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Designing to protect puppies during birth whelping , it keeps them safely contained, protects them from the cold, and ensures they aren't crushed by their mother. What's the point of a whelping box? A whelping box or whelping bed is a secure zone for your dog to give birth. It is a safe and ideal place for your pregnant dog to give birth. From reusable plastic whelping boxes to cardboard options, there are lots to choose from. You will also need to keep the box warm, so it's advised to choose bedding materials that are soft, warm, have good traction, and are easily cleaned and disinfected. Avoid hay, straw or shavings that can cause eye and skin irritations. Where is the best place to put a whelping box? In order to keep your newborn puppies safe, place your whelping box in a room that is isolated from other dogs. You might want to consider closing a door or gate to keep other inquisitive pups away. Alternatively, an ex-pen around the whelping box will provide an extra layer of safety. Take a look at some of the best whelping boxes to buy now.The whelping insert can also be easily dismantled, making the box great for their next stage of life. Simply pop the whelping box in the recycling when finished to avoid any cross contamination. It also comes with coated wooden puppy rails to stop the young pups being squashed by their mother. Complete with water-resistant cardboard liner, this whelping box from Amazon comes in three different sizes and stops cross-contamination between litters. Choose from three sizes to find the right one for your breed. It might be more of an investment, but it also comes with an added puppy playpen to let the new dogs grow and play safely. Watch Next. A whelping box is a must-have for any expecting canine and her upcoming litter. However, not all are equally beneficial. In 'Essential Features to Consider When Buying a Whelping Box', we simplify your decision-making process by highlighting the crucial elements of a reliable, safe, and comfortable whelping box. This guide will enable you to make a well-informed purchase, ensuring the best care for your soon-to-be canine mother and her puppies. Safety Comes First You wouldn't move into a house with a leaky roof or broken windows, right? Just like us, our furry friends deserve safe and secure surroundings, especially when they're about to become mothers. In terms of a whelping box, safety translates into certain specific features. Look for a whelping box with sturdy rails, also known as "pig rails. This feature is especially important for larger breeds. Size Matters No one wants to live in a cramped space, and that includes your dog and her soon-to-be puppies. When considering the best whelping box, take into account the size of your dog and the potential litter. You want a box that will comfortably accommodate the mother and her puppies, allowing them enough space to move and grow. Remember the Goldilocks principle — not too big, not too small, but just right. For small breeds, a smaller box might suffice, but for larger breeds, you'd certainly need a more spacious option. The Material of the Box Remember how we emphasized safety? That's where the material of the box comes in. Durability is key. You don't want a whelping box that falls apart halfway through the whelping process. For the whelping box buying guide, we recommend choosing one made from durable, easy-to-clean materials. Plastic or high-density resin works best because they're non-porous, which means they won't harbor bacteria or other nasties. This helps you keep the puppies safe and healthy. Ease of Cleaning Think about your house. You clean it regularly to keep it hygienic and comfortable. A whelping box is no different. Invest in a box that's easy to clean. Remember the phrase, cleaning a whelping box, and make it your mantra. An ideal box would have removable panels or sections that you can clean separately. Some even come with puppy pads or waterproof liners, adding to the cleanliness quotient. The Adjustable Factor Puppies grow fast. One day, they're tiny, blind, and completely dependent, and the next thing you know, they're scampering around exploring everything they can find. An adjustable whelping box can grow with them, allowing you to increase the space as they get bigger. This factor can also be handy if you have dogs of different sizes and you need to switch the box between them. So, when you think "durable whelping boxes," also think "adjustable. Temperature Control This feature may seem like a luxury, but it is particularly useful for breeders in regions that experience extreme temperatures. Maintaining the right temperature in the whelping box for small breeds" or large breeds can ensure the puppies stay comfortable and safe. The presence of a built-in heating system in the whelping box can be a lifesaver in cold environments, keeping the newborn pups warm and cozy. Mobility A mobile whelping box with wheels can be incredibly convenient, especially when you need to move the box to different parts of the house. Remember to look for boxes with lockable wheels — safety first, after all! Easy Assembly Look for a whelping box that is easy to assemble and disassemble. This can be especially useful if you're short on space and need to store the box when not in use. Future-Proof Design As puppies grow, their needs will change. Consider a box that can be converted into a puppy pen as they start to become more active and curious. This means you won't have to invest in a separate space as they grow, making it a cost-effective choice. As we continue to delve into the "essential features to consider when buying a whelping box," let's not forget the profound impact this simple box can have. Role in Training As your puppies grow and start exploring their environment, the whelping box can serve as their first 'safe space. Part of the Family Let's not forget the emotional aspect of a whelping box. It's the place where your dog will become a mother. It's the place where her puppies will take their first clumsy steps and open their eyes to the world. The box will become a part of many precious memories, adding sentimental value that goes beyond its material worth. A Box Full of Stories Think of a whelping box as a book, each corner filled with a different story, each panel witnessing a unique moment. From the nervous anticipation of the mother as she steps into the box for the first time, to the thrill of the first puppy making its way into the world, every memory created around this box will be one to cherish. Moving Forward Now that we've covered the essential features to consider when buying a whelping box, what's the next step? Remember, the journey doesn't stop at buying the box. Let's see what lies ahead. Preparing the Whelping Box Once you have chosen the perfect whelping box, the next task is preparing it for the arrival of the puppies. Ensure it's clean, hygienic, and comfortable for the mother. Line it with absorbent puppy pads to handle any messes and to provide a soft surface for the puppies. Introducing Your Dog to the Box Just as you'd acquaint yourself with a new house, introduce your dog to the whelping box well before her due date. This gives her time to get comfortable with it. A comfortable mother equals a smoother whelping process. Monitoring the Whelping Process Now that the box is ready and your dog is comfortable, the next step is to monitor the whelping process. While dogs have been giving birth for thousands of years without human intervention, it's good to keep an eye out and step in if necessary. Post-Whelping Care Once the puppies have arrived, the whelping box will become their first home. It will need regular cleaning and maintenance to keep the puppies healthy. Cleaning a whelping box isn't a one-time task, but a regular part of your post-whelping routine. Reaping the Rewards After all the preparations, considerations, and care, what you get is priceless: a healthy litter of puppies, a content mother, and memories to last a lifetime. Once you've set up your whelping box and your dog has successfully given birth, it's important to remember that your responsibilities don't end there. Regular Cleaning We've emphasized before, but it bears repeating - a clean environment is crucial for the health of the newborn puppies and the mother. Dirt and bacteria can easily build up, leading to possible health complications. Ensure you're cleaning the box regularly and thoroughly, keeping the "cleaning a whelping box" mantra alive. Health Check-Ups Regular health check-ups for the mother and her puppies are a must. Monitoring their health status, ensuring the mother is healing properly post-delivery, and confirming the puppies are developing well is critical. Regular visits to the vet can help spot any potential health issues early. Nutritional Needs Ensure that the mother is getting the right nutrition she needs to recover from the birthing process and to nurse her puppies. As the puppies grow and start transitioning from mother's milk to solid food, pay attention to their nutritional needs as well. Socialization and Training As the puppies grow older, the whelping box becomes a place for them to learn and socialize. Introduction to new sounds, sights, and experiences can begin here. The whelping box, in a way, becomes their first classroom. The Joy of the Journey With every step you take in this journey, from pondering over the "essential features to consider when buying a whelping box" to nurturing the mother and her puppies post-birth, remember that it's a labor of love. Every task, every responsibility, every decision you make is contributing to the well-being of your pet and her new family. And what's more rewarding than seeing the puppies grow, healthy and happy, in the comfort and safety of the whelping box you so thoughtfully chose? The coos, the clumsy steps, the tiny barks, the soft puppy fur — everything is a part of the experience that a well-chosen whelping box brings to life. As you navigate through this process, remember that every effort made is a step towards creating a nurturing environment for your beloved pet and her precious litter. The Tale Never Ends Choosing a whelping box, nurturing a pregnant dog, witnessing the miracle of birth, and raising puppies is more than a chapter in your life; it's a continuous tale of love, care, and companionship. Each choice you make, every "durable whelping box" you consider, every cleaning routine you establish, and every veterinary appointment you keep, adds to the narrative. In the grand scheme of things, the phrase "essential features to consider when buying a whelping box" transforms into "essential features to consider when nurturing a new canine family. So, step forth with knowledge and confidence, armed with the know-how of what to look for, and remember — the journey is as rewarding as the destination. Enjoy every moment of this unique experience, and here's wishing you and your growing canine family all the happiness in the world! A Legacy of Care As we continue to unravel the intricacies of the topic, "essential features to consider when buying a whelping box," we also embark on a journey that extends far beyond the purchase. A whelping box is more than just a space for birth; it's the beginning of a legacy. First Home to Many Over the years, a good, durable whelping box can serve as the first home to multiple litters. If you're a breeder, this box can be the starting point of many families, and with each litter, you get to witness the beautiful cycle of life unfold. Years of Memories The whelping box will bear witness to countless first steps, first barks, and countless moments of puppy mischief. Every corner will echo with the memory of tiny tails wagging in excitement, every wall hold the ghost of a happy bark. Teaching Generations If you decide to keep a pup from the litter, they may very well end up having their own puppies in the same box one day. Imagine, a whelping box that not only has witnessed generations of puppies, but has been an integral part of their story, right from their first breath. The Circle of Life The journey from considering the "essential features when buying a whelping box" to seeing the box become a part of your family's history is a heartwarming circle of life. Every puppy that grows up in the box, every mother that finds comfort within its confines, adds to the rich tapestry of memories associated with the whelping box. The Gift that Keeps on Giving So, as you go about your search for the perfect whelping box, remember that you're not just investing in a product, but in a treasure chest of memories, a cradle of life, and a legacy of love and care. From the initial considerations of size and material, safety and adjustability, to the continuous care and maintenance, each aspect of choosing and maintaining a whelping box speaks volumes about your dedication towards ensuring the best for your pet and her progeny. Whether you're looking for a whelping box for small breeds or a larger one, the considerations remain the same. It's about creating a nurturing space that assures comfort, safety, and happiness for the mother and her puppies. Conclusion: Choosing the right whelping box is a significant decision that impacts both your pet's comfort and the health of her future puppies. Key features, including the safety measures, size appropriateness, quality of material, and ease of cleaning, play pivotal roles. In addition, the box's adjustability contributes to the convenience for both the mother and her litter. But your responsibility doesn't end at the purchase. The journey continues with maintaining the box, ensuring regular health check-ups for the mother and her puppies, and providing a nutritious diet that meets their evolving needs. The whelping box becomes their first classroom, introducing them to new experiences and helping them socialize. Every step you take in this journey, from selecting the perfect box to raising a healthy litter, is a testament to your dedication towards your pet's wellbeing. As the tale unfolds, the whelping box becomes a symbol of your commitment, a cradle of memories echoing with tales of love and companionship. In the grand scheme of things, it's about creating a nurturing space for your pet, ensuring a safe introduction to life for the puppies, and cherishing the joyous journey it brings along. Embrace the experiences, and may your story be filled with wagging tails, happy barks, and endless moments of joy. Happy pet parenting! The link has been copied! You might also like. Here are some ideas for your small dog. Cardboard Box One of the least expensive whelping boxes is simply a cardboard box. Make sure it is big enough that your dog can stretch out in it. The nice thing about a cardboard box is that, once you no longer need the whelping box, you can simply throw it away. To make a whelping box out of cardboard, use these easy instructions: Find a box that your dog can comfortably lie down and stretch out in but not much larger than that. The sides should be at least to inches high. You want the sides to be too high for the puppies to climb over, but not so high your dog can't get over it when she wants a break. Smaller breed dogs will be fine with 12 inches, whereas larger breeds will need 24 inches. Cut a "door" into the side of the box for your dog to move in and out of the box. The width of the doorway should be about twice her body's width, and the edge should be high enough to keep puppies in but not so high she hits her belly on it. You will want to use some sort of covering on the cardboard to keep it from getting wet and to make cleaning it easy. You could line it with duct tape, plastic sheeting, tarps, or plastic drop cloths made for painting. Then cover whatever material you use with newspaper or old towels to make the flooring soft and comfortable. Plastic Storage Bin A plastic storage bin can also be used as a whelping box. You want to use the under-the-bed storage type so that the sides will be short enough for the mother dog to easily get in and out. If you decide to go this route, fold old towels on the bottom to ensure there is no chance that your dog will slip when she is moving around. Be aware that depending on the size of your pups, they may be able to get over the sides of the bin as they get bigger. In that case, you can extend the sides of the bin with cardboard. Ideas that will work for bigger dogs, such as Labrador Retrievers and Rottweiler dogs , include: Appliance Boxes If you have a mid-sized breed, you may still be able to find a cardboard box. Check with appliance stores and home improvement stores that carry items that would require bigger boxes. If you can't find one, you still have some inexpensive alternatives. The downside to using these boxes is once the puppies get large enough, they will be able to get over the sides, which they wouldn't with a traditional whelping box with sides at least inches high. Kiddie Pool A hard-sided plastic kiddie pool usually costs less than twenty dollars, and you can get them in several sizes. They are also easy to clean. These pools will last for several litters of puppies. However, just as with appliance boxes, the problem with the kiddie pool is that the sides may not be high enough to keep the puppies in as they get bigger. There are newer types of kiddie pools made just for dogs that have higher sides. Another option for larger dog breeds is to use a water trough , which has higher sides. They're much more expensive but very sturdy and can be reused for whelping, as well as an outdoor pool or bathing area for your dogs. To make a whelping box out of a kiddie pool, find a pool size where your dog can lay out comfortably with some extra room for the puppies. You can line it with a round whelping pad, old towels, newspaper, or even covers made specifically for kiddie pools used for whelping. An excellent safety precaution is adding a PVC pipe frame that serves as puppy rails to keep the mom from rolling over and crushing a newborn pup against the sides. Just be sure the puppies can't get stuck under or between the pipes. To keep puppies from getting out of the pool when they get larger, you can run x-pens or playpen panels around the outside of the pool. Make sure you leave a doorway for the mom to come and go! Whelping Box Plans If you want to build your own cheap whelping box but prefer a different style, you can find simple whelping box plans on the Internet. Here are some to get you started: Are you InTheKnow? Sign up for our newsletter featuring all the latest stories and products we love. Invalid email I agree to receive email communications from LoveToKnow. You can adjust the size for your own breed of dog. The plans are for a very sturdy box that is easy to clean and take apart for storage while standing up to a lot of usage. Supplies needed include two 4-foot by 8-foot plywood sheets, four 2-by-4s for the pig rails, polyurethane, and hardware, such as steel three-corner braces, tee nuts, and cap screws. You'll also need a table saw, drill press, router, screwdriver, and drill with several bits. While the website includes detailed plans and instructions, if you're not accustomed to working with tools and lumber, you may want to hire a contractor to build this box for you. How to Build a Whelping Box with Puppy Rails The PetPlace website provides a very detailed set of step-by-step instructions on how to build a whelping box using plywood, wood strips, vinyl flooring, hinges, and corner braces. You'll also need to be handy in order to build this box, as tools required are a circular saw and drill. The floor is optional, and the instructions allow for removing it to create a bottomless box. The puppy rails are made from the wood strips, although you could also improvise and make a set of puppy rails using PVC pipes and connectors. Building a Whelping Box Another excellent set of plans for a whelping box built with plywood and hardware is found in this YouTube video. The box described in this video has the puppy rails built into the sides as well as two shelf areas in the back for supplies and can be placed on cheap vinyl flooring tiles for easy cleanup. The box was made for a labradoodle , but you can adjust the dimensions of the plans shown in the video for your own dog's size. Cheap Whelping Boxes for Sale If you're not mechanically inclined and balk at the idea of building anything with tools and lumber, you can purchase a box. There are plenty of options if you're on a strict budget. Check with local seller websites such as Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace to see if anyone is selling a box. You can also look on eBay. If you know of any breeders in your area, you could try contacting them to see if they might have a box they want to sell or possibly even rent out to you. It's made of plastic and comes with one whelping pad and PVC puppy rails. If you plan ahead, you can check out the websites of some major manufacturers of high-quality whelping boxes to see if they have sales. Easy to Improvise There are a number of less expensive, homemade whelping box ideas that will work for dogs of all sizes. You can improvise to create suitable whelping boxes that won't break your budget without too much trouble. Just spend some time looking at whelping boxes so you know how they are made and pick the most comfortable and safest style for you, your dog, and her pups. Here you can find different sized whelping boxes for sale having dimension range from 3ft x 3ft to 5ft x 5ft. From simple whelping boxes to the deluxe whelping box containing an extra area for the puppies to roam around, from small budget to the budget which has no bars against the love to the dog, all you can find here at Canine Whelping Box. We make not only best whelping box with weaning pens, we also sell absorbent lennypad, non-slip vetfleece, ID band, and a heating pad for puppies. A heatpad lasts for up to ten hours and is perfect for using in whelping boxes. Our pet heating pad contains no wire so safe for mother dog and puppies and is scratch and bite resistant for last long use. The washable collar ID bands are a great thing to use for the identification of puppies or kittens. The ID bands are coming in different colors so you can easily identify a particular puppy. The color bands are durable, having soft material, and can be adjusted for the growth of puppies. The ID bands are very useful because all the puppies look same when they are uummmm…. The non-slip vetfleece is a medical grade whelping box bedding for the puppies. It is very helpful if the puppy is sick or if you have whelping pets at home. The soft and comfortable vetfleece retains the heat to give warmth and cozy feeling to the animal breed. Our weaning pens are made with the same durable material used in the puppies whelping boxes. They are having three additional panels including two side panels and one front panel. The whelping pens will allow the puppies to move around the area while being safe. We assure you to get the best whelping box for dogs in the market at the affordable prices. Visit our shop and buy the best whelping box available for sale and give your puppies and their mother dog a safe and comfortable place. Product Categories. So you are going to whelp a litter and you have your whelping box and stack of old rags all ready to go. The litter comes as planned and everything looks good. You feel a little sorry for the pups and decide to use some of your old rags for the pups to sleep on. After all, its a lot more comfortable to sleep on an old towel than the hard ground of the whelping box. The next morning, you come into the room to find a dead pup that is either under the towel or blanket or tangled in the old rag. This all could have been prevented if you had wiped your whelping box out with the rags before going to bed and then ripped up old newspaper and left the pups with the paper rather than the blanket or rags. Take it from someone who has learned the hard way: rags are for cleaning, blankets are for your bed, and newspaper or wood chips are for whelping boxes or whelping rooms. I look at old rags as puppy death traps. They crawl in them when they scoot around the whelping box, get tangled like you see below, and then either die. A pup can get weak and die overnight if it does not eat or if it gets pushed off to the side and gets cold. This is a 2-day old pup that got lucky. Maybe that's what I will name it. I forgot to train my employee to take all rags out of the whelping box. This pup got tangled and was on its way to dying when I found it at 7AM. It had been tangled up all night and was laying under the side rail of the whelping box. It was too weak to suck and the only thing that saved it was several bottle feedings with my homemade puppy formula. When you have weak pups, I have found that a human bottle like the one above with a lot of pin holes in the nipple allows the pups to suck and get nourishment. Sometimes pups are too weak to suck milk from their mother, but they can suck and get milk from this bottle because it takes less energy. The formula I use has 11 calories per cc. I also like the bottle rather than tube feeding for beginners. It's easy to put too much formula in a sick pup. If they puke and then inhale, they get formula in their lungs. That spells a dead pup. So when in doubt, bottle feed your babies. It takes a little longer but it's the safest way to do it.

The all-natural ingredients, such as jojoba oil, make for a rich lather meaning that no conditioner is required. It is hypoallergenic and percent natural. Makondo Oatmeal and Aloe Shampoo For Dogs This natural, non-toxic and biodegradable product contains oatmeal and aloe and has been developed exclusively for dogs with sensitive skin. It provides relief for dry, itchy, and irritated skin. It will also restore their coat and leave them smelling lovely. On the other hand, pugs can pose a challenge to the novice dog owner due to their skin folds, which can trap dampness, food, and bacteria, leading to odors and irritation. Pug owners say that it is best to bathe this type of dog once a fortnight or so. Some pugs enjoy the water, some do not. Hopefully, yours is one that does! Read on to discover our top tips on how to bathe a pug! How To Bathe A Pug In 10 Steps Set up your space: this means being organized and having everything you need at the ready — the water warm, the tub full, the shampoo close at hand, a jug to tip water over your dog to rinse away the shampoo, a washcloth at the ready, and towels — one on the floor and one at the ready to dry off your wet pug. Place your pug in the tub and use the jug to wet them. Apply some dog shampoo to your hands and rub together to get a good lather going. Wash your pug all over, but avoid the face for now. Rinse your washcloth under the tap and use the clean, warm water to clean their face and ears. Then dip the cloth into the soapy bath water and use it to get into the skin folds on their body, but be gentle! Use the jug to scoop up water and rinse all the shampoo off your pug. If using a conditioner, repeat the process apart from cleaning their face. Use your hands to remove as much water from their fur as you can while they are still standing in the tub. Wrap a dry towel around them and rub them down, removing all excess water. Keep your pug indoors until they are completely dry. The Takeaway On Pug Puppy Bath-time Choose a shampoo that is specifically designed for puppies and one that has ingredients that soothe and moisturize itchy and dry skin. Look out for all-natural ingredients like oatmeal and aloe. Go for a shampoo that is free from parabens, sulphate, and other harsh chemicals. If you can buy one that is cruelty-free, then even better. This means that they have not been tested on animals. When it comes to bath-time, get organized and have all of your supplies at the ready to reduce bath-time stress. Your pug puppy will need to be bathed around once a fortnight to keep their skin folds nice and clean. Any more than that and it could cause their skin to dry out even more. My passion for dogs drives me to share my knowledge and expertise, helping families build strong, loving bonds with their four-legged friends. Welcome to Sirdoggie A blog crafted with love for all dog lovers and their families! This is because this breed poses particular challenges including dry skin issues, sensitivities to additives, being prone to skin yeast infections, and having a dense coat that tends to hold in odors. And, if your Pug is experiencing any sort of skin or coat issue, part of the treatment process will undoubtedly include the use of specialty shampoos. This article covers: Overview of Coat Products: Use and Frequency - A look at what should be used, the benefits of these, and how often to use them. Shampoo for Pugs - What shampoo is really meant to do, ingredients to steer clear of, recommended shampoos based on your Pug's needs, and shampooing tips. Wash-out Coat Conditioners - Why this should be used directly after shampooing and top recommendations. Leave-in Coat Sprays - The many benefits of using a daily spritz. Specialty Organic and Medicated Shampoos and Sprays - Both organic all-natural and medicated products that can offer quick relief and effective treatment of common skin-related issues seen with Pugs. Overview of Coat Products: Use and Frequency Shampoo Needed to cleanse away accumulated body oils which can clog skin pores and lead to bad odors Additionally helps free loose hairs Can help keep skin healthy and properly moisturized Can help treat common problems such as dry skin, itching, rashes, and yeast skin infections Used once every 3 weeks unless a Pug has an issue that requires more frequent bathing Conditioner Needed to smooth down hair cuticles after shampooing Offers a base of protection against external elements Used in conjunction with shampoo, every 3 weeks or more often if an issue requires more frequent bathing Leave-in coat spray Offers daily protection from a wide range of elements Used every 1 to 3 days. Next, we'll dive into the details of each of these to ensure that your Pug receives the most benefits possible. Shampoo for Pugs What shampoo should do for a Pug: Remove accumulated body oil. Around-the-clock, a dog's body is producing natural oils that are secreted through the hair follicles. These serve a practical purpose of naturally protecting and moisturizing the skin. But, these do not evaporate; rather, they accumulate. When these build-up, they block skin pores, interfere with normal air flow, and can cause an unpleasant odor. One of the goals when shampooing a Pug is to cleanse away these oils in a healthy way. The wrong type of shampoo can either be too harsh, stripping oils so severely that a dog's skin is left raw or irritated or, opposite to that, is not effective enough and simply skims over the oils. Promote good skin and fur health. Pugs tend to have sensitive skin, so shampooing is an opportunity to soak your Pug in ingredients that correct any dryness by improving moisture levels, restore health and elasticity, help protect the skin going forward, and work to resolve issues like itching, rashes, hot spots, and other common skin problems. Help free loose hairs. The Pug is a high-shedding breed with lots of short hairs either right at the fall stage or trapped in the dense coat. The brushing you do before baths and the shampooing process can help fully loosen and remove these hairs. What to avoid: Knowing what is best to use on a Pug involves knowing what to stay away from. This includes: Soaping agents. It's easy to assume that some sort of soap should be used when bathing a Pug, but canines can have adverse skin reactions to soaping agents. Instead, plant-based cleansers should be used. Additives including synthetic preservatives, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, polyethylene glycol, and artificial perfumes or dyes which can cause allergic reactions or irritation, and some are linked to health issues including organ damage and some cancers, with long term use. A pH balance under 6. The best shampoos for Pugs: It takes a lot for a shampoo to be considered a great choice to use on a Pug. It must be effective enough to reach and remove excess body oils from deep beneath this breed's dense coat but at the same time be gentle on the skin. It must be all-natural, have plant-based cleansers, have the right pH balance, and have organic restorative ingredients. These are our top 4 choices excluding medicated shampoos, which are covered next : 1. This is an awesome choice that's an ideal 'basic' shampoo for Pugs. It can also treat existing itchiness or minor rashes. Earthbath Mediterranean Magic Shampoo. This contains rosemary oil which is a wonderful natural deodorizer and aloe vera which promotes good skin health. Earthbath Eucalyptus and Peppermint Shampoo. For Pugs that are trying to rebound from allergies, hot spots, skin irritations, or bug bites, this fantastic blend quickly soothes and offers cooling relief. For times of heavy shedding often in the late autumn and early spring , Furminator deShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo can be a great help. This is designed to release dead hairs from the coat in breeds like the Pug that have thick fur. This is applied, left on for 10 minutes, and then washed out. Since this works so well, this should not be used more than once a month. Shampooing tips: Once you've chosen a great shampoo for your Pug, you'll want to be sure to follow a few guidelines for optimal results: 1. Before you shampoo your Pug, go over the coat to remove dead hairs. While a slicker brush can work okay, an awesome alternative is the Pet Grooming Gloves by Pat Your Pet ; there's nothing to hold and the rubber tips are incredible at snagging onto dead hairs from even the thickest of coats, allowing you to de-shed your Pug must faster than with a brush. Since Pugs have such dense coats, be sure to thoroughly soak the coat down to the skin before applying any shampoo. This is best accomplished by using a spray nozzle. Be generous with the shampoo, you do not want the beneficial ingredients to be spread too thin. Young Pug puppies and black-coated Pugs with a single layer of fur may be able to be scrubbed by hand, however with adult non-black Pugs that usually have a double-coat , a bath brush will help you massage the shampoo down to skin level. Massage the shampoo in for 3 to 5 minutes. If your Pug has any sort of skin or coat issues, you can massage for up to 10 minutes to allow nourishing ingredients to soak in. Once you rinse out the shampoo, always follow with a condition; this is covered next. Wash-Out Coat Conditioners What conditioner should do for a Pug: Shampoo and conditioner are meant to work together; stopping with the shampoo can be a mistake that can lead to unhealthy fur and poor coat texture. During the bathing process, hair cuticles the outer layer of the hairs open up. This is great for when you're washing your Pug. But, if they are left in this state, the fur will be very vulnerable to external elements such as cold air or dry air in the winter , and contact friction all year-round. The fur can become overly dry, feel like straw, develop split ends, and lose its shine. A conditioner is designed to smooth the hair cuticles back down to their 'closed' position, thus resetting the protective shield of the hairs. In addition to this, once the real cleansing work is done, via the shampoo, the conditioner is your opportunity to slather the coat once final time with moisturizing and restorative ingredients. This will help carry your Pug over until the next bath. This works excellent when paired with any of Earthbath's shampoo formulas see the previous section of ' Shampoo for Pugs '. The oatmeal, aloe, and additional vanilla and almond are a perfect blend for this breed's sensitive skin. Ky Ky, at 2 years old, photo courtesy of Tim Van Allen Leave-in Coat Sprays Advantages of a leave-in spray: This is a spray that is misted onto a dog's coat and is not washed out. This is often used alongside brushing and is meant to be applied as often as every day but can be done randomly as needed. Though this sort of product can work as a detangler, something Pugs do not need, but these can have lots of other benefits. Let's look at what a good leave-in will do: Offer round-the clock protection from environmental and weather related elements including UV exposure in the summer and dry arid air in the winter. Protect fur from contact friction. Help repel tiny debris, dirt, urine, allergens, and irritants. Lock in moisture for a healthy shine. Keep a Pug smelling nice and clean. So, as you can see, spritzing your Pug can be a helpful part of overall grooming and upkeep. Hotspots are also common within their folds because there is not enough airflow, and moisture becomes trapped, which can develop into a yeast infection or other irritations. Considerations Ingredients Synthetics: Additives such as synthetic preservatives, parabens, sulfates, and artificial dyes and perfumes can cause further skin irritation or other health issues when used long term. A pH-balanced formula offers a gentle cleanser. Natural: All-natural ingredients provide the safest route, and you may opt for organic ingredients if that is important to you. Natural ingredients include essential oils, coconut oil, oatmeal, aloe vera, almond oil, and many others. Be careful of certain essential oils because they can be irritating to some dogs. These may include tea tree oil and peppermint, to name a few. However, chamomile and lavender are two essential oils that are known to treat skin allergies. Moisturizing: Ingredients that moisturize the skin and the hair provide many benefits. They can help heal and restore the skin, which allows your Pug to feel better. Popular ingredients for moisturizing include coconut oil, oatmeal, and aloe vera. Deodorizing: Ingredients that deodorize will help remove tough odors naturally and effectively. Many will combat bacteria and fungus to help prevent infections from occurring. Common ingredients that deodorize are zine, rosemary, lavender, and aloe vera. Image Credit: Selfmade studio, Shutterstock Price Some specialty shampoos can be pricey, especially if you have to bathe your Pug weekly. Keep the price in mind if you are on a budget, but know the formula of the shampoo so you can stay away from products that are known to exacerbate skin allergies. Guarantee If you are unsure if a product will be effective, find one that offers a satisfaction guarantee. It will bring you peace of mind and ease any concerns you might have if it is an expensive product. Bathing your Pug frequently can result in drying out the skin, but it may be necessary if your dog gets dirty often. Products that are not soap-based and formulated to be gentle on the skin will help prevent skin issues from occurring. This prevents odors, hair loss , itchiness, and bacteria, and yeast from forming. Rinse out the creases of all shampoo. If any residue is left, it could cause skin irritation. Dry between the creases. Use warm water when bathing — not too hot nor too cool. It should be a comfortable temperature. To help with de-shedding, you can buy special brushes that you fill with soap. Brush your Pug regularly to remove loose hair. Conclusion Pugs make great companions, and their owners adore them to pieces. But sometimes it can be challenging to care for their sensitive skin and high-amount of shedding hair. This review list highlights seven of the best shampoos for Pugs. An affordable option is the FURminator de-shedding shampoo because it helps remove excess hair to prevent constant shedding from your Pug. Their skin is sensitive so you must take a peek at some professional grooming products to use. But, how do you know what to choose? We have the perfect guide for you, with tips on how to groom your four-legged friend at home. To make things easier for you, we have gathered the exact info you are looking for. They need grooming sessions regularly. As grooming is also a great opportunity to bond with your furry friend, you can try it at home too. Hint: We all know that Pugs shed a lot, especially in spring and autumn. The best way to keep this under control is to brush their coat regularly! Spot health issues earlier too! As said earlier, this breed requires low-maintenance; however, there are some things that need your attention. They need to be trimmed frequently as they tend to grow fast! Check for any infections or teeth problems. If you notice something wrong, schedule an appointment with your vet. Therefore, with a baby wipe or canine eye wipes, gently and carefully clean the area. Make sure not to get any solution into his eyes. A Pug will make your life happier! Knowing how to choose the best shampoo for Pugs can really make a difference. As much as your beloved Pug hates bathing time, it is essential for his health. Thus, you can avoid itchy skin, hot spots or shedding. Choose all-natural grooming products and keep your dog away from serious health issues. Our products contain ingredients sourced from the Dead Sea, including 12 essential vitamins and minerals found nowhere else. Discover our products! Soos Pets. Everything is enhanced with lavender and mint for that pleasant experience. It creates a proper lather that will help you clean even a Pug puppy that loves to get dirty. Keep in mind that this shampoo contains tea tree oil. If your pooch has very sensitive skin, it might be best to skip this product. Features To Look For Pugs are dogs with some unique needs that make them stand out from the rest. Their wrinkly faces and unique coat types are why they require some special care. You cannot just walk into the store or open a website and buy the first product you see. You need to check for ingredients and think about what might be the best combination for your pup — and what ingredient might cause harm. The same goes for both humans and for our four-legged friends. Certain ingredients, such as tea tree oil, are extremely toxic for dogs, even when not eaten but simply absorbed through the skin. As such, you should aim for products that are as natural as possible but make sure to check the ingredients thoroughly. On the other hand, there are some ingredients that are good both for us and for our pups. This makes your Pug a bit more allergy-friendly and easier to groom. Hypoallergenic Pugs are prone to various skin allergies. They have dry skin that is very easy to get irritated. This is the most sensitive area, and nothing that is too harsh should touch it. Also, if you notice any redness or hair loss on your Pug, make sure to get him to the vet so they can see whether he has any allergies or skin sensitivities that you might not be aware of. Still, picking a hypoallergenic shampoo is a good way to stay on the safe side and try to avoid problems before they arise. Antifungal And Antibacterial One of many health problems Pugs are prone to are hotspots. These are inflamed skin lesions that often contain pus. You might also know them by the name acute moist dermatitis or pyotraumatic dermatitis. This is a condition caused by scratching, and one of the main reasons why your Pug will scratch excessively are fungal infections. This is especially the case with wrinkly dogs, such as Pugs or Shar Peis. Things also go vice versa, and fungal infections can be a consequence of hotspots — or rashes and allergies — after the dog was licking them and scratched for too long. Its saliva and other bacterias will cause the scratched spots to become infected. Bathing your Pug with anti-fungal shampoo can be a good preventative measure. While they are not a replacement for medication, they are a good thing to have nearby when you have such sensitive dogs. Good For Dog Hair Pugs are dogs that experience moderate to high levels of shedding. This is especially the case with fawn Pugs, as they have a double coat, with a thick undercoat and a bit longer topcoat. Two times a year, during the shedding season, their shedding amount will increase, and this can make it really challenging to clean. One of the things you can do for your Pug is to pick the best dog brush and make sure you use it at least a few times a week. Another thing is to buy one of the best shampoos for Pugs. There are many deshedding shampoos currently on the market that you can use. These shampoos have such ingredients that they make the hair follicles stronger, reducing the number of loose hairs and making the shedding season a bit more manageable. Keep in mind that using these shampoos is not a replacement for the rest of the grooming session. Still, the difference should be noticeable after just a few months of using such shampoos. No Harmful Ingredients When looking at the ingredient list, there are a few things to be aware of. If you see the label proprietary blend of coat and skin conditioners and moisturizers, avoid this shampoo at all costs. This is a label manufacturers use when they want to hide the true ingredient list. You need to learn as much information about the best Shampoos for pugs, as well as some tips that can help you have the most out of bath times. Here are a few dog bathing pieces of advice you might find useful: Bathe Your Pug Often Pugs need more baths than most other breeds. Their skin and specific coat type means they get dirty faster, and you might need to clean them more often. For example, most dog breeds will need a bath every few months. This is the same no matter their coat length or size. However, Pugs might need baths every few weeks. In fact, during the shedding season or if they get a skin infection, you might need to bathe them every week! As such, you need to find a balance. Due to many wrinkles, crannies, and nooks, this area is a paradise for dirt, food, and harmful bacteria. As such, make sure to clean his face regularly with a gentle face cleanser or some similar product. If shampoo gets into them, it might irritate them, causing redness or even vision problems. Similarly, due to the shape of their nose, they are prone to breathing problems. This will only worsen if the water gets into their noses — especially if this is something that keeps on happening. When looking at puppy shampoos, there are a few things you need to have in mind. First and foremost, Pug puppies are even more sensitive than their parents. This is how sensitive they are. Look for tearless, hypoallergenic shampoos that are specially formulated for puppies. Also, look for a shampoo with a pH value of 6. These shampoos are considered pH-balanced when it comes to dogs, as dogs have a more neutral pH balance compared to humans. Do Pugs Need Conditioners? Conditioners will help your dog get free of mats and tangles. Instead, you might want to use conditioner for the appearance benefits it brings. Technically, you can use human shampoo on dogs. Dog shampoos and human shampoos have different pH values. As such, your gentle shampoo might harm your pup. Also, many shampoos we use have artificial fragrances and colors. These are bad not just for dogs, but also for us. However, while you might say that you enjoy the flowery smell of your shampoo, your dog probably hates it, and now he cannot get rid of it no matter what he does. As such, you should never use the same shampoo you use on yourself to bathe your beloved Pug. Check ingredients, check price, place the shampoo in your cart and make your pooch shiny and clean! Post navigation. Sodium Laureth Sulfate 4. Human Shampoo Human shampoo should be for humans only. Pugs have much different skin that requires different pH levels. Then, buy a product fitting their needs. Does your pug have any allergies or sensitivities? If you have a pug who gets hot spots, raw areas, or flaky areas, a medicated shampoo may provide relief from these symptoms. Do you need a refresher between baths? If you already have a shampoo that works well for your pug, you may be looking for something to spruce them up a few times a month. Tips for Bathing Your Pug When you bathe your pug, keep a few things in mind. Before bathing, you can brush your pug to get rid of any dead hairs stuck throughout their coat. Better they end up in the brush than in your drain. Pugs have extremely thick coats, so make sure that you thoroughly saturate with water before you apply the shampoo. This helps the soap later appropriately. Apply the soap and lather it generously throughout the coat. If you have a black or young pug, you can wash by hand. However, if you have a fawn pug with a double-coat, it is more efficient to use a bathing glove to work the shampoo into the fur. Be sure to massage your pug all over for at least three minutes. Rinse the fur thoroughly. Pugs need the natural oils their skin secrete to keep their skin and coat healthy. Over-bathing can strip these natural oils causing dry skin, flaking, and irritation. To keep their skin healthy, you should aim to bath your pug once a month—and no more than twice. Because human shampoos are pH balanced for humans, bathing your animals using human shampoo is never a good idea. There are chemicals, dyes, and other ingredients in these products that can be harmful, or even fatal, to your pug. Hopefully, you found the best shampoo for pugs on my list to make your decision making a more straightforward process. We spent a huge amount of time looking at almost every shampoo on the market to bring you the recommendations below. There were lots of products that we came across that met some of the coat care needs of a Pug, but very few cater to them all. However, there were two clear winners that stood out above the rest that ticked all the boxes we were looking at. When we were reviewing shampoos for this article, we were primarily concerned about how the sensitive skin of the Pug would react to the shampoo — everything else was secondary. This product from Buddy Wash is one of the gentlest shampoos on the market that has been designed with natural, cosmetic grade ingredients. The bacteria that make your pooch stink are going to be decimated by the powerful yet gentle combination of essential oils and natural cleansers that make a rich thick lather which is something other non-soap based shampoos can suffer from. Carefully blended natural extracts like sage, chamomile, and rosemary work in perfect harmony to leave your pooch looking better than ever. Their coat will retain a glossy, healthy shine for longer in between bathing sessions, and the mint infusion will do its best to keep bad smells at bay for as long as possible. However, the thing that Buddy Wash is famous for above all else is providing premium quality products without the premium price tag. Again this is a completely soap free and alcohol-free formula that has been designed from the ground up to be one of the most gentle organic products on the market. Instead, it relies on one of the best natural soap alternatives available to cleanse and clean your pooch — lemongrass. Lemongrass has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties that will destroy any of the stench causing bacteria that can make your pooch super stinky. As an added bonus it also has some mild pest repellent properties, and the formula will not interfere with most topical tick, and flea repellents that you may have applied to your pooch. Like the product above the 4-Legger shampoo has a huge amount of aloe vera included in its formula that will promote recovery of damaged skin and soothe irritation at the same time alongside a whole host of other essential organic oils that work in perfect harmony with one another. The essential oils also act as a powerful conditioner that will leave your pooch silky soft and glossy without removing the oils that your dog produces to naturally condition its own coat. Its gentle soap-free formula will cleanse your puppy Pug without irritating their skin. There are arguably few other products on the market at this price point that will let you get your Pug used to having their facial creases cleaned without causing potentially painful eye irritation. This obviously further harms the skin and makes the problem worse. This product has been specifically designed to soothe the skin and prevent your pooch from feeling as itchy as they otherwise would. Bathe Them In The Sink One of the best pieces of advice you can give to any small breed owner is to bathe your pooch in the sink. Putting a pooch the size of a Pug in a bathtub can be a very unnerving and anxiety creating experience — even for a breed as brave as the plucky Pug. Your bathtub is easily 4 times the height of your Pug probably even more and when you put your pooch inside, they can feel trapped. Put A Towel Down Another great little tip that dog owners of any breed should know is to put a towel down in the bottom of the bath or preferably sink in the case of a Pug before bathing them. The shampoo is designed to be applied, and then completely removed. Clean The Creases Well The wrinkled face of the Pug is the defining iconic characteristic of the breed. However, while these creases are adorable — they have the potential to easily cause a wide range of issues if they are not properly looked after. When they are not properly maintained, there is almost no end to the list of issues that can occur. Dry skin, bacterial infections, yeast infections, bad smells, hair loss, irritation, soreness, redness, itchiness, and general discomfort are just some of the common ones. One of the most hotly debated topics among Pug owners is the proper bathing schedule for the breed. On one hand, the stench a Pug can create leads people to believe that the breed needs to be washed regularly once every two weeks for example. This is where the second school of thought comes into the argument. Like most things in life, the reality lies somewhere in-between these two extremes. You should bathe your Pug no more than once every 3 weeks as an absolute maximum. Due to the sensitive skin, our Pugs suffer with, many people have heard rumors that you should only bathe your Pug using cold water. You should use water that is slightly on the cooler side of lukewarm to keep your pooch safe and comfortable. Remember: What you think is too warm is very different from what your Pug will think is too warm. Any of the products we have recommended today are worthy of your consideration, they beat off stiff competition to be mentioned in this article. Sean Green Pet. Reviews was founded by Sean Green, a devoted pet owner and champion of quality pet products. Sean is supported by a knowledgeable team of pet-loving writers who work together to provide you with a wealth of information about training and caring for your dog. Post navigation. However, when it comes to pugs , it absolutely is. They are known for having extremely sensitive skin. It is vital that you choose a gentle shampoo for your canine otherwise, you may find yourself with an itchy dog. Ingredients First and foremost, the ingredients in the shampoo matter a lot. Generally, the more ingredients there are in shampoo, the more likely a dog will react to one of the ingredients. Therefore, you preferably want a shampoo with very basic ingredients. If the ingredients are few and natural, then the odds of your dog having a reaction is not terribly serious. Of course, some dogs will have reactions to specific allergies. If your dog commonly has reactions, then you need to check the ingredient list and find the common denominator. Other times, they will be obvious chemicals. With that said, many dogs do not have specific allergies, though they may be sensitive to some harsh chemicals. Many pugs react to harsher chemicals, for instance. Therefore, we highly recommend that you choose a more natural option. For instance, many include vitamin E, which is vital for skin health. Furthermore, aloe vera is commonly added. If they have serious reactions, you should avoid shampoos with those ingredients in the future. Image Credit: Ezzlo, Shutterstock Price While we would all like to not worry about the price of products, it is extremely important when shopping. When looking at the price, keep the size of the bottle in mind as well. Smaller bottles may cost less, but they may actually be more expensive in the future. Therefore, you should look very carefully at the size and price. We took into account all of the prices while reviewing each product. Therefore, you should have a good idea of what each product costs by reading out reviews. We highly recommend that you keep looking at the price every few times you purchase to ensure that it is still worth the price. Effectiveness While we do want these formulas to be gentle, it is also vital that they clean effectively. However, there are several different ways that shampoo can work. For instance, while the primary purpose of shampoo is to clean, there are other ways that they work too. It all depends on what you need. If your dog has a clinical problem, then you may need a medicated shampoo. Obviously, this is going to be a bit different than just finding a cleaning shampoo. We highly recommend that you speak to your vet about the specific formulas that you should be looking for. Often, they will have a specific option that you need to purchase. Conclusion There are lots of shampoos out there that may be gentle enough for pugs. However, they are not all made equal, so it is vital that you choose the right option for your canine. Of course, what your exact dog needs depends on a variety of factors, so you may need to try many different formulas before you finally settle on one. Plus, it is also a solid option for practically any sensitive dog out there, making it great for multi-pet homes. However, the bottles are a bit smaller, so you may pay more in the long run. We hope that one of these formulas is suitable for your canine. When in doubt, we recommend speaking to your vet, especially if your dog has health problems. Often, they can recommend appropriate ingredients. Featured Image Credit: KDdesignphoto, Shutterstock Written by Kristin Hitchcock Author Kristin is passionate about helping pet parents create a fulfilling life with their pets by informing them on the latest scientific research and helping them choose the best products for their pets. She currently resides in Tennessee with four dogs, three cats, two fish, and a lizard, though she has dreams of owning chickens one day!

But at the moment, they need your guidance. For now, this includes sleeping next to you for the first few weeks, maybe even longer. Just have their crate or bed close to wherever you sleep. Our articles on sleeping through the night and establishing a nighttime routine will give you extra tips on getting through this phase. A puzzle toy or Kong will work great at making them feel like you leaving them is actually something quite fun. Potty training All new puppy parents expect potty training to be on the cards. It will help to remember your Boxer pup is a bit of a goofball. For now, we definitely want to let your pup get used to you and settle into their new home. Teach your puppy about surfaces — Different surfaces can feel strange to pups. Use surfaces like grass, moss, paving and sand. Basically, make their tail wag and we bet yours will too. Teach your Boxer their name. Teach your Boxer puppy to sit. Remember what we said about Boxers and their jumping? Recall — Trust us. Preventing resource guarding Resource guarding is where your dog fiercely protects something they have and will do everything they can to keep hold of it. Dogs can resource guard food, a toy, even a person. You can do this by teaching them that hands and touch can be a good thing. As always, back up your soft touches with some treats. Remember that consent is also a thing with dogs! Never force your Boxer to be handled or pick them up against their wishes. Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Fireworks — Watch the world go by outside your house — Play dress up. They love spending time with their owners and letting their playful and fun characters shine through. They are eager to please and very loyal dogs. Originally Boxers were bred to be working dogs, which is why they have such high exercise needs and energy to spare! Common health problems in Boxers Boxers are intelligent dogs who are very loyal to their families. Sadly, like many other purebred dogs, they are prone to certain conditions. If you are thinking of buying a Boxer puppy , make sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening to reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by certain conditions. Some of the conditions Boxers may develop include: Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BOAS — this can cause severe breathing problems in some Boxers with shorter faces. Epilepsy — a brain disorder causing seizures. Eye problems — such as corneal ulcers due to the shape of their skulls and prominence of the eyes. Heart problems — such as cardiomyopathy or aortic stenosis. Before breeding, parents should be screened. Skin problems - such as warts, skin tags, skin allergies and soreness in skin folds around the face skin fold dermatitis. Certain cancers. If you want to minimise the risk of your dog getting problems, you can read our advice on choosing a pedigree dog. Caring for your boxer Boxers are fun and active dogs who can be high maintenance due to their exercise needs. If you love getting out and about walking, they could be a good breed for you! A large secure garden is a must if you have a Boxer so they have plenty of space to blow off steam. Boxers can be very boisterous so do better with an experienced and patient! Boxers and barking Your Boxer is likely to make noise and how much they do make will be down to their training and personality. Boxers are naturally very good guard dogs and so are more likely to bark to make their owners aware of any comings and goings around the home. Training and socialisation Boxers are clever dogs but can be boisterous, so positive, reward-based training from a young age is really important. Boxers mature a lot slower than other breeds, so having a large amount of puppy energy in such a big dog can be challenging for some owners. You need to handle your Boxer with a firm but fair attitude and make sure you are patient and consistent. They can be boisterous so make sure you train them not to jump up at people from a young age. Boxers love human company so can develop separation anxiety if left alone. If they are alone or bored, they like to chew which means your furniture and belongings will be at risk! Exercise Boxers are very high energy, active dogs who love playing and being involved in everything going on. They keep their puppy attitude longer than most dogs so you might find your Boxer rarely has a calm moment at home! Your Boxer will need a minimum of two hours exercise every day. This should be split into a few walks with plenty of opportunities for sniffing around and exploring. You should also give your Boxer plenty of time to exercise off lead somewhere secure so they can have a good run around. On top of this, your Boxer will also need regular, short training sessions. They will also need lots of playtime and free time in the garden to do what they want. Grooming Boxers are fairly low maintenance when it comes to grooming. They have short fur which only needs a weekly brush to keep it in good condition. As with any dog, you should expect your Boxer to shed throughout the year, more so in spring and autumn. A regular hoover should be enough to keep on top of it. Due to the excess skin around their faces, Boxers are at risk of developing a condition called skin fold dermatitis. Boxers and children Generally speaking, Boxers are good around children of all ages given the right training. An adult only home or one with teenagers is better for a Boxer. Always supervise your dog with children and vulnerable adults. Puppy socialisation classes are a great way to get your pup used to new dogs. Early socialisation will help your dog get along well other dogs as an adult. They may get along OK with a cat they have grown up with, but you should always supervise your Boxer with smaller pets. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your Boxer should be eating. You should feed them a good quality, commercially available, complete dog food. We usually recommend splitting their daily allowance into two meals. If you give your dog the occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily allowance. Try to feed your dog at similar times every day as they like routine. Remember to leave a gap between eating and exercising. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. These breeders must do extra health tests and meet higher standards. Set-up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often 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 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 neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. 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 damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch 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. Get ready with the ear plugs, because Boxers are known for loud snoring! Boxers originated in Germany in the s so are considered a fairly new breed. Getting a Boxer Do plenty of research before getting a Boxer. These playful and lively dogs keep their puppy ways well into their adult years so need an understanding owner with plenty of time and patience! Boxers can be really loving in the right household and will love spending time with you. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a Boxer. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in Boxers are also out there. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary screening tests, health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. Chances are that you chose her because you like Boxers and you expected her to have certain traits that would fit your lifestyle: Affectionate, easygoing, and lovable Loves to play games, especially fetch Intelligent, friendly, and easily won over Large, strong, and athletic, with lots of stamina in cooler climates Good with kids and other pets An excellent guard dog, courageous and dependable You may also recognize these characteristics in your Boxer pooch: Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a younger dog Exhibits signs of separation anxiety if left alone too much Can be gassy and drool a lot Can be independent and strong-willed Needs frequent attention from her family Suspicious of strangers She is a bright and energetic companion that forms close human bonds. With early socialization and consistent leadership, she is a cheerful and dependable addition to any family. The modern Boxer was developed in Germany during the 19th century from mastiff-type dogs, and was originally used to hunt large game and for fighting or baiting. The Boxer is a high-energy dog with an enthusiastic and animated nature. They are a friendly and high-spirited breed that loves to play with children. Some Boxers can be stubborn, but most are eager and quick to learn. Boxers enjoy close human contact and demand to be the center of attention with their clownish antics. The Boxer 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 Boxer. By knowing about health concerns specific to Boxers, 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 Boxers 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 Boxers. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Boxer looking and feeling her best. Unfortunately, your Boxer is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. Dental disease starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections Boxers 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 her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in Boxers. 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. 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 Boxer 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. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Genetic Predispositions for Boxers Heart Disease Boxers are prone to multiple types of heart disease , which can occur both early and later in life. Veterinary dental care and weight control also go a long way in preventing heart disease. Boxers are 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, your pet may act weak or tired, faint or collapse, breathe in a labored way, or cough. If indicated, treatment includes medication and dietary supplementation. Bloat Gastric dilatation volvulus, also known as GDV or bloat, usually occurs in dogs with deep, narrow chests. This means your Boxer is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and sometimes to the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as half an hour. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes up , 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! This is a common problem in dogs, and your Boxer is more likely than other dogs to be affected. The condition usually develops slowly, and the early signs are easily missed. Symptoms include drinking and urinating more than normal, increased appetite, and reduced activity level followed later by a potbelly, thin skin, and hair loss. Treatment usually includes oral medications, and requires close coordination with us to ensure correct dosing. Bone and Joint Problems A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Boxers. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. The cranial cruciate ligament is one of four tough bands of tissue that hold each knee together. A torn cranial cruciate ligament is a common injury in active dogs, including your Boxer. Usually, surgical correction can stabilize the knee and help prevent crippling arthritis. Physical therapy and multimodal pain management are necessary for the best outcomes. Keeping him at the right weight, feeding a high-quality diet, and avoiding too much twisting of the knees like when playing Frisbee are key in avoiding these painful injuries. Neurological Disease A genetically linked neurological condition, known as wobbler disease or wobbler syndrome, causes a wobbly, drunken gait in affected pets. Wobbler disease is the result of a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck that pinches the spinal cord and associated nerves. When pinched, the nerves do not send signals to the brain as they should causing the pet to be unable to feel his feet. The first signs you will often notice with wobbler disease are unstable hind legs, stumbling, and sometimes falling. Treatment options include medications, neck braces, rehabilitation exercise programs, and surgery. It affects Boxers more frequently than other breeds. If your dog has this disease, he will become increasingly weak and disabled in the hind legs, eventually suffering from paralysis in his hindquarters, which also leads to incontinence. Rehabilitation, exercise, acupuncture, and dietary supplements can be helpful, but there is no cure for degenerative myelopathy. A genetic test is available to determine whether your dog is at risk for this heritable disease. Inflammatory Bowel Disease Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, is an immune system disorder common in Boxers in which the intestinal lining becomes overrun with immune system cells called lymphocytes and plasmacytes. Chronic vomiting or diarrhea is common, or symptoms may flare up suddenly and then improve again for a time. Stress, diet change, or intestinal parasites can make IBD worse. If your friend has diarrhea or digestive upsets that are not explained by more common reasons, diagnostic tests, which may include intestinal biopsy, will be needed. Lifelong medications and special diets are usually required to keep IBD under control. Unfortunately, Boxers 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 for concern. Multiple Skin Problems Your Boxer is susceptible to various kinds of skin infections and diseases. One type, Malassezia dermatitis, is caused by a kind of yeast. When this yeast infects the ears, it causes itching, redness, and an accumulation of brown, waxy discharge. On the skin, this yeast leads to greasy, hairless areas, especially on the neck and throat, with a characteristic odor. Another common skin disease called seborrhea can cause dry, flaky skin or greasy, oily skin. Skin diseases make your pet itchy and uncomfortable. Bleeding Disorders There are several types of inherited bleeding disorders that occur in dogs. They range in severity from very mild to very severe. Many times a pet seems normal until a serious injury occurs or surgery is performed, and then severe bleeding can result. Lymphoma Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer that afflicts Boxers 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. 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. Bleeding Tumor Hemangiosarcoma is a type of bleeding tumor that affects Boxers 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. Mast Cell Tumor Mast cell tumors are a particularly nasty type of skin cancer found more often in Boxers than other breeds. The sooner these tumors are surgically removed, the better. Unfortunately, mast cell tumors often look very similar to other kinds of skin lumps and lesions, many of which are not harmful. Therefore, all suspicious lumps should be tested and surgically removed as soon as possible. Many cancers are cured by surgical removal, so early detection is critical. 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, and Boxers are commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, episodes 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 efficacy. Note the length of the seizure, and call us at or call an emergency hospital. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, and other behavioral changes. Treatment is usually as simple as replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. Acepromazine Sensitivity Acepromazine is a widely used tranquilizer that is often prescribed as a sedative for travel and anxiety. For many years this drug was considered to have a wide margin of safety, meaning that vets prescribed it readily for traveling pets and for pets with noise phobias. Recently, however, studies have uncovered some dangerous side effects in a few breeds, notably the Boxer. Respiratory Distress Syndrome Respiratory distress syndrome, also known as brachycephalic syndrome, affects dogs with a short nose, like your Boxer. Short-nosed dogs have the same amount of tissue in their noses and throats as longer-nosed dogs, but with less area to contain it. As a consequence, the soft palate at the back of the roof of the mouth is too long and may hang down into the airway. All of these differences can lead to a narrow and obstructed airway such that many of these dogs can barely breathe! Watch for exercise intolerance, loud breathing, coughing, bluish gums, or fainting. With his short nose, your pet is also more likely to develop other problems, such as flatulence from excessive air intake, pneumonia from aspirating food, and heat stroke. In severe cases, surgical correction may be recommended to alleviate airway obstruction. Taking Care of Your Boxer 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 Boxer 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 has low grooming needs. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. Boxers 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 can have a high prey drive, so she needs to be leash walked and a sturdy fence is a must. She can be sensitive to temperature extremes; avoid any prolonged exposure and be very alert to the signs of heat stress. 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 Boxer needs help. Put as much thought into treats as you do for the main diet. These, as well, can be loaded with chemicals and dyes. Keep away from raw hides; these are notorious for causing upset stomach and dangerous internal blockage. Not shy away from wholesome fresh foods. Adding veggies and fresh fruit to meals or to gives as snacks is great for Boxers. Carrots, peas, green beans, potato, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries are all great. These fruits are packed with antioxidants which is a great tool to help fight against cancer, a top concern for the Boxer breed. What is allowed to be in tap water is pretty outrageous. Known carcinogens and toxic metals are in tap water.There is a slew of regulated chemicals that, based on one 8-ounce glass, are deemed safe; long-term exposure is not tested. There are also hundreds of untested contaminants. Since our Boxer dogs drink water and only water day after day, for literally their whole lives, it's vital to find another alternative than straight tap water. The easiest method is to install a filter to your kitchen tap. These are moderately inexpensive and not that hard to install. Another option, most applicable if you have a Boxer puppy is to use gallon spring water. Also, be take note of how much your Boxer is drinking; you'll want to make sure that he meets his daily water requirements. That amount can vary depending on age, activity level and the weather more in the summer ; however, in general, a Boxer dog will need a bit over 1. For pups, this should be for at least 20 minutes, adults do good with .But don't stop there. Though this is a brachycephalic breed and Boxers don't do well with super extended duration, shorter jaunts allow a Boxer to build up muscle, keep his metabolism regulated, and exercise is healthy for the heart. Go for hikes, let him run uphill, take him to the beach. While your Boxer will be more than happy to be chilling out with you by the TV, he also needs to get out of the house and release pent-up energy. This is a very inquisitive, curious breed. Nothing is off limits to a Boxer. He'll open cabinets, reach up high on counters, nose through your gym bag.And remember, that it's not just food related items that will be mouthed and it's not even necessarily something that dogs would find enjoyable to chew on. Things are mouthed simply to answer the question of 'What's this? The list of things that have been found and surgically removed from dogs is crazy: needles, fishing hooks, shoe laces, band-aids, even light bulbs. There's virtually an endless checklist of things a Boxer can swallow that can lead to blockage, cause internal injury and even be fatal. At least once a week, go over the house. Don't leave things on the floor; use shelves and hooks. Put child-proof locks on lower cabinets. And a household rules should be that if anything falls, it's immediately picked up. Boxer Dog Care Tip 5 - Keep Ingestion Slow While it can seem amusing that dogs can wolf down their food faster than you blink your eyes, for breeds that are prone to bloat like the Boxer, you'll need to regulate how fast he eats and drinks. The easiest way to do this is to use a slow-feeder bowl for meals. If your Boxer tends to go nuts with water, use this sort of bowl for a water dish as well. You'll want to choose stainless steel dishes, since plastic are too light, scratch too easily and even BPA free plastics can cause a dog to have an allergic reaction. Another option, aside from the slow-feeder, is to use a portion pacer. There are stainless steel balls that are placed into current bowls, that work in the same way to displace and force a dog to go slower. Of course, if he's gotten himself dirty before this, scrub him down. However, looking at this on a regular basis, bathing too often can lead to a dry coat even if you use great products. And if you wait too long, all sort of bad smells can develop, as well as yeast infection and other issues. Keep it free of shedded hairs - The Boxer is a moderate shedder, so you'll want to go over the coat on a regular basis to pull out dead hairs from the coat. While some will fall to the floor, it is when you brush him over or use a de-shedding tool that you'll see just how much falls back into the coat. If it's allowed to stay there, it can block normal air flow and pack up close to skin pores. With the eyes, a common issue is the buildup of eye gunk, also referred to as eye boogers. If you notice excessive discharge, this can be due to a small cut on the retina or even an eye infection. However, a minor yet chronic amount is often just natural discharge that can get trapped around the eyes. Routinely use a canine eye wipe to clean up around the eye area. This should be done anywhere from once per day to several times per week. With the paws, while you want your Boxer to walk on a variety of surfaces to toughen up the paws, this by no means that paws can even come close to being invincible. Walking on small pebbles and both heat and cold exposure can really do a number on the pads. In addition, dry pads can quickly develop into itching, which leads to gnawing, and that can turn into peeling and cracking. If your Boxer tends to develop paw issues , apply a quality paw wax 2 to 3 times per week. Look for a fast absorbing product that allows the paws to breathe. With the nose, small issues can spiral pretty fast. Keep an eye out for dry nose issues. If you do notice this, don't hesitate to use a good nose balm. A quality balm can protect from too much sun exposure, chapping from cold winter weather and general drying and peeling issues, as well as heal many problems. If, however, the nose is so cracked that that it is bleeding, this is your sign that the vet will need to treat this; most likely with a topical antibiotic. Boxer Dog Care Tip 8 - Seasonal Care A Boxer dog's needs will change in accordance with the seasons, so certain care elements will need to be adjusted. In the summer , super hot days means taking your Boxer out for exercise early in the morning and then later as the sun is readying to set, to avoid the hottest parts of the day. If your Boxer is left home alone, if he's limited to one room which is recommended , take care to set things up so that he's keep cool enough with AC, but not stuck right near a vent. Also, check on shades and curtains, so that he's not getting hit by strong rays at certain times. You'll want to always bring along water when out and about, take frequent breaks and keep an eye out early signs of heat stress red gums, heavy panting, rapid heartbeat, thick drool. In the winter , access his cold tolerance. Not all Boxers do great with freezing weather; a vest may be in order. And while it may be tempting to stay in less, his exercise needs remain the same so do try to take him out as normal. The force at which a person or animal or any object is thrown is based on both the speed that a car is traveling and the weight of that object. So, car seats are not just for pups. If a Boxer is not properly restrained in the car, here's what can happen: With a vehicle that is traveling at 35 mph, crash force for a Boxer pup that weighs 20 pounds means that he will be thrown with the force of a pound object; this is the equivalent of falling off a 6 story building. At 35 mph, a 60 pound adult Boxer will be thrown with the force of a 1, pound object. What about going 50 mph? A 50 lb. Boxer would be thrown with the force of a 2, pound object. If your Boxer is a pup, use a certified canine car seat. If your Boxer is over 40 pounds, opt for a properly sized restraint belts. These are often padded and more comfortable than the harness that your Boxer would normally wear while being walked on leash. They blend so well into the household, that you'll sometimes forget your Boxer is a dog. You'll speak about him as if he's another person in the house.While, of course, Boxers love to scent, can be great watch dogs and do all those fun canine things like marking and ripping things apart, when it's all said and done, your Boxer will want to be part of the family and will need you to reciprocate this strong urge to belong in order to feel at peace and at 'at one' with the 'pack'. Boxers are pretty intelligent, are excellent at picking up on the non-verbal vibes of their humans and never let you down when you're looking for company.Be a good leader, expect respect and teach your Boxer with a loving hand. When you have a Boxer or two, or three , this is something that reaches beyond just pet ownership. It really is a lifestyle. And of course, it's one that you or your Boxer wouldn't trade for the world. Did you find this article helpful? Jammed pack with everything you need to know, from puppy to adult. And it's available in both hard copy and eBook. They have such majestic posture, are obedient and alert at all times, and are ideal dogs known to be loyal to the whole family. Brave, fearless, alert, gentle, energetic, and cheerful are just some of the words that can be used to describe the boxer breed of dog. Despite their ferocious looks — Boxers are known to be babies that love attention and are calm in the place of any environment. If you wish to bring a Boxer puppy home there are Boxer dogs for sale in Pune. The boxer breed is known to be very loyal and attentive to their family. The boxer is a working breed of dog that has high energy levels and needs frequent exercise. The dog is definitely a looker with its muscular body, erect posture, and short shiny coat. The boxer breed adapts well to apartments. They get along with children and other dogs and have an underlying sweetness to their behavior and gestures. Boxers have a high sensitivity level and their owners should know about this. The breed does not like to be left alone and enjoys human companionship. You may also want to make a new addition to the family by adopting a boxer puppy. Whatever your reason for interest in the breed — there are a number of factors that you should consider before bringing a boxer puppy home. In this article, we will take a closer look at the specific needs of boxer puppies. By following these rules your dog will grow up to be big, strong, and obedient — what a wonderful addition to the family! Because of the nutritional needs of boxers, they need to be fed high-quality dog food that is rich in Proteins, nutrients, fats, and fiber. Read the ingredients carefully. Avoid packages of food that contain Meat Fillers as this is a low-quality ingredient that includes corn dust and husk or even feathers. You can add veggies like carrots, peas, blueberries, and strawberries that are great for your dog and aid with their digestion. The best alternative for tap water is that you can give your dog the same water you drink — straight from the filter. Ensure that your dog drinks enough water a day. The way to calculate this is to serve your dog 1. Boxers need a lot of exercise By just looking at a boxer — you can tell that this breed of dog needs a lot of exercises. Puppies need at least 20 minutes of exercise a day — while fully grown dogs need a minimum of 40 minutes of exercise daily. Exercise can include taking your dog to the park, going for walks, or playing with your puppy. Puppy-proof your home Boxers are extremely fun-loving and inquisitive dogs. Ensure that you do not keep any sharp objects at floor level as your puppy may chew on them while teething. You must also be sure to keep plants at home which are not toxic to dogs. Electric cables must be covered and kept out of reach from your dog. Serving your dog small frequent meals aids with digestion. Another fact to be aware of is that Boxer puppies are prone to bloat, so ensure that your dog does not wolf down a whole meal in just seconds. Instead, feed your puppy little by little. Related Posts. This gives the owner an opportunity to see their dog at such a young age and then watch them quickly grown into strong and large adults. If you are purchasing a Boxer puppy, the dog should be at least 8 weeks old. In many regions it is illegal to have a puppy at a younger age. Up until 8 weeks, the puppy will need to be nourished by its mother. We're Home! That Boxer newborn puppy that you picked out has rapidly matured into an 8 week old and it's time for your new family member to join the household. Bringing a puppy home should be well planned in advance. If you have a large family, other members must be told to keep the environment calm and peaceful until your Boxer puppy has a chance to gain their bearings and become used to its new home. Have everything you need so that you do not need to suddenly run out to the store for a forgotten item. Do not allow the puppy to be rushed at by many people wishing to hug, pat and smother him or her with kisses. That can come a bit later. Your new Boxer must be approached gently and with warm voices. Puppies are a good, robust size but are still fragile. It is very sad when a puppy is stepped on accidentally; this can cause great harm. From birth to the 1 year mark, trauma is the leading cause of fatalities with this breed. Children must understand how to gently treat a pup. Very young children should be watched during interaction. All members of the home must be very aware of what may be underfoot. Your Boxer puppy should be given a tour of the home. Do not expect your new pup to know where everything is! Show him or her where they can find their water, where to expect their meals to be served, their dog bed and their toys. A puppy needs the security of knowing where to find what they need. Puppies will need quite a bit of care from you. This includes: Feeding - A puppy should be fed times per day. More feeding information can be found in our Feeding section. Only high quality puppy food must be given. This will be a time of rapid growth and your Boxer puppy needs the right dog food for optimal health. Vaccinations - All puppies will need the full schedule of vaccinations. This is absolutely vital to the health of the pup. If the budget is tight, your dog's veterinarian should be able to provide a discount or recommended animal clinics which provide shots for a very minimal fee. This includes that absolutely necessary Heart worm prevention medication, as well. Comfort and safety - Boxer puppies are rambunctious. They will jump, bounce and play. They will need loving attention and interaction with their owner or owners. Plenty of room to play, lots of toys and acts of love are crucial to the physical and emotional growth of a pup. A puppy is just learning about its world; yelling or hitting is never called for. Through love, patience and understanding a puppy will learn what is expected. Negative reactions from its owner will simply teach the puppy to be afraid. Housebreaking - This should begin as soon as you bring your puppy home. Read more in our housebreaking section. When started early and with consistency, your Boxer puppy will soon learn where it is appropriate to eliminate. A schedule - Puppies know nothing about the world except for what you show them. It is important to keep a puppy on a schedule that they can depend on. Normal times for baths, exercise , walks, feedings, grooming , play time and sleep time are recommended. Some Things to Expect The first year will be full of changing behaviors and a change in physical appearance. Here's what you can expect: A Boxer puppy will whine if he is hungry, wants attention or once he is learning house training, if he has a bathroom need The time to instill training for barking and other behavior is now - before habits can form Puppies are super hyper , but will also sleep quite a bit - Anywhere from 15 to 18 hours per day including night time and daytime naps The first year is one of rapid growth, but do expect starts and stops. As your Boxer reaches adolescence, there is sometimes a brief period of stalled weight gain at which time a Boxer may appear too skinny. This typically only lasts a few months before that final gain happens that allows him to fill out. Puppyhoood is the time to do socialization training - You'll want to introduce your puppy to as many people, other dogs, events and situations as possible so that he learns control and gains self-confidence. Health Check A Boxer puppy should be checked over every day to check for certain issues. Eyes- The eyes should be clear and bright. Any excessive discharge is a reason to go to the veterinarian Ears and nose - These areas should be cleaned each day with a damp, soft washcloth. Discharge of any color is a reason for a checkup with the vet Breathing - A puppy's breathing should always be clear and easy. Forced breathing, wheezing, coughing or other strange sounds must be taken care of immediately through the dog's veterinarian or closest animal hospital Limping - Puppies may be a bit clumsy or wobbling when very young. However limping is never normal. This must be brought to a vet's attention ASAP Tank - 9 months old Photo courtesy of owner: Jaymie Conner Skin - It is normal for a Boxer puppy to have some loose skin around the neck area and there will be some facial folds. These areas can hold in moisture which can lead to a fungal or bacterial infection. Moisture can accumulate when the pup drinks or when he drools. Keep the area nice and dry to prevent any problems.

What kind of diet do we give our pooches for a healthy weight? What you should never overfeed a dog? You should never ever overfeed your dogs too much carbs as they get stored as fat in the body if they are not used. Unfortunately, carbohydrates are much cheaper an ingredient as compared to the other nutrients like protein. Hence, they are often used by major large dog food manufacturers to make up the weight of dog food whilst keeping the prices of the dog food low. This is the main reason why pets all over the United States are getting obese. And, ironically, this became the driving forces behind the rise of these healthy pet food startups , as their founders seek to provide their own proper and much healthier alternatives. The high fiber content will make your dogs feel content faster and thus eat less. And since fiber does not get stored in the body like carbs do, it can be promising measure to keep your pooch's weight under control. Mathematically, eating less will reduce weight gain. However, it can easily lead to malnourishment if your dog is not given the proper nutrition. We are talking about nutrients beyond the common proteins and carbohydrates. They include omega fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, amino acids and many more! The key here is not to eat less. The key here is to maintain a balanced diet. And what constitutes a balanced diet? That requires a deep understanding and a wide study in the field of pet nutrition to truly determine it; so much that it warrants a university degree. To get the most balanced, holistic and healthiest dog foods , it is often better to leave it to the experts. Have you been scheduling your dog's meal time wrongly? And does it really matter? Scheduling your dog's meal time will tune their stomach to become hungry only at their meal times. Combining this with the right amount of dog food given to them, it will keep your dogs from becoming hungry out of meal hours. In turn, this will maintain their metabolism rate and utilize all the food they consume fully and appropriately. As a bonus, regular meal time will also discourage them from scavenging around the house like little vacuum cleaners as they grow accustomed to the amount of food they are given and to be used for the intervals between meal times. These food brands are not your typical corporate pet food manufacturers. These are pet food startups fueled by the passion from their pet enthusiasts founders who only want the best for all dogs under the sky. Each of them have came up with their own unique formula that will surely satisfy your dogs' taste buds without compromising their health. Click here or the button below to learn more about these bespoke food brands. Underweight and undernourishment is as real an issue as obesity among dogs. Underweight dogs appear thin and frail. And before you know it, they will start to lose all the hair on their coat and look like anything but a dog. These cases created a market of specialized dog food that help your dog to gain weight healthily. Here are 7 of the best dog foods for weight gain that can help your underweight dog get back its glory. Read more by clicking the button below. This information will help prepare you for the changes that your puppy may experience as he grows. Reminders This article examines the growth habits of a typical English Bulldog. Puppy results can vary. There may be growth spurts and plateaus in their overall growth that either slow down or accelerate it. This is normal and not a cause for concern. English Bulldogs usually reach their maximum height around 12 months. However, their weight continues to increase until they are 24 months old. This growth is also dependent on nutrition , Keep them safe from injury. Your puppy may be slightly smaller than or larger than the ones we recommend. This is a sign that your veterinarian may be concerned. Birth To 2 Weeks Your puppy will begin to hear sounds around the second week. Your puppy is still deaf and blind at this stage. They rely on their mother for the milk and care they require. Your puppy should be allowed to drink as much milk and water as she needs. If you are caring for the mother of your puppy, make sure she is getting enough rest and food to care for them. This is crucial for their development as it is their first opportunity to socialize. They can be fed soft, wet dog food. You should not give them too much food at once. Males weigh an average of pounds. Females weigh an average of pounds. They should be completely weaned from milk by this time. You can start teaching basic commands to your puppy and begin obedience training. You can also give them three meals per day and change the portion size according to their weight. English Bulldogs are very adaptable to training. However, most , Bulldogs will need to be trained early. They should be kept focused and short in their training sessions. Because they are most responsive when they are young, it is important to start training them early. You could start leash training to get them used to the feel of the harness and leash. This is the time to teach them how to groom themselves. Patience and consistency are important here. They can be very playful and very mouthy. Do your best to discourage bad behavior and promote acceptable behavior. They will be happy to live with you at home. It is important to continue training them in obedience and socialization with positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement training is a good option for Bulldogs. They also love food so they are happy to eat treats. However, it is important not to give them too many treats as they may gain weight. You may consider enrolling in classes if you are less familiar with training English Bulldogs. To teach your dog how to behave around other dogs, you can let them join puppy kindergarten classes. Although they will be friendly with their family and friends, they can become aggressive around unfamiliar animals. This behavior can be greatly reduced by getting them used to different animals. This will make your puppy more confident, friendly, as well as more balanced. This stage is where they learn, develop, and have more. .Positive reinforcement is a great way to keep your dog happy. Positive reinforcement can make a big difference in the way your dog behaves and grows as an adult. Bulldogs become affectionate and loving but puppies will still be puppies. They will play, bite, and play more. Continue to get them comfortable with people, places, and daily noises. More serious, it could lead to hip dysplasia. They might try to push the boundaries, but they should keep up with your routine. They must learn structure and discipline. They are sometimes stubborn so it is important to train them. Continue to socialize and train them. Recognize exemplary behavior. They are doing their best to please you. They love making their families happy. You can take your dog for longer walks, but not too many. They are more comfortable on the couch and indoors but need to exercise. It is possible to split the walking into two sessions. Your dog can be fed two meals per day, provided they are eating enough for their size, age, and activity level. This is called separation anxiety and takes a toll on your mental health. This can also cause damage to your possessions as dogs often display destructive behavior when they feel this way. Bulldogs enjoy being around their family and having someone to call home. To avoid loneliness, it is best for bulldogs to have someone with them all the time. Your pup is close to reaching adulthood and will soon be his final weight. For all puppies, this may not be the case. They will be calmer, however. Bulldogs love people and will obey more. Toys provide both mental and physical stimulation. Bulldogs love chew toys. They will need different kinds to keep them engaged. Toys that chew are great for curbing destructive behavior at home. Although he will continue to grow and gain weight, he will be much smaller than when he was a puppy. At ten months, they start to listen more attentively to you if you are consistent with your training. You can now take them for longer walks, as their bodies are becoming stronger. As their bones are still developing and they can be vulnerable to extreme temperatures, it is important not to push them too hard. Bulldogs love to be part of the family. You can now try to give them twenty to 40 minutes of walk time each day, split into two sessions to make it easier to manage. Do not let them run on a leash, but do walk with them to prevent bone loss. He will have probably grown by now. You can ask your veterinarian if your dog is healthy. They may gain weight even before they turn two years old. They should still be on the right track, provided they eat properly, get enough sleep, and are not seriously ill or injured. Your bond and relationship with your dog are likely strong. He should also be better behaved. You can use the weights and heights that are listed as markers. However, you can always check with your veterinarian to compare your notes to determine how your dog has grown. Their growth should not be an issue as long as they were well-fed throughout their puppyhood. Full grown English Bulldog Your dog has grown a lot during his puppyhood. Male dogs and female dogs are similar in weight throughout their puppyhood, but they differ slightly when they reach adulthood. .A full-grown male weighs around pounds, while females weigh about pounds. Males are taller, standing around inches, while females average inches. Weight Gain Chart. A full-grown male English Bulldog weighs about 50 to 55 pounds and stands 14 to 16 inches tall. A full-grown female English Bulldog weighs about ten pounds less at 40 to 44 pounds and stands at 12 to 14 inches tall. According to Care. This will be around inches tall for a male English Bulldog and approximately inches tall for a female English Bulldog. As for weight, a 6-month-old male English Bulldog will weigh about 33 to 37 pounds, while a 6-month-old female English Bulldog will weigh around 26 to 33 pounds. Pro Tip: Check out this ultimate pet parent guide that details 39 dog care tips on health, puppy-proofing practices, training, dog safety, and more! How much bigger will my English Bulldog get? If your English Bulldog is over two years old, they are probably fully grown. Any additional weight they put on may be excess and should be discussed with your veterinarian. Do their paws look big next to the rest of their body? They may still have room to grow as this is a classic puppy feature! A dog rarely grows to be larger than their parents, so this will provide you with a general idea of their final adult size. What is the size of a full-grown English Bulldog? According to the Bulldog Club of America Bulldog Standards , an English Bulldog should appear stocky but symmetrical with no excessively prominent features. English Bulldogs are especially prone to gaining extra weight and may exceed these weight estimates. Your veterinarian will be happy to discuss food type, quantity, frequency of feedings, and treats to get your English Bulldog back to their ideal weight. English Bulldogs may require extra attention due to some genetic health problems that are common for the breed. For example, English Bulldogs will require regular at-home baths, this cleaning is specifically to prevent infections under their skin folds. English Bulldogs are also highly prone to putting on excess weight, which is detrimental to their health. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that .The English Bulldog is one of the most severely affected dog breeds and brachycephalic syndrome can lead to difficulty breathing, respiratory distress, heatstroke, and difficulty exercising due to their breathing restrictions. All of this can make weight loss even more difficult for the English Bulldog breed. Because your English Bulldog may have a harder time breathing than other dogs, your vet can recommend safe ways to allow them to exercise and enjoy life without getting overheated. If your pup has a particularly bad case and has difficulty breathing even when not exercising, you can talk to your veterinarian about surgery for Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome which is a common procedure done to help English Bulldogs and other brachycephalic dog breeds, like pugs, breath more easily. Taking your English Bulldog to regular veterinary appointments to keep them healthy and happy is one of the best things you can do for them! Not only can your veterinarian provide personalized advice to keep your pup healthy, but they can screen for common English Bulldog health problems, like skin infections, hip and knee problems. Unfortunately, veterinary care can be pricey. Veterinarian treatments for health issues, like hip and knee problems, can easily cost thousands of dollars. Treating medical issues, like accidents or sudden illnesses, can be expensive, but this should never be the deciding factor in treating your English Bulldog. Final Considerations As pet parents, we do our part by providing quality food, exercise, and care at home, but we also need to take our dogs in for regular veterinary appointments. A professional can provide you with personalized recommendations for your dog, as well as testing to detect any health issues early on. Prevention and early detection are vital in keeping our dogs healthy and happy! English Bulldog puppies grow into silly, lovable, and wrinkly dogs with a lot of personality. Compare and enroll in a top English Bulldog insurance plan here and gain the peace of mind that you'll always be able to do the right ting for your pet. At Pawlicy Advisor, we always want the health care decisions you make for your pet to be based on what you and your veterinarian think is best for them rather than being limited by financial restrictions. 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. As a newborn, he will weigh just 4 to 5 ounces. His eyes should now be fully open, and he should react to external sounds. He may even start to communicate with you and with his mother. By one month old, the male English Bulldog will weigh between 4 and 7 pounds 1. At this point, he will be ready to leave his mother and go home with a new family. Male two-month-old Bulldogs will weigh between 9 and 12 pounds 4 and 5. Your dog will now be moving around quite a lot, exploring the world around him, and expelling energy. At three months, males will weigh around 13 to 18 pounds 5. He will also become more independent and need to go to puppy school to train their behaviors. At four months, a male pup will weigh between 18 and 24 pounds 8. He may love to show off how strong he is and may present with some stubborn reactions to puppy training. You may also notice that families with more than one dog begin to have some fights as your English Bulldog tries to assert his dominance. Your male dog will now weigh between 30 and 33 pounds .Females will stand between 9 and 11 inches .Although he will have reached his full height, it will still take him another six months to a year to reach his adult weight. Suppose you see a difference between your dog and the average sizes mentioned above. If his paws look big compared to the rest of his legs and body, you could end up with quite a big dog. If your dog seems to be putting on too much weight too quickly, you may consider taking him to the vet to rule out common health problems such as hypothyroidism, leading to excessive weight gain. This can have various health benefits in that it can reduce the risk of cancer, prevent aggression, and stave off unwanted puppies. This is because the reproductive hormones are essential for bone and joint development. It may even be better to wait until your dog is around ten months before performing the procedure. Excess weight could also lead to the development of type two diabetes, osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia , cancer, liver disease, and high blood pressure. Puppy formula will give your dog the necessary nutrients and supplements that he needs to grow. Physical Activities Regular exercise is key to ensuring your English Bulldog maintains a healthy weight. If your dog is overweight, you might consider exercising him more but be sure to do this with caution so that you do not put too much pressure on his airways. If your dog has horrible respiratory problems, even for the Bulldog breed, and really struggles to breathe during exercise, you may consider surgery that can help alleviate the problem. English Bulldogs have a brachycephalic syndrome, which means that they have short noses. This syndrome can cause several health issues with the breed, including respiratory distress. By managing his diet, exercise, and stress levels, you can do this. Healthy Diet Source: oliver. Just switching him to a different brand or type of dog food could significantly impact his body condition. Dogs that need to lose weight might benefit from being fed low-calorie, high-quality dog food. You might also consider swapping out fatty store-bought treats for healthier alternatives such as slices of bananas, cucumbers, apples, and green beans. Appropriate Exercise As a brachycephalic breed, Bulldogs can have difficulty exercising due to breathing restrictions. That said, these dogs still need exercise to maintain a healthy weight. When stressed or anxious, your dog might eat more or less than he usually does, which will affect his weight. English Bulldogs are prone to putting on excessive weight, and as a breed that loves to eat, they can easily overfeed, which can lead to obesity. You can use a home scale to weigh your dog by first weighing yourself and then weighing yourself while carrying your dog. The difference in the two weights will be that of your pet. Upon weighing your English Bulldog on a home scale, if he appears overweight or you are concerned, it would be best to consult with your vet. Your vet will also be able to provide an accurate reading for your dog on their walk-on scale. When do English Bulldogs stop growing? After that, they may continue to gain muscle mass, filling out their body and gaining extra weight. They should stop growing altogether by around the age of two years old. What is considered overweight for this breed? Now that you know more about English Bulldog puppies, how tall they grow, and how much they weigh, you can start measuring your own dog. In their first year, they grow a lot, and most adults reach full height when they are one year old, though it may still take several more months to reach their full weight. Is your English Bulldog large or small? Further reading: More Weight Chart Guides. Now keeping a dog on a scale can be challenging. Follow the steps below to make it somewhat easier. With your fingers spread downward, place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine. Without having to push hard, you should be able to feel and not see his ribs. Visually A visual test that can indicate if an English Bulldog is overweight is looking at his or her body. Waists should be somewhat slimmer and smaller than hips in a dog, particularly English Bulldogs. English Bulldogs with a waist that is bigger than their hips or with no discernible shape is likely overweight. At what age is an English Bulldog considered mature as far as weight is concerned? When referring to English Bulldogs, mature male dogs weigh approximately 50 to 55 pounds, and their height will range from 14 to 16 inches. Female dogs usually weigh about ten pounds less than male Bulldogs ranging from approximately 40 to 44 pounds, and range from 12 to 14 inches in height. In fact, with the English Bulldog genetics there comes health concerns that can be exacerbated by extra weight. One of these is Brachycephalic Syndrome which is characterized by difficulty breathing. The American Kennel Club recognizes the English Bulldog as a Brachycephalic breed because of its face shape and muzzle. A horrible sport that, thank goodness, is no longer legal. The English Bulldog will snort and snore because of difficulty getting sufficient air into their lungs due to their short muzzle and small nostrils. Hip Dysplasia Hip Dysplasia is a painful degenerative condition that can be found in English Bulldogs. Simply put, hip dysplasia occurs when the two bones of the hip joint shift out of alignment. This causes pain, and in turn, the dog limits its movement. Obesity makes hip dysplasia worse. When it comes to feeding your English bulldog, there are a few things to keep in mind. Be sure to feed them small meals several times a day rather than one large meal. Avoid feeding them high-fat or high-sugar foods, as these will not be good for their health. Make sure that their water intake is adequate. Be sure to give them appropriate exercise. While an English Bulldog requires very little exercise, it is still important to maintain a proper weight. And while exercise is part of the solution, diet is really the number one source of the problem for English Bulldogs. We all love our English Bulldogs, but giving them special treats and extra food in their bowl every day is not the best way to show them we care. The proper food will allow you to manage their weight while still providing them with the required nutrition. Be sure you are providing them with high-quality dog food. Avoid overdoing it with treats during the training period as well. Many of us use treats to reward our puppies for good behavior, but praise, pats, and belly rubs are usually more effective for training an English Bulldog puppy. Look for alternative snacks in the treat aisle of your favorite pet or grocery store. Keeping English Bulldogs healthy and their weight at this level will not only keep them healthier but will also drastically reduce the maintenance required for an overweight English Bulldog and help them live a longer, more comfortable life. Additional Reading:. At 12 months old, they have usually reached their full height. Puppies will then continue to gain some more weight and fill out over the next few months. Typically, a smaller Bulldog will finish growing earlier than a larger pup. A full-grown Bulldog can weigh anywhere around 40 to 50 pounds and stand 14 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder. Typically, male Bulldogs weigh about 50 to 55 pounds, and females around 40 to 45 pounds. Females can also be slightly shorter than the males. Photo by Robert Vergeson on Unsplash As Bulldogs are prone to obesity, we recommend you keep a close eye on their caloric intake and track their weight. You can calculate their potential adult weight at 23 weeks by taking what they weigh at that age and multiplying it by two. Other dog breeds in the same height range are often considered as small or medium-sized dogs. Usually, the litters should be pretty consistent in terms of size and other breed characteristics. To conclude, understanding the size of your pet is crucial for providing them a healthy and happy life. We hope you learned some useful information about the size and growth patterns of Bulldogs, and can be fully-prepared for a long and happy life with your new furry little companion. It is not intended to be a substitute for qualified professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified animal health provider with any questions you may have. Pin It!

They are extremely kind, affectionate and intelligent puppies. They are like teddy bears and love their cuddles like their mom Heidi and dad Duke. They are bred to a very high standard and their pedigree is available. This is the first litter from our gorgeous family dog, Heidi, who is an excellent family pet. We have one male and one female cream puppy available, they are in perfect health and displaying a friendly temperament, much like their mother. Our puppies have been raised and played with by my nine grandchildren since they were born, so they are well accustomed to being handled regularly. They were also born the same time our cat had kittens so they are well used to and quite affectionate with our cats and kittens. Each puppy is IKC registered, vaccinated, wormed, and microchipped. We would be more than happy for you to visit and meet the puppies before making any commitments. It is very important to us that the puppies go to suitable homes that will provide love and affection aswell as proper looking after. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Experience the Joys of Owning a Dog Experience the Joys of Owning a Dog Experience the Joys of Owning a Dog If you've been considering dog ownership, why not find out what it's really like with us before making that big commitment. That's why we entrust them to resolve your fear of dogs within our specially controlled environment. Or know someone who has? Many people who are bereaving find it very therapeutic coming to The GRE because they are reminded of the joys of having had their pet and receive the healing love and attention they've been missing. We're based in the quiet countryside of Exmoor National Park, surrounded by rolling hills with a 10 minute walk to the beach. Makes a perfect Wedding Gift and we do Gift Certificates. You can book out our grounds dogs included of course for up to 6 hours of dog-filled fun. Enquire below. Additional Expertise and Accessibility Learning, Social and Behavioural Difficulties Additional Expertise and Accessibility We have experience working with the blind, elderly patients and children and adults with Down syndrome. The GRE is fully wheelchair accessible and we have ample parking for minibuses and coaches. We'd love to see all of you at The GRE but we don't accept walk-ins because we have a limited capacity, all bookings must be made in advance via the 'book now' button on our website. If you want to book, please press the 'book now' button on the bottom of your screen. Otherwise, fill out this form and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Please note that we are not offering 3-hour sessions for Summer but please get in touch if you still have a 3-hour gift certificate to use. You can use the information on dog.Show more How much grooming does a Golden Retriever need? Golden Retrievers do shed so you'll generally need brush them a few times a week. Golden Retrievers are also likely to need professional grooming. What size crate do you need for a Golden Retriever? When inside their crate, your dog should have plenty of space to: sit and stand up at their full height turn around without touching the sides lie down fully stretched out.To find out more about potential health issu.Are Golden Retrievers easy to train? You can teach any breed of dog new tricks! Find out what your dog loves so you can use this to reward them after a success. Just like you, every dog is an individual with their own personality and prior experiences. So every Golden Retriever temperament is different. As dogs grow from puppies, they learn all about the world. They develop t.Show more Are Golden Retrievers good with children? Every dog has their own unique personality that has been shaped by their own experiences of the world. However, there are som.Show more. His butt wiggles so much with happiness that he whacks himself in the face with his tail out of happiness! He loves to play with toys, chew on bones and will find a nice quiet cool surface to lay on and nap. Take a look at the heart on his forehead! He is crate trained and potty trained. Charlie's adoption fee will contribute to our program of readying additional dogs, puppies and kittens which we prepare, transport and adopt out in the Midwest. Our goal is to get as many homeless animals out of south Texas, where we have a severe pet overpopulation crisis. We take payments through Zelle, Venmo, or CashApp, or we can take card numbers over the phone and process them through Square. All of these methods provide a receipt. Thank you for supporting our efforts to bring Texas dogs north to loving homes! We cannot guarantee breed or age. We assign breed and age designations based on veterinary advice and information from the prior owner. Small right facing arrow Search for a Golden Retriever puppy or dog Use the search tool below to browse adoptable Golden Retriever puppies and adults Golden Retriever in Mequon, Wisconsin. Life Span Did You Know? It was only later that they became a favorite fashionable lapdog of Victorian nobles and they made it to the United States in the s. In , the American Kennel Club recognized these small but expressive dogs as a member of the Toy Group. Yorkies are small dogs that can sometimes have a big diva attitude, especially if they are not well-socialized or well-trained. A properly socialized and trained Yorkshire Terrier is an affectionate, loving, and loyal dog with a playful, energetic, and sometimes mischievous personality. They are certainly not above getting into trouble or making a fool of themselves if it means they will be the center of attention. As long as they are well-socialized, a Yorkshire Terrier tends to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Even though they are a Terrier with a high prey drive, they tend to do well with other family pets that they have been socialized with or grew up with. They will alert you of strangers, but tend to warm up quickly and take a friendly approach. After all, a stranger is just another potential admirer and source of attention to a Yorkie. Yorkshire Terriers are small, but it can be said that their bark can be heard all over the neighborhood. They will alert bark, which can become a nuisance if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. Yorkshire Terriers are highly adaptable dogs. They tend to do well in apartments as well as larger homes with fenced yards where they can run. They are sensitive to heat and to cold. Due to their small size, they may need to bundle up in some winter dog gear to stay warm while out on walks when temperatures drop. Because Yorkies bond so closely with their families and are happiest when they are with them, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. This can make them prone to developing separation anxiety if you do not work with them on this early on. As with any dog, the health of the parents and good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of a puppy. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Yorkshire Terrier include patellar luxation and eye anomalies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about health tests or clearances that have been done. Yorkies are intelligent dogs and tend to be eager to please, but they can also be stubborn at times and are not above using their adorable face to try and get their way. As long as training is kept consistent, clear, and focused on positive praise and reward, Yorkshire Terriers tend to excel. As a tiny puppy with a tiny bladder, they do need to be given frequent potty breaks. House training can be difficult at first, but with some house training tips , some puppy pads for backup, and plenty of patience, you and Yorkie can get through it. A longer cut requires daily brushing to remove tangles and prevent mats. A short cut, or puppy cut, only needs brushing a few times a week. No matter the length of the cut, a Yorkshire Terrier needs a bath every week or so and grooming every weeks. The dog groomer may be able to help with some of it, but you will still need to do some maintenance at home between visits. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long and causing issues. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Daily brushing, along with cleanings at the vet as needed, is a good foundation. Although a Yorkshire Terrier may have bursts of high energy when they play, they tend to sit in a more moderate to low range. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually plenty for this little dog. They love spending time with you though, so they will likely be up for more if you are. Just make sure they are not overheating or overexerting themselves trying to keep up with you. The Yorkie is one of the smallest dog breeds. A fully-grown Yorkshire Terrier usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. Yorkies generally live for years on average. Featured Yorkie Article.

New Fur Babies! Call for more information. The first step is to fill out the puppy application. Once I receive your application, I will contact you by phone with all the details. Super sweet temperaments with low to non shedding coats!! Multi-Gen Goldendoodle puppies from Midwest Goldendoodle will enrich your life with love without the worry of allergy issues. We are a professional family breeder of the highest quality Multigenerational Goldendoodle Puppies. Our Goldendoodles are intelligent, low to non shedding, hypoallergenic, and very family friendly and of course beautiful!! Here at Midwest Goldendoodle our mission is to educate prospective adoptive parents and to match those who qualify with the very best quality Goldendoodles available. The choice you make in your adoption is very important and we understand that. Education is the key to making an informed decision. Please feel free to Contact us and we will be happy to go over every step of our program with you. It is an amazing and fun journey that starts at conception! Click here to fill out our puppy application: Puppy Application The application is the very first step to this amazing journey! Once we receive your application, we will contact you by phone with details regarding our upcoming litters! Multi Gen Goldendoodle Puppies What are our customers saying about us? Feel Free to visit our Testimonials page for more family testimonials. Our puppies meet many different people of all ages before they come home to you at 8 weeks! Breeding healthy, good natured Goldendoodles is our priority. We raise our puppies on a culmination of Badass Breeder BAB Curriculum, Avidog, Midwoofery and Puppy Culture - a week by week guide to aid in the neurological stimulation to emotional resiliency in our puppies. Temperament assessing helps our families choose the best companion for their needs. We are also featured on Good Dog for our responsible breeding ethics with a rating of Excellent, which is the highest rating earned on Good Dog. Why Choose Cherry Lane Doodles? The benefits of our breeding program culminate into superior puppies that are resilient, confident, calm, easy to train, and will bond strongly with their families! Additionally, customer satisfaction is very important to us. Check out a few of our reviews below, or to view all of our reviews go to Cherry Lane Doodle Google Reviews! Where should I start? Click on Availability and Pricing to view our anticipated litters coming up. Once you hear back from us, and if you are an approved applicant, you can Place Your Puppy Reservation. The Process of buying a Doodle 1. Make a deposit and get on the waiting list 3. Wait for the puppies to be born 4. Midwest Puppy Families We love him so much! We bought our Saintberdoodle from Midwest puppy a little over a year ago. Our experience from the get go was great. They were able to answer questions for us quickly and continued to help in anyway they could even after we brought our baby home. We love him so much! He is very gentle and is great with all people and doggies. He brings our family so much joy that we decided to get his half sister from Midwest Puppy today! She is just as sweet as her big bro! We are so lucky to have these gentle giants be part of our family. Thank you Midwest Puppy!! Heather Niemann Happy and healthy Midwest Puppy was a great team to work with from the moment we started looking for a fur baby. They were so quick to respond to my messages and answer any questions or concerns. We even were able to pick a time to meet our pup before bringing him home about a month before! Our doodle Teddy is happy and healthy. I would recommend Midwest Puppy if you want a personal and professional experience when choosing a puppy for your family. Midwest Puppy was great to work with through the whole process! Midwest Puppy really cares about their animals! Casey Glassburner Instantly fell in love Meet our new furbaby Bennie, we instantly fell in love. They went above and beyond to assure Bennie was a good fit. Although we were miles away during his first 8 weeks, they always made us feel connected. We absolutely adore Charley, our Bernedoodle! He has been so easy to train and has a sweet personality! Cheryle Amanda Shelton-Deal Subscribe to receive updates about future puppies! Join our mailing list for the latest pup-dates Email Address. I'd like to subscribe to be notified of upcoming litters If you are human, leave this field blank. Each new litter of Goldendoodles is unique and may inherit various features from each parent breed. That is why it is crucial to pick a reliable Golden doodle breeder with expertise in both parent breeds. As all dog owners know, every new puppy has a unique personality waiting to develop with your love and care. The standard is the largest Goldendoodle size, ranging in height and weight from 25 — 28 inches to 90 pounds. Typically, Standard Goldendoodle weighs between 50 and 65 pounds and stands between 23 and 25 inches in height. Families adore standard Goldendoodles because of their prominent playful personalities and peaceful, friendly demeanors. The Miniature or Mini Goldendoodle grows between 15 and 20 inches tall and weighs between 25 and 35 pounds when fully grown. This size Goldendoodle is the sweet spot — people who live in large homes with enclosed yards and those who live in condominiums or townhouses love this size. These little cuties weigh less than 25 pounds usually pounds and range in height from 10 to 18 inches. Our Toy Goldendoodles have the sweetest personalities and hypoallergenic qualities, making them another popular choice. Raising puppies is our job, passion, and calling. Each of our healthy puppies for sale will envelop the characteristics mentioned above but have individualized, unique qualities that we want you to look for. A good breeder in Illinois will only show you what they want you to see, but a reputable breeder will go the extra mile to ensure health, promise a warranty and be fully honest with your next Goldendoodle puppy. Our parent dogs and puppies undergo a comprehensive set of health and DNA tests to ensure you get the healthiest dog possible from health tested parents. All of our adorable Goldendoodles come with a 2-year written genetic health guarantee. As Professional Goldendoodle breeders, we do everything possible to ensure that our Goldendoodles are the happiest and healthiest. Honesty Reputable Goldendoodle breeders are open and upfront with their customers. They must answer any of your questions about their breeding program and the dogs they breed with honesty and competence. If they do their job well, they will have a good breeding reputation by following through on their promises and professionally handling issues. At Central Illinois Doodles, we are Goldendoodle breeders operating openly and transparently. Simply put, it means that your puppy comes from carefully chosen parent dogs whose lineages have been OFA DNA tested for genetic issues and common health concerns. As a result, all of our puppies come with written guarantees that they are free of health conditions and genetic disorders. Temperament is also a priority for us, and our goal is to ensure that the dogs we breed are the best match, not just for adorable puppies but well-tempered ones, too. Variety of Sizes and Colors Our Goldendoodles come in various sizes, from standard to miniature to toy, encapsulating the breed in a lovely tiny package! Every litter features a wide range of hues, from white to brown to tan and everything in between. The coat types of our Goldendoodle pups range from wavy to wavy, with loose curls to very curly. Whatever your preference, they are all extremely precious! Owners will be thrilled to see that our little puppies are already displaying indications of their intelligence as they learn and play in their new surroundings at just a few weeks old. While other breeds at the same age may be distant and unsure of their place in the family, our Goldendoodle pups bond quickly and develop devotion and loyalty at a young age. Goldendoodle breeders can ensure that their puppies inherit the best and healthiest qualities by carefully selecting parent dogs. So whether you are looking for a devoted friend, a service dog, or a therapy dog, Goldendoodle puppies are the best possible breed to consider! Check out our available puppies page to learn more about our current litters. We look forward to talking with you about our current or upcoming litters and helping you reserve your new puppy. Are Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic? If you are looking for reduced shedding in your dog, then the Goldendoodle may be the perfect fit for you. Most Goldendoodles inherit less shedding and hypoallergenic coats, but not all Goldendoodles inherit these traits. When the puppy is around three weeks old, Goldendoodle breeders can usually tell the type of coat they will have. This allows them to find the perfect family for each pup. Do Goldendoodle Puppies Need Training? Unfortunately, at the time being, we have no specialized training packages to offer you. But we would highly recommend finding an experienced dog trainer in your local area. We have a range of prices for our Goldendoodles, depending on the type of coat, color, size, and parents. Our Goldendoodles might not be as cheap as dogs from puppy mills or backyard Goldendoodle breeders. They reflect the effort and dedication we put into presenting you with a healthy and well-tempered perfect puppy. Please review our puppy price guide on our website for more information. Doodle Breeder Near Me. Together we are a mother-daughter team, raising Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles at two convenient locations: south central Minnesota, and central Wisconsin each about 2 hours from the Twin Cities. We offer exclusive, limited boarding for our Doodle families, and keep in touch for a lifetime to support your puppy journey. My family and I have heated and cooled indoor puppy space, and our puppies are hand raised from birth to adoption in our home, where we can give them the hour hands on care, attention, and the one-of-the-family bonding they deserve. With our family-focused lifestyle, there is always someone home to snuggle puppies, work on training, or play fetch. We are dedicated to the puppies-first life so we can provide our families with not only a well-bred, well-adjusted puppy, but also the connection and confidence that marks an exceptional puppy experience. Would I recommend Brooke? Definitely and already have! Brooke and family take care of and love these puppies so much! You can tell by how well they are socialized once you pick them up. They are playful, happy and extremely adorable! She is great at answering questions and giving training tips for when you take your puppy home—not to mention you get a gift bag of pure love. Our Puppies: Our puppies are raised in my home with one-on-one love from the start. We pride ourselves on intelligent, healthy, beautiful, balanced, and well-socialized dogs and puppies. Everyone in my home is involved in raising, training, and caring for our puppies. It's part of our family vision. As a family, we understand the value of a puppy that blesses the home. Health, attractiveness, and a loving temperament are prerequisites for each of our dogs. Our Process: We prioritize making the Brooke's Doodles puppy experience personal and joyful for every puppy family. Emails, phone calls, video chats, and in-person visits are a regular part of the process. Consider us your personal puppy professionals! With a structured puppy process from day one, you can expect to really feel like one of the family. After your puppy is home, we offer boarding for our puppies as available, and are happy to answer questions and offer guidance as your puppy grows with you. You can prepare for and adopt your puppy with confidence knowing you will have support from us both before and after your puppy is home. She is the sweetest, most laid back pup. My kiddos carry her all over and hold her on her back and every which way and she goes with the flow! She loves other people and dogs. She was well-loved long before she reached us. Would highly recommend this breeder. Megan by Megan Amazing! Marcia at Midwest Doodle Pups was amazing to work with. We are first time dog owners and wanted a therapy dog for our kids. They were so helpful and kind and helping us and they took wonderful care of our new pup. We have already recommended them to many. Annie by Annie The best! Marcia is great, you can tell all of the dogs are extremely well taken care of. Jordan by Jordan Sent from above I had found Midwestdoodlepups on FB sometime last year as my mom was looking to add a puppy to the family. I had followed them to help her look. I heartbreakingly lost my father in a traumatic accident unexpectedly at the beginning of .My soul was still heavy from the recent lost, as I looked in his eyes I just had this feeling that I needed to look into them as long as I could. Originally my husband was not thrilled with the idea of adding another fur baby at this time to the family but I thought let me just go up and look. I reached out to Marcia to make a time to meet and we proceeded to have an hour long conversation about my recent loss and the current state of my grieving process. She so kindly prayed with me and for me and provided guidance for my healing. He has been such a blessing to our family. His impulse control is something I have never seen from a 4 month old puppy. He came already creat trained and has only ever chewed his toys. I truly forget we have a puppy in the house as he acts with more maturity than my 5 year old poodle. I am glad to report he has since won over the husband and is such a joy to be around. Goose and Marcia have brought me love and joy in a season of life that has been extremely challenging. Karrigan by Karrigan 5 star After praying and contemplating for a long while about adding another puppy to our family we decided to go with Midwestdoodlepups Marcia was such a great help and was super understanding to our situation we added formerly zazu now Raven to our family she loved her sister Hazel which is a double doodle and trains so easy practically potty trained after two weeks! Marcia made the whole process from research through picking him up so easy and reassuring. The pups were so well cared for in her peaceful environment and the transition to his new home has been so smooth. Marcia's calm presence and helpful knowledge made meeting the puppies and selecting our new guy an incredibly memorable and fun experience. We're so glad to have found Midwest Doodle Pups! Heather M. What an amazing girl! So easy to train and HUGE lover. The right beginnings gives you beautiful animals. That is exactly what we have experienced with our two. Midwest Doodle provides the very best for these dogs and we get the benefits with healthy, happy, well adjusted pups. Thank you Marcia and family. Sarah by Sarah mini bernedoodle After losing our labradoodle in November, we thought it was time to add a puppy to our household again. We found Marcia and Midwest Doodle Pups just by googling and fell in love with the coloring of one of the available pups. He's the perfect combination of playful and super chill. He's healthy and we now can't imagine life without him he's 7 months old now. I highly recommend Marcia and Midwest Doodle Pups! The dogs are well cared for and I was very impressed with the facilities. Page 1 of

Our dogs live in the house and are beloved members of our family, each one shares a bedroom with one of our children. We believe that Quality and not Quantity is essential in ensuring that all of our puppies have the best start in life, therefore we only breed one or two litters per year so that we can provide 24 hour care and attention to each litter we breed. For us the quality of our puppies and the joy they bring to their families is most important factor in breeding our dogs. Our journey started when looking for a family pet to suit our family of four children, two of which have an autism diagnosis we needed a very special breed that would be able to meet their needs and support their development. All of our research kept bringing us back to Australian Labradoodles as the perfect pet, much searching led us to the perfect breeder for us and from the moment Eli arrived he changed the whole dynamics of our family. His personality and temperament made us feel that every household should have an Australian Labradoodle. He ignited a passion for the breed that we never expected, there is something very magical about ALDs. We have searched extensively for the perfect breeding girl for our programme, we finally found her in our beautiful Aubrie, allowing every family the opportunity to have their own "Little Buddy". Irish Water Spaniel. Why These Breeds? These breeds are selectively mixed together to create a dog with a winning temperament. But also with a low-shedding coat. Australian Labradoodles have been bred this way since the s. Even now, breeders are striving to make a consistent set of breed-specific traits. They hope these can be reliably passed down from one generation to the next. The Australian Labradoodle breed standard was introduced in .And many enthusiasts hope they will eventually be recognised as a breed in their own right. Australian Labradoodle Appearance Australian Labradoodles grow to around 20 inches tall and weigh about 19kg. They can have one of two coat types. Either fleece-textured or wool-textured. Fleece-textured coats are soft and either straight or wavy. They can also have spiral-shaped curls. Wool-textured coats feel—you guessed it! Australian Labradoodles are often described as teddy bear-like. And this certainly adds to their appeal! Australian Labradoodle Temperament Australian Labradoodles are gentle, loyal, and sociable. They are not aggressive and are very good with children. Plus, Australian Labradoodles are intelligent and quick to learn. In fact, Australian Labradoodles are widely used as therapy and service dogs. Naturally playful, they enjoy time with their human families. But they should not be left alone or in crates for too long. Also, Australian Labradoodles are active dogs. They need a large amount of daily activity. At least minutes is ideal. The Labradoodle Labradoodles closely resemble Australian Labradoodle. The Labradoodle has one Poodle parent and one Labrador parent. But the Australian Labradoodle blends six different parent breeds. Labradoodles are very popular with families. They vary in size, depending on whether their Poodle parent is a standard, miniature, or toy. Labradoodles tend to be higher-energy than the calmer Australian Labradoodle. Labradoodle Coats Their coat tends to come in 4 types, short coated like the Labrador scruffy coated both of which can shed curly like the poodle wavy and come in a range of colours from cream, champagne apricot, red chocolate to black. Numerous anecdotes suggest Labradoodles trigger fewer allergies in humans. But this is not a guarantee. And as a result, relatively easy to train. And puppies that are socialised early are less likely to display behavioural problems later on. Positive Training Methods Research shows that positive, rewards-based training is more effective than punishment-based training. In fact, punishments negatively affect behaviour. This will help prevent weight problems. Some evidence suggests mixed-breed dogs experience fewer inherited disorders than their purebred counterparts. The limited gene pools of purebreds can cause a number of health-related issues. This is due to years of inbreeding. They may still inherit certain health conditions from either parent. The problem leads to painful arthritis and lameness. Australian Labradoodles are also prone to patellar luxation. The problem causes vision loss that could lead to blindness. Plus, Australian Labradoodles are at risk from multifocal retinal dysplasia. This causes retinal detachment and eventually, blindness. And Australian Labradoodles are prone to it. Usually around once a week. You might find it useful to enlist a professional groomer. I raise all my puppies on good quality raw food, i recommend this as its the most natural food for your dog, they digest it easily, they have a shiny coat and are less prone to ear, and skin allergies and anal gland problems often associated with feeding kibble. Doodles make fantastic family dogs, as a gentle breed, they are great with children and other pets. Plus, they love spending time with their human families. Labradoodles learn quickly. So, they need a good amount of exercise at least minutes daily. Instead, large homes with securely-fenced outdoor spaces are best. And the Australian Labradoodle might not be the right fit if you spend a lot of time away from home during the day. They might become bored if left alone. This is because they prefer human company. First off, start training and socialisation early on. That way your puppy and family can quickly adjust to a new life together. And will also help your puppy grow into a well-adjusted dog. Puppies need general obedience training. Plus house training and crate training but only if you plan on using a crate. Positive, rewards-based training is the most effective training method. But consistency is key and a little forward planning can be invaluable. Labradoodles are quick to learn and respond well to consistent, positive training. This mixed breed may be good for allergy sufferers. Their curly coat catches some of that allergy-triggering dander and fur. Australian Labradoodles make great service and therapy animals. Cons These active, energetic dogs require at least minutes of activity daily. Plus, access to securely fenced outdoor space. This breed is not suited to apartment living. They're almost here! We have half Australian Labradoodles ready to go to their forever homes now.

We all know cats are typically the fur family members to use a litter box. But what about dogs? Are there any good arguments for litter box training your canine friend? A dog litter box? Or an artificial grass pad? So I rarely advise pet parents to skip this opportunity. That said, there are a few instances when using a dog litter box is preferable. Is it right for your dog? This is especially true if you have a small dog, or tiny tinkler as I call them, since they often have more difficulty holding their urine than bigger dogs. This leads to more accidents in the house and bigger frustrations, which puts a damper on your relationship. I wrote an entirely different article that goes into more detail about why your dog is peeing in the house. But if you live in an area that sees several feet of snow or is primarily paved and gets very hot, an indoor dog litter box might actually be safer for your pet. You or Your Dog Have Mobility Issues If you or your dog have mobility issues, dog litter box training might be a good idea. Some companies, like doggybathroom. All you need to do is change out the pads and keep the inside clean. This can be a good option for medium-sized dogs that raise their leg to pee. The downside is the cost. The pee pads are disposable and will need to be replaced frequently. If you want to use dog litter, the sides of the litter box should be low enough for your dog to easily step over but high enough to contain the litter. Now what about artificial grass pads? The initial investment for a grass pad like this one is minimal. Can Dogs Use Cat Litter? Yes, technically, dogs can use cat litter. However, cat litter can be harmful if ingested, which is a risk since our canine friends are known to eat strange things from time to time. Dog litter typically consists of larger, more absorbent pellets, which are safer if ingested. Some are also made with recycled material, like wood or paper. Pin me! Whether you choose a litter box or a grass pad, will your dog really use it? This is the million doggie bone question. Can pet parents actually get their pups to use a dog litter box? In many cases, the answer is yes, you can. Trying to contain a Bull Mastiff in a box while they do their business would be quite a feat! And large dogs tend to raise their leg to pee, so the sides of the dog litter box would have to be very high to avoid soaking surrounding objects. Step 1: Find the Right Spot When house training dogs, we usually bring them outside. Do this by getting a paper towel or pee pad containing a little of their urine and placing it where you want them to go. Step 3: Praise Them for Using the Right Spot Again, just as you would do if training a dog to go outside, be sure to give them lots of praise and some training treats when they do their business in the right spot. But with time, your dog will understand how to use their new pee spot. And of course, you want your home to be sanitary. Close Instructions Wash and clean with soap and water. For indoor use. Extreme heat can cause pan to warp. Training your puppy Stage 1: Getting Off to a Good Start Create an enclosed small space where your puppy can be confined but still feel like part of the family. Make the space large enough for the litter pan to be at least 3 to 4 feet from the puppy's crate and water bowl. Fill the pan with litter or recycled paper litter to the fill line when the puppy is not there. This prevents him from associating it with the sound of kibble being put in his food bowl. Place a small amount of the puppy's urine or solid waste in the pan to help pet understand what the pan is used for. Don't scold; praise your puppy profusely and give him a treat when he is using the litter pan! Stage 2: Be in Control Set up a routine of feeding and exercise. Have fresh water available until a few hours before crating for the night. Feed your puppy at the same time each day, removing the bowl after 1 to 20 minutes. Keep your puppy on a leash while outside the pen area. You will keep accidents to a minimum when you have control over your puppy at all times until your puppy is fully trained. Stage 3: Build Good Habits Place the puppy in the pan regularly when you take your puppy out of the crate, after sleeping or exercising and at mealtimes. Schedule exercise with your puppy. Until your puppy is fully trained, encourage pet to eliminate in the pan before exercising. Using the phrase "puppy go here" when the puppy actually goes in the pan will build the association between the pan and the activity. Eventually, you will be able to use the phrase as a cue for your pet to go potty. After your puppy has used the pan a few times, fill the pan with litter to the fill line and place the usual material over it. After your puppy has become familiar with the smell of the litter, slowly begin to use increasingly smaller pieces of the other material, uncovering more of the litter every couple of days. Use a command or cue phrase such as "puppy go here" or "do your thing" before you start training to help him understand the association between the place and the purpose. When your puppy is used to the new area, put the litter pan-filled with grass or other material from the area-in the spot. When your puppy is comfortable with the ground material in the pan, replace it with litter or recycled paper litter. After the pet has been using the pan outside with the litter with complete reliability, start moving the litter-filled pan toward the house a little bit each day until you can bring it into the house.

This thoughtfully crafted dog food is formulated to meet the unique nutritional requirements of Labrador Retriever puppies up to 15 months old. It contains premium proteins and prebiotics for optimal digestion and energy. With vitamin E and minerals, it supports the immune system and overall health. The kibble size and texture promote dental health. This puppy food provides a tasty and balanced diet to support healthy growth and development, making it an excellent choice for Labrador Retriever puppy owners. This nutritious dog food is made with real chicken and eggs and provides essential vitamins and minerals for healthy digestion, immune function, and overall well-being. It also supports strong bones and healthy skin and coat. Its balanced nutrition and delicious taste make it a satisfying choice for adult Labrador dogs. This high-quality dog food offers a complete nutritional profile at a reasonable price, making it an excellent value-for-money option for pet parents seeking to provide their dogs with a nutritious diet. How to find the best Labrador dog food? Selecting the optimal dog food for your Labrador necessitates the meticulous evaluation of various factors. Look for high-quality ingredients: Choose dog foods that contain high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, and fats and are free from artificial preservatives and fillers. Choose a formula for Labrador Retrievers: Some dog food brands offer recipes designed explicitly for Labrador Retrievers, considering their unique nutritional needs. Suitability with age: Age factors matter a lot when choosing Labrador dog food. Puppies, adult dogs, and seniors have different dietary requirements, so select a formula appropriate for your dog's age. Read the online reviews to get an idea of how other dog owners feel about a particular dog food brand. You may be interested in Product. Diamond Naturals Dog Food Review An additional reason for there being specific food for puppies is the pieces are smaller which not only prevents them from choking, it also makes the food easier to digest. The pieces are richer, denser and the ideal size for smaller mouths. These ingredients are where your pup gets the nutrients they need to grow and live, nutrients that are sadly lacking in the cheaper dog foods. With foods that are a bit more expensive, your pooch can eat a more well-balanced meal and enjoy it. They eat more, they poop more, and this means house training becomes much harder for you. What you feed your puppy is a major factor in the success of your house training process. Firstly, dry food tends to be more complete and balanced with the correct amount of vital nutrients in it. The ingredients tend to be of better quality as long as you pick the right brand. Plus, dry food helps to keep teeth strong due to being a solid food, and the slightly abrasive nature of the solid food has a natural teeth cleaning effect. It also lasts far longer than cans as you need to feed less of it. Recommended Best Puppy Food For Labs And Large Breeds In this next section we give you 4 of the best foods on the market made from high quality ingredients but still available at a reasonable price. These foods will provide your puppy with all the nutrients they need in just the right mix and quantities, not just so they survive, but so they can truly thrive. Deboned chicken is high quality chicken protein, whereas the chicken and turkey meal is a concentrate. It is nutrient rich with vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin A as well as containing minerals like zinc, iron and calcium. It even has some fruit content like apples and blueberries. The Lactobacillus acidophilus, green tea extract and rosemary extract are all known to help prevent infections. This is a very high-quality food your puppy will truly thrive on and is our top recommendation as the best puppy food for labs. However, if price is no object, K9 is certainly one of the best foods available! K9 Natural Grain-Free Puppy Freeze-Dried Dog Food gives your puppy all the benefits of raw food, aiming for optimum levels of growth and development — not too fast nor stunted — and for lean muscle mass and peak conditioning. Its main ingredient is grass-fed New Zealand beef. And this is rounded out by whole food ingredients like flaxseed, kelp, New Zealand mussel, fruits and veggies, and hoki oil which provides DHA for EPA for healthy brain and eye development. It gets a big thumbs up from us. The first ingredient is bison and is a high quality meat product. The next ingredient is lamb meal, which has a large amount of protein in it being a meat concentrate, percent more than fresh lamb meat. The third highest ingredient is sweet potatoes, which are an excellent source of complex carbs. They contain fiber and beta carotene. In fact, this food consists of approx. This provides your puppy with a source of energy ideal for his busy puppy lifestyle. Overall, this food is highly recommended and your puppy should thrive on it. They also allow regular independent inspections of their manufacturing process and source ingredients the US, EU and NZ. So quality control is well taken care of. The large breed puppy formula contains a scientifically formulated balance of proteins, fats, phosphorous and calcium in just the right amounts and proportions to promote a healthy rate of bone and muscle development, highly important for large breed puppies where excessive nutrients can be just as harmful as malnutrition. The food also contains glucosamine and chondroitin for the health of connective soft tissues which is reassuring for large breeds, and especially Labradors, who can suffer from many joint problems in life. It also contains omega oils for healthy brain development, as well as other fatty acids known to promote healthy skin and coat. So Eukanuba large breed puppy food comes recommended. The fiber in it will help with digestion while it has antioxidants that are known to help keep your dog healthy for many years to come. Royal Canin Breed Specific Labrador Puppy Royal Canin is a very well-known brand with lots of positive reviews from past and present dog owners on Amazon. It has an above average protein content than the minimum recommended for your dog, coming in at 31 percent protein at dry weight. The protein it has comes mostly from chicken by-product meal which is considered somewhat low quality and consists of whatever is left after chickens are slaughtered. However, it does NOT — as you might read elsewhere — consist of anything from feet to beaks. According to dogfoodadvisor. After chicken by-product meal, the second ingredient in this food is brewers rice. The fourth ingredient is corn gluten meal which is a residue left over once most of the useful, starchy carbohydrates have been washed out of it. With such popularity, high ratings and reviews with so many people saying their dogs thrive on this, there must be some truth to it. The third to 5th ingredients are wholesome whole grains that provide high energy from complex carbohydrates that are easy to digest. These are far better than corn and most other sources of carbs found in cheaper foods that are hard for a puppy to get any nutrition from. Out of everything in this product, 40 percent of it is protein, which is higher than average. About 14 percent of it is fat, and of the remainder, 38 percent is carbs. And the omega oils may help reduce risk of developing arthritis. Not only this, but Labradors are a large breed and are more sensitive to nutritional imbalances than smaller breeds. You really do need to get their diet right to do the best for them. Luckily, many brands of food specifically aimed at large breeds and Labradors have been created that provide everything they need in just the right amounts, that are easy for an owner to feed by simply following instructions on the packet. I know there is a lot of conflicting advice out there when it comes to dog food and it can be a nightmare to wade through if trying to find the best puppy food for Labs. So hopefully this article has been of some use to you. A very good resource that does good work for dog food quality awareness. Check them out! Please be aware this page contains affiliate links and Labrador Training HQ receives a small commission if you make a purchase through any such links. This has no effect on the eventual price you pay and we are very grateful for your support. Disclaimer All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Once they reach eight weeks, changing to dry kibble food is best. We recommend feeding a Labrador puppy dry kibble for the first months before changing to an adult food type. But to remain healthy, owners should know what to feed them. Dog owners should feed a Labrador puppy dry food kibble , wet food, or fresh human food, depending on their budget and lifestyle. There are many options for food for dogs, and it can become challenging to determine which one is the best option for the dog. We have found the best options and listed them below. They help us with our daily tasks, are always there when we need them, and bring great joy to our lives. But, it is essential to ensure that our dog gets the best nutrition possible. They have a lot of energy and need to be fed accordingly. This includes the number of calories, food type, and the number of meals per day. We will explain all of these factors to help understand what to feed these precious animals. A Labrador puppy needs high-quality protein in their diet, so they should not be fed just any type of food. This is why we recommend three food options: dry food or kibble, fresh food or human food, or wet food. We prefer using dry food or kibble in most cases, but it is beneficial to start with wet food for young puppies and transition to dry food after a few weeks. Feeding a puppy human food is possible, but it can be more expensive and requires extra work to stick to a cleaner diet at this age. We have found it to be a healthier and more convenient option for our pets. It is also a good alternative to wet food which can be difficult to store and prepare. The benefits of dry dog food are that it offers the pup a balanced diet that doesn't need refrigeration. It also offers convenience because we can buy it in bulk and store it in the pantry or freezer until needed. Dry dog food is also less expensive than wet food, which is another benefit for pet owners. Fresh Food Human Food Feeding a Labrador puppy a diet of fresh, real human food is one of the best things to do for their health and well-being. It will not only make them happy and content, but it will also keep them healthy. This eliminates the guessing game; they are only fed real, natural foods with no unknown ingredients. However, it will become expensive and require regular cooking and preparation. Wet Food Wet food is recommended for Labrador puppies when they are first born and for the first weeks while they grow. It can be either raw or cooked. Wet food is a good source of water and minerals, which are important in the early days of their life to help them grow strong bones and teeth. It should be given to a puppy as soon as it comes out of its mother's womb, but it must not be given before it starts eating solid foods because it will cause diarrhea. Once they get more mature, moving to kibbles is best. It is known for its low level of grain and carbohydrate content and high protein content. Once they reach the week mark, there are better options to help the puppy continue to develop and grow. This food also helps with digestion and weight management. It also promotes proper bone growth with antioxidants and necessary nutrients like vitamin E. The kibble is also shaped strategically to help puppies who chew fast while helping with jaw growth. Overall, this is the best food option for a Labrador puppy. It is designed for all life stages, from puppies to seniors, and we love the benefits it provides to younger labs. The product features a blend of highly digestible proteins, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, taurine, and glucosamine. This ensures the dog gets the nutrition they need while also reducing the risk of digestive tract problems such as bloat or pancreatitis. It also has a low glycemic index and no corn, wheat, or soy in the recipe. Dog owners can also expect an excellent protein ratio when using this food. Both veterinarians and nutritionists have recognized it for its high-quality ingredients for young puppies. The Acana High Protein formula is made with a blend of chicken, turkey, and fish meals, whole eggs, and natural beef or lamb meal. The product has a limited ingredient list with no corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. It also has no added sugar and a low glycemic index. This food also contains probiotics and prebiotics to help the pet maintain a healthy immune system. This is the perfect dry dog food for puppies after eight weeks old. This brand is also very affordable for those who want to feed their dog a healthy diet without breaking the bank. It features a patented recipe that helps to promote healthy digestion, strong teeth and gums, healthy skin and shiny coat, a strong immune system, healthy joints and muscles, and a healthy heart. This is a high-protein food option for Labradors too. It promotes lean muscle growth and improved body health with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics 5. It is made with high-quality ingredients and has a great taste and texture for labs to enjoy. This food is to help with puppy development and is suitable for all Labradors under one-year-old. This wet food provides the perfect balance of healthy proteins to support a dog's growth while providing the energy they need to maintain its fitness levels. This can be fed as a meal or as an occasional snack between meals. It has no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or added sugar. It also contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are important for healthy skin and the dog's coat. They are large, strong, intelligent dogs that need a lot of attention, exercise, and food. These dogs can be picky eaters and usually need a lot of calories because of their size. This is especially true for puppies so they can grow properly and remain healthy due to their increased risk of health issues. Food Type Labrador puppies' most popular dog foods are kibbles and canned wet food. Kibbles are the best option for a puppy because they are easy to chew and digest. Canned food is a good option for pups who have difficulty chewing or digesting dry food and would benefit from a little moisture in their diet. The food type also depends on the owner. Dry food or kibbles are faster to prepare, while serving human food to a lab puppy requires extensive prep time. Nutritional Value When it comes to nutritional value, we want dog food that has high-quality protein and carbohydrates. This will help the puppy grow strong and healthy. This is why we need to take into account the nutritional value, quality of ingredients, and taste. It should be made with all-natural ingredients that are sourced from human-grade materials such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. A brand should have all the essential nutrients for a pup but still, be low in toxic elements and preservatives too. Dietary Restrictions Lastly, consider the dietary restrictions of the Labrador puppy before choosing a dog food option. This includes any allergies or health concerns for the dog and shopping for something that suits them best. For example, lab puppies must reach a certain carbohydrate and protein number daily. Labradors are also known to have allergies, especially young ones, so planning around this is crucial. A puppy should be fed at least three times a day, with a meal size that is appropriate for its body weight. They should also be given small daily snacks to keep them satisfied and happy, including treats to help with training. We feed our puppies the best that we can. We want to give them all the nutrients and vitamins they need. We also want to make sure that they are getting a balanced diet. The most important thing when feeding a Labrador puppy is that they get enough calories from their food every day. In the first weeks, the puppy should eat four smaller daily meals. Once the lab reaches three months, this can be changed to three meals per day. And after months, we recommend two meals per day. The key is not to change the calories much when the meals change but to simply modify the size of each meal to fit the total daily food amount. Feeding a Labrador puppy is not rocket science, but there are some things everybody should know about what to feed them and when to feed them. We have covered this basis, but changes need to be made as they age. This leads to a common question about changing food to fit the needs of a grown adult Labrador. The dog's age will determine how quickly they grow and how much energy they need. Lab puppies can stick with kibbles for up to 12 months. Increase portions as your puppy grows. Be sure to follow the rule of dog treats. This is about changes over time. Nutritional deficiency or excess can lead to disease and ultimately death. You may have noticed that your dog has dandruff after changing food, but the food is really good — try adding levels of zinc and vitamin A. Your main task as a pet owner is to monitor the health of a small family member and be responsible for this life. Image credit: canva. The first one is a protein that can be found in meat, poultry, fish, yogurt, and cooked eggs. Protein is responsible for the structure of muscles and tissues, as well as the formation and growth of new cells. In the diet for a Labrador puppy, it is imperative to include carbohydrates that are found in brown rice, potatoes, and wheat. Carbohydrates supply the body with glucose, which is responsible for the functioning of the brain and nervous system. An obligatory component of dog food is fats. It is a source of energy, development, and functioning of the cells and muscles of the body. Fats are included in oil and even fish oil. Puppy food for Labs or any other dog includes a certain amount of minerals such as calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and others. Minerals in dog food form bones and cartilage and balance the nerves. It promotes the production of hormones in the Lab puppies, regulates the balance of fluids in the body, and transports oxygen into the blood. Like people, dog and puppy foods should include plenty of water. Water is life! Once in the body, they strengthen bones, and teeth and fill the Labrador puppy with energy. Cost point Every time you buy pet food, you think about the issue of price. Of course, cost is important when making a purchasing decision. You should be aware that higher-quality puppy food can cost more than the average price. Your dog is an irreplaceable member of your family, which must be protected and loved with all your heart. Risks and diseases Lab owners should know well about all risks and diseases that their dogs may face. Numerous studies confirm that the Labrador Retriever breed is prone to digestive sensitivities and skin allergies due to irritating foods. This leads to pruritic diseases. Skin allergies and problems with the gastrointestinal tract are severe. Labs are prone to obesity. Maintaining a healthy weight and body is considered an important point of caring for a dog. In general, Labrador Retrievers should have a taut, hourglass-shaped figure. Obesity puts additional stress on bones and joints and makes it difficult to stay healthy. To combat weight gain, you need to exercise your dog with certain physical exercises, follow a proper diet, control portion sizes, and receive treats. Another disease caused by malnutrition is Gastric dilatation-volvulus. In short, this is boating. Indigestion is a severe problem that should not be ignored. The worst risk is death from the musculoskeletal disorder of muscles, nerves, joints, arthritis, and spinal discs. Also, you should be aware that feed processing of dog foods affects the occurrence and development of cancer. Dry food is cooked at a very high temperature, which leads to the formation of harmful chemical elements in the body of the dog. Such food also contains carbohydrates, which break down into cancer-causing glucose. You can combine dog food with homemade recipe food for your pet yourself. Moreover, it is a good way of feeding your dog if the dog food at home is over or there is very little left, but you need to extend the time until the next purchase. Dogs fed solely on home-cooked or combined diets lived for about 13 years, while those fed only processed food lived for about 10 years. Like human food, it can be chewed easily. Food is broken down in the body so that key nutrients are absorbed more quickly. Such food facilitates digestion and relaxes the stomach. Reducing stress on the digestive system reduces the likelihood of bloating. If you still decide to cook homemade food, follow the rules. Study each ingredient. Cook all animal products for the exact finish to kill harmful bacteria. Risks of homemade dog food Most of the problems are caused by a misunderstanding of the nutritional needs of the Labrador. If you do not understand the effect of food on the body of your pet, which reaction is correct and which can lead to negative consequences and different stages of life, contact a professional veterinarian who can tell you in detail about the effect of food on the body of a dog and how to properly form a pet diet. What food is best for a Labrador puppy? We made for you the list of the best puppy food for Labrador puppies. We can highlight the most noteworthy products from this list. Should I feed my Lab puppy dry or wet food? Mix dry and wet food. What is better to choose — opinions are different. But if you are in doubt about which puppy food to choose, consult your veterinarian. What is the recommended amount of water for a puppy? Older pups that have been nursed require one-half ounce to one ounce of water per pound of body weight. What do you feed an 8-week-old Lab puppy? An 8-week-old puppy should be fed several small meals a day. After 14 weeks, the Lab puppy can switch to two meals a day. Food for a Labrador puppy should be full of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals for healthy development. Giving treats is fine, but remember that Labradors are prone to overeating and gaining weight quickly. Also, try to give treats for obedience. You can choose canned food and dry food for your dog as you wish but you should always think about the effect of this dog food on your dog. Hope this article was helpful for you and that your pet will grow healthy and strong. Your Lab puppy is going to require a different balance of nutrients than an adult Lab. Different dog breeds are susceptible to different genetic health conditions. Larger breeds, like Labrador Retrievers, are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Nutrition plays a vital role in preventing certain health issues. In recent years concern has been raised about a possible link between grain-free and non-grain-free diets that list legumes high on their ingredient list causing heart disease. This may be of consequence to Labradors as the breed is more prone to heart conditions than others. This does not just include Labs, but owners of any large or giant dog breed should be aware of this important information so they can make the most well-informed decision. Image Credit: Didkovska Ilona, Shutterstock Choosing the Best Food While having a list of the best puppy foods is a great start, you still must narrow it down to one. So, how does one choose from a list of great choices? Below we will cover some of the most important things to consider before making your final choice. What Does Your Veterinarian Recommend? Chances are that your veterinarian has dealt with purebred Labrador Retrievers many times before. Dog Food Brand You want to ensure you are choosing a dog food brand that is reputable. Finding a brand that is made with veterinary nutritionists and is backed by scientific research is ideal. If a brand advertises that they participate in AAFCO feeding trials, this means they have invested in research to ensure there are no nutritional deficiencies in the food. The ingredients in any pet food will help you determine the quality of the food. Look for foods that contain real meat as the number one ingredient. Below is a list of ingredients that are best avoided: Ingredients to Avoid. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. The best food for Labrador puppies to consume in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to trained breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a Labrador puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. You can do this by mixing some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, you can reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed a Labrador puppy as they get older. In their four months living with you, and once they are weaned off milk, Labradors are likely to reach almost half their adult weight. They will reach their full adult weight by the time they are 6 to 7 months old. With this rapid growth can come some risks. Labradors can be susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia and joint abnormalities that can start in puppyhood. Once your Lab puppy hits 6 months, their growth begins to slow down. Once puppyhood is over, you can move to feeding your lab twice a day instead of 3 or 4 times. Labs are still very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen at around 15 months. This is because, being a breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your Labrador puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. It is also dangerous for a puppy to overeat. Labradors are large breeds, which means they need plenty of nutrients and calories as they grow to ensure they go from being active puppies to healthy adult dogs. Labrador puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, Labrador puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. The amount of food you give your Labrador is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult Labradors, around 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female Labradors, who tend to be around 5 to 10 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, to 1, calories per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your Labrador based on how calorically dense their food is. Adult Labradors should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs may benefit from exercise after eating: especially high energy Labs with a lot of energy to burn off. You should also try to give your Labrador a high quality food that is specially designed for large breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. For example, Labradors can be particularly susceptible to obesity. As a breed, they tend to be one of the most commonly obese dogs in Australia. This is due to several factors, including a genetic predisposition to unhealthy weight gain and a famously large appetite. However, plenty of Labs suffering from obesity are simply overfed and not getting enough exercise. Choosing a low carb diet is crucial to preventing obesity in your Labrador. If you are unsure about what you should feed your Labrador, you should always consult your vet. They will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any chronic health issues, and they will be able to create a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for many years to come. Wet food for Labradors is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. Chewing on dry food can be especially good for teething Labrador puppies. A raw diet can be a good option for your Labrador as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your Labrador, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. Different dog breeds will need different kinds of nutrient support as they go through the various stages of their life. It can also be easy to overestimate the amount of food your Labrador needs to stay fit and healthy — especially if they are skilled at begging! You need to make sure that your dog is eating the right amount of food for their breed, their size, and activity level. You should also avoid foods that, while delicious for humans, can be harmful or toxic for dogs. Foods like onions, nuts, alcohol, cooked bones, and artificial sweeteners are commonly included in dinners meant for humans, but can cause serious health issues for your Labrador. No matter how old your Lab is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.