. But don't worry, we're here to help! Cute and cuddly, clever and attentive, these adorable pups make wonderful family companion pets. Shih Poo puppies are adorable, joyful little teddy bears who love to play and cuddle. Precious, fluffy and small, Shih Poos have an average weight between 8 and 18 pounds with an average height between 8 to 17 inches.

Articles French Bulldogs never fail to capture hearts wherever they go, and it is rather disheartening that these sweet and friendly pooches are usually only around for a short while. The French Bulldog is typically expected to live for between 10 to 12 years, but this dog breed is prone to several health conditions that can significantly shorten its lifespan. Some of the health conditions that Frenchies are prone to include cancer, hip dysplasia, entropion, brachycephalic airway syndrome and allergies, just to mention a few. Most of these medical conditions can be easily treated, and with proper care and attention, it is even possible to prevent the occurrence of certain diseases in French Bulldogs. French Bulldogs can live for between 12 to 14 years, provided that the pooch is able to stay relatively disease-free. But this is seldom the case, and it is common to see Frenchies live for just between 7 to 10 years before they die. In contrast, Frenchies who have inherited good genes from their parents should have a higher natural resistance to these diseases. And such pooches also have a better chance of going on to lead long, healthy lives. To counter the problem of buying a Frenchie with bad genes, it is recommended that you only do business and purchase your pooch from a reputable breeder, with a track record for delivering quality at all times. The good news is, the majority of these medical conditions are treatable, but Frenchie owners should be prepared to spend a fortune at the vet hospital to ensure that their pooches get quality lives. That said, some of the health conditions that Frenchies are predisposed to, and which are responsible for a large number of deaths among this dog breed in a year include: Cancer Cancer is one of the leading causes of canine deaths worldwide, and this deadly disease is equally responsible for a considerable number of Frenchie deaths. Brain tumors and lymphoma are the most common and fatal variants of cancer that French Bulldogs typically suffer from. But this pooch is also predisposed to mast cell cancer, breast cancer, and bone cancer, just to mention a few. Among all the neurological issues that Frenchies are prone to suffering from, the most commonly diagnosed, and by extension, the most dangerous disorder, is the Intervertebral Disc Disease. Brain tumors also make up for a significant amount of neurological issues that Frenchies typically suffer from, and it is also common to come across one of these pooches suffering from degenerative myelopathy. Respiratory Problems French Bulldogs are at a high risk of suffering respiratory issues, no thanks to their short snouts and pushed in faces. Common Health Issues. February 2, This post may contain affiliate links. Read more here. French bulldogs are a breed of dogs that have gained popularity over the past few decades. Most importantly, French bulldogs, like all brachycephalic breeds, suffer from many health issues due to their physical characteristics. The lifespan for a French bulldog can be a short as years since they often die prematurely due to breathing difficulties such as collapsed lungs which can be caused by their flat faces. A well-bred French Bulldog can live the full years assuming they do not have the brachycephalic dog syndrome or other diseases causing a premature death. While the grunting noises may sound silly, they really can be interpreted wrongly by other dogs. That being said, it should be clear that all dogs need socialization. A good breeder will have taken measures to ensure that the puppies do not have any problems, which includes a good breeding program and health testing. French bulldogs, like all breeds of dogs, are subject to a wide variety of health problems. Photo by MirasWonderland on Shutterstock There is no one cause of death for the majority of French bulldogs. They just seem to be more prone to certain types of diseases or conditions which can lead to their early death. Frenchies are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. And that includes undesirable health issues. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is one of the most common orthopedic diseases in dogs, French Bulldogs are no exception. There are a few things you should know about this condition before getting your rescue checked out by a vet. Symptoms include difficulty standing up from a sitting position, difficulty walking or running, inability to climb stairs without assistance, an arched back posture indicating that weight is being shifted onto the front legs , and reluctance or refusal to go on walks or play fetch. Entropion French Bulldogs are a breed of dogs that require careful attention to their eyes. Photo by Ivonne Wierink on Shutterstock Entropion is a condition in which the eyelid rolls inward, causing discomfort and irritation. The dog may rub his eye with one or both paws because of the constant irritation. If not treated, this condition can lead to ulceration or corneal abrasion. If you notice your french bulldog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it may be entropion and should be treated as soon as possible by a veterinarian. A vet can prescribe topical ointment or eye drops that will help ease discomfort. IVDD When it comes to dog health, there are many common conditions that can affect your pup. One of the most serious is IVDD. This condition often affects dogs who are over 50 lbs and have a long back. What does IVDD stand for? The spine can be injured or damaged in many ways, including from cancer, trauma, infections, congenital defects and IVDD. These discs act as cushions between the bones to absorb shocks during movement. Rupturing of these discs can cause severe pain. When these discs break down they may begin to leak fluid which compresses nearby nerves causing pain and loss of control over muscles in the legs with varying degrees of paralysis depending on how badly these structures are damaged. Brachycephalic Frenchies A major issue for Frenchies are brachycephalic respiratory problems. Do not buy poorly bred puppies with this issue, no matter how cute they may look. This is a condition that affects dogs with short noses and makes it difficult for them to breathe. The problem stems from their anatomy, which includes a shortened nasal passage and an elongated soft palate. These anatomical differences make it difficult for these animals to cool themselves when they pant because the air has trouble passing through the nose, causing them to overheat quickly. It also causes difficulty in regulating breathing as well as changes in the shape of their faces. Also, would you like not being able to cool off or not having sufficient airflow? Dogs regulate a lot through their breathing and one of the symptoms of poorly bred French Bulldogs is the fact that they never close their mouth and lie down to cool down instead of just pant. Heart Failure Dog owners often face the difficult decision of whether or not to euthanize their pet when they are diagnosed with heart failure, so do your best to not let it get so far. What are some signs my dog may have heart failure? If left untreated, it can lead to congestive heart failure, which will cause them to develop symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and increased thirst. Dogs that have been diagnosed with heart failure should not be allowed to exercise strenuously, or at all in some cases. Some medications may help slow the progression of heart damage from high blood pressure or diabetes as well. Having a healthy Frenchie can actually save you money. Remember what I told you above about the health conditions? A major pet health insurance has collected data on what their claims have cost in the past. Health condition. Last Updated November 30, .Many of the more than survivors arrived dehydrated, vomiting, and weak, according to reports. The puppies appeared to have been flown in crates, as seen in the footage above, and some of the crates were allegedly even shrink-wrapped. Temperatures in Kyiv—the city in Ukraine where the UIA flight departed from—were apparently approaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit roughly 32 degrees Celsius on the day the dogs were loaded onto the plane. This tragedy is far from an isolated incident—a month ago, amid the coronavirus lockdown, Love Island star Tommy Fury reportedly bought a Pomeranian puppy who died only a few days after arriving from Russia. According to the Daily Mail , the dog, named Mr. When he arrived at the airport and opened the crate that Sebastian had been flown in, he discovered that the dog was dead. French bulldogs like those aboard the UIA plane, for example, have a tendency to suffer from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome—their breathing is obstructed because of the shape of their head and face. Bigotry begins when categories such as race, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or species are used to justify discrimination. Join the Movement Breeding dogs kills dogs. We know this. Create your pet's best life. Inspiring people to have happier pets since .Answers to your dog behaviour and cat behaviour questions. Photos: left, Irina Kozorog; right, Dmussman. Because pedigree dogs are bred from a closed genetic pool, they can develop health issues related to the breed. As well, of course, any dog can be affected by various canine conditions. The studies are based on health records for .Having a better understanding of how common different disorders are in particular breeds means that breeders and Kennel Clubs can make plans to improve the health of those breeds. As well, it means that dog owners have a better idea of the questions to ask a breeder, and veterinarians can keep an eye out for the conditions that are most common in those breeds. When the overall numbers of a breed in the database are small, when the numbers of that breed are growing rapidly, or when the average age of the dogs in the database is young, the data may not reflect all the issues affecting the breed, some of which tend to appear as dogs age. This applies to French Bulldogs in the sample. So which health issues tend to affect French Bulldogs and Labrador Retrievers? French Bulldogs Number of dogs in the database: Median age at time of study: 1. However, given the young age of dogs in the sample, this may change as the dogs age as they are not old enough for many diseases associated with old age. Most common conditions: .Other common conditions were the nails being too long and skin-fold dermatitis. In this sample, 2. These rates are much lower than other studies, likely due to the young age of the dogs and one-year time-scale of the study. Behaviour: Surprisingly, 2. Colours: The most common colours were brindle and fawn. Population growth: The rise in popularity of French Bulldogs is astounding. The paper reports that in , French Bulldogs made up only 0. It may be that some issues typical of the breed would be more likely to appear as the dogs get older, and that breeding practices change as a result of the increased demand e. URT [upper respiratory tract] disease and ophthalmological conditions , the increasing popularity of this breed is not necessarily a benign phenomenon. Median age at time of study: 4. Most common causes of death: Musculoskeletal disorders and tumours were the most common causes of death. Lameness and periodontal disease were the next most common disorders. Chocolate labs were more likely to have ear and skin diseases than black and yellow Labs. Behaviour: In contrast to French Bulldogs, aggression did not feature in the list of the 20 most common conditions. Undesirable behaviour was listed for 1. Colours: Labrador Retrievers come in black, chocolate, and yellow. The most common colour was black, followed by yellow. Other info: The number of Labrador Retrievers in the UK dropped significantly from until when the data for this study was collected. Male dogs weighed more than female ones, and while for females, spaying was not associated with overweight, for male dogs neutering was associated with the dog being overweight or obese. It is possible that a more restricted population gene pool has a higher carriage rate of the disease risk genes involved in ear and skin conditions. The finding that chocolate Labs tend to live less long and are more likely to be affected by certain conditions are interesting. Other research has suggested personality differences between chocolate Labs vs yellow and black Labs , at least according to owner reports. Because the sample of French Bulldogs was so young, they may not yet have been diagnosed with congenital conditions associated with the breed. Research shows that French Bulldog owners typically choose the breed because of it's appearance and personality , but many people are concerned about the health of this and other brachycephalic breeds. Here are some suggestions if you love French Bulldogs but want to consider alternatives too. Modern Dog magazine calls it "The must-have guide to improving your dog's life. She is the creator of the popular blog, Companion Animal Psychology, writes The Pawsitive Post premium newsletter, and also has a column at Psychology Today. Todd lives in Maple Ridge, BC, with her husband, one dog, and two cats. Useful links:. The early care and environment of the French Bulldog newborn puppy are very important. Reasons a French Bulldog puppy might die early on are usually due to difficult whelping, congenital or genetic defects, environmental factors i. However, the following formula is cheaper and provides all the nutrition. Many use it instead of evaporated milk — both can be found in the bakery section of your grocery store. If this seems to be, change to bottled water to make the formula. Keeping the litter box tempature between degrees with no drafts for the first few days is usually adequate. Other sources of warmth can be heating pads or heat lamps. If using a heating pad, monitor the intensity of heat, as pups have been known to cook on pads set on high settings! There are many excellent heat lamps on the market, but remember that caution is needed. Heat lamps have been known to start fires! The temperature on the French Bulldog puppies 1 inch above the bottom of the box should be about degrees with a corner that is slightly cooler and allow them to scoot to wherever they like best. There should also be plenty of clean blankets, as this will allow for regulation of temperature. Hydration is one of the most important things to monitor in new Frenchie pups, as it can be one of the first signs of problems. Check hydration by by pinching the skin on the back of the neck or on the top of the back. If the pinched skin stays creased, the French Bulldog puppy is dehydrated and needs fluid replacement. Dehydration can either be a result of inadequate nourishment, too much heat, or sickness. It is strongly suggested that you use regular newborn or infant bottles and nipples. The ones available for purchase for cats, dogs, ferrets, etc. Bottle feeding is far more preferable. The sucking on a nipple, the handling and holding of the French Bulldog puppy is so very important to their overall development. The French Bulldog puppy should be held with his head upwards and his body and tail down in a 45 to 90 degreee angle when bottle feeding. If French Bulldog puppies and their blankets are not kept clean, it is very easy to come down with a staph infection and diarrhea — which is serious, as Frenchie puppies can go downhill quickly. As mentioned before, it is equally serious if the French Bulldog puppies get chilled so avoid drafts. Even if you have them in a basket with a heating pad, you need to cover the basket with a towel to keep out drafts. A chilled French Bulldog puppy must be warmed up. There are lots of little ways to accomplish it. Priority should be to get the Frenchie puppy warmed up slowly. Newborn French Bulldog puppies cannot regulate their body temperature or body functions like urinating and stools. It is important that they are pottied at each feeding. They might not have a stool each time, but they will urinate. This is what the mother does when she licks them. After that, she will become a good mommy. Some might start off being good, then after a few days, or even a couple of weeks, not want to be bothered and might even be nasty to the puppies such as snapping and biting them. Always be careful and watch. If the mother will not clean the babies, you must be sure to do it. Using a kleenex, gently rub the area to stimulate their potty. Then be sure to clean them well. Make sure to check them even if the mother cleans them. Often the stool will get stuck to the tail and be dry. If that happens, or if the French Bulldog puppy seems to be straining and constipated, try the following: Run warm water in the sink slowly. Put a drop of soap on their behinds, and wash and massage their behinds; it will get the tail and poop unstuck, clean them up, and cause them to potty very well. If the little bottoms are red and sore, use some Desitin ointment. You may see green puppy stools and stools that have an appearance of bunches of tiny seeds. If all else seems normal, this seems to be harmless and short-lived. However, watery diarrhea can be very serious if left unchecked. Diarrhea together with vomiting usually means infection. It should be broken into feedings every 2 hours 5cc per feeding. If it is a good sized Frenchie puppy 1 lb. Towards the end of a week, you should increase the food needed to about cc or more. For the first week they should eat every two hours. If they are good size Frenchie babies, you can sometimes go longer. An average weight for newborn French Bulldog puppies is around ounces. Good size puppies are oz. Home » Blog » How to deal with the loss of your French Bulldog How to deal with the loss of your French Bulldog As much joy Frenchies give us as heartbreaking it is when we have to say the final goodbye. In this article, we talk about how to deal with the loss of a puppy, and how to go on with life. The breed is still considered to be the healthiest of all bulldog breeds, with old-age being in the top three causes of death. By adopting your puppy from a trustworthy breeder, — who carefully select the parent dogs, and give high-quality food and vitamins to the puppies, — you increase the chances of spending wonderful years with your happy and healthy furbaby. Give yourself permission to process the grief of your puppy But in any case, all Frenchies die — their only fault really — and dealing with the loss of a dog is a tough process. Puppy parents often go through the same stages of grief denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance as when a human family member dies, which is completely normal. Some people even struggle with the feeling of guilt, especially if the puppy died of toxication, an accident, or if the parent had to make the decision to euthanize their furbaby. People who have never had a dog not always understand that losing a well-loved puppy is not less sad than losing a human family member. Give yourself time to process the grief, as suppressing your feelings is unhealthy. Help the grieving child and the surviving puppy If there are children in the family, make sure you help them process the loss of their beloved furry friend. Depending on their age you can use books that help you with what to say when a pet dies. Think back to the memorable moments you shared with the four-legged family member. Subscribe to our weekly blog newsletter: Subscribe to our blog newsletter! First name Email Some people find it hard to believe that animals can also form firm attachments with each other. The surviving pet might get anxious, lose appetite, or might have sleeping issues as a result of losing their buddy. Organizing the funeral service In the midst of your grief, you should also decide on the service for the funeral. You have a few options: you might want to consider a pet funeral home, who help with the arrangements. You can also organize a private service with friends and family to share their favorite memories and stories of the sweet puppy. In our experience, the sooner the better. Nobody replaces your lovely friend who is lost, but a sweet furbaby will help heal the wound.