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Alice Mischievous Bundle of Fun Alice is one of our mama dogs. She lives in a guardian home and is such a joy. Alice has a sweet nature about her that just draws people in. She is an excellent Mother. Her fall breeding will be her retirement litter so she can enjoy her time left in Alaska before she PCSs with her Guardian home. Zima Gentle old soul Zima girl is our import from Ukraine. Zima is kind gentle and a real honey! She loves children and car rides. Zima is fully health tested and currently lives with a guardian home. Pending all her health clearances Piper will hopefully make a great mother to some Hufflepuppies in the future. About Annabel Matwijow Reputable Breeder We have been breeding Golden Retrievers since , what started out as an accidental pet pregnancy turned into a fulfilling and life-changing adventure. Our main priority is ensuring the health and well-being of all our puppies from birth until they leave with their forever family - and beyond! We strive to be a forever resource for our extended golden family. We are here to help our owners achieve their goals with their new furry family members. Contact Why chose Hufflepup Goldens? We are thrilled so many people have come to Hufflepup Goldens to find their perfect new furry family member. Read below to see what some of our puppy owners are saying about us. If you have an experience to share, please let us know. We love receiving feedback. I had decided that if I were to get another dog I wanted to get a Golden Retriever. Great communication with the breeder, Annabel. My Kingsley is now 10 months old, she is so smart, lovable and a blessing all around. Such a great temperament, easy to train and a great companion! I now wonder what I ever did without her! Thank you Hufflepups! Kingsley A good friend of mine had a dog named bubba who I instantly fell in love with. His mannerisms and his loving and smiley personality made everyone who met bubba want a bubba. I asked her where she got him and she then told me Hufflepup Goldens out of wasilla, Alaska. I immediately contacted them and spoke with Annabel who is the breeder. From the moment I first spoke to her to picking up my own good boy Rexx it was nothing but smooth and she constantly kept me as well as the other potential owners in the loop on the progress of the moms pregnancy,the birth of the Goldens, the vet appointments, kennel training, potty training, to picking up the Goldens to take them to their forever home. Annabel is nothing but friendly and extremely helpful through everything as well as keeping up with how they are doing after they go to their forever home. Questions on food or other helpful information she has never had a problem with guiding me through things to make sure Rexx is a healthy happy boy! Such a well tempered, and loving dog. He is very healthy and always very happy. Anytime someone meets Rexx they instantly fall in love with him. He is thee most amazing addition to my family. Rexx is very good with everybody with all ages, as well other dogs of all breeds. He is extremely gentle and loving with our one and a half year old. It takes everything to be patient on the time my significant other will let me have another lol. That was until my mom got Kingsley from Annabel. I helped coparent her and watched her when my mom was gone. Her temperament and unconditional love were amazing! That was then I decided that if I got a dog, it would be from Hufflepup goldens. He learned his name and to sit in a day! I recommend her to everyone I meet. The whole process of getting her was above and beyond. Communication was timely and they kept us in the loop through out the process with regular updates. Puppies also get introduced to puppy culture which is a plus. Our pup received a vet check before we picked her to make sure she was healthy and ready to go home to us. I have two puppies from different litters from them and they are the perfect dogs for us. They are the ideal family dog in the fact that they are gentle, well behaved with some training that they pick up quickly, and still playful. They are just as beautiful and perfect as their siblings. You cannot go wrong with a puppy from Hufflepup! From proper genetic testing of the parents to conditioning the puppies to new surroundings and animals, I knew we were making the right choice and still stand by that choice today. I will always be grateful for the quality of breeding and friendliness of Hufflepup Goldens. You can tell they truly care about the long term success and health of their litters. Our girl Harper is the smartest, most well-behaved and beautiful companion we could have asked for. I highly recommend them to anyone I know looking for a thorough and trustworthy Golden breeder! We are so happy we found Hufflepup Goldens. She was very responsive and worked with us as we were military stationed at Eielson AFB. She always sent pictures of all the pups, kept us updated each week and let us do visits until we were able to pick up our new four legged family member. When the day comes to get another golden I will definitely use her again regardless of where the military sends us. To anyone looking for a Golden I highly recommend Hufflepup Goldens! Bentley Our young kids begged almost daily for another dog after ours cross the Rainbow Bridge several years ago in another state. Being military and moving a lot we promised our kids we would get another once my husband retired. Growing up I had a Golden Retriever and he was an amazing dog. I knew a Golden would make an excellent addition to our family and would be a great companion for our kids. Knowing Alaska was in our future as our forever home I started a lot of research on reputable breeders and found that Annabel and Hufflepup Goldens was only one of a couple that were repeatedly highly recommended for Golden Retrievers due to her standards and the health of her dogs. I contacted her in early and had a great phone conversation where she answered all of my questions. Our kids waited five years for a puppy and almost two weeks ago we finally brought our sweet boy home. Brody is almost 10 weeks old and already has a sweet, comforting, playful personality. You cannot go wrong here! Tobias is only 18 months old and he has the very best temperament and is graduating from his service dog training program very soon. Annabel does an incredible job giving her puppies the very best foundation to build on! Tobias is a confident, even-tempered and attentive puppy who has not only learned his jobs with me, but also is just an amazing family pet on his down time. Tobias runs along side my horse when I go for rides, he goes to work with me and he sleeps next to me. I get compliments on how handsome he is and how amazing his temperament is pretty much everywhere I go. If you are wanting a dog with a good foundation, Annabel is hands-down the very best Breeder with the sweetest dogs! My story started when a friend turned me on to Hufflepup Goldens on Facebook. I contacted Annabel right away and put down a deposit. Annabel was such a joy to work with, very communicative, and I could tell she loves doing this and loves those puppies! We have enjoyed this journey so much that our daughter and family had to have a Hufflepup too - and to boot, her 9 week old pup, Lilly, is Bella's sister! Puppy Culture is wonderful and because of the puppies start from the love of Annabel and family using Puppy Culture, Bella has been easy to train and is a pleaser. Part of this is because of Annabel's expertise and the rest goes to the smarts of Golden Retrievers! I highly recommend Annabel and Hufflepup Goldens as your next breeder! Bella "I found Hufflepuff Goldens through some friends of mine who have a golden from Annabel when I was looking to add a second puppy to my family. My little Jedi is perfect. He plays so well with his sister. I loved the puppy culture training. He was easy to crate and potty train. He's a snuggler and loves everyone. It's apparent that Hufflepuff puppies are loved and part of the family. I'm not sure how Annabel does it, but the pups and their pens were always immaculate when visiting, and come pick day you have plenty of time, although my little Jedi picked me. If you are looking to add a golden to your family I can't recommend Hufflepuff and Annabel enough. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Alaska Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Alaska? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Alaska? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved.

But those first weeks of puppy development are very similar whatever the breed, and these landmarks are good general rules for any dog. Puppy development week by week, changes quickly. Newborn Puppies Newborn puppies are born at the end of nine weeks of pregnancy, with their eyes and ears tightly closed. They already have a fur coat but they cannot yet control their own body temperature. They are dependent on their mother or another heat source to keep them warm. Newborn puppies may cry if cold. But they do not have the strength to cry for long. Newborn Labrador puppies snuggle together to keep warm when their mother is away How Helpless are Newborn Pups? Although they rely on mom for a lot at this stage, newborn puppies are not completely helpless. They can use their front feet to drag themselves towards a heat source or their milk supply. This means their mom, not milk alternatives like cow or goat milk. Newborn pups have no teeth yet. But they can move their heads about to search for a nipple, and they can latch on and suck strongly. Their mother leaves them only to eat, drink and for bathroom purposes. While she is away, the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat, as you can see in the photo above. They may also crawl under a heat lamp source to keep warm. In every other respect newborn puppies are completely dependent on the care of their mother. Newborn pups have little control over the rear end of their bodies. The mother dog washes them and licks their bottoms to encourage elimination, licking up and swallowing anything they produce to keep her babies and their nest scrupulously clean. In fact, he may even double his birth weight! One week later and the puppies have doubled their birth weight. Changes are taking place under his eyelids to prepare them for opening. And usually begins during the second week of life. Ears open at this point too, so your puppy will begin to hear. The Labrador puppies in this picture are two weeks olds. Two weeks old and the puppies eyes are now open! You can see that their eyes are now open and the puppies are beginning to look a little more dog-like. The breeder will be handling the puppies more now. And most puppies are wormed for the first time at two weeks old. Most 3 week old puppies can stand and sit, and are beginning to totter about. They are also starting to develop their individuality. No longer are they just a row of identical little fat furry sausages! This little three week old puppy :- Can easily be distinguished from his brother: Teething and Further Development At 3 weeks old, this is also the point at which puppies start teething — cutting their first deciduous baby teeth. Obviously the teeth are appearing for a reason! Some breeders will start to offer the first tastes of solid food at this point. Especially if the litter is a large one and putting a strain on the mother dog. It is lovely to watch a litter of 3 week old puppies beginning to interact with their brothers and sisters. They are running, playing enthusiastically, and have started to wag their little tails. The puppies will start to show bowel control as they move away from the other puppies to defecate. And solid food is becoming a major part of their diet. These little pups are tucking into some puppy food. Four week old puppies having their dinner in the fresh air If the weather is warm enough, puppies will be spending some time outdoors now. Mealtimes are a messy process, so feeding puppies out in the yard can be a good idea. Breeder Involvement Some mother dogs will lose interest in cleaning up after their pups at this point or soon afterwards. And many puppies will be wormed again this week. Vocalizations are becoming stronger at this puppy development stage. The litter will greet their mother noisily when she returns to them, and try hard to follow her out of the whelping box whenever she leaves. The puppies themselves are now eating solid food several times a day and gradually being weaned of their dependency on her milk. Puppies will still suckle ravenously when their mother returns and she will now often feed them standing up and only for a short time. She will also be teaching the puppies not to bite too hard. So, they should be increasingly spending time with humans and learning to be familiar with the sounds and sights of a human family environment. Puppies being raised in kennels must be brought into a home environment regularly from now on to ensure they develop into confident, friendly dogs. Six weeks old and full of mischief Puppies Still Have a Lot to Learn at 6 Weeks In some countries, puppies are taken to their new homes at this age. But this is not a good idea, and can result in a puppy that has poor bite inhibition and is challenging to manage. The puppies are learning not to bite too hard from the reactions of their mother and siblings. Growth is not quite so fast now. But the puppies will still grow strongly for the next few months. Many puppies will be wormed again this week. All that remains is for plenty of great socialization experiences to be packed into this week, with final checks on health. Many breeders will arrange for each seven week old puppy to have a vet check this week. And though some vets advise against it, some puppies are also given their first vaccinations before they leave for their new homes. Some breeders will now have the puppies trained to pee and poop on puppy pads or newspaper. And some will have been whistling to the puppies at meal times to get them used to coming to a human signal. Potty training is now underway and puppy socialization plans are being made. At this point, many of you will be thinking about training your puppy too. The next four weeks are vital in puppy development stages. Your main job is socializing your puppy. This means taking him to lots of new places and exposing him to lots of new experiences. So, life will be starting to get back to normal. Most puppies in the U. In the U. So, not all puppies will get their vaccinations at the exact same age. Socializing your puppy is still the most important job for you at this age. But, you cannot put your puppy on the ground outside until they have received their final vaccination. So, make sure you know exactly when their final jab is. And carry on introducing them to as many new people, things, and experiences as possible throughout this puppy development stage. Some people can suffer from the puppy blues at this stage too, as your life has completely changed! But, that does not mean socialization can stop. Puppies who are isolated at this point will soon lose that friendly fearlessness. You have an important job now, building on what has been achieved so far, and introducing your puppy to the world at ground level. This part of his education can begin once his vaccination cover is complete. He should be fully immunised at around this point. But check with your vet for confirmation of the actual date. Three months also marks the point at which many puppies will drop down from four daily meals, to three. This can cause problems for some puppies because the portions are larger If your puppy gets an upset tummy when you make this change, just go back up to four meals again for a few days, and give smaller portions for a few days when you try again. But, many will need another month before they can cope without frequent bathroom breaks and the occasional accident. Your puppy will begin to lose his baby teeth. This can also be a time at which biting can be most challenging. And try not to worry, this stage will soon be over! A few will need another month or two to complete the process. Remember, no two puppies are the same. That puppy fluffiness will have gone. For many puppies, five months is an awkward, gangly time. A five month old puppy may have shed the last of his soft puppy lines and be looking quite skinny. By the end of this month most puppies will have finished teething but an urge to chew may continue for another few months in some breeds, Labradors included. Some female dogs will have their first season during this month. But, for many, it will be another three or four months before this happens. This is a major milestone for your puppy. He is now looking very much like an adult Labrador. Still a Puppy Because he looks quite grown up, people expect a lot of their 6 month old puppy. But inside, he is still very much a puppy. The beginnings of adolescence and with it an increasing independence of spirit can bring its challenges, but also a whole lot of fun. Save to Pinterest The Stages of Puppy Growth and Development Month by Month The following are the stages of puppy growth and development, starting at birth and ending when your dog reaches adulthood. The Neonatal Stage 0 to 2 weeks This is the newborn puppy growth stage that lasts until two weeks of age. At this developmental stage, puppies are blind and deaf. Expect puppies at this point to sleep almost constantly and their mother will take care of everything, keeping them warm, feeding them, and keeping them clean. The Transitional Stage 2 to 4 weeks At this puppy growth stage , they will start to open up their eyes and respond to sounds, light, and movement around them. You will also notice a puppy at this point starting to get more mobile, although they will still tend to crawl instead of walking. They do, however, have enough strength to stand up, but will stumble a lot. A puppy in this developmental stage will just be starting to recognize their siblings and mother. Lab puppies open their eyes at about two weeks old. By this time, Labrador puppies will have their eyes fully open and most will be at least partly open. Ears open at this point too and your puppy will begin to hear. Period of Awakening of Senses 3 to 4 weeks At this period , a puppy develops various senses rapidly. They start to get fully alert and aware of their environment and may recognize you and other humans that are frequently around. The Socialization Period 4 to 7 Weeks Once a puppy is around four weeks old, they start to learn the most important things in life-related to social development. They will learn to not bite all the time and how to interact with their siblings. Interactions with humans are especially important between five and seven weeks. This is also the time they will start to understand discipline thanks to their mother. She will start weaning her puppies and teaching them manners, like acknowledging she is in charge. As the owner, you can start introducing food to your puppy when they are around four weeks old. Start small and begin to give them more food as the mother continues to wean them. You should also continue handling the puppy every day. However, be sure not to separate them from their siblings or mother for over ten minutes each day, since this can lead to issues with training and socialization. Dogs who are separated too soon may also be nervous and more likely to bark and bite. During this period, let the mother dog take care of discipline; you should not correct the dog for mouthing or housebreaking mistakes until later in life. To help ease them through this process, avoid traumatic events, loud voices, or harsh discipline. You should also make sure your pooch has plenty of human contact during this stage. If you want, you can start leash training and even teach simple commands such as sit, down, stay and come. In terms of development, you will notice that your puppy can sleep through the whole night and starts to develop better control of its bowels and bladder. Most vets suggest that new outings should wait until they are fully vaccinated. We rub the Calmeroos Puppy Toy on littermates and mom to get their scent. When we get home the Calmeroos Puppy Toy helps our puppy feel comfortable and adjust more quickly to his new environment. Many puppies will go to their new homes at around 8 weeks old. We recently put together a blog post on our sister site detailing what you can expect from an 8-week-old puppy. The Juvenile Stage 3 to 4 Months At this point in development, a puppy can be compared to a juvenile. They will be more independent and may ignore the basic commands that they know very well. If this happens, firmly and gently reinforce the commands and other training. You may also notice your pup starting to test your authority by play biting or similar actions. You can also redirect your dog to a toy that they can bite. Either can end up teaching your pooch that it is okay to fight with you and challenge your authority. The Ranking Period 3 to 6 Months When your puppy is between four and six months old, you should expect them to be somewhat bratty, showing more willfulness and independence. They are more likely to test your limits and may try to show dominance over children or other family members. If they fail to listen to you or come when called, it can be dangerous as it puts them at risk of injury when in public. It can also hurt future responses to you, making them less likely to listen. This is also when your dog will be teething, so give them toys like frozen dog Kong toys to relieve pressure and pain. Chewing behaviors will also start growing at this point so look for some safe chew toys to keep your dog entertained. This is when hormonal changes start to occur and is the ideal time to spay or neuter your pup. UC Davis published a study comparing the long-term health effects of neutering in Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. Adolescence 6 to 18 Months After six months, your pup is already in the final stage of puppy development but is still young. This is a fun and exciting time for your pooch since they will be learning, full of energy, and exuberant. During this time, it is important to remember that even if your puppy now looks like a grown-up dog, they are still a puppy, at least in its mental capacity and emotional maturity. Work to slowly increase training and other activities. You can even work on advanced training such as agility or herding. Another option is to simply keep training them to ensure they interact in a non-aggressive and non-threatening way with other animals. It is also possible that your dog will go through another fearful period of time at some point after they reach six months. You can speed up the process with counter-conditioning and desensitization. It fits very well and is quite apt! Final Thoughts With the knowledge of how and when your new puppy will develop, you are better able to meet their needs. Provide socialization at the appropriate times and be sure to give your puppy plenty of social interactions with their siblings as well as humans and any other pets in your home. Your dog should reach maturity at some point between one and two years old with plenty of variation based on breed, Labradors are considered mature at between 2 and 2. 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. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

No products in the basket. However, there is also a lot to learn — and with 8 week old French Bulldog puppies often weighing as little as 2 kilograms, new owners can sometimes be a little overwhelmed. Learning how to properly look after your tiny pup and instilling good habits for you both is key to being able to enjoy life with your adult dog. Bringing your French Bulldog puppy home. If you have children, encourage them to be calm when meeting him, and try to avoid overwhelming him with constant stroking and playing. After a short period of time handling your new puppy, try to leave them alone in their safe space. Feeding your puppy. If you do want to change the brand or type of food your puppy has, try to do this gradually and over the course of a week or so. Typically, this will have higher levels of protein and fats to help them grow. For more information on feeding your adult dog, such as how often and whether wet or dry food is best, visit our page on French Bulldog diet and exercise. Puppy training and socialising. As with all breeds, it is recommended that you give your French Bulldog puppy at least some basic training. The things you will likely want to tackle within the first few days of bringing your puppy home are toilet training and crate training. If you plan for your adult dog to sleep downstairs, then resist the temptation to keep your puppy in bed with you — however cute they may be! Similarly, if your puppy starts going to the toilet on carpet or furniture, then this can be a difficult habit to break. Introduce them to puppy pads from the first day you bring them home, and toilet training should go much more smoothly. Being able to interact with other dogs and people will make life easier for you, and ultimately lead to a happier dog. Puppy classes are obviously a great way to get them used to being around other dogs, while also learning some basic commands. If your friends or families have older, well-behaved dogs then organising a play date can also be a great way for your pup to learn. Find out more about training your French Bulldog. Join Our Newsletter Keep up to date… Get our latest news, products and promotions, enter your email address below Shop. Ideally they need owners around all day. Common health problems in French Bulldogs French Bulldogs are playful and fun-loving dogs who love spending time with their owners. Sadly, like so many other purebred dogs, they are at risk of certain conditions relating to their breed. If you are thinking of buying a French Bulldog puppy , make sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening to reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by certain conditions. Frenchies are a flat-faced breed, which can often cause breathing problems and means they overheat quickly especially when they exercise in warmer weather. Some of the conditions Frenchies may develop include: Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BOAS — this can cause severe breathing problems and is caused by their shorter faces. Parents should be screened before breeding. Luxating patellas — where the kneecaps slipping temporarily out of place. Dental problems — shorter faced dogs often have crowded teeth with can cause dental problems. A range of eye problems, including cataracts there is screening for this. Back problems such as Intervertebral disc disease — where the discs that provide cushioning between the vertebrae back bones bulge or burst, pressing on nerves in the spine. Skin conditions — particularly skin fold dermatitis where the skin in their wrinkles gets inflamed and sore or even infected. Hyperuricosuria — a condition where stones or crystals can form in urine causing infections, difficulty passing urine or blood in urine. If you want to minimise the risk of your dog getting problems due to exaggerated features, you can read our advice on choosing a pedigree dog. Caring for your French Bulldog Frenchies are loving dogs, known for being quite laid-back and happy to fit in with family life. French Bulldogs can be lower maintenance because they tend to prefer shorter walks, but they definitely have huge characters and personalities and will do anything for a bit of fuss and attention! French Bulldogs and barking As with any breed, your Frenchie is likely to make noise. How much they make is completely down to the individual, their training and personality. Training and socialisation French Bulldogs are eager to please their owners which can make them easy to train, but are also known to be strong-willed at times. They are a sensitive breed, so respond best to positive, reward-based training which needs to be started from an early age. This will help them grow into confident adults and help their laid-back nature shine through. They thrive off company and so could develop separation anxiety if left alone. Exercise Although Frenchies are thought to be less high maintenance than some breeds when it comes to exercise, they still love to keep busy and exercising is a huge part of that. Your French Bulldog will need up to an hour of exercise every day. This should be split into a few shorter walks, with time to play off-lead in a secure area and have a good sniff around. As a flat-faced breed, French Bulldogs can overheat and struggle to breathe really quickly, especially in warmer weather. Make sure you can recognise the signs of heatstroke in your dog. Early mornings and later in the evenings would be better times to go for a walk in the summer. Due to the extra rolls of skin around their face, French Bulldogs are at risk of developing something called skin fold dermatitis. You can clean them with damp cotton wool pads but always make sure to dry them thoroughly after. Will you give now to help people and pets in need? As the cost of living continues to rise, vet care could be out of reach for many. Donate to our emergency appeal now to provide vital vet care to pets in need and keep families together during this crisis. Donate French Bulldogs and children Frenchies are known for being pretty laid back and adaptable, so they tend to get along well with children of all ages which makes them popular family pets. Always supervise your dog with children and vulnerable adults. French Bulldogs do have a high prey drive. If they have grown up with a cat in the home, they will be fine with that cat but are likely to chase unfamiliar cats and smaller pets. You should always supervise your dog with family pets and introduce them slowly from a young age. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your Frenchie should be eating. You should feed them a good quality, commercially available, complete dog food. We usually recommend splitting their daily allowance into two meals. If you give your dog the occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily allowance. Flat-faced breeds such as Frenchies can suffer from reflux or struggle to swallow their food. Speak to your vet for more information about how to manage this at home. Try to feed your dog at similar times every day as they like routine. Remember to leave a gap between eating and exercising. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. These breeders must do extra health tests and meet higher standards. Set-up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around six months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. PDSA Pet Insurance Fun facts An early version of the breed were used by lace makers in the UK shortly before the industrial revolution to warm their laps while they worked. French Bulldogs are known for their big, bat-like ears. They are lovable dogs who fit easily into family life, but come with a lot of extra responsibility and potentially higher healthcare costs. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a French Bulldog. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in French Bulldogs are also out there. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary screening tests, health checks and vaccinations. Preparing for your French Bulldog puppy Here is the list of things you must have before your puppy comes home: The food that I start my puppies on occasionally changes as I search for the very best products. At this time my highest recommendation is to feed a raw meat diet which consists of muscle meats, bone, organ, vegetables, and supplements to ensure your new family members berst health and longevity. You fill find these in the freezer sections of boutique pet stores. You are welcome to supplement with kibble for those times when the food is not defrosted in time, for travel, and other unforeseeable circumstances. Goat milk kefir or yogurt not cows milk! I wean my puppies onto water by 8 weeks old, however I do recommend to have a quart on hand during the transition period just in case. If not used, it can be frozen for later use or your can drink it yourself. Its very easy to digest and puppies absolutely love it! Instead choose freeze dried raw meat treats. These can be ordered online through chewy. Enzymatic cleaner for tidying up potty accidents. Regular bowls work fine but if you would like to go the extra mile there are special bowls designed specifically for brachycephalic breeds which helps slow down eating and therefore swallowing less gas and creating less gas and less chances for over eating and then throwing up those can be purchased online. Raised bowls are an extra plus! Spending all that time bent over a bowl can be painful on the joints. A raised bowl will keep proper body conformation and promote correct position of joints. Choose durable toys and generally stay away from plushies as these can be easily torn apart and the fluff inside is easy to choke on. Edible chews are okay too, just no bleached rawhide as this is toxic. They make both a vitamin-mineral wafer as well as a joint support wafer. I recommend both. Please use my breeders code for a discount on your order: nuvet. Making food available during specific intervals during the day will make bowel movements more predictable, because they typically poop within 20 minutes after eating. You can start to take away food earlier each evening to have less bowel movements over night. If feeding kibble, I highly recommend taking a moment to boil and mash some carrots. This will help to keep their digestive system settled during the stressful transition between homes. If you choose to add any additional supplements, just follow the packaging instructions. If your puppy eats all of it and seems to still be hungry, mix them another portion. There is no need to measure or count calories at this point. Growing puppies need a lot of energy, just like growing children. I will always and forever recommend only raw unprocessed diets for this breed. If this is the case I highly recommend adding canned food from the same brand. I mix this thoroughly until there are no chunks left and the mixture is uniform otherwise they will pick out the chunks and leave the kibble behind. Try not to mix other cooked meat into your kibble otherwise your puppy will never eat kibble without meat. If you are okay with cooking daily for your puppy, then by all means add cooked meat and vegetables into their kibble. Please do not feed beef or chicken based products. If you elect to feed cooked meat, choose organic turkey only at this young age. I always have clean water available day and night. If your puppy is experiencing separation anxiety and not wanting to eat then you can offer goats milk kefir or yogurt as well as egg yolks. Goats milk kefir and egg yolks are hard for puppies to resist and it will provide both hydration and calories. Your French Bulldog puppy should be kept on the diet they were started on for a few months, as changes from what they are used to can cause stomach upset and diarrhea. I am enthusiastically happy to share any resources and guide you on a diet change to raw meat feeding: French Bulldog Puppy Hygiene Your puppy does not need to be bathed unless visibly dirty. DO NOT allow water to enter the ears! Frenchie ears are erect and open, so its easy to water to get in. In addition to this, ears are dark and warm perfect for bacteria or fungus. Dry the ears thoroughly after each bath and walks in the rain and avoid allowing water near the head in general. For cleaning the ears on a regular basis weekly or more frequently I like to use cotton pads soaked in a specifically formulated cleaning solution called Ph Notix. The Ph Notix does an excellent job of melting the ear wax for an easy wipe away. Though, coconut oil, colloidal silver, and any vet prescribed ear cleaner can be used as well. Clip nails monthly at a minimum. The more frequently nails are clipped, the shorter they will become. Same applies to their tail pocket. Puppies don't typically have tail pockets, but as they matures this feature can develop. The most important step is to very thoroughly dry your puppy whenever they are wet! I check this area with each bath, and completely dry the paws especially in between the toes after each bath and each time they get wet. If you notice redness between the toes, then it is likely yeast. I personally do not brush the teeth of my dogs, and have never had a dental issue. Providing large raw real bones for chewing will naturally clean the teeth and this is something that I give all of my dogs. However if you are keen on doing so, daily brushing will provide additional protection to your dogs teeth. There are special savory flavored tooth pastes just for dogs available to make this task more enjoyable for your puppy. As a preventative measure you can also add a specially formulated probiotic into their water to support dental health called TEEF. I administer these vaccines at home in a single dose containing all five strains of virus. I use the brand name Duramune Max and I special order these to be delivered to be via one-day-air on ice to ensure their viability. This initial dose is given once your Frenchie turns at least 7 weeks old. Please wait a minimum of 3 weeks to give the next booster vaccines. This is very important, I do not recommend the leptospirosis vaccine due to a high rate of adverse reactions. It is not necessary unless your French Bulldog puppy will be in frequent contact with wildlife or livestock and you live in an area where leptsospirosis is rampent. Bordetella can be given at 10 weeks old and rabies can be given once your puppy is a minimum of 3 months old. I also give my adult French Bulldogs a booster of Bordetella kennel cough as well as canine influenza vaccine once each flu season. Deworming Simply due to the nature of puppies, I recommend you submit a fecal sample during your initial vet visit. I deworm the entire litter multiple times before coming home to you. But please understand that puppies are messy creatures. Puppies also put absolutely everything in their mouths including each others paws. So please understand its likely that you may need to continue one last treatment of dewormer when your puppy comes home, even if they are having solid poops. All of my mamma dogs are dewormed before and after having their litters as well to reduce exposure to internal parasites. Additionally I deworm all of my adult dogs twice yearly with a combination of metronidazole and fenbendazole, or drontal plus. Certain parasites like giardia are extremely difficult to eradicate in our cool and wet climate. Giardia will live in the soil and water and can be spread through wild animals coming through your yard as well. Adult dogs with strong immune systems will develop antibodies to giardia and will have no symptoms. Puppies who test positive for giarida may or may not have symptoms. I personally have never had a flea or tick problem with any of my dogs in all my years of breeding and I choose not to treat my pets with pesticides. Pesticides are teratogenic and can cause birth defects as well as neurologic disorders such as seizures. Personally I would only consider one dose of oral NexGuard during the hottest month of Summer when these parasites are most active in my geological area. Each individual dog and household must weight the risks and benefits to use or not to use pesticides based on their personal circumstances and geological area. I understand you might live in an area with a known problem with these external parasites or might be living on a farm where it will be necessary to keep them under control. There are many different kinds of medications that can be used but they treat different things, some are applied topically, some given orally, some work for one month and others up to 8 months, and some medications will also treat internal parasites in addition to external. For puppies under six months old the oral medication NexGaurd can be given for fleas and ticks, as well as off-label for mites. A third kind of treatment is a Seresto collar which is a collar made from a special material that is filled with medication that is slowly released and absorbed by your dog. My brother who lives on a farm finds favor with this method and it can be used as early as 7 weeks of age. Ridgefield, Washington. Minimal exercise needs and a low barking tendency make her perfect for apartment living. The French Bulldog descended from the English Bulldog in the s when it was translocated to France. The breed has flourished as an adored companion ever since. The Frenchie is known for its bat-like ears and short, wrinkled nose. She tends to have a curious and gentle nature and is notorious for being the class clown. She will often have sporadic bouts of energy followed by prolonged periods of resting. The French Bulldog is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your French Bulldog. By knowing about health concerns specific to French Bulldogs, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in French Bulldogs to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for French Bulldogs. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Frenchie looking and feeling her best. And unfortunately, your French Bulldog is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. It starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections French Bulldogs are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in French Bulldogs. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Vida Veterinary Care will also recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your French Bulldog is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time. This is convenient for you and easy for your friend. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. The disease is caused when the jelly-like cushion between one or more vertebrae slips or ruptures, causing the disc to press on the spinal cord. If your dog is suddenly unable or unwilling to jump up, go up stairs, is reluctant to move around, has a hunched back, cries out, or refuses to eat or go potty, he is likely in severe pain. He may even drag his back feet or be suddenly paralyzed and unable to get up or use his back legs. Call us or an emergency clinic immediately! For less severe cases, rest and medication may resolve the problem. As with so many other diseases, weight control helps to prevent this problem. Spinal Deformities French Bulldogs are more likely than other canines to be born with spinal deformities a condition called hemivertebrae , which may lead to spinal cord damage, instability, or disability. Inflammatory Bowel Disease Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD is an immune system disorder common in French Bulldogs in which the intestinal lining becomes overrun with immune system cells called lymphocytes and plasmacytes. Chronic vomiting or diarrhea is common or it may flare up suddenly and then improve again for a time. Stress, diet change, or intestinal parasites may make it worse. If your friend has diarrhea or digestive upsets that are not explained by the more common reasons, diagnostic tests, which may include intestinal biopsy, will be needed. Lifetime medications and special diets are usually required to keep this bellyache under control. Unfortunately, French Bulldogs can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older French Bulldogs. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. Distichiasis is a condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye. This is one of the most commonly inherited diseases in dogs, and your French Bulldog is more likely than other dogs to develop this painful condition. If untreated, these abnormal hairs can cause corneal ulcers and chronic eye pain. Several treatment options are available, and the prognosis is good once the hairs have been permanently removed. Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea surface of the eyeball. This is an extremely irritating and painful condition that can ultimately lead to blindness. It can happen in any dog breed; however, your French Bulldog is especially at risk for this heritable disorder. Surgical correction is usually successful if performed early. Because your Frenchie has eyeballs that naturally protrude, he is more vulnerable to eye injuries. Scrapes or punctures to the cornea the protective covering on the eyeball are the most common injuries. Not only do they hurt, they can become infected and affect his vision. Call us at right away if he has any problems with his eyes. A damaged cornea is painful and should be treated immediately. Medication and sometimes surgery is required. Allergies In humans, an allergy to pollen, mold, or dust makes people sneeze and their eyes itch. In dogs, rather than sneeze, allergies make their skin itchy. Commonly, the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for this condition. Bleeding Disorders There are several types of inherited bleeding disorders that occur in dogs. They range in severity from very mild to very severe. Many times a pet seems normal until a serious injury occurs or surgery is performed, and then severe bleeding can result. You might notice that he runs along and suddenly picks up a back leg and skips or hops for a few strides. If the problem is mild and involves only one leg, your friend may not require much treatment beyond arthritis medication. When symptoms are severe, surgery may be needed to realign the kneecap to keep it from popping out of place. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. Keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Respiratory Distress Syndrome This disease, also known as brachycephalic syndrome, affects dogs with a short nose, like your French Bulldog. As a consequence, the soft palate the soft part at the back of the roof of the mouth , is too long and hangs down into the airway. The nostrils are often too small, and sometimes the trachea, or windpipe, is narrow and undersized. All of these things lead to a narrow and obstructed airway. Many of these dogs can barely breathe! Watch for exercise intolerance, loud breathing, coughing, bluish gums, or fainting. With his short nose, he is also more likely to develop other problems, such as flatulence from excessive air intake, pneumonia from aspirating food, or heat stroke. In severe cases, surgical correction may be recommended. Bladder or Kidney Stones There are a few different types of stones that can form in the kidney or in the bladder, and French Bulldogs are more likely to develop them than other breeds. Call us immediately! It affects French Bulldogs more frequently than other breeds. If your dog has this disease, he will become increasingly weak and disabled in the hind legs and will eventually suffer from paralysis in his hindquarters, along with incontinence. Rehabilitation, exercise, acupuncture , and dietary supplements can be helpful, but there is no cure. A genetic test is available to determine whether your dog is at risk for this heritable disease. Mange Demodex is a microscopic mite that lives in the hair follicles of dogs. All dogs have them. In mild cases, pet owners may notice a few dry, irritated, hairless lesions. These often occur on the face or feet and may or may not be itchy. Secondary skin infections may occur. Prompt veterinary care is important to keep the disease from getting out of hand. Many pets seem to outgrow the problem, while others require lifelong management. Skin Infections Your French Bulldog is prone to a form of skin infection called lip-fold pyoderma, which occurs because the folds of skin along the lower jaw are usually moist. Bacteria and yeast can readily gain a foothold and cause a reddened, smelly area that is uncomfortable for your dog. We will examine him for this problem, but let us know if you see signs. When symptoms are severe, the excess skin folds can be surgically removed. Taking Care of Your French Bulldog at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Frenchie live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She has low grooming needs. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. Check her facial wrinkles and eyes often. Her droopy skin and eyes can collect debris. She is well suited for apartment living; she will need a daily walk and regular inside play. She can be sensitive to warm temperatures; avoid any prolonged exposure and be very alert to the signs of heat stress. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help, and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your French Bulldog needs help. A balanced diet, regular exercise, proper grooming, and regular vet check-ups will keep them healthy and happy. French Bulldog care is a delightful experience that brings so much happiness! In this article, we have collected all the most important tips covering the ultimate Frenchie care! Are Frenchies easy to take care of? French Bulldogs, also known as Frenchies, are a popular breed of dogs known for their charming personalities and adorable wrinkled faces. When it comes to taking care of them, Frenchies are relatively low-maintenance dogs. They have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming, and they are not known to be heavy-shedder. They also have a low exercise requirement, making them suitable for apartment living. However, Frenchies are prone to breathing difficulties due to their short snouts, so they may require special attention during hot weather or heavy physical activity. Additionally, they are prone to certain health issues such as skin allergies, hip dysplasia, and eye problems, so regular veterinary check-ups are important. A responsible dog breeder filters these very strictly so that the chances of occurrence can be kept to a minimum. Responsible breeders also help to identify and treat illnesses. Overall, Frenchies can be a great addition to any household with the right amount of care and attention. Frenchies are sensitive to heat French Bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed, meaning they have short snouts, which can make it difficult for them to regulate their body temperature , especially in hot weather. Limit exercise Avoid strenuous exercise during hot weather and opt for early morning or late evening walks instead. Use cooling products Invest in cooling products, such as cooling mats, cooling vests, or fans, to keep your Frenchie comfortable. Avoid overheating Be mindful of signs of overheating, such as heavy panting, red gums, and a lack of energy, and take steps to cool your Frenchie down immediately if you notice these signs. By taking these steps, you can help protect your Frenchie from the dangers of heat and keep them healthy and comfortable during hot weather. Keep your Frenchie fit Keeping a French Bulldog fit and healthy requires a combination of proper diet, exercise, and preventive health care. Here are some tips to help keep your Frenchie in shape: Provide a balanced diet Feed your Frenchie a high-quality, well-balanced diet appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Avoid overfeeding, as Frenchies are prone to weight gain. Regular exercise Frenchies are a low-energy breed, but they still need regular exercise to maintain their health. Offer daily walks, playtime, and other forms of physical activity to keep them fit. Offer healthy treats in moderation and avoid giving in to those puppy-dog eyes at the dinner table. Provide mental stimulation Frenchies also need mental stimulation to keep them fit. Offer interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and other forms of mental stimulation to keep them mentally and physically fit. First name Email 3. Here are some tips for grooming your Frenchie: Brush regularly Frenchies have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming, but regular brushing can help remove loose hair and prevent shedding. Trim nails Regular nail trims are important to avoid painful cracks or splits. Watch out for common Frenchie health issues French Bulldogs, like all breeds, are prone to certain health issues. A responsible dog breeder will always screen the parent dogs before including them in their breeding program. By doing so, they can largely reduce the chance of passing over genetic diseases that may affect the French Bulldog lifespan. Here are some of the most common health problems seen in Frenchies: Breathing difficulties Frenchies are a brachycephalic breed, which means they have a short snout, and this can lead to breathing difficulties, especially in hot weather or during physical exertion. Loud breathing, snoring, and grunting are completely normal in French bulldogs. You should take your dog to a doctor if it is visibly bothering him. Skin allergies Frenchies are prone to skin allergies, which can cause itching, rashes, and other skin problems. Eye problems Frenchies can develop various eye problems, including cherry eye, dry eye, and cataracts. Hip dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a common genetic problem in many breeds, including Frenchies. It is a congenital abnormality that can cause arthritis and other joint problems. Hip dysplasia is always filtered by responsible breeders, and our puppies get tested too. Intervertebral disk disease Frenchies are also prone to Intervertebral Disk Disease IVDD , which is a condition that affects the disks in the spine and can cause back pain and paralysis. It can be prevented by not letting them jump from high places or climb stairs too much. Gastrointestinal issues Frenchies can also suffer from a variety of gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation, bloat, and megaesophagus. Provide the right diet The right diet for a French Bulldog will depend on its age, size, and activity level, as well as any individual health concerns. Here are some general guidelines to help you choose the right diet for your Frenchie: A high-quality, balanced diet Feed your Frenchie a high-quality, balanced diet that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Consider small, frequent meals Frenchies can also suffer from a variety of gastrointestinal problems, such as bloat and reflux, so consider feeding smaller, more frequent meals to help minimize any digestive issues. Avoid table scraps Table scraps can be high in fat and calories, and can also lead to digestive problems and food intolerance. Instead, stick to a balanced, nutritionally complete diet for your Frenchie. By following these guidelines and working with your veterinarian, you can help ensure that your French Bulldog is getting the proper nutrition to maintain optimal health and well-being. Prevent any ear problems French Bulldogs are prone to ear problems due to their floppy ears, which can trap moisture and bacteria. Be sure to dry their ears thoroughly after each bath or swim to prevent moisture from accumulating. Avoid exposing their ears to water Try to avoid exposing their ears to water, especially during baths and swims. Consider using ear protection, such as ear muffs or earplugs, to keep their ears dry. Ultimate Guide. If yes, you need to be very careful right from the moment you bring it in your home. French bulldog puppies are quite adorable and loving. They need to be handled with a lot of care so that they grow up to be obedient and highly socializing animals. They prove to be loyal companions of their owners and can win their heart with their playful antics and idiosyncrasies. Training It is best when the training starts as soon as the puppy is brought at home. It is important to note that when a puppy is brought home, it is exposed to a cleaner indoor environment and it takes a little while for him to get acclimatized to this new environment. The owners must begin with helping the puppy get well settled in the area that has been prepared for him to laze around and play with his toys. Later, they can take the puppy outside, preferably in the yard or just close to the house. The training sessions must be friendly. Kibble is the best option as your puppy will love to chew on the same. It will also help in removing the tartar building up on the teeth of the puppy. As far as dry or wet food choices are concerned, both are good for your puppy. If your puppy suffers from meat allergy, you can give him fish, an excellent Omega3 source. Grains must not be fed to them as many French Bulldogs are allergic to gluten. Grooming French bulldog puppies have soft and short coat. They do not require a lot of grooming. Also, they must not be given a bath on a regular basis as this can strip their coat of necessary oils. They must be cleaned or washed only when it is needed. Use dog shampoo to wash its coat whenever you take him for his bath. Use good quality conditioner to keep his hair smooth, shiny and silky. Keep his nails trimmed and teeth clean. Following grooming products can make your grooming task easy:. French Bulldog Care How to take care of newborn french bulldog puppies? Most, if not all, owners will let their litter grow for about 9 weeks before finding them their forever home. These initial weeks are very crucial as the newborn puppies initially cannot see, hear, regulate their body temperature, defecate nor urinate on their own. Although the mother keeps her babies warm, you should always check to make sure that she does not accidentally suffocate the puppies. Other artificial sources of heat like heat lamps, heating pads, or a space heater may be used but be very careful because the puppies can easily dehydrate and die when overheated. Make sure that the temperature of the whelping box is at a range of 86 to 90 degrees. It is important to check their weight every day and make sure that they are gaining weight daily. If not, you should take a closer look at them to make sure they nurse adequately from their mom or provide them with a supplement like goats milk or prepared formula milk for puppies. Stimulation For Bowel Movement The mothers need to stimulate the puppies for them to urinate and defecate. Some mothers will do this regularly but others may not want to so it is up to you to do it. Use damp cotton balls with warm water or a small dab of petroleum jelly on your finger. Gently wipe this over their genitals until they urinate and defecate, then clean them up. Make sure that the puppies and their whelping box are clean to avoid infection. About Us The exclusive destination for all your luxury accessory needs. Inspired by French Bulldogs, made for all pups.

Stunning litter of French bulldogs bulldog Karachi, Pakistan Stunning litter of French bulldogs Stunning litter of French bulldog puppies. C registered puppies will be ready for their new home middle of JUNE. The puppies are very active and playful, well socialised with children. Mum an Dad are K. C registered family pets. Both are healthy, fit and very good temperament. Parents can be seen on visit. Our beautiful puppies will come in their new homes with: KC papers 5 wks KC Karachi bulldog Pakistan American Bulldogs puppies bulldog Karachi, Pakistan American Bulldogs puppies We are pleased to offer these gorgeous puppies for their new forever homes. All pups are heath checked eorned and flead. They are very playful mischievous and cheeky little pups who love attention and cuddles. Please only enquire if your genuinely intrested please as had a lot of timewasters and these pups deserve more than to be messed around. Karachi bulldog Pakistan American Bulldogs puppies bulldog Karachi, Pakistan American Bulldogs puppies We are pleased to offer these gorgeous puppies for their new forever homes. Karachi bulldog Pakistan English Bulldog Puppies bulldog Karachi, Pakistan English Bulldog Puppies All puppies have been raised in my family home, surrounded by other dogs and children, they are weened onto Royal Canine puppy food and given the best environment to grow and play ready for their future loving homes. Pups leave with: Puppies will come with.Both parents can be seen. Pups have been vet checked and will be vet checked again before they leave. Pups will be ready to leave, they are 12 weeks old. They are be wormed and dead before they leave and we will give you advice on how to continue with this. Kennel Club papers 5 weeks free KC insurance Flea treatment Worm treatment 1st set of injections Karachi bulldog Pakistan Lovely French bulldog puppies for sale bulldog Karachi, Pakistan Lovely French bulldog puppies for sale Adorable puppies ready to be rehome. Akc registered. Coming along with all health documents. Contact edwardokiki1 gmail. I am open for offers but reasonable My puppies are 9 weeks old and purebred also health checked I am willing to offer free shipping depending on your location. Karachi bulldog Pakistan. Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: American Bulldog vs Pakistani Mastiff? Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more. Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Pakistani Mastiff can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. American Bulldog vs Pakistani Mastiff energy level comparison: American Bulldog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. Pakistani Mastiff dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: American Bulldog or Pakistani Mastiff? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? American Bulldog dogs have an average exercise need. Pakistani Mastiff dogs have an average exercise need. American Bulldog dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. Pakistani Mastiff dogs sleep hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed. Does the American Bulldog breed eat more than the Pakistani Mastiff breed? American Bulldog vs Pakistani Mastiff weight gain potential comparison: Low to Average: The American Bulldog has a low to the average risk for obesity.

The unique molded shape and durable material made it a must for every dog owner. German Shepherd puppies are very active and will need a lot of exercise time to burn out all of their energy. Because of this, most of their exercise routine should engage their natural chasing and herding instincts. You should also include things to channel their wolf-like instincts of tugging and chewing. Aside from being fun, chewing is beneficial for multiple reasons that help him grow into a happy, healthy adult dog. Mental Health Chewing is a healthy coping mechanism that allows German Shepherd puppies to self-soothe. This is especially helpful for puppies with separation anxiety or noise sensitivity. Dental Health Chewing is extremely important for puppies in particular. Biting down allows teething puppies to stimulate blood flow in their gums and ease the pain. A good selection of chew toys prevents this sort of destructive behavior by redirecting their chewing instinct. Helping Their Ears Stand Up Another important German Shepherd-specific benefit of chew toys is that chewing builds the muscle at the base of the ear, allowing the rest of the ear to stand. To truly know how to give your German Shepherd puppy the best of the best, you need to know what makes the best chew toys. Durability The most important thing you need to look for in a chew toy is durability. Since German Shepherd puppies are power chewers, look for a strong, long-lasting chew toy. Material Chew toys are made to be bitten and chomped on, so look for toys that are made of strong, non-toxic materials that are safe and strong. Hard Plastic Material Chew toys that are made from hard plastic are more than just choking hazards. They could also cause broken teeth, bleeding gums, and internal damage if eaten. Stuffed Squeaky Toys The chewing and tugging instincts of a German Shepherd make squeaky toys a bad idea. The stuffing and squeaker can cause a wide range of hazards and are better avoided. These are our top 15 picks for the best chew toys for German Shepherd puppies. This flavored dog bone is equally delicious and durable for intense chewers like German Shepherd puppies. Healthy play is important for dogs physical and mental development, emotions and behavior. By encouraging healthy play and satisfying instinctual needs, this treat dispensing puzzle toy helps solve chewing, separation anxiety, teething, boredom, weight management, crate training, digging and barking Fetch Toy: The KONG Extremes unpredictable bounce makes for exciting games of fetch and other interactive play with your pet. Dishwasher safe for easy clean up. The option to fill the cone with treats is present in this toy as well, and with over 39, reviews and ratings on Amazon, it has a global average of 4. Simply fill the tire with your dogs favorite treat or meal to keep them determined and busy during playtime. Dog Fetch Toy: The KONG Tire has a strong rubber exterior and sidewalls that are designed to double up and rebound when compressed, making them perfect for bouncy games of fetch. Made in the USA using globally sourced materia Buy on Amazon This chew toy is an interesting spin on the chew rings covered earlier as it combines treat dispensing, a staple of KONG toys, and the shape durability of chewing rings. It is also thick enough to give your larger German Shepherd an exciting challenge. The chew tire has a 4. Although this truly is a quality product with originality, my German Shepherd enjoyed the chew challenge but soon got bored or tired of it and found other toys more interesting. Bring it on. Benebones are tougher than real bones and last for weeks. Trust us, dogs can tell the difference. Want to chat? The product comes with authentic bacon flavor, which means it must be durable enough not to become food at first serving. The unique shape of the Zombie BarkBone helps your pet scrape plaque and tartar off their teeth, promoting healthy dental hygiene. It is made for aggressive chewers and is made from safe material, which, even if scraped and small particles accidentally swallowed, will pass through your dog like a ping pong ball through a hula hoop. With its current 4. Made of non-toxic, durable and eco-friendly rubber material, which is soft and elastic. Meanwhile, this toy is safe for your dog. While no dog toys are truly indestructible, this one is top level. This squeaky chew toy has been tested by German Shepherds, Mastiffs, Siberian huskies, Labrador, Golden retrievers,Pitbulls and many other power chewers in countless times. Thats why we can offer LifeTime Replacement Guarantee. There is something wrong with the squeaking toy, just click Contact Us and we will be happy to assist you with replacement or refu Buy on Amazon This 6. Like a lot of options on this list — this is also a flavored toy. However, its shape is unique and patent-protected. And going by over 2, reviewers who have given it a collective average rating of 4. Why Do German Shepherds Chew? If your German Shepherd puppy is going through the teething stage of his development, it can be annoying to find anything from wood to plastic with bite marks! So, why do German Shepherds chew? German Shepherds chew to ease gum pain that comes with teeth development during the canine teething stage. During this, chewing helps ease gum discomfort because it involves applying pressure. Grown GSDs chew to alleviate separation anxiety, boredom, general nervousness, or a lack of exercise. When your GSD chews on his chew toy or anything remotely portable, he is grabbing onto something he can securely hold. This comes with a sense of security and control that can be comforting when your dog experiences change in his environment, long periods in your absence, or even unpredictable internal changes like sexual maturation. Whether your German Shepherd is a puppy or an adult dog, the best way to get him to stop chewing on furniture is to discipline him by redirecting his behavior to an exciting chew toy instead. Training your German Shepherd to stop him from chewing your things in the absence of chew toys is unintentionally cruel as it teaches him to live with gum pain or unpleasant feelings. Teaching your dog to divert his chew target is not only easier but is also more humane. Are German Shepherds Heavy Chewers? As you may have guessed, getting a toy for your GSD to chew on is more about him than you. Their bite strength is greater than a pit bull, and they can easily destroy low-durability chew toys along with their sharp teeth. Therefore GSDs need high-durability or breed-specific chew toys. When choosing chew toys for your German Shepherd, make sure the product is durable enough for his bite strength and interesting enough for his intellect. They provide both mental and physical stimulation, are multifunctional, and are super long-lasting, even for the strongest of chewers. Instead, it must be kindly redirected toward chew toys. Related Posts You May Like:. Best chew toys for German Shepherd puppies German Shepherd Chewing The larger the dog, the more high energy they tend to be. Chewing is a completely normal way for a dog to use up some of that energy: it exercises their jaws, cleans their teeth and gums, and passes a little time. Look for rubber toys that they can pick up and carry around. The rubber should be hard enough to endure a mauling, but not so hard that it could damage their teeth. It has a bacon scent to make it even more appealing to dogs. Along with being a safe and indestructible chew toy, it helps clean teeth as well. It will keep your German Shepherd satisfied, entertained, and healthy. The ring shape means that your dog will rarely chew the same spot twice, which reduces the possibility of wear. The Happy Puppy Site team have owned plenty of Kong dog toys, and they never fail to impress us. Its hollow design allows you to add things like treats or peanut butter to keep your dog satisfied for even longer. The Kong Extreme line is designed for aggressive chewers, and will hold up against most high energy dogs. It has holes on the ends, which are perfect for adding treats for your German Shepherd to dig out. And most importantly, this bone stands strong against the toughest teeth. It uses the same durable material as all Kong Extreme toys, and the tire shape and texture are designed to stand up to intense gnawing. It keeps all of our dogs entertained and can withstand prolonged play. The Y-shape makes it easier for dogs to hold as they chew, and the bones are made with real food flavor. This bone will keep your German Shepherd busy, satisfy their urge to chew, and helps clean teeth while they chew. It comes in bacon and bbq flavors, and is made in the USA with locally sourced materials. The curved shape of the bone make them easy to hold, and cares for their gums and teeth. Natural Chew Toys for German Shepherds Variety is the spice of life, and mixing up ultra-hardwearing synthetic toys with toys made from natural materials is a great way to keep your German Shepherd interested. The extra-large size makes sure that it will withstand your German Shepherd chewing. It contains no plastic or chemicals. Best Chew Toys for German Shepherd Puppies When shopping for good chew toys for German Shepherd puppies, you need to make sure the toy can help them through teething while also withstanding their already-strong jaws. It is a pliable yet durable toy that teething puppies will find soft on their gums. The ridges can hold peanut butter or other such treats as an added bonus for your pup. And our strong chewing puppies have all loved them. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. Teething toys are designed to help the owners manage those symptoms and keep the dog healthy and happy, as well, during this period of discomfort. Here is how teething toys can help. Mange frequent chewing: The dog tends to show enhanced chewing tendency, he will even try to chew other hard items of the house, such as furniture, or rubber materials or, even shoes. Many times, this is mistaken for destructive behavior , which may not be the case. Teething toys made of rubber or super-strong nylon offer ease from itching and dogs can chew these without calling for any harm or posing harm to other useful things of the house. Bleeding or swelling in gums: Just like there is little blood coming out when the baby teeth fall in a human child, GSD also experiences swelling or bleeding in gums at the site of teething. Many teething toys filled or coated with medicinal gels can alleviate the pain and swelling. Loss of appetite: Because of pain in the gums, dogs find it difficult to eat. So, they will show a loss of appetite. READ : Top 10 E-collars for German shepherds: Your Obligatory aid in German shepherd training So, you need to have a stock of toys and treats handy to help the dog through the tough phase of teething. Teething Toys best suited for aggressive chewers like GSD 1. Nylabone Power Chew Textured Dog Chew Ring Toy Easy grip, chewing-friendly design, and great attention diverting ability — this teething toy can be a perfect choice when the dog tends to show high chewing tendency. For an aggressive chewer like GSD, this toy offers a delightful option. Its size fits the gripping ability of your big poonch too. So, the moment you find any teething discomfort displayed by that furry angel, just hand him over this chewing and teething toy designed to complement gentle to extreme chewing style. The hidden treasure lies in its ridgy design and protruded nubs that actually can help in maintaining dental hygiene by preventing tartar or plaque build-up. Check price at Amazon 2. Kong Natural Teething Rubber Perfect fit for power chewing typical of a GSD, this teething toy is an ideal choice for keeping the dog occupied and happy. The main deliverables of this teething toy for GSD are comforting from anxiety issues and relief from boredom. Also, these make a very good play material and offer dogs an activity to do. A dog barking or chewing too much can be given this toy as a distraction. This toy can be freezer with some stuff before giving to the dog, this adds to the challenge and makes playing more fun. Check price at Amazon 3. The tangerine color of this teething toy enables easy enticing of the dog into playing with it. An easy toy to train the dog to fetch or catch, this teething and chewing toy is completely safe. Check price at Amazon 4. This teething toy is designed to fit the chewing needs and tendencies of big as well as medium-sized puppies. The spiky design offers more friction and grinds the plaque away. Anxiety and boredom issues can be managed by keeping the dog engaged in this teething toy. Dogs are bundles of energy. They need to have a way to vent out their energy to stay calm or less agitated. This teething toy provides exactly that premise for offering better deviation from the destructive behavior or from chewing on the furniture, balls, shoes, and other useful things of the house. Check price at Amazon 5. The super tough nylon material makes it an ideal teething toy for aggressive chewers like German Shepherds. The toy comes infused with baking soda to help the dog parents maintain the oral hygiene of their loving pet. Thermal Plastic Rubber nubs on the surface can offer good material for handling the teething discomforts that dogs experience in their gums. Check price at Amazon 6. You can stuff it with flavorful peanut butter or any other filling of choice and freeze, before giving it to the dog for playing.

Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Well-known for being friendly and loyal, Labs are excellent family dogs. They have a sturdy body, wide head, and eyes that hint at the mischief these energic dogs can get into if they get bored. Labs love their humans and will be happy to follow you wherever you go. Their breeding Labs are all AKC registered, and health testing of their dogs is an important part of their breeding program. You will need to fill out an application for a puppy and the breeders will contact you about available puppies, or the next available litter. Labrador Lovers Visit Their Website Salem, OR Labrador Lovers is a small hobbyist breeder and they focus on the Rules of 7 for their puppies starting at 4 weeks of age to promote trainability, confidence, and socialization in their puppies. Their puppies are light yellow to dark golden colored. Puppies are sold under limited registration, which voids any breeding rights. Puppies have their first round of shots, are dewormed, and are ready to go home with you around weeks of age. Westland Labradors breed only the AKC-recognized colors of yellow, chocolate, and black. Puppies from this breeder are also Limited Registration, which means the dog itself is registered with the AKC, but any offspring from the puppy would not be eligible for AKC registration. Puppies are available at weeks of age and go home with a purchase contract, pedigree paperwork, microchip , microchip registration, and a vet health certificate from a recent well-puppy check. Puppies are registered to their new families upon receipt. They also send you home with a bag of chews, treats the puppy has been eating, toys including one that smells like mom , and a bag of dog food the breeder has been feeding the puppy. Puppy mills do not hold themselves to the same high standards as reputable breeders and puppies from mills often come from unhealthy circumstances and then suffer from serious health issues for the rest of their lives. There has been a rise in online puppy mills so we felt we should share some tips with you on how to avoid them. Puppy mills breeders may look legitimate , but some common red flags indicate you should take a closer look at where your potential puppy is being bred. A reputable breeder will want to meet you. Never buy a puppy without seeing it first. An online puppy mill will offer to ship a puppy. Shipping a young puppy can cause lifelong anxiety and behavior problems. Responsible breeders will have no problem letting you meet the parents and show you their living conditions. They will offer many different breeds of dogs for sale. They want to meet you in a parking lot, a rest area, etc. They are selling puppies younger than 8 weeks old. These are just some of the things to watch out for when looking online for a puppy, which is why we compiled the list of breeders in Oregon. Good luck on your Labrador Retriever puppy journey! You May Also Like:. Use Order Code: I have been a trainer of studio animals for the past twenty years. I had the distinct pleasure of working with Gretchen when she entrusted me with 8 of her beautiful Labradors for a Budweiser Super Bowl commercial in .I have worked with a lot of breeders over the years and trained numerous puppies for many different commercials, none of them compare to Gretchen's puppies. Her puppies came out of the gate bold, confident, super friendly and I have to say the smartest of any Labrador puppies I have ever trained and I've trained a lot! Having well socialized, outgoing puppies is critical for my job and you can see how much love, dedication and time Gretchen has put into her pups before they reach 8 weeks old and are ready for their new homes. I have absolutely no hesitation recommending Cold Creek Farms. Just make sure you can provide as much love to your new puppy as Gretchen does for the first 8 weeks of his or her life! He is also the dog who starred in Hawaii five O. His owner is one of the trainers on the team that trained the puppies in the puppy love Super Bowl commercial. We enjoy long-term relationships with those who have adopted Cottage Garden puppies and are privileged to feature a glimpse of their lives with you! A holistic approach focuses on maintaining vibrant health through natural rearing practices — we believe there is no substitute for a species-appropriate diet, an abundance of room to run and play, fresh air, mountain spring water, and sunshine. And, we are blessed to live in a beautiful country setting that enables us to provide this wonderful environment for our dogs. The care-providers at Cottage Garden possess unique skill sets and educational backgrounds of Animal Science with extensive experience in genetics and animal nutrition , dog training including titles in the AKC hunt test arena , studies of Permaculture and Herbalism encompassing aromatherapy and homeopathy and vast and ongoing research into holistic care practices. To begin the reservation process for a current or future litter, we ask that a brief application which we email upon request be completed to provide information about your home environment as well as your desired physical and temperamental traits for your puppy which greatly assists us in matching each puppy with their new family. Car transports are available within a 5-hour radius — so your puppy can be brought to your home or we can meet somewhere in between. Custom quotes for greater distances may be available. Our Goldador puppies are cream in color with short, soft luxurious coats resembling the Labrador and jet black pigment. They are a perfect blend of the best characteristics of their parents with beautiful structure and exceptionally calm and confident temperaments. Adult weight is typically pounds for females and pounds for males.

Andorra and Spain I wouldn't use a front-fastening harness for a young puppy. They are generally used for stopping a dog from pulling, but don't help with training. Front fastener tend to either work by tightening around the dog as he pulls, making it uncomfortable to pull, which we'd call an aversive and most of us would choose to avoid. Or they work by preventing the dog from getting traction into the forwards motion, often by turning the dog slightly. If you have a problem with a dog pulling, and either have to have them on lead before they've been trained not to, or if you're physically unable to have the dog pulling you at all due to injury or somesuch, then they're fine. But in the case of a brand new puppy, I'd suggest that they're unnecessary, and you should be focussing on training him to walk without pulling from the get-go, which you can achieve perfectly well on a standard back-fastening harness. Since the puppy has no real weight to put behind it at this stage, you should be able to manage without the mechanisms in a front-fastener. I'd recommend looking at the articles on teaching your puppy to walk on a loose lead and start putting the recommendations into place immediately. Here are some articles that may help:. Also available in black, blue pink or yellow. At the connecting end, we find a snap hook attachment that is rust and corrosion resistant that will match the long lifetime of the leash. This is a very strong and stylish leash, perfect for everyday use whether on a daily walk or training session. And not everyone will agree, but we think leather leashes are the perfect match and most suitable style-wise for the noble looking Labrador. The Leather is stitched with extra strong thread, is double riveted both ends and is fitted with a larger than most 1 inch bolt snap for easy attachment and removal from a collar. This leash truly will last a lifetime! For attachment and removal to a collar there is a nickel plated bolt-style clip which is rust-proof and stain resistant, so will remain remain tarnish free for the life of the leash. The main benefit of such a leash over leather leashes is there is absolutely no care or upkeep necessary to keep it in tip-top condition. Available in 10 different colors, with very good feedback from previous buyers, this is a perfect leash for every day use with medium to large dogs. This leash has a zinc plated reverse-gate snap attachment for attaching the leash to your pooches collar. It has strong bar-tack stitching which is very durable and long-lasting. In fact it comes with a manufacturer guarantee that it will last — even if chewed! Easy to use and soft on the hands, perfect for every day use. Nice and lightweight, yet certainly durable and strong, a nice sized hand loop made of non-abrasive rope, with a simple thumb operated snap-bolt clip all makes this leash a pleasure to use and safe for controlling your dog. Certainly recommended! This style of lead is very easy to use, I personally keep one near my front door to easily slip on and off my dog because we have him collar free while in the home. The leash gets tighter if pulled from either end so if your dog pulls, it will tighten around their neck and be very uncomfortable. However, if yours is a dog who frequently runs away, or you feel you simply cannot allow to run off leash, this is a nice compromise. They get more freedom than with a 6-foot leash, but still cannot bolt free. This particular ribbon style retractable leash gives up to .This happens more than you might think! Single hand-operated hand braking, locking mechanism and recoil system gives you full, easy and intuitive control. Available in Blue, Black and Red. It comes with an instruction leaflet detailing how to use it correctly with safety in mind for you, your dog and everybody else around. The last thing you want when training distance commands is your dog to wander off and start sniffing up trees or chasing squirrels and a long leash such as this makes sure you can keep their attention on you and the training session. Backed up with a life time guarantee and a huge number of positive feedback reviews on Amazon, these long leashes come highly recommended. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. He runs off and starts getting into trouble before I can catch him. The only way to prevent this from happening to me is to choose a great dog leash, so I decided to write a guide to buying the best dog leash. A guide to help you through the process and make sure you have the right leash to suit your intended use. But essentially all dog leashes have the same basic purpose, to keep your dog safe and under control while out in public and as an aid for you to manage your pet during dog training. This is for safety reasons as a loose dog can cause accidents or if it was to become aggressive their owner has some form of control. Prevent your dog from chasing and scaring other animals, children or perhaps people with a phobia of dogs. Prevent your dog from wandering into and going to toilet in inappropriate places. Prevent running into the road injuring themselves and perhaps others if they were to cause an accident. A leash is an essential tool to use during the early days of puppy-hood to keep them safe and aid you in training. Different Types of Dog Leash Not taking into account different materials used, lengths, widths, colors and more, dog leashes can be grouped into just a few major types as described below. Nylon and leather are both tough enough to restrain an adult dog, yet lightweight enough for use with a puppy. They measure between 4 and 8 feet in length with 6 foot being the most common. This length allowing plenty of room for freedom of movement while being short enough to afford the handler complete control of their dog if necessary. They work much like a measuring tape with a nylon cord that can extend anything from about 4 to 30 feet, with a locking mechanism in a plastic handle that allows you to lock the leash at varying degrees of length. They then automatically collect up any slack in the leash when you release the mechanism, retracting the line into the handle. These dangers aside, the biggest problem I see with retractable dog leashes is they can actually train your dog to pull on the leash! When walking away, they are pulling on the leash to extend it and get rewarded for this pulling by getting to where they want to go. And as we know, anything rewarding your dog learns to repeat! So when all of a sudden when you want them on a short leash, you call them in, lock the mechanism and ask them to stay close by without pulling. How confusing is this for the dog? Most of the time if they pull on the leash, they get to go where they please. And faced with this confusion…again and again…they will go for the most rewarding option which of course is pulling! So a retractable dog leash trains them to pull because they get rewarded. They might even start expecting treats! Because only then are they a useful happy medium to use between control for you and freedom for your dog. You can see our pick of the best retractable dog leashes available by clicking here. Adjustments are usually available from between 3 and 6 feet by the addition or removal of loops, or extra clips along the length. These can allow you a shorter leash to use for training such as heel work when you want your dog very close, while giving the option for more freedom if out on a walk. You do need to keep an eye on your dog if using a metal leash. You have the one handle and a leash to your first dog, with a second leash and maybe more coming off from a coupler to allow you to attach another dog. This prevents them from climbing around and distracting you when driving. Many dogs will benefit from using a harness instead of a traditional style dog leash because it gives the owner a firmer amount of control over a dog that needs guidance. On top of that, dog harnesses are thought to be more comfortable for dogs and more easy for them to adjust to, making them a win-win for many owners. A no-pull harness is one of the most popular items for owners who have big dogs while like to pull. Harness-type leashes come in back clip harnesses and front clip harnesses. They each have their benefits, but generally speaking, back clip harnesses are better for well-trained dogs, and front clip harnesses are better for dogs who may jump or pull. For aggressive dogs, you will want to pair a harness with a head halter. This type of leash is attached to the frame of your bicycle, and it gives your dog an adjustable amount of distance from the bike that they can move. With training, this means that your dog will be able to job alongside of your while you bike without the fear of them running away. Dog Leash Materials Dog leashes are available in many different materials that each have strengths and weaknesses. So for a very reasonable price you get a good, durable leash. But with the price tag comes a little more class and style if you like that sort of thing and a very durable and long-lasting leash. Nylon leashes have the tendency to fray over time whereas treated leather dog leash can literally last a lifetime. But with this strength comes a nice little fact that they soften and change shape with age to suit the hands of the handler that uses them. This makes them far more comfortable to grip. High quality fabric and leather leashes are the ones we most highly recommend. You can see our pick of the best by clicking here. But consider the weight if using with a small puppy. Make sure the chain is as thin and as light as can be. But you will have to upgrade to heavier tougher ones as your dog grows so it will not break when they pull as a strong adult. These leads, in combination with a reflective collar, are good to use for owners that walk their dogs along country roads at night that have little in the way of wide pathways but have cars and cyclists going past but close by. Choosing The Right Width To most people the width of a leash may not seem important, but it really can be. If your dog is a chewer, or strong and a puller, the last thing you want is them to snap through the leash. And this could and does happen, especially with thinner leashes. You want to buy a leash with a good quality metal clip. And because the leash will regularly get wet, it will preferably be made of stainless steel or brass to resist corrosion and avoid weakening over time. The clip must be strong enough to withstand a good deal of force because there may come a time when you and your dog are pulling in opposite directions with all your strength. For instance when they try to bolt. The clip must never break! These are a quite reliable clip, hence their popularity, but over time the spring often weakens and the clip can start to work loose resulting in your dog being able to escape the leash. Is it for every day use? For leash training indoors or outside? Are you considering a leash to help in beginning distance command training? For outdoor training: I recommend a good 8 to 10 foot Nylon leash. Unless training distance commands for which you should get a 30 to 50 foot long line. For every day use: The best dog leash to use is a traditional, 6 foot Nylon or leather leash. Whether Nylon or leather…that choice is up to you. More Tips On Choosing A Leash paperclipNylon leashes are a good choice for the money conscious and are great for use in wet wintry conditions. This may mean having to upgrade when your puppy grows, but this is to be expected. You cannot afford to have them break free. This will help to make them last longer. Replace the leash at the first sign of any fraying, tears or the clip becoming weak. You can simply loop the handle around any pole or post and use the carabiner to attach the leash to itself. You can find that by clicking here. This has absolutely no effect on the eventual price that you pay and we are very grateful for your support. DisclaimerAll content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative to seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. The critical difference is the degree of dressing up required. This is a moment of personal reflection: do you have a tough time getting out of the house to take your Labrador for a walk? Minimizing the effort required to take your dog walking will ensure that you actually take him out. If your Labrador pulls on his lead, the pressure can quickly start producing irreversible damage. Can Trouble Dogs Even the most humane collars can bother some Labradors. Most new puppies might have trouble accepting a heavy collar. Starting with a light collar at an early age can offset this disadvantage. Some dog trainers can lead-train dogs with collars by building on a foundation of familiarity set by owners who get their dogs to accept light collars early on. This means both products need to be able to cater to different sizes. Most harnesses can house a range of body sizes. But when it comes to collars, your Labrador might start choking on the collar without you realizing it. Adjustable collars can offset this problem. In my opinion, even if you have compassionately trained your Labrador to accept his collar and even go on long walks with the lead attached to the said collar, what happens when your dog gets over-excited? It is quite literally impossible to hold him in position without choking him. Verdict on Dog Collars Dog collars are great to indicate ownership and protect your Labrador from being assumed and treated as a stray. Apart from that, I see no advantage in collars, especially when walking on a lead. So a nuanced approach would be to use a light collar and use a harness whenever you use a lead so that you can sidestep the dangers of lead walking a puppy with a collar. More importantly, your Labrador can pull the lead without hurting himself. More Room for Error If your Labrador puppy wears a collar, you need to follow his growth closely lest the collar begins choking him. Above all, it is more noticeable when your puppy outgrows his harness compared to when he outgrows his collar. In the worst-case scenario, you get to hold back your Lab with sheer force without hurting him as much. Tugging on a collar when your Labrador is trying his best to get away is heartless. That said, you should note that dogs give in more easily when their collar is tugged compared to holding back a harness. The ease, however, is mutually exclusive with kindness in this instance as a submission comes through the pain with a collar. In other words, a harness is something you would want on your pup only on walks. Most well-trained Labradors can go without a harness for short walks, and the harness is left for lead walks. Your Dog Will Take Time to Get Used to It This is a size-driven disadvantage that seems like a logical tradeoff when compared to the burden it offsets. I believe removing cruelty from the equation is well worth the relatively long waiting period. Starting with a light harness with a young Lab puppy is a perfect way to normalize it. Both collars and harnesses are uncomfortable initially, and in the long run, your dog can get used to both. While some trainers make arguments for collars, they are almost exclusively positioned as okay for larger dogs with stronger necks. This makes a harness your only option when out walking. Should a Labrador Wear a Harness? We have already established that harnesses are gentler than collars on Labradors. So, this may have you wondering, should Labradors wear a harness? A Labrador should wear a harness so that you can control him when he gets over-excited on a walk. A harness also allows your dog to keeps his neck safe when you have him on a tight leash. Doing the same with a collar could cause choking, damage to the trachea, or nerve damage. Harness vs. Collar For a Labrador Puppy Harness Advantages Prevents injuries to the neck Allows a lost dog to be identified from a tag Allows more control Easier to wear for tracking Allows room for growth. Conventionally, dogs wear collars. Why does your Labrador puppy need any other equipment? In this article we are going to look at why your Labrador puppy needs a harness. And how this piece of equipment differs in its use. When I first got a dog, I assumed that dog necks must be different to human necks. I figured that must be why dogs could wear collars, but the idea of having something around my own throat sounded so unbearable. In fact, dogs and humans have very similar anatomy in their necks. They have thyroid glands, lymph nodes, the trachea, the oesophagus and of course, the spinal cord — along with a host of other veins and arteries. Just the same as it would, for a human. There is some research which suggests that eye-pressure increases in dogs wearing collars, when they pull. Eye pressure does not increase in dogs wearing harnesses. You might have noticed the collar almost cutting into her throat, as she pulls into it. Perhaps your Labrador puppy stands up on her back legs, when she wants to greet another puppy — bearing her full weight on her throat. She might cough afterwards. When puppies used to wear collars to my training classes, I would often see them waiting for class, rearing on their back legs to reach other puppies. You want your Labrador puppy to calm down, perhaps to sit and greet a person, or at least stop pulling. Doing all of that, involves thought, for a dog. So, we need to put your Labrador puppy into a frame of mind where they are able to think about how to earn your rewards. A harness means that your Labrador puppy is restrained, but also able to concentrate and problem-solve. Yes and no. The permanent and most effective solution to pulling on the lead, is training — regardless of whatever device or piece of equipment you use. Loose-lead training can be an ongoing process. Some Labradors have higher energy levels than others, and these might be especially challenging and rewarding! You should not feel like a failure or give up, if you are finding it difficult. Instead, get in touch with a force-free trainer who will be able to help you. During the time you are training your Labrador puppy to walk beside you, and even once you have trained your Labrador to walk on a loose-lead most of the time, sometimes you are going to come across things which interest her. It could be some food which someone has dropped in the street. Or another dog she wants to greet. Or a cat which runs out in front of you. It is almost impossible to imagine a Labrador — even a well-trained and responsive Labrador — which is healthy and which never attempts to reach something, when on the lead! And at those times, the leash is going to go tight. And all these points, will come into play. So: Yes, the solution is training. So we need to choose a piece of equipment which is the most humane and which can help our training, under those circumstances. When pulling towards something on a collar, they can easily tow you a few steps behind them. There are safety issues, here, as they could tow you into a road. But also the few steps they managed to pull you, will reward the pulling a good deal. They got closer to what they wanted, by pulling. Pulling worked. And so they will continue trying to pull, next time they see something they want. So, we need to reduce their power so we can stop even a large, strong dog, immediately. Does a harness reduce their power in this way? Not all harnesses… Back-attaching harnesses Many years ago, I first tried a harness on one of my dogs. I found that this harness gave her much more power. If she suddenly lunged, she could tow me more with a harness than she could with a collar! With the back-attaching harness, when the lead was tight because there was something in front of her which she found interesting , her face and neck was orientated away from me and was at a distance from me. I found it difficult to get her attention, using treats or my voice, because that front part of her body was so far away and I was behind her. I saw dogs jumping up on their back legs and flailing their front legs around. So, the back-attaching harness solved all of the physical health concerns which collars had held, for me. My dog was no longer choking herself on the odd occasion she wanted to reach something. For the owners of small or toy breeds, the back-attaching harness seemed perfect. But it was not viable for me, because of the decreased control I had over large and strong dogs and the difficulties in training which this caused. But at the time there was nothing else available, so I reluctantly returned to a flat collar. Front-attaching harnesses Fast-forward many years, and I began to hear about a different sort of harness available in the US. At the time, there were only two brands of front-attaching harness available. Now there are many different brands, and I hope to review them for you in another article. The front-attaching harness solved all the control and feeling-in-connection problems experienced with the back-attaching harnesses. I began to recommend these harnesses to clients attending my training classes. I stopped seeing dogs choking themselves, and my clients had much more control than with a collar. Front and Back Attaching Harness There are now some great harnesses available with attachments at both the front and back. You can take a look at our favourites in this article. Contact The Best Leashes for your Labrador One of the most important accessories you can have as a dog owner is a leash and collar. In most areas, they are required in public, and even at home, to ensure that your dog is well behaved. Here are some tips on finding the best leash and collar for your Labrador: Simple Leash and Collar A simple leash and collar, also known as a flat collar, will do just fine for dogs that are extremely well behaved, or even tempered. I also find that older dogs that are slower moving do well with the simple leashes and collars. You can tell if a simple leash and collar are the best choice by how your dog behaves in public. If he or she stays beside you the whole time without trying to get ahead, it means they know their place in the pack and they are a good candidate for these types of collars. Here are some good options to consider. You can also find a wide selection at your nearest pet supply store. Look for a collar that is adjustable and will grow with your dog. We recommend the flat collar over all others. Harness Veterinarians usually recommend a harness type of collar for those dogs who tend to be higher energy and require more effort when on the leash. The harness wraps around their bodies so not to choke them or crush their necks. These types of harnesses are ideal for younger dogs that are just being trained or are giving trouble with obedience. Some great options can be found here. Choke Collar The choke collar should be used as a last resort for very poorly behaved dogs. This collar actually works to keep the dog submissive towards his or her owner. There are some choke collars that are built with more safety features and you should do your research carefully to decide which one is best. This choke collar has some of those safety features built in, like rounded edges and dual rings.

Here are the causes and some ways to prevent bloating in dogs. Dog bloat is a deadly but also preventable condition that all pet parents should be aware of. Understanding what causes bloating in dogs will help you prevent it and know when it is happening, so you can address it quickly and effectively. Dog bloat, also called gastric dilatation volvulus in more formal environments, can cause death within hours. The stretched stomach then twists, trapping the gas and blocking off the blood supply. But there are steps that pet owners can take to protect their animal from bloat and, if possible, get their dog treatment for this condition before it is fatal. What Causes Dog Bloat While there is no single cause for dog bloat, there are a few circumstances and conditions that make it more likely to happen: Swallowing large amounts of air Certain breeds are more prone to bloating in dogs Feeding regularity may impact the chances of bloat Age also increases the likelihood of dog bloat Stress is another contributing factor Swallowing Air Is a Primary Cause of Bloat While dog bloat can be caused by consuming too much food or water and stretching the stomach that way, another very common cause is the swallowing of air. This might happen if your dog eats too quickly or exercises heavily immediately after a meal. Feeding Schedule and Diet May Increase the Likelihood of Bloat How often you feed your dog and what kind of food you feed to them can impact the likelihood that they will experience bloat. Dogs who are fed less regularly — once a day — are more likely to experience bloat because their stomach has more time to shrink between meals, then get stretched out during that singular feeding time. Rich foods, such as table scraps intended for humans, tend to cause gas in dogs which can result in this condition. A dog with a well-balanced diet , providing the right amounts of protein and fat, will be less likely to suffer from bloat. Older Dogs Are More Prone to This Condition Dogs in their middle to senior years are more likely to experience bloat than puppies or young adult dogs. There is plentiful evidence, though, that older dogs are more likely to be impacted by this condition. Stress Can Be a Contributing Factor in Dog Bloat A stressed out dog is more likely to experience a number of health issues that a relaxed pet will be able to avoid. Feeling calm can help your pet in a number of ways. Dog bloat tends to be more prevalent in animals that are hyperactive and stressed because they are more likely to eat and drink quickly and in excess. If you notice this symptom in your dog, you should call the veterinarian immediately. Your dog will try to expel the contents of their stomach in an effort to clear their system and feel better, but because of the twist or because the bloat is from gas, not food , they will not be able to produce anything. They may also drool excessively from nausea and discomfort. The ways this can manifest itself are variable, but your dog will likely communicate with you about their discomfort through whining, crouching, or being sensitive to touch around their abdominal area. This means the dog bloat has graduated to severe and your pet is struggling to manage the pain and discomfort. Signs of Restlessness May Accompany Other Bloat Symptoms A dog who is experiencing bloat might demonstrate various signs of restlessness, such as pacing, panting, or drooling. These are indicators of discomfort and stress from their condition. Will a Dog with Bloat Poop? Generally, a dog with bloat will not be able to poop. If they do, it will be diarrhea and of small volume. But do not assume that because your dog has been able to have a bowel movement they are not experiencing bloat. Feed your dog two meals a day for the healthiest outcome. If your dog is still a fast eater, you might consider a specially designed slow-feeding bowl. Also ensure the content of their food is meeting their nutritional needs and not causing excess gas. You may even consider talking to your veterinarian about a low-carbohydrate diet, which may help with bloat. Pay Attention to When Your Dog Exercises in Relation to Meals Strenuous exercise should be avoided in the one- to two-hour window immediately after meals. This invites excessive stretching of the stomach from both food and air intake, which is a prime recipe for dog bloat. Drinking water not only stretches the stomach but your dog likely intakes a lot of air if they are drinking water too quickly. If you notice them gorging themselves on water, take the bowl away for a little while to let them calm down. Always return it within short order, though, to ensure your pet stays hydrated. It is possible for a veterinarian to treat bloating in dogs with surgery if they can get to the animal quickly enough, but it can be the difference of a few minutes when it comes to a bloated dog and life or death. Do not hesitate to take your dog to the emergency animal clinic if you think they are experiencing bloat, and take all necessary precautions to prevent this deadly condition. Inability or unwillingness to settle or lie down Increased heart rate Pale mucus membranes the tissue around their teeth The appearance of a wide stance with elbows extended Not all dogs with GDV will exhibit all of these signs and symptoms. Most of these are very serious and life-threatening conditions, including GDV. And because of this, it's fair to say that any dog that "looks bloated" should always be taken to the vet ASAP. As you'll see, and as they highlight in the voiceover, the poor dog in the video is exhibiting many of the dog bloat symptoms. Luckily, he was rushed to an emergency vet and survived. For more detail about each dog bloat symptom and what GDV is, read our dog bloat prevention article. To chat with a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has a bloated stomach, Click here What to Do If You Think Your Dog is Bloated Take your dog to a veterinarian for immediate evaluation and treatment. If your regular vet isn't open, seek immediate attention at another veterinary practice or find your closest veterinary emergency hospital. Do NOT wait to see if it will pass or improve. It will not. Within 1 to 2 hours, without treatment, a dog suffering from GDV will go into shock. Their heart rate will rise, and their pulse will get weaker, leading to death. Prepare for the Outcome This may be hard to read. But you should also start to have a frank and honest discussion in your head, or with other family members, about your goals for your pet's condition. It is also important to discuss what your time, emotional, and financial resources are and if they will allow you to realize those goals. Things are going to move very fast once you get to the veterinary hospital, and you'll be asked to make major decisions quickly. I know this sounds crass and cold, so I'll apologize now, but I would be misleading you and not helping if I didn't tell you that this truly is "gut check" time. Such exploration and discussion are truly in your dog's best interest — as well as yours. You should start getting a sense of "how far you are willing to go" with medical treatment. Sadly, though understandably, for many people, this often translates into how much money they are willing or able to spend. I know this is sad and that it sucks, but it is the reality. So, it truly is best for you to at least be thinking about these factors before you arrive at the hospital. Treating GDV is possible, but the outcome isn't. As GDV is considered a serious emergency, hospital staff will want to take your dog to the back right away for initial diagnostics X-rays, blood pressure, EKG traces, and more , particularly if you called ahead to notify them of your arrival and suspicions. You will need to be patient while diagnostics are obtained, but someone will update you as soon as possible. Though that will seem like an eternity to you, please know that the veterinary team is diligently working hard to stabilize your dog and get you the information you need. Know whether you want to resuscitate perform CPR. If your dog with GDV suffers a cardiac arrest — which is not uncommon — the hospital staff can begin CPR, but they'll need your permission to do so, and they'll need it quickly. Upon check-in, there will be forms and paperwork for you to complete. Use the time that your dog is in the back being stabilized and evaluated to complete these steps so that your dog can be entered into the system as efficiently as possible. GDV requires surgery to correct, specifically a procedure called "gastropexy. If you do not or aren't able to move forward with the surgery, euthanasia is likely the only other option. While devastating, relieving your dog of their suffering is a humane and compassionate thing to do, albeit gut-wrenching. If treatment progresses, your dog, once stable, will need to go to surgery to derotate the stomach into its normal anatomic location. At the same time, the health of the stomach wall, spleen, and other organs and intestines will be evaluated. As with any surgery, complications can arise. Your veterinarian will be sure to discuss these with you. Gastropexy Surgery During a gastropexy or "pexy" for short , the stomach is surgically "tacked" or sewn to the inner surface of your dog's abdominal body wall, the idea being to make a permanent adhesion that will ultimately prevent a future episode of torsion. You should be aware, however, that a stomach that has been tacked can still bloat or dilate; it just can't rotate or torse. It must be noted, however, there have been the occasional cases where tacking has failed and GDV has recurred, though these cases are rare. This surgery may involve a splenectomy in some cases. A splenectomy complete removal of the spleen may be performed in some instances of GDV. This results in a compromise to the blood supply of the spleen and to the tissues of the spleen itself. A dog can survive perfectly fine without a spleen but not with a spleen that is dying or compromised. A gastropexy can be done as a preventative surgery. If you have a dog that is predisposed to GDV, for example, if they're a barrel-chested breed, then you may want to consider this procedure as a preemptive move. If your dog isn't spayed or neutered yet, you may want to consider scheduling this procedure at the same time while they're under anesthesia. Don't hesitate to discuss this with your veterinarian. Read our article on bloat prevention for more ways to help avoid this devastating condition from happening. Is surgery the only option? The short answer. The only appropriate treatment for GDV is surgical correction. However, this does not mean that the issue has been solved, and your dog can now go home. It could result in putting a tube in your dog's lungs and killing or severely injuring your dog, or getting injured from a dog bite. This procedure must be done by a veterinary medical professional. The stomach tissue itself needs to be assessed to ensure that it is healthy and the tissue is not dead necrotic or dying. And the only way this can be done is by physical assessment and visualization, thus, via surgery. Additionally, your dog will still be experiencing the effects of shock. So they will need to stay in the hospital for a while. This is not going to automatically improve once a stomach is decompressed or derotated. Intravenous fluids, medications, and skilled monitoring are needed to immediately recognize and correct any abnormalities or imbalances noted while your dog is hospitalized. In fact, the struggle of trying to get oral medications into a dog when they have a potentially twisted stomach may worsen their discomfort and distress. It delays treatment and also carries the risk that the medication will wind up going down their trachea and into their lungs or that you could be bitten. The only correct way to treat bloat is to get your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible! Even if it turns out not to be a case of GDV, you and your dog will be happier for the peace of mind and relief a veterinary evaluation can provide. The time wasted trying to give at-home treatments will unnecessarily delay the proper veterinary evaluation and care needed to give your dog the best chance of survival. Within 1 to 2 hours, without treatment, your dog will go into shock if they're suffering from GDV. Shallow breathing Pale gums Puppies experiencing bloat will appear visibly uncomfortable and usually have a distended stomach. The pain may make your puppy act restless, pace, and whine and cry. Puppies may also wretch without producing vomit, as the blocked stomach entry will prevent regurgitation. The gums may appear pale, demonstrating a lack of oxygen, accompanied by shallow breathing and a rapid heartbeat. If your puppy is not treated, it will collapse and die. Causes of Bloat Several factors can contribute to your puppy experiencing bloat. Breed: Large and giant puppy breeds are three times more likely to experience bloat than mixed breeds. Large and giant breeds have wider, deeper stomachs that can hold more air, putting them at higher risk. The deep, narrow chest conformation of certain breeds creates a more acute angle where the esophagus connects with the stomach, making bloat more likely. Still, puppies of any size can develop bloat. Ingesting too much food or water quickly: When puppies eat food or drink too fast, they can inhale and trap large amounts of air in their stomachs and create bloat. The food or water itself can sometimes cause bloat, as a too-full stomach can press on other organs, no matter what is filling it. Exercising after eating: If a puppy partakes in strenuous exercise too soon after eating, its stomach can twist and swell, causing bloat. Anxiety: Irritable, anxious, and aggressive puppies are more prone to bloat. Weight: Dogs of any breed that weigh over pounds have a 20 percent risk of developing bloat at some point in their life. Diagnosing Bloat in Puppies To diagnose your puppy with bloat, your vet will examine clinical signs, medical history, and perform blood analysis and imaging tests like an ultrasound or X-ray. Imaging tests will reveal the extent of the bloat, and blood analysis will evaluate the level of oxygen loss. A speedy diagnosis is ideal, as an operation should happen as soon as possible. Treatment If you notice your puppy has symptoms of bloat, it needs to be taken to an animal hospital immediately. First, your vet will stabilize your puppy by administering IV fluids and oxygen. To treat bloat, your veterinarian decompresses your puppy's distended stomach by passing a tube down its throat to empty air from the stomach and allow the return of normal blood flow. When the stomach is twisted, your puppy will need surgery to properly reconfigure it. Sometimes, part of the stomach or the entirety of the spleen will need to be removed. If your puppy's surgery is successful, your surgeon may perform a gastropexy the suturing of the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent future twisting. Prognosis for Puppies With Bloat The prognosis for puppies with bloat varies based on how early treatment is received and the extent of the organ damage. After surgery, your vet will monitor your puppy in the hospital for several days. Some puppies treated can return to normal shortly after treatment, while others will die regardless. The mortality rate for puppies who have received treatment for bloat is 20 to 40 percent and rises with every organ injury sustained. How to Prevent Bloat Although you can't completely prevent bloat, there are measures you can take to reduce its likelihood of occurring. Gastropexy surgery may be recommended preventatively, particularly in Great Danes or other puppies predisposed to bloat. Gastropexy doesn't prevent air from being trapped in the stomach, but it does keep the stomach from twisting. You can take many at-home measures to minimize the risk of bloat. These include lowering your puppy's food bowl, feeding smaller quantities of food over multiple meals throughout the day, separating multiple dogs at feeding times, and waiting several hours after eating before exercising your puppy. Positive puppy socialization that reduces anxiety can also help prevent bloat as it ages. FAQ Why does eating too fast cause bloat? Often if your puppy eats too much or too fast, its belly can be overfilled with food and gas, press on other organs, and cause bloat. How common is puppy bloat in a small breed dogs? Bloat most frequently occurs in large and giant breed dogs, but all dogs are able to experience the condition. How fast does it take for bloat to set in? Bloat sets in within two to three hours after your puppy begins experiencing symptoms. If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet. Article Sources The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. It is important to note that if you think that your Pug has bloat, and we will list the symptoms here, that you immediately bring your dog to the veterinarian. Time is of the essence and with without treatment bloat is often fatal. What This is: Bloat is a serious and sometimes fatal swelling of the stomach. If the stomach also twists, this is called gastric volvulus. The expansion and twisting cuts off vital blood supply to the spleen and splenic vessels which results in the dog going into shock. The event is extremely painful. Signs of Bloat with a Pug Dog: A puppy or dog may show one, some or all of these signs. While signs may appear right after eating or exercise, technically it may develop at any time. Vomiting, heaving, hacking - There may be repeated attempts to throw up that may or may not expel food or fluids. The dog may dry heave, make hacking noises or lean over as if he wants to vomit. This may be misinterpreted as coughing. A hunched posture - Due to the intense pain that a dog experiences and the internal swelling that is rapidly occurring, a Pug may hunch over, with his back curved. Though this condition is named after this symptom, a dog can have bloat without there being any noticeable changes to the stomach area. As it progresses - Again, a dog can enter the fatal phase within just minutes. Signs include trouble breathing, slowed heartbeat, weakness, and eventual collapse. What Causes Bloat: Type of breed. Most often this occurs with dogs that have deep yet narrow chests. Therefore, the Pug dog is not among those most prone to this. However, any dog of any breed including mixes can develop bloat. Eating too quickly - Food will be eaten very rapidly causing the dog to quickly swallow both food and air. Drinking too quickly - Though many people associate bloat with food, this can happen due to fast water ingestion as well. Height of bowl- There is some correlation between dogs that eat from raised bowls and higher incidence of bloat. Heavy exercise that occurs close to eating; most often right after eating. Other possible correlations: Happens to male slightly more often than females, being underweight, high stress, having a close relative the Pug's sire, dam or siblings that has had bloat, eating dry kibble that contains citric acid risk increases if that food is moistened , foods heavy in fat. Conscientious owners should be aware of what can develop with this breed in order to spot problems early. This gives the Pug better chance at successful treatment and recovery. You may read that offering OTC medication to relieve gas can be a first step, however in the case of actual GDS, this will not help and will only waste precious time. If you suspect bloat, you will want to bring your Pug to the veterinarian immediately. If it is after hours or the office is otherwise closed, do not wait until the next day. Locate the closet emergency animal hospital. Mortality Rate: A dog's chances of surviving decrease each minute that he is not receiving emergency treatment. The dog will be given an IV to help stabilize blood pressure and to administer medications to help combat shock and pain. To relieve pressure and help prevent rupturing, an esophageal tube will be inserted through the mouth or a trocar a long, thin needle will be inserted into the stomach. X-rays will be taken to confirm that there is volvulus the twisting of the stomach. Surgery is performed. With gastropexy, the stomach will be connected to the abdominal wall cavity which works significantly well to prevent this from reoccurring. Bed rest and very light meals will be required for 7 to 10 days afterward. How to Prevent Bloat: In general, those with Pugs do not need to be overly worried since this breed is not at high risk; however, it is wise to make some changes that will not only help prevent bloat but can also ease flatulence and other issues that are related to ingestion of food: Use a floor-level food bowl. If your Pug tends to eat very quickly, use a slow-feeder bowl this has projections that distribute the food, forcing a dog to slow down or place a stainless steel portion pacer in the bowl. If your Pug tends to gulp down water very quickly, offer water more often throughout the day so that he never becomes overly thirsty. While typical walks both before and after eating is just fine, do not encourage your Pug do perform any heavy exercise that involves running for up to 1 hour after eating. Since bloat tends to happen more often with dogs that are under stress, do all that you can to keep your home environment peaceful and calm. This will be beneficial to all Pugs at any rate. Feed your Pug a high quality food. Cheap foods often contain too many carbs which can then lead to gas and in some cases, worsen to bloat. Do not feed your Pug table scraps or any foods that may be high in fat; this includes deep-fried foods. In regard to manufactured foods, you'll want to steer clear of any that have fat among the top 4 ingredients will be listed as chicken fat, beef fat, etc. If your Pug puppy or dog has a close relative parents or sibling that has had bloat, this increases his chances; so be especially vigilant. You may also be interested in these other Pug health issues: Hip dysplasia - This is an abnormal growth or slippage of the hip socket and joint and Pugs are very prone to this disorder. Constipation - If a Pug has trouble pushing out a bowel movement or has very hard stools, this can often be remedied from home by making a few changes. Diarrhea - Just a short bout of this can cause a dog to become dehydrated. There are some steps you can do from home to treat this and if this does not clear up in a couple of days, it will be time to see the vet. Bad Breath - Reasons for this can vary from something as simple as food stuck in the corner of the mouth or something caught in the teeth or can be due to more serious issues including tooth decay or stomach problems. Breathing problems - Being a brachycephalic breed, the Pug is prone to breathing issues. This can be due to elongated palate, stenotic nares, issues with the larynx or trachea or a combination of any of these conditions. Are you a site member? Become a free PetPugDog member to start receiving newsletters that announce new articles and important information. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. The severity of the case determines the treatment recommendation for the affected dog. At VMC, we aim for rapid confirmation of diagnosis, attending to patient comfort by release of as much gas pressure as possible and with pain medications , and for rapid stabilization and preparation for surgery. Dogs that are bloated without volvulus can normally be treated non-surgically. There are some definitive diagnostic indicators that can tell us that we are dealing with a high-risk surgery with a low probability of success. We want the pet owner to be able to make an educated decision about proceeding with surgery in those cases. The surgery also allows the veterinarian to assess the amount of damage caused by the lack of blood flow due to the twisted stomach. If there is any tissue that is damaged it will be removed. In extreme cases where the condition has been left untreated for a longer time period, there may be too little live tissue to salvage. With appropriate pre-surgical diagnostics, pet owners can be informed of this risk in most cases prior to pursuing surgery. Generally, a gastropexy is also performed during the surgical procedure. During a gastropexy, the stomach is sutured to the abdominal wall. This is designed to keep the stomach in place and prevent twisting of the stomach if bloat occurs again. Dogs especially those with any of the risk factors above may also require intensive care after surgery, including the possible need for blood transfusions and other specialized care. Preventing Bloat Preventative measures can be taken to reduce the risk of bloat. Some strategies that are currently recommended are: Feed smaller meals more frequently, and restrict activity for hours after meal time. Do not use a raised food bowl. Never let the dog drink a large amount of water all at once. Avoid strenuous exercise on a full stomach. To lessen the severity of bloat, a gastropexy is an excellent preventive. Many owners of large breeds of dogs routinely opt to have the surgery done when their dogs are young. This procedure is often performed at the time of neuter or spay, and this procedure can now be performed laparoscopically at the Veterinary Medical Center of CNY. None of these measures will guarantee that the dog won't bloat, but they may help reduce the severity of the problem if it arises. Without treatment the condition is fatal. Pet owners should be familiar with their nearest veterinary emergency facility in the event that their regular veterinarian is not available after hours or does not have experience handling this condition. If possible, call ahead and tell them you suspect bloat. Time is of the essence when dealing with cases of bloat, and the sooner your pet receives veterinary care, the better chance of a full recovery. A true GDV is a condition that must be treated surgically in order for your dog to survive. Surgery and post-operative care are costly, and euthanasia is the only alternative that will prevent suffering for the dog. For those who own breeds in the high risk pool, we recommend budgeting for a preventive gastropexy rather than risking an expensive emergency surgery with an already compromised pet. Many pet insurance companies will also provide coverage for this preventive surgery. We offer pre-screening triage services by partnering with VetTriage! Visit Us. Early detection and treatment can help prevent the condition from becoming severe and even life-threatening. What are the Risk Factors of Bloat? Large breed dogs, such as Great Danes, St. Bernards, and Doberman Pinschers, are more susceptible to bloat. Dogs that have a family history of bloat. Dogs that have had a previous episode of bloat. The treatment for a bloated belly in dogs depends on the underlying cause. Your vet will be able to determine the cause of the bloating and provide the necessary treatment. There are some things you can do to help your dog feel better. Smaller Meals Feed your dog smaller meals multiple times throughout the day rather than serving big meals at once. This will help prevent overeating and reduce the risk of a bloated belly. Avoid giving your dog table scraps, especially foods that are high in fat. Hydrate Teach or encourage your dog to drink more water to aid in getting rid of any toxins from their body. Dehydration can exacerbate bloating, so make sure your dog always has access to clean drinking water. Avoid Certain Foods Avoid giving your dog foods that are known to cause bloating: Some foods are more likely to cause bloating than others, including beans, broccoli, cabbage, and onions. Avoid giving these foods to your dog. Slow Down Slow down eating: Some dogs eat too quickly, which can also contribute to bloating. To slow them down, you can use a special bowl designed to make eating more challenging or you can spread their food out on a flat surface. Exercise Exercise your dog regularly to help them maintain a healthy weight. However, please be aware that GDV can also be caused by too much exercise, in which case exercise would not be recommended. For this reason, you should always consult with your veterinarian before increasing or implementing a new exercise routine. This will help relieve the bloating and other symptoms. If your dog has parasites, they will need to be treated with medication. Your vet can prescribe appropriate medication to help get rid of the parasites and reduce the bloating. What vets will do for a severe emergency case of bloating? An emergency case requires immediate veterinary attention. Here are the steps that a vet may take if your dog is experiencing an emergency bloating episode: Physical Examination The veterinarian will physically examine your dog to evaluate the severity of the bloating and check for any other symptoms or underlying health issues. Stabilization If your dog is in shock or unsteady, the vet may need to alleviate the issue with fluids, oxygen, or other supportive measures. Diagnostic Tests The vet may perform diagnostic tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, blood work, or other imaging studies. Decompression Animal doctors may need to decompress the stomach by inserting a tube through the mouth or nose and into the stomach to release trapped gas. Surgery In severe cases of GDV or intestinal obstruction, surgery may be necessary to untwist the stomach or remove the obstructing object. Follow-Up Care After the preliminary emergency has been managed, your dog may require ongoing follow-up care, such as dietary changes, medication management, or further diagnostic testing. Conclusion Bloat is a serious condition that can be life-threatening for dogs. Our expert veterinarians can be reached at , or you can Request an Appointment Online. You can help to prevent this issue by feeding your dog at least twice daily, and not allowing exercise immediately after eating. This is caused by an overabundance of the cortisol hormone — the hormone related to stress. Symptoms your pup may be experiencing this can include excess eating, drinking, and urinating, as well as unusual pacing and hair loss. Peritonitis Peritonitis is a serious infection caused by a punctured stomach or intestinal wall. This is most commonly caused by the ingestion of sharp objects such as wood splinters, bone fragments, various edgy environmental materials, tumors, and ulcers. This is a very painful condition and must be treated immediately at your local animal emergency clinic. It is very likely that an immediate surgical procedure must be undergone to fix this condition. Ascites Various internal diseases can cause fluid build-up in the abdominal area. This build-up can cause a condition called ascites. Heart failure, liver disease, kidney failure, intestinal problems, and tumors can all cause this condition. Parasites can also be the culprit. One of the symptoms of late-stage severe heartworm infection is ascites. This can help you rest assured that your canine companion is going to be okay with the help of our veterinarian. Even so, these conditions can be fatal in only a matter of hours and require immediate attention at the earliest signs. Contact our vet and speak to them about what you can do to develop a prevention plan. This will help ensure your dog is not only free of stomach swelling but also the various other health challenges that can arise. I never imagined I'd be able to find a vet who would treat her with care and tender hearts even through all the yowling and screeching, but they were wonderful. Thank you so much for treating Reese and being so patient and thorough with your explanations.! They have cared for my dogs and cats for several years now-- I wouldn't take them anywhere else. They are always friendly and caring-- especially in difficult situations, like the death of a pet. Dr Gormley always knows what to do quickly making a diagnosis and treatment plan I'll be forever grateful to him for saving my Dachshund's eye after a serious injury! Gormley and all of the Vet Techs at Highland Vet clinic. They saved my dog who was critically sick with Parvo. All of the staff at Highland are caring and truly love animals.

Take them on a walk for 45 minutes every day, and supplement that with fetch in the backyard or indoor play with toys. Be aware that Ori-Peis are very sensitive to both hot and cold weather. Luckily, Ori-Peis love to be trained. As working dogs, Shar-Peis are highly intelligent and pass that love of learning down to their Ori-Pei puppies. Pugs are smart as well, but as companion dogs, tend to be a little more stubborn. You might find yourself having to work around an independent streak. When training, try to avoid yelling or scolding too much. Instead, punish problem behaviors by declaring the end of playtime. Reward good behaviors with treats, pats, and lots of praise. In time, your Ori-Pei can learn all sorts of commands and tricks. The biggest source of stink and discomfort for your Ori-Pei will be the folds on its face. Dirt and sweat will gather between the folds of skin, so make sure to regularly scrub them out. Not every Ori-Pei will suffer from these, and many of them still live long, happy lives. If your vet fears your dog might be susceptible to bloat, try feeding it using a slow feeder, as eating too fast can trigger gastric torsion. Breathing issues: Ori-Peis inherit squashed facial features that make it difficult for them to breathe. If hot weather causes them to pant too deeply, Ori-Peis have been known to fall seriously ill or even die. Eye issues: Ori-Peis with more Pug-shaped faces might have eyes that bulge out of their heads. This makes it harder for them to close their eyes, and consequently, more prone to poor eyesight and eye ulcers. Dysplasia: Elbow and hip dysplasia are both common maladies in Ori-Peis. Dogs that suffer from dysplasia have poorly shaped joints that increase their risk of arthritis over time. Minor Conditions. They may be stubborn at times but are not aggressive. The Ori Pei is easy to train and they love pleasing their master by learning new tricks. They are not highly active and enjoy staying indoors, playing with toys or even sleeping. The well-mannered and fair-tempered nature of the Ori Pei makes them get along well with children. They are protective towards the family and property and can be excellent watch dogs. However, they do not bark unnecessarily. Their charm and sense of humor is appealing. The Ori Pei enjoys chasing cats and smaller animals but is not harmful to them. Care Exercise This strong and intelligent breed needs moderate exercise. Though they are good house dogs they may be taken out for a walk or run to improve their physical and mental health. The owner should lead the dog while going on a walk or a jog and train it to walk on the leash behind them. It is not comfortable in roaming out when the climate is hot and must be kept indoors then. Moreover too much of outdoor exposure may make it difficult to clean its wrinkles. Therefore it is ideal to keep it indoors most of the time. Grooming The Ori Pei has a soft but double-layered coat and its wrinkles must be cleaned regularly to avoid formation of spots, infection and irritation. The folds of the skin should be wiped with a damp cloth and the skin must be thoroughly dried to prevent the growth of bacteria. The American Ori Pei tends to shed moderate amount of short hairs throughout the year and so the coat should be combed with a soft-bristle brush. However, the coat needs minimum brushing. It must also be bathed and shampooed occasionally to ensure cleanliness. Health Problems The smaller breeds of the Ori Pei are prone to inward sneezing. Another common health issue of this breed is cherry eye which is a condition when its third eyelid bulges out forming a reddish or pinkish tinge. Though its respiratory concerns are lesser than the pug, its breathing must be monitored during vigorous exercise, mainly in the summer months. Training Though the Ori Peis are easy to train, their stubborn nature may at times be a hindrance to training. Improper training may result in a behavioral problem. The trainer must be firm, patient and confident and train the dog to obey him. The Ori Peis are strong for their size and is needed to undergo leash training to instill a sense of obedience in them. In order to build up a good temperament, adequate socialization training is necessary since its puppy days so that it may interact well with strangers and also other animals. Feeding Like other general toy dogs, both the American Ori Pei adults and puppies require high quality dry dog food in adequate amount, which is to be divided into two equal meals. Interesting facts This cross-breed was developed to correct health issues in both the parent breeds. Ori Peis snore at times. This dog would respond briskly to a ringing bell, barking instantly to the sound. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. His tiny ears sit atop a large, powerful head with a short muzzle and purple tongue. The finishing touch is a thick, round tail that curls over his back. To be sure, the Shar-Pei is an interesting-looking dog, and his looks alone are enough to prompt many would-be owners to choose this breed. This breed is calm enough that he can live in an apartment. Early training is essential for the strong-willed Shar-Pei. Grooming is a cinch with the Shar-Pei. With all those wrinkles, however, he can be prone to skin problems so extra attention and care may be needed in that area. Increased popularity leads to increased breeding, especially by unscrupulous breeders who breed with no regard for health, temperament, and conformation. Today he is primarily a companion, though he retains fighting toughness. Due to his short nose, the Shar-Pei is prone to overheating. Keep him inside with fans or air conditioning during hot summer months. Like other short-nosed breeds, he tends to snore and wheeze, and makes a terrible jogger. Like the Chow, the Shar-Pei has a dark tongue. This is considered normal, even desirable, by dog show enthusiasts. The wrinkles and skin folds are an ideal breeding ground for fungal infections. Though devoted to his family, the Shar-Pei can be willful and stubborn. To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Chinese Shar-Pei History The Chinese Shar-Pei originated in the southern provinces of China where he was valued as a hunter, herder, guardian, and fighter. Some historians believe the Shar-Pei is an ancient breed, though there is no definitive evidence to prove this. The first National Specialty show was held in .Chinese Shar-Pei Size Males and females stand 18 to 20 inches tall and weigh 40 to 55 pounds. He is said to enjoy the companionship of people more than dogs, and he likes to be with his owner all the time. A calm and confident dog, he seems to develop an intuitive understanding of his owner or family. As devoted as he is, the Shar-Pei is also independent and strong willed. He is protective of his family — making for an excellent guard dog — and will respond to threats. Because he once was used as a pit-fighting dog, he can be aggressive toward other canines. Like every dog, the Shar-Pei needs early socialization — exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences. Socialization helps ensure that your Shar-Pei puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills. Chinese Shar-Pei Health Shar-Peis are prone to certain health conditions, especially skin conditions. Shar-Pei Fever: Also known as swollen hock syndrome, this condition manifests in the swelling of the hock joint sometimes both joints , and results in reluctance to move, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and shallow breathing. Dogs have one or more bouts of unexplained fever with temperatures as high as to degrees. The condition usually starts at 18 months, but can appear when the dog is an adult. The fever lasts 24 to 36 hours, and treatment includes reducing fever and pain. Hypothyroidism: This is a disorder of the thyroid gland. It is treated with medication and diet. Cancer: Symptoms include abnormal swelling of a sore or bump, sores that do not heal, bleeding from any body opening, and difficulty with breathing or elimination. Treatments for cancer include chemotherapy, surgery, and medications. Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, is also a degenerative disease. The disease varies in severity: the dog could simpy develop arthritis, or he could become lame. Treatment includes surgery, weight management, medical management, and anti-inflammatory medication. Demodectic Mange: Also known as demodicosis, this is caused by the demodex mite, which a mother dog passes to her pups in their first few days of life. In its localized form, patches of red, scaly, balding skin appear on the head, neck and forelegs. It often clears up on its own, but even so, you should take your dog to the vet to prevent it from turning into the generalized form of demodectic mange, which covers the entire body and causes infection. Seborrhea: This is a condition characterized by flaky skin and a rancid odor. It is usually a secondary condition to allergy, infection, or other disease. Treatment includes bathing in medicated shampoo and treating the underlying disease. Pyoderma: Another skin condition, this is a bacterial infection of the skin, and is fairly common in the Shar-Pei. It can be a primary or secondary infection; the latter results from an underlying condition such as allergy or hypothyroidism. Pyoderma is treated with antibiotics. Patellar Luxation: Also known as slipped stifles, this is a common problem in small dogs. The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part as a bone at a joint. Patellar luxation is when the knee joint often of a hind leg slides in and out of place, causing pain. This can be crippling, although many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition. X-ray screening is the most certain way to diagnose the problem. Either way, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Gastric Torsion: Also called bloat, this is a life-threatening condition that can affect large, deep-chested dogs. This is especially true if they are fed one large meal a day, eat rapidly, drink large volumes of water after eating, and exercise vigorously after eating. Bloat is more common among older dogs. GDV occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists torsion. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid himself of the excess air in the stomach, and the normal return of blood to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen and is salivating excessively and retching without throwing up. He also may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak, with a rapid heart rate. Osteochondrosis Dissecans OCD : This orthopedic condition, caused by improper growth of cartilage in the joints, usually occurs in the elbows, but it has been seen in the shoulders as well. It causes a painful stiffening of the joint, to the point that the dog is unable to bend his elbow. It can be detected in dogs as early as four to nine months of age. Cutaneous Mucinosis: Mucin is the substance in the skin that causes wrinkling. Clear and stringy, it acts like glue when a dog is wounded. Some Shar-Peis have an excess of mucin, however, which causes it to form clear bubbles on the skin that may rupture and ooze. It may be associated with allergies and is treated with steroid therapy. Glaucoma: Glaucoma is defined by an increased pressure in the eye, and can be found in two forms: primary, which is hereditary, and secondary, which is caused by decreased fluid in the eye due to other eye diseases. Symptoms include vision loss and pain, and treatment and prognosis vary depending on the type. Glaucoma is treated surgically or with eye drops. Entropion: This is the inward rolling of the eyelid, usually the lower one, and found in both eyes. It causes vision loss and irritation, and generally occurs before a dog turns a year old. Corrective surgery when the dog reaches adulthood is an effective treatment. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. He does well in a limited space, such as an apartment or condo, as long as he gets daily exercise. A backyard is not required, but he does appreciate getting out and stretching his legs. In general, the Shar-Pei is fairly happy just hanging out with his owner, wherever he may be. Begin training and socializing your Sharpei the day you bring him home, and commit to continuing the process all his life. He can also be stubborn and owners must be consistent and firm in order to establish leadership. He is generally eager to please, though, and responsive to training. This will help prevent him from becoming overly shy or overprotective. Since this breed can be aggressive toward other dogs, the Shar-Pei should be kept leashed in public. The Shar-Pei is classified as a short-nosed, or brachycephalic breed, similar to the Bulldog , Boxer , Pug. Their short noses make them highly sensitive to heat, which means they make lousy jogging companions. To prevent heat stroke, these dogs should be kept inside with fans or air conditioning in hot weather. Chinese Shar-Pei Feeding Recommended daily amount: 1. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. For more on feeding your Shar-Pei, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. You can find it in many colors, including solid black, cream, fawn, red, sable, and blue. He sheds minimally. While the Shar-Pei is a naturally clean dog with very little odor, he needs only a little grooming to keep him looking good. A thorough brushing once a week with a rubber curry or grooming mitt is sufficient to remove dead hair and dirt. Frequent baths tend to irritate his skin. Brushing and bathing are the easy parts of grooming the Shar-Pei. The difficult, but essential, part is getting him dry after a bath. Wipe thoroughly between the folds with a dry towel to eliminate all moisture. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding — and your dog may not cooperate the next time he sees the nail clippers come out. His ears should be checked weekly for redness or a bad odor, which can indicate an infection. Do not use a swab to clean the ears and take care not to get water in them when bathing. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. In order to provide the best chances for getting along with other dogs and animals, the Shar-Pei should be raised with them from an early age. Since he tends to be aggressive with other canines, supervision is essential. Chinese Shar-Pei Rescue Groups Shar-Peis are often acquired without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Shar-Peis in need of adoption and or fostering, so consider contacting a rescue group before going to a breeder. Chinese Shar-Pei Breed Organizations Below are breed clubs, organizations, and associations where you can find additional information about the Chinese Shar-Pei. Life Span Did You Know? The Shar-Pei is an ancient dog breed that originated in China and dates back to the Han Dynasty over 2, years ago. Unlike the Pug, they were not known as a noble companion. In particular, they were primarily used by Chinese farmers as all-around farm dogs. These wrinkly, unique dogs were prized for their intelligence, rugged versatility, and fierce loyalty. Shar-Pei could often be found working simultaneously as herders and protectors on the farm, as hunting dogs, and as family companions. Because dog ownership was frowned upon under this regime, many dogs were systematically slaughtered. And so, the breed was able to survive and then thrive. Although the first documented appearance of the Shar-Pei in the United States occurred in the mids, they did not start to gain popularity until .This was the year that Matgo Law, a breeder in Hong Kong, appealed to breeders and dog fans in the United States to help save the Shar-Pei from extinction. Dog lovers in the U. From there, the Shar-Pei truly made it to the United States and the population began to increase. The Chinese Shar-Pei is a dog that is devoted and fiercely loyal to their families. They may have an independent nature, but they do bond closely with their families and are affectionate with them. They tend to have a calm and gentle demeanor at home and also tend to do well with older children. Due to their guardian instincts, they can be wary and standoffish with strangers. Socialization and training early and often are important for any dog breed. But, as a breed with a protective instinct, they are particularly important for the Shar-Pei. A poorly socialized or poorly trained Shar-Pei can become territorial and their natural suspicion towards strangers can turn into aggression if they perceive them as a threat. The Shar-Pei is a highly adaptable dog breed. They thrive in large homes with fenced-in yards where they can patrol, play, and run. But, they can also adapt well to smaller homes and apartments as long as they get the mental stimulation, affection, and exercise they need to be happy and healthy. Chinese Shar-Pei do well in moderate climates. However, as a short-snouted dog, they do not handle heat well. They also may need to bundle up when the temperatures drop to stay warm. They do bond closely with their families and prefer to be near them. Plus, they can get bored easily and a bored dog can easily become a destructive dog. Every dog breed has some potential health concerns to keep in mind, even if they tend to be relatively healthy. Hip and elbow dysplasia, cardiovascular issues, thyroid conditions, skin issues, and gastrointestinal disorders have all been found in the breed. Reputable breeders will screen their breeding dogs to avoid passing on issues to puppies as much as possible. You can also ask about any relevant health clearances or test results to further allay any concerns you may have. As a larger, broad-chested dog breed, the Shar-Pei is also at a higher risk of bloat, which can become very serious, very quickly if gastric torsion occurs. Although the Shar-Pei is highly intelligent and picks up on things quickly, they also have an independent nature and can be quite stubborn. This can be difficult for a first-time dog owner to handle on their own. As such, puppy training classes or enlisting the help of a professional dog trainer is recommended for novice owners. Regardless of owner experience, puppy training classes can still be a good idea as they often offer opportunities to socialize a puppy on top of providing some structure and consistency for training. The Shar-Pei will shed regularly throughout the year and will probably drool too. Monthly nail trimming is usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. They may just grow quickly or your dog might not be wearing them down as much naturally. You want to make sure ears are clean, dry, and free of debris and pests. Unfortunately, many dog owners overlook this, which is why gum disease is the most common health issues in dogs. By practicing good dental care for dogs , you can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Overall, the Shar-Pei has a moderate activity level. However, this will vary among individual dogs. You should be prepared for daily walks plus some playtime and extra activity. Oftentimes, a Shar-Pei will be up for more activity if you are. You may find that your Shar-Pei loves going on hikes, playing frisbee , or even training for dog sports. Because of their versatility, they tend to be a good fit for a variety of dog sports like agility, obedience, rally, tracking, and more. A fully-grown Shar-Pei usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. A Shar-Pei generally lives years. Also, the Shar-Pei tends to have a dark tongue like the Chow Chow. Featured Shar Pei Article.