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We have answers. What class of dog are Golden Retriever puppies for sale near Worcester? Golden Retrievers are classified as a sporting breed, primarily bred for hunting and retrieving game. Originally bred in the British Isles in the 's for retrieving downed fowl, the character and capabilities of the Golden Retriever continue to be highly sought after today. The proliferation of family pets, assistance dogs, and their use in a wide range of professional roles such as drug detection, search and rescue, therapy, and medical alert are all a result of their exceptional intelligence, docile temperament, and eagerness to please. Will Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Worcester cause me to have allergies? It is possible for Golden Retrievers to cause an allergic reaction in some people, particularly those who are already allergic to dogs. However, many Golden Retriever owners report that their dogs do not cause any allergic reactions. To determine whether you are allergic to Golden Retrievers, it is best to speak with your doctor and then spend time with a Golden Retriever before making any decisions. You can also talk to owners of Golden Retrievers to get firsthand perspective on living with the breed. Do Worcester Golden Retriever puppies for sale have special dietary needs? Yes, Golden Retrievers have some special dietary needs that must be taken into account when determining their daily feeding schedule. These needs can vary, depending on the age and size of the dog as well as any underlying medical conditions they might have. Generally, these dogs require high-quality proteins, fatty acids, and carbohydrates in order to meet their nutritional needs. Additionally, Golden Retrievers require a diet which provides them with a balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to help them stay healthy and strong. How can I become the best puppy parent for Golden Retriever puppies in Worcester? Becoming the best puppy parent before you get your Golden Retriever starts with education. Research the breed to understand its needs and the different levels of care you can provide. Develop a care plan that takes into consideration the time and energy you can commit to your pet. Consider finding flexible pet-care services such as dog-walking or pet-sitting if you're unable to give your pup maximum attention. Set up an optimal living space, with plenty of toys and stimulation, that will maximize your pup's growth and development. Are Golden Retrievers for sale in Worcester considered small dogs? Golden Retrievers are often considered to be a large breed of dog, generally weighing in between 55 and 75 pounds when fully grown. Since small dogs are generally classified as those weighing less than 25 pounds, Golden Retrievers do not fit into this category. However, one advantage of this breed is that they are often considered to be a "medium-sized" breed or even slightly on the small side compared to other large breeds. How much exercise do Golden Retriever puppies near Worcester need? Golden Retrievers need a good amount of exercise, both for their physical and mental health. The amount of exercise they need usually depends on the age of the dog, and of course their individual energy level. Generally, they should receive enough exercise to tire them out. Puppies need around 60 minutes per day, older dogs around minutes depending on the dog. A variety of physical activities, such as going on walks, jogging, swimming, playing fetch, or agility training courses, are great forms of exercise for Golden Retrievers that keep their both physically and mentally stimulated. Are Golden Retrievers in Worcester good for first-time owners? Golden Retrievers are beloved family pets and are generally a great choice for first-time owners. They are typically intelligent, gentle, loyal, and eager to please, which makes them both easy to train and great companion pets. Golden Retrievers have lots of energy and require a lot of exercise, so their owners must also be prepared to provide a sufficient amount of physical and mental stimulation. As long as they are provided with enough attention and activity, Golden Retrievers are generally good-natured, happy dogs that make wonderful additions to any home. Are Worcester Golden Retrievers for sale smart? Golden Retrievers are extremely intelligent and highly trainable dogs. Their intelligence, eagerness to please their owners and patient yet playful nature make them an ideal pet for many homes. Not only do Golden Retrievers have impressive memories, but they also take instructions, commands and cues well, making them great service dogs. They have the capacity to learn a wide variety of tricks and different commands with a bit of practice and positive reinforcement. The American Kennel Club also ranks Golden Retrievers as one of the most trainable and intelligent dog breeds. Their perfectly imperfect. We have so many pets in foster that it is an impossible job to house-train each one!!! Complete our online application Please be as thorough as possible. Our goal is to pair you up with the perfect dog for your lifestyle and family dynamic. The more pertinent information you give us the better we can do this. This will be conducted by a ADAC team member and can include the foster of the dog as well. Home check A member of the ADAC team will visit you in your home or virtually to ensure it is the best fit for the dog you are interested in adopting. Meet n greet A member of the ADAC team will organize with you and with your prospective pup and the foster home, a virtual meet n greet This video call is for you to meet the pet and for us to make a visual check of your home and meet all your members of your family. Sometimes we also send a volunteer to do a home check in person. Trial adoption period If, after the meet n greet, the potential adopter and the ADAC team member agree this is a good fit, we will send you an adoption contract. Each dog will have different needs and different trial timelines. During this phase communication with the ADAC team is imperative. You will be given thorough instructions on how to decompress and integrate this particular dog to your home. If you follow all instructions and communicate any issues to the ADAC team and it does not work out your adoption fee will be refunded, minus any non refundable transport fees if applicable and the dog will be returned to a foster home. And the most popular around campus. Oh, and the fluffiest. Franklin is their family dog, but he is quickly becoming a friend to the entire WPI community, a fact that thrills Monts and Shackett. Or almost right away. He spent the first two months of his life in a tiny town in Connecticut, and it took him a couple weeks to get used to campus noise and Worcester traffic. Once he got his floppy feet under him, he made appearances during Senior Week and other end-of-year events. Monts also organized Finals with Franklin, inviting students to drop by Founders Hall, grab a donut, and enjoy some QT with this four-legged cutie. At any given time during that period, Monts says, 15—20 students hung out with the new canine member of the WPI family and decompressed. In July Franklin will start training to become a certified therapy dog. The four-monthslong program includes going away, without Monts and Shackett, for two weeks of intensive sessions. Monts will have office hours with Franklin and plans to bring him to other events around campus as appropriate.

We pride ourselves on the way we raise our Puppies. We treat the Labradoodle puppies with care and give them lots of love so that they will be fun and social pets. Our goal is to make it easy to transition them from our loving home to yours. Thanks for visiting Southern Doodles. We currently have available spots on our puppy list!! Goldendoodles Goldendoodles are known for their gentle, social and affectionate nature which makes them wonderful family and therapy dogs. We have several of our breeding dogs with therapist guardians, we also have a veterinarian with one of our guardian dogs. We strive for social happy dogs! Here at Southerndoodlin we start their training right after they are born with sensory training. We also have various noises so your puppy will not be afraid of normal home sounds. We also have a gun range nearby, trains and farm equipment sounds and airplanes too. Australian labradoodles have been created for their temperament, coat and conformation. This has been shown over and over again by so many who use the Australian Labradoodle for therapy dogs. They just have a special ability to know their owners emotonal needs. They are intuitive, smart, athletic, easy to train love bugs! Australian labradoodles have been very carefully genetic tested to give you the best. At Southern Doodlin' we are deciding to slow down our business after many years of providing loving puppies for homes acress the country. Standard Goldendoodles can weigh anywhere between 50 and 90 pounds. Personality The place where the Goldendoodle puppy really excels is its personality. Its breed is known for being simultaneously intelligent and adoring. A Goldendoodle puppy is very sociable, which makes them perfect animals for households with children and other animals or pets, even cats. Just like the Labradoodle, this breed requires correct socialization to ensure they get used to different sights, sounds and smells during puppyhood. This means taking your Goldendoodle to plenty of doggy-friendly parks so they can meet canine friends and introducing them to other people. Our Goldendoodle puppies for sale are fully trained Doodles, so you can focus on the fun bits, like bonding, eating food and playing. These dogs prefer to live in a house with a gated backyard where they can get regular exercise breaks. Do They Like to Play? Goldendoodle Puppy Training These clever dogs are perfect for first-time dog owners because Goldendoodles love to please and take great pride in learning new skills. Are Goldendoodles Intelligent? Both of its poodle and golden retriever parent breeds are known for their intelligence and trainability, and Goldendoodles have inherited this breed trait. This means the person training a Goldendoodle needs to be strong-willed, firm and consistent — but never harsh or aggressive. Much like a poodle, Doodles are sensitive dogs, and positive reinforcement is a must to bring out the best in them. How Obedient Are They? Goldendoodle pups adore human company, and making their pet parents happy brings them genuine satisfaction. As such, correct puppy training produces a highly obedient and loyal adult Goldendoodle. Older adults, people with disabilities and individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders can benefit significantly from the warmth and sweetness of these adorable Goldendoodle pups. Are They Easy to Train? Doodle puppies can be mischievous and cheeky, but aggression is practically unheard of. So as long as you treat them with the same gentle respect they offer, a Goldendoodle is one of the easiest dog breeds to train. Goldendoodles have loads of energy and require regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and calm temperament. A Goldendoodle need a moderately high level of outdoor activity — usually a minimum of 30 minutes, but ideally one hour, of moderate to vigorous exercise per day will keep Goldendoodle puppies at their best. Unlike puppy mills, all good puppy and dog breeders provide a certificate that shows health clearances. At Pride and Prejudoodles, our tests cover common health conditions. As such, you have peace of mind when purchasing your new puppy from us. How Long Do Goldendoodles Live? Goldendoodles live for between 10 and 15 years. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Goldendoodle puppies for adoption. The Labradoodles and Goldendoodles in our breeding program live with us in our home, not a kennel. Our puppies are whelped in our home and exposed to daily family life. At Blessed Day Doodles one of our top priorities is that our doodles are part of our family and receive daily love and attention. Our breeding dogs live with amazing and carefully chosen guardian families. Guardian homes allow our breeding dogs to be part of a forever family and receive the love and attention every dog deserves. Why Blessed Day Doodles? Labradoodle and Goldendoodle Health The Australian Labradoodle is a hybrid between the poodle, labrador retriever, and cocker spaniel. Miniature goldendoodles are a hybrid between the poodle and golden retriever. Our breeding dogs must pass extensive health testing to become part of our program. Labradoodle and Goldendoodle Temperaments Goldendoodles and Australian Labradoodles are incredibly social, intelligent, and equally loving. Doodles love people and animals alike, coupled with their low to non-shed qualities, it makes them the perfect family pet. Because of their social nature it would be a punishment to leave a doodle alone for long periods of time without human contact. Furthermore, we encourage you to consider that dogs, like humans, are happiest with a mate, so in their case…another dog. With this in mind, you may want to consider having two dogs so they can keep one another company. We humans are great company but dogs are happiest with another canine companion.

The AVMA encourages the elimination of ear cropping and tail docking from breed standards. Ear cropping in Boxer dogs is widely believed to reduce the risk of ear infections. It also improves their sense of hearing, as sound passes straight to the eardrums with no ear flap falling forward and preventing it. Dogs with cropped ears are less likely to suffer from ear canal infections than natural eared dogs since the development of related severe conditions is linked to having a heavy-hanging ear. According to them, ear infection susceptibility is commonly dictated by breed. Naturally, Boxers have floppy ears that tend to fold over. It prevents adequate airflow and traps a lot of moisture in the ears. As a result, ear infections are increasingly common in Boxer dogs with unclipped ears. Many believe ear cropping allows for better ventilation in the ears, keeping bacteria at bay. The practice of ear clipping, however, does not appear to prevent or successfully treat these infections. Many consider it an alteration that goes against nature or a pointless cosmetic operation with no concrete health benefits. Generally, ear clipping in dogs is a painful procedure. Even if the puppy is sedated, healing will trigger a great deal of anxiety. Cropping is also carried out under total anesthesia, which has associated risks, according to a study. Hence, many of those against the practice see the procedure as a threat to animal welfare. After surgery, Boxers will also experience discomfort as they recover, stretch, re-tape, bandage, and undergo other manipulations. Some Boxer dogs might need bandaging or taping to keep their ears upright, which lasts for days to months. During this time, they are separated from other dogs, and isolation makes a dog prone to loneliness. Clipped ears, like every incision, may become infected. It may also fail to stand or have a skewed form or distorted position, potentially requiring subsequent surgery. Meanwhile, many of those in favor argue that the breed is known for cropped ears for decades. Ear cropping is usually performed on Boxer puppies aged 8 to 12 weeks. The process takes about 30 to 45 minutes, but the healing stage will last for several weeks if there are no post-surgery complications. In most cases, a pre-anesthetic sedative-analgesic drug will help your Boxer relax. The vet or vet assistant will wash the ears. They ensure the ears are sterile before the surgery. The vet will mark the area where the ear will be cut. Based on the selected crop style, measurements and the areas that will be affected are marked accordingly. It will help make the surgery as precise as possible. Only a triangular piece of the ear will remain. It is stitched in such a way the ear does not flap over. Instead, it will stand straight. The same procedure is performed on the other ear afterward. If your dog is sutured, it needs to be removed after 10 to 14 days. Ideally, it would be best if you allotted ample time to take care of your Boxer after the operation. Prepare to spend a lot of time bandaging, posting, and going to the vet for numerous routine check-ups. You need to follow the proper aftercare precisely because if not, scarring can likely occur. Your household must also be a conducive healing environment for your Boxer to ensure your pup will recover well. Remember that a healing animal can feel pain from time to time, so expect grumpiness. Unfortunately, not every procedure turns out to be successful as Boxers have differences in their ears. Luckily, I have a short but precise pros and cons list to help you make the best decision if ear cropping is right for your Boxer. Pros On a Boxer, cropped ears look fantastic. Though floppy, natural ears are lovely on their own, the trimmed ear style complements their square-shaped head and blunt snout. Having cropped or trimmed ears is considered the breed standard in many dogs, including Boxers. It gives them a clean and sharp breed intended look. For many dog breeders and owners, cropped ears turned into a long-standing tradition. The practice is observed in many dogs, and they may even look different or look unrecognizable without cropped ears, as controversial as it may be. Your Boxer dog ears will remain clean. Ear infections caused by yeast or bacteria, ear mites, or ticks that tend to line the underside of the ear would almost certainly never be a problem for a dog with clipped ears. You will need to deal with the solid social stigma connected to ear cropping. As previously discussed, the painful procedure is deemed as animal cruelty by many animal rights advocates and dog owners. For the Boxer, the procedure can be excruciating and stressful. Even during the healing process, your Boxer will be forced to wear an uncomfortable Elizabethan collar. The ears need to be taped in a particular manner to ensure that it results in erect ears. While it is rare, some owners have lost their Boxer puppies due to reported postoperative complications. As a Boxer owner, it is your responsibility to understand the benefits and drawbacks of cosmetic surgical procedures like ear cropping. Ensure that your dog will generally benefit from the surgery before making a final decision. No, ear cropping is not necessary for your Boxers to compete in various dog shows even though it is preferred by the American Boxer Club. A clipped ear does not give a dog the winning edge in the show ring. If anything, that belief is a popular misconception. When it comes to ear cropping or Otoplasty, there is no strict age limit. It can be performed on Boxers of any age. However, a Boxer puppy should ideally have their ears cropped between the ages of 10 and 12 weeks old. Having your Boxer go under the knife at this age will avoid unnecessary damage and discomfort. Hence the operation can cause an older dog more pain and discomfort than it would to a puppy. Included in this estimate are anesthesia, the operation, aftercare medicine, and follow-up visits. However, I strongly discourage you from doing so. For starters, having your Boxer puppy anesthetized is needed to avoid excruciating pain during the procedure. In some cases, it may take a little longer. During the healing period, your Boxer needs to wear an ear rack or tape to hold the ears upright in place and erect. Keep a close eye on the tape or bandages to keep the wounds clean and free of infection. Realistically, it will take about a full 4 to 5 months until your Boxer is fully healed from the ear cropping surgery. The question remains: to crop or not to crop? Other things to consider are the number of pets at home, children, time restraints, financial constraints, and the pain your dog may experience during the procedure. If anything, it can be a painful procedure that requires careful aftercare and frequent veterinarian visits. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Ears Ear cropping is a personal preference. If you choose to have your puppy's ears cropped, the procedure should be performed by a veterinarian experienced with the proper Boxer ear crop. However, if the surgery isn't performed correctly, there is no amount of aftercare that will help poorly cropped ears. You should discuss the pros and cons of ear cropping with your breeder. They will help you make an informed decision, direct you to an experienced veterinarian and help you with aftercare and necessary "taping" or "posting" that will train your puppy's ears to stand correctly. A definite decision must be made before your puppy is 8 weeks old, to allow time to schedule the appointment. Most veterinarians prefer to crop between the ages of weeks. Directions on post-operative "ear posting" should be reviewed in person, and written instructions sent home with you when you pick your puppy up from the veterinarian. If your vet or breeder can't help you with aftercare and posting, the information is available online. It is strongly recommended that posting instructions be followed, in order to complete the process of beautiful cropped ears. UK What Exactly is Cropping? When a Boxer has their ears cropped, in countries in which it is legal, it is considered to be cosmetic surgery. When does a Boxer have their ears cropped? The general rule is to do so when the Boxer puppy is 10 - 12 weeks old. Although a dog of any age can have it done, a young puppy's ears are small and soft thus making the healing process smoother. The dog is sedated during the surgery. The animal surgeon will mark the area of where the ear will be cut. Just as the name suggests, part of the ear is literally cut off. It is then stitched in such a way so that the ear does not flap over; it will stand straight up. It is the act of cutting the ear that causes many people opt against having this done. However, it must be noted that the dog will not experience pain during the surgery. A dog will have discomfort for up to 3 weeks afterwards while the ears heal. Small paper cones are usually placed on the ears to protect them in this sensitive stage. An owner is given disinfectant from the veterinarian to careful put on the healing ears twice per day. When an owner decides to have their Boxer's ears cropped they must make a commitment to following the very precise aftercare that is needed; if not, scarring will occur. It should also be noted that not all cropped ears will stand up. Why Are Boxer's Ears Cropped? In many countries, the Boxer is known for having cropped ears, something that has been done since the breed was introduced and owners feel that they should maintain the breed standard. The argument being that the Boxer breed does not have controlled ears.Some believe that long, floppy ears can trap moisture which can lead to ear mites and yeast infections. However, this can also happen with smaller, cropped ears. In countries such as the U. However, recent trends have many breeders keeping ears natural. A large number of owners choose this and those that do not can opt to have the procedure done to their Boxer once they obtain the puppy. We urge anyone who is considering to have this done to their dog to choose an experienced veterinarian, as a bad cropping can lead to infection and aesthetic issues such as too much of the flap being removed, etc. Please check with a veterinarian to see if he or she has experience not only with cropping but specifically with the Boxer breed since each breed that does traditionally have the ears clipped has different shaping and size. Some refer to this clipping as a "show crop" and by that, it is meant that per AKC conformation standards, the Boxer's ears should not be an outstanding feature or focal point. Rather, the size , set and shape should flatter the facial features, adding balance and lending to the overall appearance of the head. A couple of issues that can occur are often due to the thickness of the ear flap. Boxer ears with very thick leather may be too heavy too stand and a good veterinarian will be able to let an owner know in advance. In some cases, not wanting to take off too much of the flap, a vet will err on the side of caution, which can lead to needing a 2nd cropping down the road to gain the desired appearance. In some locations, the cost for this procedure is tiered based on the dog's weight. The answer is no. While some may say that the Boxer standard is cropped ears, just about every recognized dog club, including the AKC accepts Boxers with or without cropped ears. This is most certainly a personal decision. Cropping is not clinically proven to reduce ear infections or reduce the chance of a dog getting ear mites. Dog shows allow Boxers with their natural ears. The only valid reason an owner would have is that they prefer their dog to look a certain way. It is a myth that puppies do not feel pain.Is that worth the discomfort that a Boxer puppy will need to endure? While we must stay neutral on this subject, we suggest that an owner carefully think about this issue before deciding. If Ears are Not Standing Correctly Even with cropping, precise symmetrical ears does not always happen. It is not uncommon for one ear to stand a bit more erect than another, or even both may not stand as desired. The experience of the veterinarian has a part in this. But also the muscles at the base of the ears may not be strong enough. In some cases, this can improve with age and improvement may be seen in 1 or 2 months. Owners may have heard about taping ears, which is what it sounds like: a method of using tape to hold ears in a desired position with the hope that this will cause them to stay as so once the tape has been removed. Though this sounds like a great idea, it rarely ever works. Because of this, judges may be less likely to choose a dog with uncropped ears over a dog with cropped ears, even if they meet the breed standard in every other way. Even uncropped ears can bring home the blue ribbons. Just take a look at this natural-eared Boxer winning Best of Group at Crufts in as proof! Safety The Boxer was originally bred to hunt bulls and for bull-baiting a now-banned sport in which the Boxer was, essentially, fighting the bull. Bulls are strong animals that well-outweigh even the most sturdy Boxer. During these hunts and fights, dogs were at risk of having their ears shredded or even torn off by the bull. Cropping the ears was intended to give their opponent less to grab on to in the event of an altercation with a bull. Cropping them keeps the otherwise naturally floppy Boxer ears from falling forward toward the bull or other opponent. This decreases the chances of their ears getting torn or grabbed during a fight. Looks As Boxers evolved from hunting dogs to guard dogs , their cropped ears continued to play a role in their appearance. However, the ear cropping shifted from functionality to aesthetics. The cropped ears sit at the highest point of the skull and have a long, tapered look that makes the Boxer look more alert. Health It has been suggested that dogs with cropped ears may be less susceptible to ear infections. When the ears stand straight, the ear canals are exposed to the air, and moisture is less likely to get trapped. However, the natural drop-ear creates a flap over the ear canal, which could prevent the ear canal from drying out. That trapped moisture could lead to bacterial infections. Hearing Uncropped, natural ears have a flap that drops down over the ear canal while cropped ears stand straight up, leaving the ear canal more open and exposed. Optimal ear positioning certainly plays a key role. What is Ear Cropping? Typically, the end goal is to have the newly reshaped ear stand up straight. This is a surgical procedure and, therefore, is performed by a licensed veterinarian while the dog is under general anesthesia. This includes taping or posting the ears upright until they can stand on their own. Is Ear Cropping Illegal? In some countries, yes. In the United States, the practice is still legal but the American Veterinary Medical Association AVMA , which helps develop and maintain veterinary educational standards, opposes ear cropping for cosmetic purposes. Surgical Risks While it is a relatively common procedure in the United States, it is still a surgery which means it carries some risks. Even with every precaution, there is the potential for complications from the anesthesia and post-surgical infections. Ear cropping also does not end with the procedure itself. Aftercare can include cleaning the surgical site, administering topical or oral medications, and taping the ears until they stand on their own. This can take time and patience after all, happy, goofy Boxer puppies are moving targets who might not want to sit still long enough to have their ears taped. One of those communication methods is ear movement. Similarly, they might flatten their ears to show anger or aggression. A boxer with cropped ears loses the ability to do either of these motions because the ears are in a permanently upright position, making it more difficult for them to demonstrate their emotions. Cost As with any surgical procedure, ear cropping costs money. Cropping is also typically done before the puppies go to their new homes while the puppies are still under the care of the breeder. Imagine taking the cost of ear cropping and multiplying it by the number of puppies in the litter. And the cost of that will likely be reflected in the price of the puppies. Even if a puppy with uncropped ears costs the same as a puppy with cropped ears, the breeder themselves is saving money and postoperative-care time by foregoing ear crops for their litters. Conclusion While the breed has, historically, had cropped ears, there is now less of a functional need for it. Decide what you want from your Boxer and how cropped or uncropped ears play a role in those expectations. Now working as a veterinary technician in Oregon, Sophia loves working with and writing about our canine companions! We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Additionally, NotABully.

Things to do with your English Bulldog Pennsylvania is a great place to live with an English bulldog. The state has a diverse landscape, plenty of outdoor activities, and dog-friendly businesses. Hike the Trails Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. There are many hiking trails in Pennsylvania that are perfect for English bulldogs. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, and take breaks often. Visit a Campground Camping is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many campgrounds in Pennsylvania that allow dogs. Be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags, food, water, and other supplies. There are many places to fish in Pennsylvania, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to get a fishing license and follow all the rules and regulations. Go Boating Boating is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many places to boat in Pennsylvania, both on rivers and lakes. Be sure to bring a life jacket for your dog and follow all the safety rules. There are many places to swim in Pennsylvania, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to supervise your dog at all times and follow all the safety rules. Visit a Dog Park Dog parks are a great place for English bulldogs to run and play off-leash. There are many dog parks in Pennsylvania, both in urban and rural areas. Visit Pet-Friendly Businesses Pennsylvania has a number of pet-friendly businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and stores. These are just a few of the many things you can do with your English bulldog in Pennsylvania. With its stunning scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, Pennsylvania is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in Pennsylvania? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Puppy Breeds Known for their loose-jointed, shuffling gait and massive, short-faced head, the English Bulldog is known to be equable, resolute and dignified. A medium-sized dog, they are not your typical lap dog, but would like to be! They are one of the most popular breeds according toAKC Registration Statistics due to their lovable and gentle dispositions and adorable wrinkles. The English Bulldog may be brindle, white, red, fawn, fallow or piebald. The original bulldog had to be ferocious and courageous, and almost insensitive to pain. When dog fighting became illegal in England, fanciers set to the task of preserving the breed by eliminating the fierce characteristics. Within a few generations, the Bulldog became one of the finest physical specimens with an agreeable temperament. Temperament English Bulldogs are recognized as excellent family pets because of their tendency to form strong bonds with children. They tend to be gentle and protective. The breed requires minimal grooming and exercise. Their short nose makes them prone to overheating in warm weather, so make sure to provide a shady place to rest. Generally, Bulldogs are known for getting along well with children, other dogs, and pets. They can become so attached to home and family, that they will not venture out of the yard without a human companion. Bulldogs do better with positive training. They love getting rewarded with treats! Here at Petland, we have many different types of training treats because we know all the pups love them! Ranging in size from 40 to 50 pounds. Family companion. Apartment is fine, also small condo Low activity indoors, due to their snouts thrive in moderate climates.

The protein will come from readily available sources such as chicken or beef, and not exotic or boutique sources like kangaroo or venison as you saw in second study mentioned above. According to the AKC , quality, regulated animal byproducts can be good for your dog. These byproducts can include organ meats or entrails, which often contain more nutrients than, say, plain chicken breast. Another misconception is that dogs should eat grain-free diets. As you saw in the second study mentioned above, that can actually be very harmful for your dog and cause DCM. But food labels can be a little vague and confusing, so below is an explanation of what some of these terms mean, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual and the AKC. There is one caveat though. For instance, flaked corn, ground corn, and kibbled corn could be sprinkled in an ingredient list and not be listed as the first few ingredients, but in reality, if you were to add them all up they are all corn, after all , you might find that this food is made mostly of corn. The same goes for chicken, chicken meal, and chicken byproduct. Meat vs. Meat Meal vs. The quality of these ingredients can vary widely, so be sure to talk to your vet about this and choose a reputable brand of food. Below are a few examples: Obesity. Golden Retrievers love food and they do have a tendency to become overweight if you let them. This problem can often affect these next two problems… Joint issues. Golden Retrievers are prone to joint issues and growing too fast because they eat too much can often make this problem worse more on this in the next section. Heart issues. Skin issues. Golden Retrievers are prone to hot spots and excess protein in their diets can be a factor that causes them. Many goldens suffer from food allergies. One cup of Brand X food may have calories per cup, while Brand Y has calories per cup. During a vet visit our veterinarian said he looked too small and lethargic for a puppy his age about 8 weeks at the time , and he recommended we feed him a little more. As far as how often to feed your puppy, this same rule applies. For us, we fed Oliver three times per day until he was a little over a year old. Getting a Golden Retriever Puppy? Get the gameplan for raising them right with the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook. Those two statements may sound random, but they are related. According to the Banfield Pet Hospital , overfeeding your Golden Retriever can cause them to grow too fast and increase their risk of hip dysplasia. You probably noticed that a raw diet was the fourth-most popular diet Golden Retriever owners feed their dog. Since puppies are growing and adults are just maintaining their weight, they have different dietary needs. And for fats, puppy food should have at least 8. As far as when to switch from puppy food to adult food, talk to your veterinarian. To see a list of other milestones your puppy will hit like when they lose their first teeth, or when their coat is fully grown check out this timeline of Golden Retriever puppy milestones. Like most of the other questions in this post, this is something to talk to your veterinarian about. Many foods will have the same vitamins that pills have already in them, but on the other hand, some breeders require that you give your puppy vitamins for their health guarantee to be valid. First, we unknowingly started him off on one of the brands listed in the graph above that is correlated with DCM. Then we switched to another brand that he just sort of liked. If we were to have another puppy, we would definitely start with the Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy food. How To Switch Food Brands The other day I was talking to someone who was complaining that her puppy was having lots of stomach issues. Dogs have sensitive stomachs so if you want to switch foods, you need to do it slowly. You should take about a week to transition from the old food to the new brand. Also consider how long the brand of food has been around, whether or not there have been any recalls of that brand, and if there is any research behind it. What do you feed your Golden Retriever puppy? Have any questions about what to feed them? Let me know in the comments below! Related articles:. The range of amounts is based on the activity of your Golden for the day, either low, moderate, or high level of activity. Golden Retrievers should have scheduled times to eat daily. The scheduled times will help them with their energy levels and keep them healthy. You can schedule their eating times as to what works best for your schedule. For example, feeding them before you leave for work and then when you get home. As a puppy, they will eat three times a day, so you will need to find times in those first few months to feed them more often. When they are an adult or senior, the scheduling of feeding times will be easier because they will only eat twice daily. For a Golden Retriever puppy, the best feeding schedule is once in the morning, noontime, and in the evening. For example, you could feed their first meal at am, lunch at noon, then dinner at pm. Planning their mealtimes around your mealtimes will often make it easier for you and the puppy. Make sure to give them plenty of time after eating to got to the bathroom a couple of times before heading to bed. Hopefully, this will help them sleep for a longer period. After about six months, your Golden Retriever can go down to two daily feedings. This usually occurs once in the morning and once in the evening. They can usually last about 12 hours between meals. If it goes past 12 hours, they could become nauseated. Golden Retrievers can experience food allergies often caused from proteins in dairy or meat products. If your dog experiences symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or itching they may have a food allergy. They warn that feeding dogs any raw animal-source protein could cause illness because it has not gone through a process to remove harmful pathogens. However, a raw diet can be healthy if you are willing to go through the extra cleaning processes of the meat. This is a lot of work and difficult to do correctly and safely. We do not recommend it without expert veterinary help. Before starting a raw diet with your Golden, be sure to consult a veterinarian. Find one that is familiar with raw foods and can help with the proper handling of the foods. If you work hard to make sure your homemade foods are rich in the vitamins and minerals that a dog needs, then it might work for your Golden Retriever. It takes a lot more time to find recipes and make sure it has all the nutritional value of a store-bought dog food. If you are willing to research expertly formulated recipes internet is making it easier to do this , and take the time to cook for your golden then go for it! Consulting your veterinarian is a must before starting any homemade diet. A veterinary nutritionist should also review your plan before starting. Feeding your Golden Retriever table food is not the best practice but a small amount of dog healthy table food is fine. Some example table foods that are healthy for them are carrots, blueberries and plain yogurt. Just be aware that feeding them too much table food can throw their entire diet out of whack. They may not be getting enough vitamins and minerals like they do from their dog food. Conclusion Making sure your Golden Retriever is getting the right foods at the right amounts will help them live their best life. There are many choices of foods with all the right ingredients. Be sure to choose one that works best for you and your Golden. Consult with your veterinarian on which food will bring the most nutritional value to the health of your Golden Retriever. If your Golden is experiencing any health issues related to changing foods, visit your veterinarian. If this article was helpful, please consider sharing this post on Facebook with the button below! She is board certified a specialist in canine reproduction. In her day job, she is a leader in a small biotech where she and a team of veterinarians and scientists work to develop new medications for pets. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of this wonderful breed of dogs. She and her husband have 2 children, 3 dogs and one cat. They love camping and hiking and she can often be found with her head in a good book. Recent Posts. Feeding Your Golden Feeding Your Golden With the wide array of foods available today, it can be hard to make a good choice of what to feed your golden. Goldens are particularly sensitive to dietary concerns, and feeding them a high quality diet can help boost their health and immune system. Feeding a high quality food is not necessarily more expensive. Price is misleading: cheaper foods require more volume to be fed, up to several cups at each meal. With the wide array of better foods available today, you can make a smart choice of what to feed your golden. A golden will normally eat about two cups of premium food per day. It can be adjusted a little more or less based on activity level and metabolism. Goldens are prone to skin problems, and a poor quality diet will cause skin problems which translates into costly veterinarian bills. You will need to go to the pet store to purchase your food. Grocery store brands do not offer the nutrition goldens need for good health. Do not be persuaded by fancy advertising. Many commonly hyped foods are not high quality and maybe lacking the necessary nutritional value for your dog. For example, Grain Free foods may play a major part in taurine deficiency in Golden Retrievers and other large breed dogs. This deficiency can cause serious heart problems for your dog see Taurine and Grain Free information on this web page. Here are some guidelines: Look for food free of chemical preservatives. Some of these additives are suspected of causing cancer. Look for food preserved with Tocopherols Vitamins C and E as well as rosemary and other herbs. Make sure you have several months before this date. Frequent stores where there is a good turnover of food so you get a fresh bag. Always store dog food in a tight airtight container in a cool, dry place. If you only have one dog, consider buying pound bags instead of pounds bags so the food is fresher. Look for a food that has some form of meat as the first ingredient — such as lamb, chicken, or turkey. Avoid foods that have grain as the first ingredient. Also look for multiple meat proteins in the first seven ingredients. Protein from multiple sources is generally viewed as being beneficial such as lamb, chicken and fish , unless your dog is allergic to certain proteins. Dog food companies sometimes list several types of grains in the first seven ingredients. Beware of this — your dog needs animal protein in his diet! These are the intestines of the animal including what is in the intestines!! Most by-products are not desirable. By-products normally contain beaks, feet, feathers, heads and other slaughterhouse wastes — not the most nutritious part of the animal. Avoid foods that have sugars or artificial colors or flavors or a lot of added salt. Semi-moist dog foods are the worst — they usually are loaded with artificial colors and sugars. Added vitamins and minerals are beneficial only when applied after the baking process, because heat destroys vitamins. The best foods are made up of ingredients that would be suitable for human consumption. Most dog foods contain meat products that are not fit for human consumption. They can include meat from diseased livestock, condemned material from slaughterhouses such as tumors cut away from meat , and as horrible as it sounds, some pet foods include euthanized pets sold to rendering plants and even road kill. Is it any wonder why so many dogs die from cancer when they are being fed meat from these sources? Grains — many dog foods will contain some grains, for example, brown rice, barley, corn, wheat, etc. We have found that some goldens in our rescue program generally do poorly on a food that contains corn or soy. Many goldens are allergic to corn or wheat. So if your golden starts getting a lot of hot spots or skin problems — check his food. There is a big difference in quality of grain products. Look for whole rice or brown rice in the ingredients; white rice and ground brewers rice are much lower in nutrients than whole or brown rice. Often pet food companies take the sweepings off the mill floor and put it in pet food. Look for whole grains instead such as oatmeal, brown rice, barley, or whole oats. Grain Free foods. Grain Free foods have become increasingly available as food companies try to offer foods that are easier to digest with lower levels of complex carbohydrates and grains. One misconception is that grain free dog food is also low-carb, however, vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, green peas and tapioca often replace the grains in grain-free dog foods, especially in kibble foods, making them as high or higher in carbohydrates than grain-based dog foods. Studies have shown peas, beans, pea starch, legumes, potatoes and sweet potatoes that have replaced the grains in dog foods block the function of taurine. Taurine, a sulfuric acid, is essential for healthy cardiovascular function in Golden Retrievers. If left untreated, taurine deficiency in Golden Retrievers can cause dilated cardiomyopathy DCM , congestive heart failure and possibly death. Read all the ingredients in the food which should include taurine and check with your veterinarian before selecting or feeding any grain free food to your dog. Detailed information on dog food ingredients and taurine can be found on this web page under Taurine and Grain Free information and at: Diet Associated Heart Disease Treats — beware of many dog treats out there. They are filled with sugars, preservatives and artificial colors. Try buying biscuits at your local dog bakery or making some yourself. The dog food companies listed below have high quality treats available for your dog. Is your dog overweight? Beware of some diet dog foods, they can be loaded with fillers that provide no added nutrition. At least green beans are healthy. You can also use canned pumpkin. Typically goldens love it! DO NOT free feed your golden; instead feed a measured amount of food twice a day. Most adult goldens will eat 1 cup of premium dog food twice a day. Is your dog too fat? You should be able to feel its ribs and your dog should have a waist. We have found that we have a different view of what constitutes a fat dog than many veterinarians. They will typically allow dogs to carry more weight than is optimal. This perhaps is because they do not want to insult their clients and risk losing business. Letting your golden get too fat is like chopping years off of its life. We also see lots of hip problems with goldens, and keeping weight in check will give your dog better mobility. Fat goldens are an epidemic from our experience. We routinely get goldens into our rescue program that have to lose 30 — 40 pounds!!! Therefore we have a lot of experience at taking the weight off! It is very discouraging and upsetting when an adoptive home will let some weight creep back on. You may think you are loving your dog by giving it too much to eat, but if you really love it you will keep it at a normal weight. Remember — Ribs and Waists! Can you feel and see them on your dog? If not, break open the cans of green beans! The bottom line is read the ingredients, consult your veterinarian and research reliable resources. Making sure your dog has the best nutritional food will help to insure he has a long and healthy life. Here, from Whole Dog Journal, are some additional links for selecting best dry dog food and the best canned dog reviews. Goldens Rescued Since .Read the full disclosure here. Being a large and energetic dog, your golden retriever has a ravenous appetite and can eat a lot. However, overfeeding is never good and could be avoided with the help of a golden retriever feeding chart. Knowing how much to feed your golden retriever is always tricky but essential for their well-being and health. Goldens are prone to obesity and joint problems, which can only be exacerbated with an inadequate feeding plan. So, stay with me to find the right feeding plan and meal schedule for your goldie. Most first-time owners think their puppies should be chubby. In truth, golden retriever puppies are supposed to look lanky and act like they are always hungry when fed the correct amount of food. To encourage proper growth and development without making your pup obese, you will have to know how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. For example, cheaper foods use fillers and have a smaller amount of calories, thus you will have to feed more than you would when using premium large breed puppy foods. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. We all want our golden retriever puppies to be healthy and happy. We envision them running through a verdant field chasing a ball. Full of energy with the beautiful, lustrous golden coat. But, just like us, eating the proper food in the proper amounts will help your golden properly grow and thrive. After all, what we eat impacts how healthy we are. How much you should feed your golden retriever puppy will vary depending on the quality of food you feed, his age, his weight, his general health, and his activity level. Your golden will be growing for up to two years. And the amount of food during that time will have to be adjusted depending on his needs. Because most people feed kibble to their pup, this article will focus on that. Kibble is convenient and cost effective. Instead, they should be lanky and full of energy. They should love to eat their food with gusto. Instead, you should be able to feel his ribs when you pet him there. There should just be a thin coating of fat under his skin. And he should have a defined waistline. Of course you should check with your veterinarian to make such adjustments. And remember a young puppy should get only so much exercise a day. Their joints and bones are developing and can be damaged if the exercise is too extreme. Assuming you have an eight-week-old puppy, he should receive three to four meals a day. From eight weeks old until about five or six months old, three meals per day are advisable. Of course, feed at the same intervals every day and split the total amount per day in half to be given at each feeding. After about six months of age through adulthood, two feedings per day are the norm. Always check with your vet regarding how much and how often to feed. These are just guidelines. Feed him at the same distraction-free location so that he focuses on eating. As much as goldens love to eat, a young golden puppy is also very easily distracted. This can lead to possible health problems, including joint and bone problems. Goldens can easily become overweight. Free feeding can also lead to a picky eater. Some puppies figure out that if their buffets are always there, and they can just go graze at will. Most foods you purchase will have guidelines on their bag or box. When you first get your puppy, feed him the same food that the breeder or rescue fed him for a few weeks. Then, if you want to change his food, do so over at least 10 days. Add more of the new food and subtract more of the old food each day. After about five days, you should be giving him approximately 50 percent of the new food and 50 percent of the old food. Switching food over such a period of time will help prevent stomach upsets and diarrhea. Overfeeding will result not only in him becoming overweight but it will also make him grow too fast. Periodically—even weekly— test whether you can still feel his ribs without them protruding. You can then increase the amount he eats. You should also feed his last meal of the day at least 90 minutes before his bed time so that he can digest his food and potty before bed. A well-balanced, high-quality food should provide all the nutrients he requires. Golden puppies require a formula made for large-breed dogs. Puppy formulas for large-breed dogs regulate their growth. Eating too quickly can lead to digestive upsets and even bloat, which can be deadly. I rescued my golden retriever Riley when he was about six months old. To say that he ate as if it were his last meal would be an understatement. He had a voracious appetite. I bought one of the maze bowls to slow him down. The kibble is placed between each section of the bowl, and he had to forage for his food. It worked! He ate at a more normal pace. Of course, dogs should be given free access to fresh water. Other Feeding Options Although I concentrated in this article on feeding kibble to your new puppy, there are other options. There are some drawbacks to them because they may not be nutritionally complete, may be cost prohibitive, or may be too time-consuming to make. Wet Food Canned food alone or mixed with kibble is an option. But wet food alone is very expensive. He may become a picky eater. Feeding raw is controversial. Dehydrated raw foods reduce some of the risks. The ratio of calcium to phosphorous is crucial to puppy development. Homemade Diet Cooking for your best friend can be very appealing. And many people do. You know what ingredients and their quality are. But it has its drawbacks. Of course, the amount you feed is important for his growth rate and general health and well-being. But there is no one-size-fits-all in determining how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. Any amounts you see are just guidelines. Adjust them as necessary regarding your own special puppy. Do you have a golden retriever puppy? How did you determine what and how much to feed him? Please leave your comments in the section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Debbie has been training dogs for over 24 years and has nationally ranked obedience and rally dogs, agility dogs, trick dogs, and therapy dogs. Post navigation. They are famously loving and playful family pets, always eager to jump in the pool or snuggle up with you on the lounge. They are patient and energetic dogs who are easy to train, making them excellent service animals as well as loyal companions. If you are bringing a Goldie into your family, you might also be aware of their reputation as food lovers. Your Goldie might want to eat anything and everything you put in their bowl — and maybe even anything left on an unattended plate. In this Golden Retriever feeding guide, Hypro Premium will take you through everything you need to know when it comes to food options for your pup. The best food for most young puppies is milk. If you are weaning a puppy, you can start to mix in a little dry kibble with their puppy milk to create a paste. You can feed this mix to your puppy up to four times a day, slowly reducing the amount of milk you mix in. Over time, your Goldie puppy will get more comfortable with solid foods, until you no longer need to include any milk in their diet. While chubby little puppies are cute, your Goldie should not build up too much excess fat once you start feeding them solids. Goldies go from a small 4kg puppy at 7 weeks old to an almost 30 kg adult dog in the space of only 10 months. At six months old your puppy will still be growing, but more slowly as they reach most of their body development milestones. This is why appropriate feeding in the first year of their life is vital to the overall health of your Goldie for years to come. Over time this can increase to up to 4 cups a day at 10 months old, though females should usually only need 3 cups a day. The amount you feed your puppy is often dependent on their size and sex. While they may have some growing left to do, it depends on your dog. Some Goldies will continue to experience growth spurts before their second birthday, while others will stay the same size. Large breeds can be at risk of growing too fast, which can make them more vulnerable to skeletal and weight problems when they get older. Golden retrievers are especially prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which can be avoided through diet control. You should feed your Goldie between 3 — 4 cups of food per day over two meals. Adult dogs and puppies have different nutritional needs. This is important to take into consideration as you are establishing a feeding schedule for a Golden Retriever puppy. Puppies require more calories to support their rapid growth than adult dogs, but they also have much smaller stomachs, which means they get fuller faster. Because of this, puppies can easily overeat, especially Golden Retrievers. You can help your puppy avoid overeating by allowing them a short amount of time to eat, and then removing their bowl. All puppies grow a lot during their first year, but large breed puppies are more likely to suffer from negative health consequences as a result. In order to provide your Golden Retriever puppy with the most appropriate food to support their rapid growth, consider choosing a large breed puppy food. Goldie puppies need lots of protein, fibre, and fatty acids to support the development of their bodies and provide them with energy. These foods also take into account the difference in nutrient digestion between small and large breeds. Too much of these nutrients can cause your large breed puppy to develop skeletal abnormalities. So how much do you feed a Golden Retriever? Your adult Goldie could need anywhere between and 1, calories per day. The amount of food you feed your dog will be determined by a few important factors. The first thing to consider is the sex of your dog. On average, your male Golden Retriever will need slightly more food than a female dog. Senior dogs will usually be less active and so will need less food. Goldies in particular can have a lot of variation in the amount of food they need on a daily basis. No matter how much you feed your dog, it is ideal that you feed your adult Golden Retriever two meals a day at evenly spaced time intervals. Feeding your dog twice, once in the morning and again in the evening, can be useful for establishing a routine and avoiding overfeeding. This routine can also include exercise, and is useful for encouraging healthy behaviour around food and toilet training. Special Considerations Your Golden Retriever could be predisposed to several health conditions that are important to consider when you make decisions about their diet. Firstly, Golden Retrievers are known for their beautiful coats, but their skin can often become infected. Goldies love swimming, but this can cause problems if water irritates their skin. They can also be susceptible to atopic dermatitis, which causes extreme itchiness, resulting in licking and biting behaviours in dogs that can cause even more damage. For dogs prone to skin and coat issues, a fish-based diet can help alleviate symptoms. Fish contains plenty of fatty acids, which support coat and skin health, and rarely triggers any allergic reaction in dogs. Goldies often benefit from healthy grains in their diet, especially as avoiding them can actually leave your dog more vulnerable to nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy, or nutritional DCM. This heart disease is common in Golden Retrievers, and can be triggered by consuming too much grain-free pet food that contains legumes like lentils and peas. You should consider feeding your Golden Retriever foods that are full of grains and proteins like chicken or fish. These are the benefits and drawbacks of the three most popular options — wet food, a raw food diet, and dry food. Wet food can be a great option for dogs that need plenty of protein and fat, like working dogs or dogs with certain health conditions. It also hydrates your dog while they eat, which can be useful for dogs suffering from any illness. For dogs with highly restrictive diets, raw food prepared by you can be a great way to avoid allergens. You can have complete control over a raw diet, which does require a lot more work on your part, but can have great results. For instance, a Golden Retriever with heart issues should eat a low salt diet, which can be easier to achieve if you are preparing their meals from scratch. However, low quality kibbles tend to be made up of a lot of low quality fillers, which can be hard for your pup to digest. Whatever option you choose for your Goldie, make sure it is suitable for large breeds and contains high quality ingredients. This will help prevent degenerative health disorders in the long run. Your Golden Retriever will probably love food, and will probably try to eat anything you put in front of them, which means you need to help them avoid the negative consequences of overeating. Golden retrievers, like other large and active breeds, need plenty of exercise. Not only is this vital to their physical health, but it also ensures they grow up well socialised and mentally stimulated. As your Goldie grows from a puppy to an adult dog, the amount of meals they need a day will reduce as their digestive systems become more developed. Your dog will need two meals a day, once in the evening and once in the morning, from the age of 6 months. There is also info on how to keep your puppy and your adult at his or her optimum weight. Scroll down to find growth charts to make sure your puppy is growing at the proper rate and is within the right weight range for his age. If you are looking for information on what to feed, go to How to Choose a Dog Food. Unlike with human children, a puppy that is overfed will grow too fast before they grow too fat. A good example is where a smaller puppy at 10 weeks was overfed and his growth was compared to a puppy that was correctly fed. The growth of your puppy needs to be controlled. General Guidelines for Puppies Below are some general guidelines on how much to feed puppies. Most dog food bags suggest feeding too much. Increase to about 3 cups a day by 5 months for boys and by 6 months for girls. Golden Retrievers at this age are supposed to look lanky and all Golden Retrievers act like they are starving when fed the correct amount. If left to eat as much as they want, they will all grow too fast. In the wild, dogs do not have unlimited access to eat as much as they want. They work for their food. Caloric Needs Greatly Decrease at About a Year When puppies reach about months, their caloric needs begin to decrease. Some males might need 4 cups if active and are fed a less expensive food. Make sure you take into consideration the number of extra calories being fed as treats. You should be able to feel their ribs, but not see them even when the dog is wet. If you can see the ribs, increase their food. Decrease the food if you cannot feel them. I always tell people that it is better to underfeed than to overfeed, especially when feeding puppies. Weight Range Charts Following are charts of how puppies should generally grow in weight. Keep in mind that very few puppies need to be at the top of these ranges and if you cannot feel ribs, your dog is overweight even if she is in this weight range. If your dog is still a puppy and she is over these weight ranges, you are feeding her too much. Female Golden Retriever Weight Chart Here is a chart of how girls should generally grow in weight: 2 Months — pounds.

These puppy health consultations are really important, not only to discuss vaccinations and parasite control but to make sure your pup is fit and well. But what if the veterinarian finds that your puppy has a hernia? What does it mean for your new fluffy bundle? Table of Contents What is a puppy hernia? A hernia occurs when there is a hole in the muscle wall of the abdomen, through which a pouch or sack of abdominal contents can protrude. Depending on the size of the hole, the contents of the hernial sac will vary. If the hole is very small, only a small amount of abdominal fat may fit through. However, if the defect is large, portions of the guts or other organs may protrude. This is a hernia of their belly button, where their umbilical cord would have been attached in the womb. Hernias can be congenital, which means present from birth, or they can develop later, usually through trauma. But even though puppies can occasionally acquire hernias through trauma, a puppy hernia refers to a congenital umbilical hernia. If your pup used to have a small hernia but you start to struggle to find it, it might have closed on its own. What other types of hernias can dogs get? Aside from umbilical hernias, dogs can also get hernias in other locations. An acquired traumatic hernia can occur anywhere where the abdominal wall becomes damaged, but other specific hernia locations include: Groin Inguinal hernia Where the abdominal and leg muscles meet in the groin, there is a small opening that allows some nerves, blood vessels, and — in male dogs — the spermatic cord to pass through. This opening is called the inguinal ring and is formed of two layers. If the hole is too large, abdominal fat or organs like the bladder or intestine can pass through. Diaphragm Diaphragmatic or hiatal hernia A hernia of the diaphragm , the muscular barrier that separates the chest from the abdomen, can be congenital or due to trauma. A large diaphragmatic hernia or rupture can cause organs like the intestines to pass through the diaphragm, restricting the lungs. Bottom Perineal hernia A perineal hernia occurs when the muscles and tissues supporting the rectum and other organs in the pelvis become weakened. Sometimes the hernia contains part of the rectum or bladder and causes problems with passing urine or feces. This usually happens later in life and is more common in unneutered males. A hernia becomes a health risk to your dog if the hole is too small and restricts the blood flow to the hernial sac. Puppy hernias can vary in size and be classified as either reducible or non-reducible. A reducible hernia is where the pouch contents can be replaced into the abdomen, through the hole. A non-reducible hernia is when the hole is too small to allow the herniated tissue back into the abdomen. This is called a strangulated hernia, and it can cause the tissue within the hernial sac to die. It can be very painful, but it can also be life-threatening, especially if organs are involved in the hernia. Therefore, a small, reducible hernia is less risk than a larger or non-reducible hernia, but, over time, the hernia can gradually become smaller. So, strangulation is a risk at any age. If you used to be able to replace the hernia easily, but it suddenly becomes non-reducible, that could be a sign that it might strangulate. You should also check the hernia for pain, redness, or swelling. These signs can become severe and lead to weakness, dehydration, and collapse. If you notice any of these symptoms, you must seek help from our veterinary team immediately. What are the treatment options for puppy hernias? If the hernia is not strangulated, this can be performed under a quick anesthetic or alongside a routine procedure like neutering. Any damaged or dying tissue will need to be removed, as well as repairing the hernia. Sadly, the risk of complications is higher, and not every dog recovers. Can puppy hernias be prevented? There is evidence that many umbilical hernias are hereditary, meaning that they are passed on through breeding. So, what does it mean if my puppy has a hernia? Everyone wants their puppy to be in perfect physical condition. So, if your veterinarian finds a puppy hernia, it might be worrying. FAQ Can a puppy live with a hernia? How much is it to fix a hernia in a puppy? How old does a puppy have to be to fix a hernia? Many puppy hernias are fixed during other routine procedures like neutering or removing persistent baby teeth at around six months old. Your veterinarian will be able to help you decide when is the safest time for your little one. Can a dog hernia heal itself? Dog hernias can become smaller over time, which is one of the reasons why strangulation is a risk. On the other hand, it does mean that some small hernias can fix themselves over time. So, if your pup used to have a small hernia but you start to struggle to find it, it might have closed on its own. Hannah Godfrey Dr. Although she initially worked in mixed practice treating all species, she found a love for small animal work and has worked exclusively with dogs and cats since .She lives in Wales with her partner, son, and two cats named Poppy and Ashton Kutcher , and writes comedy fiction in her spare time. Recent Posts. I run my fingers down the center near their belly button feeling for the telltale blob of an umbilical hernia and near the groin checking for inguinal lumps and we find them quite a bit. Hernias are not uncommon in puppies, and occur in a variety of ways. The good news is most are easily treatable and often caught early. A hernia occurs when abdominal organs or fatty tissue protrude through a weak spot in the muscle or connective tissue. The severity of the hernia depends on the size of the defect in the abdominal wall. In its most benign form, a small amount of abdominal fat may intermittently protrude from the hole and be easily placed back through with a little pressure. In its most severe form, intestines or other abdominal organs may pass through the the hole, compressing blood supply and essentially strangling the organ. In these worst-case scenarios hernias can become life threatening in a short period of time. Amazingly, even large hernias can often be successfully treated if the diagnosis is made before the herniated organ is compromised. In some cases the closure is incomplete, leaving a hole in the abdomen through which contents can herniate. Inguinal : the inguinal canal is an opening in the area of the groin through which the testicles descend. Both males and females have an inguinal canal and can suffer from inguinal hernias. Diaphragmatic : the diaphragm is the large sheet of muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen. While trauma and congenital defects can cause defects at any point along the diaphragm, there are two specific subtypes of diaphragmatic hernia which are known to occur as congenital defects in puppies: Hiatal : the hiatus is an opening in the diaphragm where the esophagus, which carries food from the mouth to the stomach, passes from the chest to the abdomen. If the opening is larger than it should be, the stomach can start to bulge through into the chest cavity. Peritoneopericardial : this mouthful of a word refers to an opening between the peritoneum a membrane lining the abdominal cavity and the pericardium the sac that surrounds the heart. This results from an embryologic problem during development, and is the most common form of congenital pericardial defect in the dog. What Causes Hernias in Dogs? Hernias can be congenital meaning the puppy was born with the condition or acquired through trauma, disease or aging. Congenital hernias are the most common cause noted in young dogs. They may be the result of a spontaneous problem during development, or a genetic defect passed on from one of the parents. Trauma is the other common cause of hernias in puppies. Blunt force trauma such as being hit by a car or any sort of blow to the body wall can cause a tear in either the abdominal wall or the diaphragm, allowing abdominal organs to herniate. What are the Signs of a Hernia in Puppies? Signs of a hernia vary depending on the location and severity of the hernia. In many cases, with a small uncomplicated hernia consisting only of a small amount of abdominal fat, the owner may not even notice anything or just feel a small squishy blob in the region of the belly button or groin. As the hernia becomes larger and more vital organs are compromised, signs may be as follows: Pain. If your dog has an outie, read this. By Deb M. Eldredge, DVM, is an award-winning veterinarian and writer who graduated from Cornell University, where she was the first recipient of the school's Gentle Doctor Award. Most of them are basically "outie" belly buttons. If small, they may seal up on their own and generally don't cause any problems. Larger ones may require surgery to close up the abdominal wall and prevent intestines from slipping out or getting twisted. Some dog breeds such as Weimaraners are predisposed to these hernias. Ideally dogs with anything other than very small umbilical hernias should not be bred. This is especially true if most of the puppies in the litter have one, suggesting genetic predisposition. What Exactly Is an Umbilical Hernia? In an unborn puppy, the umbilicus slips out through an opening in the puppy's stomach wall to connect to the placenta. When a puppy is born, his dam chews or breaks this umbilical cord or the breeder cuts it and ties it off. It dries and shrivels up, leaving behind the "belly button. Sometimes a small bit of fat may get stuck in the opening, which leaves an "outie" belly button. Occasionally the wall of the abdomen simply does not close all the way. That is when we say a puppy or dog has an umbilical hernia. Signs Your Dog Has an Umbilical Hernia If your dog has an umbilical hernia, when your dog lies on his back, you can feel a small opening at the umbilicus site. If it is the size of the end of your pinkie finger at 8 weeks of age, it is usually not a problem. Many of these small hernias will close up on their own by 6 months of age. If the hernia bubbles out or is bigger than a pinkie finger, there is a chance that intestines may be slipping in and out of the opening. At some point, a section of intestines could slide out through the hernia opening and get trapped or twisted. At that point, your dog needs emergency surgery. Signs you see with trapped intestines can include pain, your dog standing stiffly with his back arched, and possibly not eating or vomiting. If you see these symptoms, you need to call your veterinarian right away. Larger hernias will require surgery to close up the opening, leaving the intestines safely inside. If your puppy is not having any problems, your vet may recommend keeping an eye on it and doing the surgery at the same time as spaying or neutering. That means one bout of anesthesia and recovery for your pet and less cost for you. If intestines become trapped at any point, immediate emergency surgery is necessary. Some people have tried to encourage closure of hernias by using a belly wrap on their puppies with hernias. The goal is to keep all tissues fat, intestines, etc. This is generally not successful but does help in some cases. It is best to consult your pet's veterinarian for advice on the best way to handle your individual dog's treatment. Luckily most umbilical hernias are small and don't present a health concern for your dog! Was this page helpful? Many of those puppies will suffer from an umbilical hernia in their first few weeks of life. What is an umbilical hernia? An umbilical hernia in dogs is a protrusion of fat or tissue under the skin in the area where the umbilical cord linked the puppy to the mother. After birth, this umbilical cord dries up and falls away, leaving just a healed area in the abdominal wall surrounded by a little ring of tissue. In normal healing, this area should heal completely, leaving a tiny belly button. In some puppies, the ring of tissue in the abdominal wall fails to completely close, even though the skin heals just fine. This leaves an opening in the abdomen that can allow fat, bits of extra tissue, and sections of internal organs to escape. As this happens, these things bulge under the healed skin. This leads to a lump or mass where the belly button should be and is called an umbilical hernia. Recognizing an umbilical hernia When you take your puppy in for his or her first exam, the veterinarian will gently press on the area around the belly button. This palpation is meant to check the internal organs, but will also identify any lumps or bumps under the skin. A soft mass at the location of the belly button indicates an umbilical hernia. In some cases, the herniated area will be large enough to be visible without a physical exam. The size of the lump determines which treatment options the veterinarian might recommend. Dangers of umbilical hernias In most cases, the puppy will be just fine with a small umbilical hernia. Think of it as a protruding belly button on a human, an outie instead of an innie. This happens when the skin heals, but a tiny sliver of the umbilical opening remains unclosed inside the body. Over time this opening may heal on its own. In some instances, the vet may choose to treat the hernia. The risks multiply when the opening or ring of tissue under the skin is larger than a fraction of an inch. In larger openings, a portion of the intestines can drop through the opening and not re enter the body through the same opening, on its own. This can lead to a pinched intestine- a condition that cuts off the blood supply to the intestine, causes the inability to feed and pass waste, and causes a build up of toxins in the body. Treating the umbilical hernia If the hernia is very small, the veterinarian will likely recommend waiting a few months to see if it heals on its own. This is the optimal solution to the problem. If the hernia is larger than a few centimeters, the vet may instruct you to keep a close eye on your pet for any signs of intestinal distress. So, What happens next? What is a hernia and what causes them? Hernias are a common congenital condition meaning that puppies are born with them , affecting around 1 in puppies. A hernia is a hole in the muscle wall of the tummy abdomen which allows the abdominal contents fat, intestines and other organs to squeeze through into a space under the skin or, less commonly, through the diaphragm into the chest. This usually causes a soft, squishy swelling under the skin, which often fluctuates in size. It may occasionally pop in and out of the tummy, disappearing for short periods of time. While some hernias result from trauma causing a tear in the muscle, most puppy hernias are congenital problems. This is where the muscle fails to develop properly. There may be a genetic element to this condition, as some breeds appear more susceptible. So it is advisable not to breed from a dog with a hernia. Hernias typically arise in specific locations. These result from the muscle failing to close over the area where the umbilical cord entered the body. Less frequently, hernias are found in the groin inguinal or next to the bottom perineal. The rarest kind of hernias involve the diaphragm and can be more difficult to diagnose as they are less obvious from outside. How are hernias diagnosed in puppies? Most external hernias are fairly easy to diagnose just by their location and feel. A soft swelling under the skin in one of the characteristic hernia locations is a strong indicator but your vet will check for an underlying hole in the muscle wall to be sure. These checks are quick, pain-free and harmless. In a small number of cases, or when an internal hernia is suspected, additional tests such as an ultrasound or X-ray may be necessary to diagnose the problem and assess its severity. These are straightforward, non-invasive procedures but may require your puppy to be sedated; your vet will be happy to discuss any questions you may have about this. Are there any problems hernias cause? How serious a hernia is depends on its location, its size and its contents. While many hernias cause few problems, some can make a pup very unwell. Most hernias, especially small ones, contain just fat which usually causes little problem apart from, possibly, some mild discomfort. The main concern with small hernias is that they get larger over time. Bigger hernias may allow a loop of the intestines or other organs such as the liver or bladder to pop out of the tummy. But having intestines or organs in this location exposes them to injury. In a small number of cases, it can make a pup seriously unwell. It can cause them to go off their food, be lethargic, vomit repeatedly or suffer breathing problems. These are potentially life-threatening complications. What treatment do hernias require? Some very small hernias may require no treatment at all because the muscle does eventually close as the puppy grows. These hernias leave a small blob of fat under the skin which can look a bit funny but is not usually of concern. Most hernias, however, will need surgery to close the hole in the muscle. The contents of the hernia to their normal location. Surgery is advisable even if your puppy is currently unaffected by their hernia, to prevent more serious problems later in life. If the hernia is small and stable, this may be done once your puppy is big and old enough, or at the same time as neutering. This is usually from six months of age. So your vet may advise regular checks of the hernia to make sure it is not causing problems in the meantime. For large hernias, or those which involve the intestines or other internal organs, surgery may be carried out at an earlier age, or as an emergency, to prevent some of the more serious complications. What happens during hernia surgery? Surgery to repair a hernia requires a general anaesthetic. The area around the hernia will be shaved and scrubbed with an antiseptic to reduce infections. An incision is made through the skin. The contents of the hernia are checked to make sure they are healthy. They are then gently returned to the abdomen and the hernia is closed, usually with stitches that dissolve in a few weeks. The incision is usually slightly longer than the original hernia and there may be slight redness or swelling around the area for a few days. Umbilical hernia surgery is usually quick, straightforward and low risk. In cases where the hernia is very large, contains more than just fat, or involves the diaphragm, surgery may be more complicated. It may also carry additional risks, which your vet will discuss with you. Thankfully, these cases are much rarer. There will usually be very little trace of surgery after a few weeks. Most puppies make an excellent recovery. Hernias are relatively common in puppies. While some do cause problems, most dogs will have normal, healthy lives following treatment. Corrective surgery is usually routine and recommended in most cases to prevent future problems. They will be happy to check your pup is healthy and advise on the best way to deal with this condition. You may also be interested in;. Conclusion Does your English Bulldog have a protrusion from their abdomen? If they do, you may have an English Bulldog with an umbilical hernia. The good news is that an umbilical hernia is most likely not to be a threat to your dogs health, and only in very rare cases can an umbilical hernia affect your dogs health. What is an umbilical hernia in dogs? An umbilical hernia occurs when there is a protrusion of the abdominal lining, abdominal fat, or a portion of abdominal organ s through the area around the umbilicus also called the navel or belly button. This area in dogs is located on their underside just below the ribcage. Can an English Bulldog live with a umbilical hernia? An English Bulldog can live with an umbilical hernia. Umbilical hernias can heal themselves whilst your dog is still a puppy, and will typically heal themselves before your bulldog puppy turns 6 months old. If your English Bulldog is older than 6-months, then it may require surgery. Is a umbilical hernia dangerous for dogs? Most umbilical hernias are not dangerous for dogs, however in some rare cases the protruding intestines may become trapped and strangulated. If this does happen, then your dog will need emergency surgery. What are the side effects of umbilical hernias in dogs? There are two different types of umbilical hernias in dogs, and depending on which type of umbilical hernia your English Bulldog has, will depend on the type of side effects that your dog will be suffer from. A complicated hernia is where the protrusion may have become trapped or strangulated, the side effects for this are: Pain and warmth, especially at the site of the umbilical swelling Vomiting Lack of appetite Depression An uncomplicated hernia is where there is a soft swelling in the umbilical area. Other than the swelling, your dog will likely not suffer from any other side effects. What are the common causes of umbilical hernias in English Bulldogs? The most common cause of an umbilical hernia in English Bulldogs is it being inherited. A umbilical hernia can also be caused by trauma. How do you treat an umbilical hernia in dogs? Some umbilical hernias will heal themselves, however if not, they will need surgery to correct them. If an umbilical hernia is going to close up and health itself, this will usually happen before your puppy reaches the age of 6 months old. If your puppy is older than 6-months, its unlikely that it will treat itself. Small umbilical hernias may not need surgical correction but larger hernias should be repaired to remove the risk of complications. Give your pet time and space to rest, and closely monitor him for adverse reactions. Check the incision site daily for drainage and redness, as they are signs of infection and you will need to see the veterinarian as soon as possible. During the first few days after surgery, feed carefully. Withhold food for a day if your dog vomits. Take your dog outside on a leash to relieve itself, and do not let her run, jump or play. Conclusion If you have an English Bulldog with an umbilical hernia, then you don't need to stress. The majority of umbilical hernias that English Bulldogs suffer from are completely harmless and won't pose a threat to your bulldogs health. For your English Bulldog with an umbilical hernia, we always recommend seeking professional advice from your vet. Shortness of breath Excessive drooling If you suspect your dog has developed a hernia, it is important to take them to the veterinarian for a proper diagnosis immediately. Although hernias are usually visible, there are cases in which a veterinarian will have to do a physical exam to determine the condition. In some cases, an x-ray will even be required to identify the exact location of the hernia. Are Puppy Hernias Common? Yes, puppy hernias are relatively common, especially since the condition is usually congenital, meaning the puppy is born with it. Are Puppy Hernias Painful? Hernias can be painful; your dog or puppy will show signs of pain if it has the condition. This is also why puppies tend to lack appetite or be lethargic. How Serious is an Umbilical Hernia in a Puppy? An umbilical hernia is the most common type found in puppies and generally poses no serious health threat. However, there is a chance for parts of the intestines or other tissues to be trapped and cause strangulation. This is a health emergency that requires immediate surgery. What Causes Hernias in Puppies? Hernias in puppies can be caused by several factors, including genetics, trauma, and injury. Hernias in dogs are categorised as either congenital genetic or present at birth or caused by later trauma. Certain genetic and hormonal conditions can predispose a dog to hernias, along with other conditions such as dog hip dysplasia and patellar knee disclosations. They are also more common in specific dog breeds. There are five types of hernia found in dogs: Umbilical Hernia — This is the most common type found in puppies. Although this type of hernia can usually heal on its own, your puppy may need surgery to repair the hernia if it has already been neutered. Hiatal Hernia — The most severe type of hernia on this list, Hiatal hernias, is typically caused by trauma or injury but can also be congenital. This is why these hernias are most common in brachycephalic breeds since their restricted airway creates pressure that can draw the stomach through the opening. Inguinal hernias form in different sizes and most often occur in middle-aged female dogs, posing a higher risk during pregnancy. This is because larger inguinal hernias can impact the uterus or bladder, resulting in a life-threatening condition. Diaphragmatic Hernia — As the name suggests, this hernia is caused by a hole in the diaphragm. This particular type of hernia is usually congenital. This is most common in non-neutered male dogs over five years old and certain breeds like Boston Terriers, Boxers, Corgis and Collies, among others. What is the Treatment for Puppy Hernias? Treating puppy hernias usually requires surgery to return the organs to their original position and repair the tear. The veterinary surgeon may also reinforce the area with mesh during hernia repair surgery. Almost all instances of hernias in puppies require surgery and seldom resolve themselves naturally. Puppy hernias only resolve by themselves in cases where the hernia is less than 3mm in size, which is exceedingly rare. Even at 1cm in size, an umbilical hernia poses a serious health risk to your puppy and should be immediately seen by a veterinary surgeon. Just like in people, hernias pose a significant risk to the health of your puppy. This includes: Pain medications to keep them comfortable and reduce swelling. Keep your dog calm and still as much as possible to avoid tearing stitches or staples Watch for signs of infection such as yellow discharge or bleeding Attend any follow-up appointment required by your vet, including removal of stitches or staples Do Puppy Hernias Go Away? Some small hernias in dogs may go away without treatment. However, this is very rare, and if your puppy has a hernia, they will likely need surgery. Umbilical hernias smaller than 3mm may close without treatment when the puppy reaches months old. If the hernia does not close by then, surgery will be required. However, this is something that the veterinarian will ultimately determine, so consulting a veterinarian is still the best course of action. What does Puppy Hernia Surgery Involve? A puppy hernia will involve the removal of misplaced abdominal contents, placing them back into the abdomen, and repairing the tear that allowed them to move into other cavities in the first place. Most types of hernia operations may be performed by a primary veterinarian, while rare types or complex cases may have to be referred to a boarded veterinary surgeon. Despite the cost, the benefit of having your dog or puppy cured of a hernia is well worth the cost. Seeing your furry friend live their life without the pain of an untreated hernia is unmatched. Treat your dog well and make sure it gets the medical treatment it deserves! Otherwise, umbilical hernia surgery can also be done at the same time as a puppy is desexed. This is usually around six months old. If you suspect or have found out that your puppy has a hernia, keep your pet in a stable position and call your veterinarian immediately. This is not always the case, so consult your vet and proceed with caution. If you can determine that the umbilical hernia is mechanical and not genetic, it should be safe to breed a dog with a hernia. This is when the hernia happens during whelping due to too much pulling or an overeager dam. Disclaimer: This article is published in good faith, for general informational and educational purposes only. Paws and More Vet Centre does not make any warranties about the ongoing completeness and reliability of this information. Lisa is a veteran in the industry, working in vet clinics for over 17 years. Her passionate demeanour makes her the perfect person to greet our clients and their owners. Every day, she has the pleasure of coming home to a menagerie of animals.

These predictable, durable, steady breeds, like Labs and Goldens, are great with kids and offer the whole family more dog to love. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for almost forty years. Our industry setting Puppy Guarantee makes buying one of our pure-bred Labrador retrievers one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Labrador Retriever owners from around the country. Visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-the-minute puppy information at .Located near Laurel Hill, NC, we deliver our world class Labrador retriever puppies and adults to locations as far away as Alaska. We can easily deliver our guaranteed Labs to your location in or around Tampa. For details, call Woody or Judi at .Labrador Retriever Puppies and Children In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Labrador retriever can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: Dogs are great stress relievers for children. Imagine the effects on family life when the stress levels of parents go down. Children who have a dog feel more secure about home safety and going to sleep in the dark. One of the greatest stresses on children is night fears. To have this overcome, or lessened, is a great benefit to relieving stress. For children who are having any sort of difficulties at school, but especially thoughts and concerns over being liked or accepted, having a dog as a companion that loves you unconditionally is positive and brings with it a good feeling and alleviates symptoms of depression. Be sure to read the rest of her article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! We have answers. What transportation options are available for Tampa Labrador Retriever puppies for sale? Bringing home a Lab doesn't have to be difficult. There are many options available to get your new dog from point A to point B. Some families opt for air travel, where their puppy can fly with a professional chaperone to the nearest major airport. Others choose home delivery, so they can meet their new puppy at their front door. No matter what method you choose, your Lab will be with you in no time. Our nationwide network of breeders means we can find the perfect pup for you, even if they're not close by. We'll arrange transportation to get your new furry friend to you, whether that's by meeting you at the airport or delivering them right to your door. Do partners in your network have a health guarantee? This is one of the best guarantees in the nation and it shows that we only work with ethical breeders who are committed to their puppies' health and wellbeing. With this peace of mind, you can rest assured knowing that your puppy is in good hands. How do you screen breeders? We only work with ethical, exceptional breeders who meet our strict standards. Plus, we have a thorough vetting process to ensure that only the best of the best make it onto our site. So if you're looking for the best Labrador Retriever for sale Tampa has to offer, you've come to the right place! If you're looking for a Labrador Retriever, be aware that some breeders may not have your best interests at heart. Many businesses try to take advantage of unsuspecting customers by using dishonest marketing tactics to make their puppy mill seem like a top-tier breeder. To avoid being scammed, we recommend only dealing with businesses that have been independently reviewed and meet our ethical standards. What is a puppy mill? Puppy mills are commercial dog breeding businesses. They breed dogs for profit, often with little regard for animal safety, wellbeing or ethical breeding practices. As a result, mill dogs have a tendency to develop genetic illnesses at a higher rate than humanely bred Labrador Retrievers. If you want to find the healthiest Labrador Retriever puppies Tampa has to offer, let Uptown Puppies help you! Are Labrador Retrievers good family pets? Labrador Retrievers make great family pets. They are loving, loyal and obedient, which makes them ideally suited to owners and families of all types. Their patient, kind hearts also make them a great choice for kids, too. While there is no such thing as a perfect puppy, Labs come pretty close! What is the origin of Labrador Retrievers? Although their name might suggest otherwise, Labrador Retrievers actually originated in Newfoundland in the s. The breed was well-suited to working in the water, with a coat that repels water and webbed paws ideal for swimming. How does Uptown Puppies work? Labrador Retriever puppies for sale? We work with experienced and reputable Labrador Retriever breeders to bring you the best puppies around. With litters of puppies coming all the time, it's easy to find your perfect match. Pick out your pup, arrange pickup or transportation, and before you know it you'll be taking home a new best friend! What are some common Labrador Retriever health problems? Picking a healthy puppy is important for any dog owner, regardless of breed. Some common Labrador Retriever health problems to look out for are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and other diseases of the joints. While these issues can affect any dog, they may be worsened by choosing a puppy from an inexperienced or dishonest breeder. Do Labs need a lot of exercise? Puppies are a lot of fun, but they require a lot of exercise. The average Labrador Retriever puppy needs 45 to 90 minutes of exercise every day. If you want a dog to jelp you stay fit, take your pick from these Labrador Retriever puppies near Tampa! Keep in mind that this is a working breed, so they need plenty of opportunities to run and play. A tired pup is a good pup, so make sure to give your furry friend the exercise they need! What other dogs are similar to Labrador Retrievers? Labs are wonderful, friendly dogs that are great for families. They are highly intelligent and very trainable. Some people even cross Labrador Retrievers with Poodles to create Labradoodles. These special dogs inherit the best traits of both breeds - the intelligence and trainability of a Lab, combined with the non-shedding coat of a Poodle.

Dehydration Diagnosis Any puppy or unvaccinated dog with signs of vomiting and diarrhea should be tested for parvovirus. A relatively quick and inexpensive test can be performed by looking for the virus in the feces or a swab of the rectum. Your veterinarian will likely also recommend blood work. Some dogs may be anemic from blood loss in the intestines, or have very low blood sugar levels from the combination of severe illness and lack of sugar reserves in young patients. Because there may be more than one cause of vomiting and diarrhea, additional tests may be performed such as X-rays, ultrasounds or additional fecal samples. Treatment IV fluids and management of electrolytes are the cornerstone of treatment for parvo. Antibiotics are given to prevent secondary infections, along with medications to help relieve vomiting, nausea and pain. De-wormer should be given since many puppies also have intestinal parasites that can worsen diarrhea. If the sugar levels are low, IV supplementation will be required. Nutrition is a very important part of treatment. Since most patients are not eating enough on their own, some may require a temporary feeding tube that goes into their nose and directly into the esophagus or stomach to provide nutrients. Severe cases may also need a treatment called a plasma transfusion, which helps replenish loss of clotting factors and blood proteins, such as albumin which are important for maintaining blood pressure. Patients with parvo require close monitoring and should ideally be hospitalized where they can receive the care and attention they need. However, in situations where there may be financial barriers to hospitalization, outpatient therapy has been successful for many dogs — as long as the owner can give medications and adhere to a rigorous schedule of daily checks with their veterinarian to ensure the dog is responding to treatment. Outcome Survival from a parvovirus infection is possible, but depends on age, size and how sick the dog is when owners first seek care. Most patients will not survive without treatment. Starting medical treatments when illness first sets in will increase the likelihood of recovery. Prevention The top three ways to prevent infection are: Vaccination Cleaning with appropriate disinfectants Avoiding high risk areas dog parks, pet stores, etc. Vaccination typically starts at 8 weeks but may start as early as 4 weeks in shelter settings followed by a booster every weeks until weeks of age. A booster is given the following year, and then generally every 3 years thereafter. Because parvovirus is very contagious and hardy in its environment, proper disinfection is crucial. Dogs with parvovirus should be isolated during their treatment, and for up to 2 weeks after recovery. Most common household cleaners will not kill parvovirus. Properly diluted bleach ratio with water is effective when left to soak for at least 10 minutes after all organic material feces, food, etc. Without disinfection or direct sun exposure, the virus may survive in the environment for months to years. Aly Cohen and her Pomeranian Mishka. Photo provided. Aly Cohen is an extension veterinarian for the Cornell Richard P. Cohen graduated from the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, and her veterinary interests include surgery and emergency medicine. She has two Pomeranians named Mishka and Java. By: Richard Cussons Whether your Labrador Retriever is out in the field working or just right beside you enjoying the dog show, chances of contracting parvovirus exist. Parvovirus is a contagious virus affecting dogs, more frequently puppies. Canine Parvovirus or CPV is a highly infectious disease and is spread from dog to dog with physical contact and contact with infected feces. They invade the cell, reproduce inside it and kills the cells causing dogs and puppies not to be able to absorb nutrients or liquids. CPV has two forms: intestinal and cardiac. The less common is the cardiac form in which the virus attacks the heart muscle and the dog dies suddenly because of heart failure. Some infected dogs will show no symptoms. But some infected dogs show symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, high fever, diarrhea, depression and lack of appetite. In severe cases, stool can be very watery, foul smelling, yellow in color and usually bloody. Abdominal pain is also present as well as pain when eating. The possibility of dehydration exist because of severe dehydration and vomiting and the fact that he is not able to replace the nutrients and fluids lost. To diagnose the presence of parvovirus, positive diagnostic test is done. Canine parvovirus disease requires aggressive or intense treatment. There is no specific cure for this disease. Your vet can only treat the symptoms to keep the pet alive. Measures should be taken to prevent diarrhea, loss of proteins and to replace fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhea. These measures include giving of fluids, regulating electrolyte levels, controlling body temperature and giving blood transfusions when needed. Antibiotic therapy may be needed to control secondary bacterial infections. To ensure that you're beloved Labrador Retriever will not suffer this kind of health problem, you should adhere to the required or recommended vaccination. Vaccine against parvovirus is usually administered to puppies six to eight weeks of age and should only be allowed to mingle with other dogs two weeks after their last vaccination. There is no use vaccinating new born puppies since they are still protected by maternal antibodies. However , these antibodies wear off before the puppy's system became mature enough to fight parvovirus. CPV cannot be treated at home so consult your vet immediately if you see signs of the existence of this disease. Parvo gets a lot of talk around it and while you may have heard of it, you might be wondering what are the symptoms of parvo in dogs and how you can treat it. Canine parvovirus, often referred to as parvo, is a highly contagious virus that commonly affects puppies. However, the disease can pose a risk to unvaccinated adult dogs as well. While parvo can be a life-threatening disease, knowing the prevention strategies, signs, and symptoms are key to making sure your pup remains healthy and safe. Common symptoms and signs that your dog may be suffering from parvovirus can include diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, fever, vomiting, depression, dehydration, and if left untreated, can result in septic shock and death. What Is Parvovirus? Canine parvovirus is highly contagious and most commonly affects young pups under four months of age and unvaccinated dogs. Canine parvovirus is a relatively new virus in dogs, with some of the first cases and discussions about the disease dating back to the s. When a dog contracts parvovirus, they can be contagious within days of the virus entering their system, often before the incubation period has been completed and your dog begins to show signs and symptoms. Dogs can contract the virus by coming into oral or nasal contact with infected feces or by coming into contact with objects or an environment that has been contaminated with parvo. The virus can remain viable in a contaminated environment for over 6 months and be transmitted to many animals. Parvo can also begin to show within a broader range of days. Diarrhea One of the most common symptoms of parvo in dogs is diarrhea. Loose or abnormal stool can be the result of a lot of contributing factors like dietary changes or allergies, but in puppies can be especially alarming. Diarrhea occurring in unvaccinated puppies or adult dogs can be an indicator that they have been infected with parvo. After examination, your vet can determine whether the symptom is a result of parvo. Lethargy Parvovirus can also cause an energy decline in your dog and lethargy can be a resulting symptom. While it's normal for your dog to enjoy a nice long nap after some serious playtime, if your dog begins to exhibit signs of a significant decrease in energy, it is always a good idea to describe the changes in behavior to your veterinarian. Lethargy in dogs looks more like a slower response to stimuli, acting out of character, less interest in activities they otherwise enjoy like going out for a walk , and grogginess. Dogs need lots of nutrients, especially growing puppies and a puppy not eating could lead to significant weight loss or anorexia. Fever Fever is another common symptom associated with parvo. Just like with many illnesses, the body responds by increasing its internal temperature. Dogs naturally have a higher body temperature than humans, with the average ranging from around .If your dog is suffering from a fever, there can be visual indicators such as red eyes, a decrease in energy, a dry nose, warm ears, coughing, and shivering, similar to that in humans. When your pup develops a fever, its immune system is trying to fight off the virus by increasing its body temperature to make it harder for the virus to survive. Vomiting Similar to diarrhea, vomiting can be a resulting symptom of parvo in dogs. Some dogs have particularly sensitive stomachs, but vomiting in combination with some of the other signs can indicate a parvo infection. There could be many reasons for your dog throwing up , but it is always best to play it safe and rule out any illnesses or possibilities that your dog ate something toxic or has been infected by a virus. Knowing the signs of depression in dogs is the next best thing to them telling you themselves. One of the symptoms of parvo in a dog can be depression due to feeling sick. Paying close attention to body language, lethargy, a decrease in appetite, or any major changes in behavior that deviate from their normal pattern could potentially mean your puppy has got the blues. Constantly feeling sick and not being able to enjoy things as they usually would get any puppy down, and parvo can make life for your canine friend miserable, so ensure you rule out this possibility. Dehydration occurs when the body is not getting enough water to a dangerous degree and are losing more than they are replenishing. If it bounces back to normal, your pup is probably getting enough liquids. If the skin seems to have difficulty getting back to its normal position, your dog may be dehydrated. When parvo infects a dog, the virus travels to their intestines, causing inflammation. The inflammation and intestinal bleeding from the virus make it very difficult to ingest anything since it will usually result in vomiting. This can lead to puppies becoming dehydrated, which should be treated as an emergency situation because, without proper treatment, your dog could develop septic shock and die. Septic Shock If left untreated, parvo can quickly develop and symptoms can worsen. One of the most alarming symptoms of parvo in dogs is septic shock. Septic shock occurs when there is an overwhelming infection in the body. When parvo enters your pup's digestive system, it can lead to inflammation and bleeding of the intestinal tract. This damage to the intestines can lead to the infection entering the bloodstream, therefore infecting the entire body. When septic shock occurs, it can be extremely difficult to treat which is why it is so urgent to get to your vet as soon as you may suspect they have contracted parvo. Signs consistent with septic shock include hypothermia, tachycardia, and a poor or weak pulse. They can offer you some peace of mind and advice on how to protect your pup if the results come back as negative for the virus. If your puppy did catch parvovirus, bringing them in as early as possible can help save their life and get them the proper medical care they need. If you suspect or have confirmed that your dog contracted parvo, it is important to strictly quarantine your pup immediately and inform others if you had any puppy playdates recently. Canine Parvovirus Prevention When it comes to parvo, knowledge, and prevention are key. The best thing you can do to ensure you keep your puppy safe is to take preventative measures and know the signs and symptoms just in case. Some parvo precautionary measures include: Follow strict isolation procedures if you suspect or have confirmed your dog has contracted parvo. Clean and disinfect any areas and surfaces the infected dog may have come into contact with. Follow CPV vaccination guidelines at weeks, weeks, and weeks of age, with a booster one-year following and another every three years after that. Limit the amount of contact your dog has with other unvaccinated dogs. Deworm your puppy if needed. Limit the public areas you go to with your dog prior to the age of vaccination. Initial signs that your dog may have contracted parvo are running a fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, and anorexia. These initial signs may progress and can result in vomiting and diarrhea within two days after showing their first symptom. What does a dog with parvo look like? The visual cues of a dog suffering from parvo can be any of the signs listed above. Knowing about the symptoms of parvo in dogs can give you a visual indication of whether your dog may be suffering from an illness or virus. Does parvo come on suddenly? Are some breeds at higher risk for parvo? Some breeds are at an increased risk for contracting parvo, including1: Rottweilers. Thankfully, it is very preventable with proper vaccination. This virus was discovered in the s and rapidly became a serious threat to canine health. This is primarily because the virus is hard to kill, can live for a long time in the environment, is shed in large quantities by infected dogs, is highly contagious, and is often fatal without appropriate treatment. This is why the parvo vaccine is considered a core vaccine for puppies and dogs. While the highly effective parvovirus vaccine has decreased the risk to properly vaccinated dogs, this disease is still widely prevalent, especially in puppies and poorly-vaccinated adolescent dogs. Parvo is an infectious DNA virus that commonly causes severe illness in young and unvaccinated dogs. Heart muscle cells of very young puppies can also be damaged by parvovirus. Although parvovirus is most common in puppies and adolescent dogs, it can also affect adult or senior dogs, especially if they are unvaccinated. Symptoms of Parvo in Dogs A dog infected with canine parvovirus will usually start to show parvo symptoms within days of infection. An infected puppy will often show lethargy as the first sign, and they may not want to eat. They will also often have a fever. As the virus progresses, your dog will begin to suffer from abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, which may be severe. Very sick puppies may collapse and have a high heart rate , difficulty breathing, and hypothermia due to the degree of dehydration and infection. Causes of Parvo in Dogs Parvovirus is an incredibly contagious disease that spreads quickly and efficiently. While canine parvovirus is not airborne, it can be found on many surfaces. However, it is susceptible to diluted bleach and some specialized cleaners commonly used in veterinary hospitals. Can Humans Get Parvo? Parvovirus is species-specific, so humans have their own version of the virus. This means that humans cannot get parvovirus from dogs, and dogs cannot get parvovirus from people. Cats also have a type of parvovirus that causes severe disease, known as feline panleukopenia. While dogs cannot get feline parvovirus from cats, cats can become infected with canine parvovirus. They most often have much more mild clinical signs than dogs do, but there is a strain of canine parvovirus that can cause severe illness in cats. The feline parvovirus vaccine, which is part of the core FVRCP vaccine , may offer some cross-protection against canine parvovirus. How Is Parvovirus Diagnosed in Dogs? Are There Parvo Tests? Fecal ELISA tests enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay are the most common way of diagnosing a dog with parvovirus in a clinical setting. The test requires a fecal swab and takes about 10 minutes. While this test is accurate, a negative result does not necessarily rule out parvovirus in a symptomatic dog, as they may not be shedding the viral antigen at the time of testing. Further testing may be needed in these cases. Stages of Parvo The stages of canine parvovirus are the same as most viral infections. Infection The puppy or adult dog is exposed to parvo via fecal material from an infected dog. Incubation There is an incubation period usually days in which the dog is infected with parvovirus but not yet showing symptoms. During this period, the virus specifically seeks out the most rapidly dividing cells in the body—typically, it starts attacking the tonsils or lymph nodes in the throat. Once it has multiplied and entered the bloodstream, the virus will seek out other sources of rapidly diving cells. The most hard-hit areas are: Bone marrow Cells that line the walls of the small intestines In very young puppies, parvovirus can also infect the heart, which causes inflammation of the heart muscle, poor heart function, and arrhythmias. Illness When the virus infects the bone marrow, it attacks the young immune cells, which leads a drop in protective white blood cells. This is where the worst damage happens. Our third guide dog puppy, Dublin did not catch parvo but one of his siblings did. They got him treatment right away. The chances of a puppy surviving parvo greatly depend on how soon after initial symptoms your puppy has been diagnosed and treated. Parvo is deadly and dangerous because it acts quickly, so you need to be quicker than the virus. Furthermore, most puppies that survive the first three to four days make a full recovery. Time Of Treatment As mentioned, the time your puppy starts treatment is essential for their survival. Bear in mind, your puppy will have the best shot at full recovery if they begin treatment in the first 24 to 72 hours of first experiencing symptoms. Delaying treatment is never a good idea with parvo. If you ignore the symptoms, thinking your pup will get better, their condition will rapidly deteriorate till the point of no return. Type Of Treatment Although canine parvovirus is very common, there is still no specific medication designed to kill the virus in infected puppies and dogs. Treatment should be started as soon as your puppy is diagnosed, and it primarily consists of intensive care. Your puppy should receive IV fluids with electrolytes to combat dehydration, medication to combat vomiting and diarrhea, and antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infection. The initial treatment for parvo is aggressive and typically lasts three to four days. With the right type of treatment, you should start noticing signs your puppy is getting over parvo. Thus, it is very important that you discuss treatment options with your veterinarian. Underlying Health Problems Underlying health conditions are often overlooked in puppies since most are born completely healthy. However, puppies from pet stores and puppy mills are often born sick and may have more than one undiagnosed health problem. Unfortunately, puppies with underlying health issues have lower chances of surviving parvo. Severity Of The Symptoms Figuring out the chances of your puppy surviving parvo often comes down to the severity of their symptoms. If your puppy is no longer vomiting and shows some signs of appetite, these are clear signs that they are responding well to the treatment. This is the time to talk with your veterinarian and discuss the course of treatment. The near-death signs of parvo include severe lethargy, continuous bloody diarrhea, anorexia, and bloody vomiting. You may not want to admit it to yourself, but this is the point of no return. So consider doing a humane thing by putting your puppy to sleep. While saying goodbye to your puppy will be extremely hard, take comfort in knowing they are no longer in pain and that you did everything you could to help. Parvo is a terrible disease, but with a fast reaction and aggressive treatment, your puppy can be on the road to recovery just in a few days. There are several signs that can let you know your puppy is getting over parvo. Seeing these signs in your puppy means they are reacting well to the treatment and that their body is fighting the infection. The most common signs your puppy is getting over parvo include: 1. Your Puppy Stops Vomiting The canine parvovirus causes small intestines to bleed, thus affecting the entire gastrointestinal system. As a result, a sick puppy will start to vomit, which can lead to dehydration. A dehydrated puppy will try to drink water to stay hydrated, but will automatically vomit any solid food or water that is consumed. Bearing this in mind, one of the first signs that your puppy is recovering from parvo is the lack of persistent vomiting. Furthermore, you will notice that your pup is no longer drooling or foaming at the mouth. Puppy Stops Pooping Bloody Diarrhea Persistent bloody diarrhea is one of the telltale signs of parvo. As your pup continues to recover from parvo, its stool will regain its normal color and consistency. Your Puppy Starts Eating Normally With the onset of the first symptoms of parvo, puppies tend to lose their appetite. As a result, your puppy will lose weight rapidly, but its belly might appear bloated. As your puppy starts to recover, they will regain their natural appetite and start eating as before catching parvo. When you notice that your puppy is willing to eat, know this is a sure sign that they are healing. At this point, your pup will be able to hold down any food and water it consumes, and will slowly start to regain the lost weight. Your veterinarian will suggest an appropriate dietary plan and you should follow their instructions to the letter. Increased Activity Weakness and lethargy are usually the first signs of parvo. Furthermore, depending on the severity of their symptoms, your puppy may not have the energy to move or eat. Puppies battling parvo will also experience fever, anemia, and even sepsis, which can drain their energy levels even more. Another sign your puppy is getting over parvo is when they start standing up and moving around without your help. As your puppy gets better, they will have more energy and show interest in toys and playing. Most puppies that survive the first three to four days of parvo will make a full recovery. However, the recovery period varies from one puppy to another and depends on the severity of the symptoms and other factors. It generally takes puppies one week to recover from parvo, but they are still contagious up to 10 days after clinical recovery. After that point, you should talk with your veterinarian and have your puppy vaccinated before allowing them to interact with other dogs. Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease if left untreated. Adult and older dogs who contract parvo have better chances of survival than puppies. Dogs and puppies that are diagnosed and treated within 24 to 72 hours following the first symptoms have the best survival rate and in most cases make a full recovery. Most dogs that have been exposed to parvovirus will have a three- to five-day incubation period. During the first stage, most puppies show signs of lethargy and slowing down. Secondary signs of infection include loss of appetite and weight loss followed by vomiting and diarrhea. At this stage, your puppy should already take appropriate treatment including IV fluids that will help keep them hydrated. If left untreated, the initial stages of parvo will quickly progress, resulting in severe dehydration caused by persistent vomiting and diarrhea. Additionally, secondary infection can occur as the result of a weakened immune system, which leads to sepsis and death. The best thing you can do to help your puppy recover from parvo is to take them to a veterinarian as soon as you notice the first symptoms. Your veterinarian will begin treating your puppy right away with fluid therapy, anti-nausea medication, and antibiotics. While your puppy is being treated, you will have to try to feed them with a bland and highly digestible diet. Puppies are vaccinated against parvo when they are approximately six, eight, and 12 weeks old. Until your puppy receives their full series of parvo vaccines, it can still get infected after coming into contact with a sick dog or contaminated object. So even if your puppy got their first parvo shot, they can still catch the virus if exposed to it. Additionally, your puppy will need to receive a booster shot a year later, and every three years after that. Conclusion Parvo has a high mortality rate, but most puppies make a full recovery thanks to an early diagnosis and aggressive treatment. Faced with all these terrible facts, you are probably wondering, how do I know if my puppy will survive parvo? The best and the only way you can prevent your puppy from catching this deadly virus is vaccination. Save To Pinterest.

I always buy two bags at a time, and Zooplus seems to beat the others on price. I sometimes get lucky and recieve the 12kg bags with 2kg extra free, an offer that comes a few times a year from RC. Zooplus service is always very good, can't fault them at all. Thanks Zooplus. She was suffering from colitis and the dried food she was on was she experienced often bouts of diarrhea. This food is excellent, she eats it without adding anything, smells nice and is moist. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Royal Canin absolutely brilliant. Comes perfectly packaged in a cardboard box, quick delivery so a win win situation. I will be back for more next month. He's been eating Royal Canin Breed for 3 years and still enjoys it. I definitely recommend Royal Canin! And in saying that he has refused to eat all of them. Some of them he humoured me and gave them a few days before turning his nose up at them, but mostly he just refused to eat them until he was starving. So in shear desperation I decided to give the Royal Canin Pug a go. All of my research suggested it is garbage, but perhaps I really do have an adolescent dog as he ate it like he has never been fed. .I'm conscious that it probably tastes so good because its so bad for him so I've been mixing it with his healthy grain free foods and its encouraging him to eat them too although I have caught him spitting them out when he realised they weren't his Royal Canin. So, according to my research this food isn't good for your dog, and I haven't had him on it long enough to comment, but from where I stand I'd rather he live on Big Macs than starve so for me this is a great food. She particularly suffer from a sensitive digestive system and with this Poodle 33 its gentle and highly digestible for her and her hair looks so shinny! If you have a small fuzzy doggy like me with sensitive stomach this is the best superior dry food you can provide. Highly recommended. It turned up very well,our fussy dog loves it and it doesn't make him hyper and unwell. He is very happy and energetic dog and this food is the best he could have. Happy tummy,shiny coat,healthy teeth.It was cost effective as you don't have to give as much as other dry foods. My German Shepherd liked this moist food. Had it been wheat free as well as gluten free I would have kept her on it. Do not miss out on personalised offers, discounts and coupons! Please select pet type. If your dog is suffering some kind of health issue like renal, urinary, gastro, or diabetes, these formulas will address the concerns of those illnesses with a specially tailored recipe. Price is also a factor, as neither of these brands are cheap. When should I feed Royal Canin? Even with conditions such as diabetes and renal disease, you must ask yourself these same questions. Wet or Dry? Wet food is generally better than dry, and the process offers more digestible food for our dogs. Wet food has no abrasiveness, and dry foods are also questionable — dental formulas merely contain additives to fight plaque. Some Australian vets promote Raw Meaty Bones in this respect, and I tend to agree with them completely — the gnawing and chewing action I see as a far more natural way for your dog to retain great dental health which also wards off other disease. Breed specific formulas are an excellent marketing angle for Royal Canin, but make sure you read the ingredients and consider if they sound good for your dog! The 2nd and 3rd ingredients are maize and… more maize. So very likely more maize than poultry protein as the 1st ingredient. The 4th ingredient is wheat flour. If you consider your dog a meat-eater like I do, then this seems a bit odd, does it not? We can consider maize flour and maize the same thing, so a classic case of ingredient splitting. On the subject of wheat, I find this a common cause of skin and health problems in dogs, and a possible precursor to your vet prescribing Royal Canin Anallergenic to address the issues when they arise clever, eh? Or in other words, these small inclusions are how the recipe meets requirements like AAFCO standards and how all that maize and wheat flour is possible. What are the benefits of feeding Royal Canin to your dog? I often hear from people who have visited Mars Petcare production facilities how impressed they are of cleanliness and standards. Consumer feedback in terms of sudden gastro or vomiting is rare on Royal Canin and I have to say seems common on some other Australian brands , but my real concern is the long term health impact on our dogs of feeding so much grain. Generally Royal Canin formulas seem marginally better than Hills, and with both brands the wet foods tend to have significantly more meat compared to the grain-based dry formulas. Where to buy? How do you pronounce Royal Canin? I hear Royal Canin pronounced incorrectly all the time. Many people use the pronunciation Can-in which is incorrect. The correct pronunciation of Canin would be with a French accent given the word is the literal translation of the English word canine. If you want to pronounce Royal Canin in French, simply mimic the audio provided by Google translated — Royal Canin in French press the speaker button. In English or Australian you know you can get away with saying it however you like, but the most correct pronunciation in English is Royal kay-nin. Overall Royal Canin dry dog foods contain a great deal of corn and allergenic grains like wheat. If you wish to go with Royal Canin perhaps at the recommendation of your vet , then opt for the wet over the dry, or at least a mixture of both. Feel free to add any comments or questions below! Ingredients The ingredients of Royal Canin Active Adult dog food at the time of review : Dehydrated poultry protein, maize flour, maize, wheat flour, animal fats, dehydrated pork protein, wheat, hydrolysed animal proteins, beet pulp, fish oil, soya oil, yeasts, minerals, hydrolysed yeast source of manno-oligo-saccharides.