Puppy care: Feeding and food

What do puppies eat?

Puppies should be fed only breast milk for the first few weeks after birth to strengthen their immune systems and to grow and develop healthily. When they are about 3-4 weeks old, they can transition to puppy food. A balanced diet is important in feeding puppies. A balanced food containing protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals should be chosen. You can follow the steps below to get your dog used to food:

• Prefer good quality, specially produced food for puppies
• Give the food by wetting it as the puppy's teeth are not yet fully developed.
• To accustom your puppy's digestive system to solid food, gradually reduce the amount of wetting and increase the amount of solid food.
• Feed your puppy frequently (3-4 times a day) and little by little.
• Prepare an environment where your dog can always access clean and fresh water.

Puppy dog food

Your dog's food should be designed to meet his growth and development needs. First of all, it is important to choose a food suitable for your age and size. You can get help from your veterinarian on this matter. Also, food; It should contain high-quality animal proteins such as meat, fish and chicken, healthy carbohydrates such as whole grains and vegetables, vitamins and minerals. In addition to all these, you may also need to consider the taste of your dog's food so that he likes it.

Can puppies be given milk?

Milk and dairy products are not suitable for the digestive system of puppies. Since they have difficulty digesting dairy products during their growth process, they may experience digestive problems such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. Puppies should be exclusively breastfed for the first few weeks. However, if they can't get enough breast milk or not at all, a suitable puppy milk formula can be used with veterinary advice. These formulas are formulated to suit the needs of puppies and meet their growth and development needs.

Why do puppies vomit?

The most common reason why puppies vomit is because they eat too quickly. Because they eat quickly, they swallow food without chewing enough, which causes them to vomit. Additionally, their digestive systems are sensitive. They may experience digestive problems due to dietary changes, infections caused by parasites, bacteria or viruses, or stress. If your dog vomits frequently or shows symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation or nausea in addition to vomiting, be sure to consult your veterinarian.

Why do puppies tremble?

Since puppies' bodies cannot properly balance the temperature, they may feel cold and shiver in cold weather. Especially short-haired breeds and those with low body fat feel colder. If your dog is shivering because he is cold, he looks for a warm place to warm up and his body temperature is below normal. Provide him with a warm environment and cover him with a blanket. Also, if you are going to take your puppy out in cold weather, wear a suitable jacket or sweater.

Puppies may also shiver in emotional situations such as anxiety, fear, stress or excitement. At such times, make him feel that you are with him and try to calm him down. If you suspect that your dog's shivering is due to a health problem, consult your veterinarian.

Toilet training in puppies

Toilet training puppies is a process that requires patience and consistency and may differ for each puppy. You can follow the steps below when toilet training your dog:

• Determine a specific toilet area, teach your puppy to always use this area for toilet
• Your dog will usually feel the need to go to the toilet after eating, waking up from sleep or after playing. Follow these times and take him out at regular intervals
• Always use the same command for your puppy to go to the toilet in the appropriate place.
• When your dog goes to the toilet in the appropriate place, encourage him by stroking, praising or giving him a reward.
• If you want him to go to the toilet in an area at home, limit your dog's space. Expand his area over time by allocating an area around the toilet for him.
• If he comes home to go to the toilet, clean him calmly and do not punish him.

How many hours do puppies sleep?

Although puppies are quite active, they need enough sleep and rest time to grow. They sleep approximately 18-20 hours a day. They are awake and active for only 2-3 hours during the day. However, every puppy is different and their sleep needs may vary depending on personal factors.

When to bathe puppies?

Do not bathe your puppy frequently. Frequent washing can disrupt the oil balance of their skin and lead to skin diseases. The frequency of washing puppies may vary depending on their age, coat structure and environment. However, it is generally recommended to wash it for the first time at the age of 3-4 weeks. If it is very dirty, smells bad, or is part of the treatment recommended by your veterinarian, you can wash it more often. When bathing your puppy, use a dog shampoo suitable for him, prevent water from getting into his eyes and ears, control the temperature of the water and dry him thoroughly after bathing.

Why do puppies cry?

Separation from their mothers and siblings can cause emotions such as anxiety, fear and stress in puppies, and they can express these emotions by crying and making sad sounds. They may also cry when they are hungry, thirsty, need to go to the toilet, are tired, or have physical discomfort. Crying is normal and careful observation is necessary to understand and meet their needs. Dogs are social animals and they may miss their other siblings and mothers, so you can buy them toys that will replace their siblings and use hot water bottles. This way, you imitate his mother's warmth. If your puppy cries excessively or his behavior is different from normal, it is useful to consult a veterinarian.

Diarrhea in puppies

Puppies have diarrhea very often. Digestive systems are sensitive. Many factors such as infections, changes in eating habits, parasites, stress, wrong nutrition, toxins and intestinal diseases can cause diarrhea in them. If you observe symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, fever, abdominal pain, dehydration along with diarrhea, be sure to consult your veterinarian for correct diagnosis and treatment. In treatment, it may first be necessary to change eating habits. Fluid and electrolyte support, medications and probiotics are also part of the treatment. It is important to ensure that your dog drinks plenty of water to prevent dehydration that may occur due to diarrhea.

Puppy dog ​​exercises

Exercise is extremely important for the healthy development of your puppy, but your dog's exercise needs may vary depending on its breed, size and health condition. The following suggestions may give you ideas when exercising your puppy:

• Puppies may not be able to withstand long-term strenuous activities. Therefore, short walks or 10-15 minute play sessions may be sufficient.
• Since puppies' bones and joints are not yet fully developed, running or jumping on hard surfaces can harm them. Prefer soft surfaces (e.g. grass, sand or mat) for exercise.
• Do your exercises during the coolest hours of the day
• Playing ball, catching a frisbee or playing with a leash can help your puppy be active both physically and mentally.
• Your puppy's need for exercise increases over time, but do it gradually.
• Avoid playing after mealtimes to protect your dog from digestive system diseases.