The Ultimate Guide to Spaying a Dog: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know

One of the decisions you may have to make as an ethical pet owner is whether or not to spay your female dogs. Spaying, also known as an ovariohysterectomy, is a performed operation that removes a female dog's ovaries and uterus. When it comes to our cherished friends, we want to give them the best life possible.

While this is not an easy decision, knowing the benefits of spaying can help pet owners make an informed and responsible decision for their cherished canine friend. This article will go into the specifics of spaying a dog, including its benefits, considerations, the process itself, and the recovery and aftercare necessary.

Top 3 Benefits of Spaying Your Dog

Having your dog spayed presents many benefits as it eliminates potential health risks, including:

#1 Risk of Certain Cancers

Spaying your dog before her first heat cycle dramatically minimizes the likelihood of getting aggressive or cancerous mammary cancer. 

Here are some other cancer-related health issues that will be avoided through spaying:

• Ovarian and uterine cancer: Spayed female dogs are less likely to develop other reproductive system diseases, such as ovarian and uterine cancer and uterine infections (pyometra), which can be fatal.
• Breast Cancer: Spaying eliminates the chance of breast cancer in female dogs because breast cancer is generally physiologically driven. The female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) form breast tissue in dogs. 

#2 Risk of Unwanted Pregnancies

Spaying is a permanent and highly effective birth control method for female dogs, preventing the birth of countless unwanted puppies and reducing pet overpopulation. Removing the ovaries and uterus makes it impossible for your lady fluffernutter to become pregnant. She will also not go into heat and mate with male dogs. 

It also eliminates the risks of having unwanted litter. Some pet owners may find this overwhelming and abandon or surrender their pets, worsening the problem of homeless animals and overpopulation.

#3 Behavioral Benefits

Spaying doesn't only present advantages to physical health; it can also help improve your dog's behavioral patterns. It will reduce undesirable behaviors in most dogs, such as roaming, urine marking, and aggression caused by hormonal fluctuations during heat cycles.

Spaying can also help eliminate the discomfort and mood swings associated with heat cycles, leading to a more relaxed and content dog.

3 Considerations You Should Know Before Spaying

Before deciding to go through the spaying procedure, it's essential to consider the following:

#1 Age requirements

The ideal age for spaying a dog may vary depending on breed and size. It is generally recommended to spay dogs before their first heat cycle, usually between 6-12 months of age. Mammary cancer and other reproductive-related issues can be reduced by early spaying.

However, spaying too early, particularly in very young and small breed dogs, can pose risks such as delayed growth and skeletal development. 

On the other hand, spaying older dogs may have increased risks associated with anesthesia and surgery. It's essential to discuss the optimal age for spaying with a veterinarian based on the individual dog's health and breed characteristics.

#2 Weight

The weight of a dog can also impact the safety of spaying. Large breed dogs may have increased risks during surgery, such as poor wound healing, anesthesia complications, and longer recovery times. It may be recommended that overweight dogs lose weight before the spaying procedure to reduce these risks.

#3 Potential Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, spaying carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and severe complications during the surgery. However, the risks are generally low, and the benefits of spaying outweigh them in most cases.

Pre-Surgical Preparations

Pre-surgical preparation ensures your dog's well-being and safety throughout the spay operation. 

Here are some compelling reasons why pre-surgical planning is critical before spaying your dog:

1. Health Assessment: After a physical examination, a veterinarian checks your dog's overall health for potential disorders that could affect the surgery. This is a part of the pre-surgical inspections. 

This includes assessing your dog's heart, lungs, and other essential organs to see if she is fit for anesthesia and surgery.

2. Customized Anesthetic Protocol: Because every dog is different, the anesthetic protocol should be modified to meet your dog's specific needs. 

Pre-surgical recovery planning enables the veterinarian to choose the proper anesthetic medicines and dosages based on your dog's age, breed, size, and overall health, thereby reducing the dangers connected with anesthesia.

3. Fasting Instructions: To avoid difficulties during anesthesia, your dog may need to fast for some time before the operation. This is done to lessen the risk of vomiting or regurgitation under anesthesia, which may result in aspiration pneumonia.

Pre-surgical preparation involves providing precise fasting instructions, such as avoiding food and water for a specified time before the surgery.

4. Medication Management: If your dog is on any medications, the vet will go through them with you during the pre-surgical preparation to see if any changes or discontinuations are needed before surgery. Some drugs can interfere with anesthesia or cause difficulties during surgery, so appropriate management is essential.
5. Preoperative Instructions: Pre-surgical preparation includes giving your dog important instructions to follow before the surgery, such as restricting her access to food and drink, maintaining a quiet and stress-free environment, and arranging for post-operative care. These recommendations help to reduce the danger of complications and assure your dog's quick recovery.
6. Education and Consent: As part of pre-surgery preparation, you, the pet owner, will explain the surgical process, its risks, advantages, and expected outcomes. This enables you to make informed judgments and offer consent for the surgery while ensuring you understand the process and its ramifications for your dog.

Spaying Surgical Procedure

The spaying procedure involves the following steps:

1. A spay procedure: Once your dog is under anesthesia, the surgery begins; the veterinarian will incision in the abdomen to access the ovaries and uterus. The ovaries and uterus are then carefully removed, and the blood vessels and tissues are sutured to close the incision.
2. Anesthesia and monitoring: During the procedure, your dog will be under general anesthesia, ensuring she is comfortable and pain-free. The vet and veterinary staff will carefully monitor your dog's vital signs throughout the surgery to ensure her safety.

Aftercare and Recovery

Aftercare instructions following spaying surgery are essential for the successful recovery of your furry companion. Here are some general guidelines:

• Monitor your dog: Keeping a close eye on your dog allows you to spot any signs of discomfort, pain, or potential complications early on, allowing for prompt medical intervention. Monitoring your dog's behavior, appetite, incision site, and overall health can help prevent any post-operative issues and ensure a smooth and successful recovery after spaying.
• Limit activity: Your dog should avoid strenuous physical activity, jumping, and running for at least 10-14 days after surgery to allow the incision to heal properly. Keep her confined to a quiet, comfortable space to prevent unnecessary movements that could strain the incision site.
• Prevent licking and chewing: Dogs may be tempted to lick or chew at the incision site, which increases the risk of life-threatening infection or the incision to opening. Use an e-collar or a surgical suit to keep your pup from accessing the area.
• Medication administration: Follow your veterinarian's instructions for any prescribed pain medication, antibiotics, or other medications. Administer them as directed, and do not give any other medications or supplements without consulting your vet.
• Maintain a clean environment: Maintaining a clean environment is critical as part of the aftercare for a spayed dog to encourage healing and prevent complications. It also contributes to a quicker and easier recovery process and, eventually, adds to the complete success of the spaying treatment.
• Watch for signs of complications: Look for signs of infection, including redness, swelling, or secretion from the incision site, and if your dog appears to be in pain or distress. Contact your vet right away if you notice any concerning signs.
• Follow a restricted diet: Your veterinarian may provide specific dietary guidelines for your dog during recovery. Follow these instructions carefully and avoid giving your dog any table scraps or high-calorie treats that can cause weight gain or gastrointestinal issues.
• Follow-up appointments: Schedule and attend the necessary follow-up appointments recommended by your vet. These will enable them to track your dog's recovery progress and address your concerns or questions.
• Provide comfort and TLC: Show your dog extra love and care during her recovery period. Provide a comfortable and warm environment, plenty of water, and small, frequent meals to help her regain her strength.

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What Causes Dog Anxiety? + 4 Fool-Proof Ways to Calm Your Pet Down

The sweaty palms, the racing of your heart, and that general feeling of restlessness and unease paralyzing your entire being: these signs all spell out and point to anxiety. While it is a predominantly human problem, anxiety is also a pressing issue many pets face.

Research shows that dogs are more likely to develop the condition than other pets. Worried dog parents may ask: what causes dog anxiety? How can one calm their pet down during an anxiety episode? How can pet owners even determine that their dog is experiencing anxiety?

Let’s dive deeper into the inner workings of pet anxiety, discover what causes anxiety in dogs, and how to handle the condition.

How Does Anxiety Manifest in Dogs?

Before discussing the possible causes behind anxiety in your furry friend, owners must first learn what signs and behaviors indicate the condition in their pets. Some dog parents may overlook early warning signs and interpret them as normal or silly behavior.

However, these seemingly subtle and insignificant behaviors may point to something as serious as anxiety. Recognizing common anxiety symptoms will help dog parents identify the root of the problem and determine how to deal with it.

Anxiety can affect all dog breeds, and while its manifestation in each breed may differ, dogs display similar behaviors that point to the condition. 

Below are some behaviors every dog owner must keenly observe:

• Irregular toileting patterns (frequent urination, defecation, and peeing inside the house, etc.)
• Aggressive and destructive behavior towards other dogs, humans, and things (destroying furniture, barking, growling, etc.)
• Drooling, panting, pacing, and shivering regardless of the weather
• Reduced appetite
• Excessive licking and chewing
• Tail tucking
• Inability to hold eye contact
• Evasion and escape

Picking up on these behaviors and how frequently your dog exhibits them can help promptly address the condition in your pet, allowing you to prevent the disorder from worsening further. 

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Alt Text: shot of a dog lying on a couch that they chewed and ruined

5 Reasons Behind A Dog's Anxiety

If you’ve noticed that your pet repeatedly shows two or more behaviors listed above, your dog may be experiencing anxiety. The next logical step after learning the symptoms is identifying and understanding what is causing anxiety in your pet. 

Experts have identified five primary reasons that make a dog anxious:

1. Separation anxiety
2. Age-related anxiety
3. Fear of the environment and various stimuli
4. Social anxiety
5. General anxiety

Separation Anxiety

Most toddlers cry and cling to their parents or guardians during drop-offs in preschools and daycares. It might seem silly to adults, but to these children, the idea of being away from their parents, even for only a few hours, is enough to induce significant distress. 

While separation anxiety primarily occurs in young children, this condition may also manifest in dogs. With how attached they are to their owners, many dogs become sad when their owners leave home. 

However, dogs with separation anxiety may become extremely upset when separated from their owners or families or left alone. They howl, bark, and whine. They may engage in destructive and aggressive behavior, like chewing and biting furniture or peeing and pooping inside the house.

Separation anxiety is a prevalent issue in dogs, affecting more than 75% of their population in 2021. This condition may have developed due to several factors, such as 

• being abandoned by their previous owner,
• being placed in a shelter,
• previous negative experiences when left alone,
• trauma during their stay in a dog shelter, and
• the duration of abandonment.

Fear-related Anxiety

Besides their attachment to their owners, dogs may become anxious and agitated because of certain external factors. Like separation anxiety, fear-related anxiety may develop due to previous experiences. 

For example, they may develop anxiety triggered by overstimulating stimuli, such as loud noises during thunderstorms or fireworks and uncommon objects, like umbrellas. This is because the sounds remind them of a previous traumatic event. 

They may also show signs of stress in foreign environments or during unfamiliar and uncomfortable situations, such as going to the veterinarian for the first time, entering a car, moving to a new home, and more. 

And when around strangers, a dog excessively barks and tends to display anxiety or aggression. They may feel anxious about strangers because their scent reminds them of an abusive past owner.

Age-related Anxiety

To your knowledge, your dog hasn't suffered any traumatic events that could trigger fear-related anxiety, and they don't feel distressed when you leave for work. And yet, they're still showing symptoms of stress and anxiety for no reason. In that case, your pet may have age-related anxiety due to an underlying condition.

Like humans, dogs' physical and mental health inevitably deteriorates as they age. As a result, geriatric dogs may develop several mental health issues, such as cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). CDS is the pet equivalent of Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that results from the regression of the pet’s brain.

CDS negatively affects the dog's cognitive function, causes confusion, and triggers age-related anxiety. Senior dogs with anxiety may excessively drool, pant, pace, howl, and bark. They may also have trouble sleeping, often waking during the night.

Social Anxiety

Dogs may develop anxiety due to a lack of socialization during their developmental years. Socially anxious dogs may feel restless and afraid when interacting with new and unfamiliar people and animals because they aren’t used to interacting and are therefore overwhelmed.

Affected dogs will appear calm and at ease with their owners and families but may turn hostile and uncomfortable toward strangers. They may also panic upon leaving their homes because the thought of socializing with strangers upsets them.

Some socially anxious dogs are shy, tuck their tails, and cower around unfamiliar dogs and people. Others may show aggression and hostility towards these strangers by barking and howling at them. They may also pee and defecate due to excessive anxiety.

General Anxiety

Some dogs may persistently exhibit symptoms of the condition regardless of the situation, environment, age, and overall well-being. These dogs have developed Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), a condition that can be highly disruptive to a dog’s daily life if left undiagnosed and untreated.

Dogs affected by GAD may tremble, restlessly pace, hide, and have trouble controlling their bowels and bladder, regardless of the situation. These manifestations negatively affect and disrupt their normal functioning.

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Alt Text: overhead shot of a dog sniffing a pill on their owner’s hand, standing on wooden floor

Dealing with Dog Anxiety

Once you’ve learned how to differentiate stress signs, understood what they mean, and discovered what causes distress in your pet, it’s time to learn how dog parents can handle the condition.

How to Ease an Anxious Dog

It’s crucial to understand how to calm down your anxious pet as soon as you notice the warning signs. Doing so will de-escalate the situation and prevent it from worsening. To ease the anxiety your dog feels, experts suggest doing the following:

• Encourage your pet to do more exercise. Take your dog out for short and long walks outside or simply play fetch with them.
• Distract your dog with toys. Squeaky and chew toys may stimulate and offer them a distraction from anxiety, effectively calming them down.
• Give them lots of snuggles and cuddles. Physical contact may ease a dog with separation anxiety, making them feel safe and peaceful.
• Combat the condition with music. Soothing and mellow music can distract your pet, allowing them to relax and calm down.

Treating Dog Anxiety

If your furry friend continually shows the symptoms above, it’s best to visit a veterinarian and have your dog diagnosed. Dog parents may handle anxiety in their pets through two primary forms of treatment: medication and behavioral conditioning.

Experts may prescribe short- or long-acting anti-anxiety medication, such as alprazolam, diazepam, tricyclic antidepressants, and fluoxetine, to ease the condition of your pet and help decrease potential destructive behaviors.

Your veterinarian may also suggest training your dog to manage their anxiety through desensitization. Through this treatment, a professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist will gradually and repeatedly expose your dog to the cause of their anxiety until they get used to it. 

Counter-conditioning anxiety is also another option. Your dog will be positively reinforced or rewarded whenever they are exposed to the cause of their anxiety. Both behavioral treatments work best for anxieties rooted in fears and phobias.

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Anxiety is a prevalent problem not just for humans but also for our pets. Responsible dog parents must know how to recognize the warning signs, understand what is causing distress in their pets, and learn how to deal with the condition to prevent it from worsening.

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Exercise and Playtime: Keep Your Pets Active During National Pet Month

As pet parents, we all want the best life for our furry friends.  We love and care for them, so naturally, we want them to live happy, healthy lives. And what better time to ensure our pets' well-being than during National Pet Month?

NPM celebrates pet ownership, and this campaign month raises awareness about the importance of animal welfare and its contributions to our lives. As such, it's an excellent opportunity for pet owners to focus on keeping their pets healthy and happy.

One crucial aspect of pet care is exercise and playtime. Like humans, our pets require physical activity to keep a healthy weight, boost their mood, and stave off boredom. 

So, let's dive into some tips for keeping your pets active during National Pet Month and beyond and show our furry friends how much we care.

Celebrate National Pet Month by Keeping Your Pet Healthy

Here are some of the things you should know as a pet owner to maintain the health of your cherished companions:

Incorporating Exercise into Daily Routines

Incorporating exercise into your pet's everyday routine is critical for their well-being. Regular physical activity aids your pet in maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening muscles and bones, improving cardiovascular health, and promoting better digestion and circulation.

Furthermore, exercise stimulates your pet's mind, effectively improving pet behavior and minimizing anxiety, boredom, and destructive behavior. It can also strengthen your bond with your pet while allowing socialization with other pets and people.

Failing to exercise regularly for your pet can trigger obesity, joint problems, cardiovascular disease, and other health complications. As a result, it is critical to prioritize physical activity as part of your pet's daily routine to ensure they live a long, healthy life.

Stimulating Playtime for Your Pet

Stimulating playtime is one way to show your love and appreciation for your beloved pet. They also need physical and mental exercise as humans do, and playtime is a fun and effective way to provide both. 

We suggest adding these fantastic items to your furry friend's playtime kit to get the most out of their playtime: 

• Puzzle toys: These will provide mental stimulation and keep your pet entertained. They can be treat-dispensing toys or toys that enable your pet to solve a puzzle to get to the reward.
• Interactive toys: Fetch, tug, or rope toys are excellent for bonding with your pet while providing physical exercise.
• Chew toys: For dogs who enjoy chewing, toys such as rubber bones, antlers, or rawhide chews are ideal. They can help your pet fulfill its instinct to nibble while keeping its teeth clean.
• Laser pointers: These will give cats and dogs hours of entertainment. However, never shine the laser pointer directly into your pet's eyes.
• Hide-and-seek games: Hiding treats or toys around the house or yard can provide mental stimulation and aid in developing your pet's sense of smell.
• Agility equipment: Tunnels, jumps, and weave poles can provide an enjoyable way for active dogs to engage in physical activity and boost their coordination.
• Cat trees and scratching posts: Cat trees and scratching posts provide a safe and comfortable environment for cats to climb on, scratch, and play with.

Reminder: Always supervise your pet when playing with toys and games, and select appropriate toys for their age, size, and activity level. 

Tips for Practicing Responsible Pet Ownership

As a pet owner, you must show your pet love and care daily, not just during National Pet Month. Being a responsible pet owner means always offering your furry friend the necessary care and attention. Here are some of the best practices you should do to keep your pet happy:

• Make unforgettable memories with your pet: National Pet Month is a great time to show your pet how much you adore and acknowledge them. Spend quality time together playing, cuddling, or going on adventures.
• Ensure that your pet's vaccinations are up-to-date: Regular veterinary checkups and vaccinations are critical for your pet's health and well-being. Use National Pet Month as a reminder to take your little one in for a checkup or to update their vaccinations.
• Consider adopting a pet: National Pet Month is a perfect time if you've been thinking about getting a new pet. Adopting a pet from an animal shelter or rescue group can provide them with loving homes forever.
• Donate to a pet charity: National Pet Month is also a chance to contribute to animal charities and organizations that rescue homeless pets and victims of animal cruelty. Consider donating to a local animal shelter, rescue organization, or pet charity.

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Your Essential Checklist for Becoming a First-time Cat Owner

Are you ready to take that bold step in pet ownership and adopt a cat? Congratulations! You are about to start a fantastic journey full of incredible rewards. From headbutting cats to exciting storytimes, you’re about to embark on a path of companionship and warmth.

But before you get overwhelmed with cuddles and purrs, ensuring that you and your new friend are equally prepared for life together is crucial. To help future first-time cat owners like yourself, we’ve created an essential checklist to reference when deciding whether adoption is right for you. 

From preparing cat food supplies to understanding healthcare needs, the tips below will provide a great start to making them feel like an integral part of your home. Together you’ll be set for years of love and bond!

Why Are Cats Always Chosen As Household Pets?

It is no secret that cats are a cute and passionate staple in many households worldwide. From their enthralling history, having been adored by the Ancient Egyptians to the present day, cats have earned an impressive reputation as the center of our affection. 

They are beautiful animals of various sizes and coat colors and offer much to liven us up. Below are five examples.

#1: They Are Low-Maintenance

Cats make lovely furry mates for busy families and new pet owners. With their independent spirit, these felines need minimal time and attention, which are enormous demands for owning a dog. 

No slogging first thing in the morning and late at night for impromptu walkies or having to attend to all the other responsibilities that come naturally with raising a dog. It is like having the perfect friend: they understand when you're busy but will always be ready to welcome you with love and adoration once it's time for some quality bonding.

#2: They Are Quiet Animals

Cats are an excellent pet choice for those who seek tranquility in their place. They bring a quiet, gentle presence that will never disrupt your peace or neighborhood with loud noises or energetic barks. 

Day and night, they live in balance: carefree strolling mixed with cozy snuggles on laps when they please. All that aside, these felines are master crafters of comfort and can make great cohabitants for any new cat owner.

#3: They Are Great Conversation Pieces

Whenever unexpected guests pop into the house, having an unleashed feline making its rounds can become a spectacle. They don’t just sit on the sidelines; cats walk around corners and curl up in laps as if they were always expected to be there. 

Their furry bodies and gentle purrs immediately draw attention from anyone who admires them. Even staring into the depths of their eyes can put us in a state of blissful oblivion. It’s almost as if their energy can recognize ours! All of this contributes to an exciting atmosphere, ideal for those sudden guests who crave that additional spark in their lives.

#4: They Offer Entertainment and Amusement

Most cats certainly know how to entertain. They can infuse a welcome joyousness into dull times with their boundless energy and mischievous behaviors. Some can even pull off tricks, making us laugh with pleasure at their silliness.

From chasing toy mice around the room to basking in the sunlight like a king, having a cat around is the effective remedy for days when you're feeling a little down. Cats not only make us smile and giggle, but they also bring company and support during life's many ups and downs.

#5: They Bring Mental Balance and Stability

Cats are widely known as the perfect companion because they carry stimulation and relaxation. From their curious nature that constantly roams up to their ability to murmur in our hearts, cats will fill your life with a feel-good factor you can’t find anywhere else.

Studies even illustrate that having a new cat results in lower stress levels and a release of oxytocin. They have a calming effect that can offer mental and emotional balance for those seeking to alleviate pressure. A “purr-sonal” therapist like them can be great for those juggling chaotic lifestyles.

The Go-To Kitten Checklist For a First-time Cat Owner 

As someone planning to bring a new cat home, you’ve thought of a million questions and concerns about ensuring they have the most fulfilling and healthiest life possible.

Navigating the world of cat care can be daunting. Still, it’s worth giving your little family member everything they need to live a lifetime of joy. Here are proven list of tips for keeping your beloved kitty in tip-top condition:

☑ Choose the Right Breed

Finding your dream feline companion is easier than ever when researching cat breeds. Every kitty has a unique personality, but certain qualities associated with each breed, like a cat’s size, temperament, or size of hair length, can help guide you toward the entire match for your preference. 

Even general feline behaviors like scratching or nighttime vocalization can guide your decision-making. Being informed about these traits makes it easier for you and your future cat to coexist and develop a solid relationship.

☑ Get Your Home Ready

Give your new kitty the best start by creating a cozy, safe space, like a cat tree, with lots of room to explore. This item can serve as its hiding place for those snoozing moments and a scratching post for venting out daily energy.

You can also secure any tiny objects or toxic plants that may not be suitable for a big batch of furry frustration. This way, your cat can enjoy roaming their environment without hazards or interruption. With these steps before their arrival, you can keep them secured in their new environment right away.

☑ Find the Proper Cat Food

Check-in with your vet or the local pet store when picking the right food and water for your cat. Protein and healthy fats are the best options for growing kittens, so see that you're taking a peek at all of the ingredients when you buy their pet food. 

In addition to nutritious meals, treat them once in a while. Use delicious treats like flavorsome canned formulas or crunchy kibble for rewards without sacrificing nutrition. They deserve nothing but the best!

☑ Build an Entertainment Area

Create a station dedicated to giving your cats hours of fun with their favorite cat toys. Fill the area with plenty of scratching posts, a soft cat bed, laser light toys, feathers, tunnels, and carefully selected catnip plantings.

With their playland, they never have to fret over searching for something to entertain themselves, as they will have many options. Most importantly, you’ll make your pet happy while meeting their needs effortlessly.

☑ Prepare a Litter Box

A new kitty in the house means a chance for you to find just the suitable cat litter. Therefore, you must observe its natural behaviors to help determine which type of litter they prefer.

If your cat is comfortable burying their waste in softer substrates, then choose a clumping clay-based litter or more organic like corn kernels or wood chips. Or opt for numerous crystal-style litters on the market if they prefer smoother surfaces. Whatever it is, taking all of these initiatives will give you one less thing to worry about during the stressful transition period.

☑ Set a Healthy Grooming Habit

Regular brushing provides a ton of benefits for cats. It keeps their fur tangle-free, spreads the oil across their coats, and removes any potential dirt or irritants that may have made their way onto their skin.

Don’t forget other aspects of cat care, such as keeping claws trimmed and ears cleaned. Doing so enhances their well-being and keeps off potential issues before they become too serious. So in between trips to the groomers or bath time, make these tasks part of your weekly cat care routine. You’ll both be glad you did!

☑ Schedule a Vet Appointment

Vet appointments should always be number one on your list, even before their first night at home. These appointments are so much more than just a quick and minor check-up; they can protect your cat's health in the future by getting all the care they need right off the bat.

Using the visit to consult about what vaccinations and tests are necessary for your particular breed type or lifestyle will keep surprise issues at bay. Furthermore, you can gain valuable information about their behavioral insights and build a strong and lasting connection.

Cat Ownership 101: Can You Tick All the Boxes?

Owning a cat is a great pleasure, but some duties come with the purr-fect privilege. From routine vet visits to everyday litter box maintenance, taking care of your beloved kitten or cat means ticking off certain boxes. 

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The Puppy Parent’s Ultimate Guide to Caring for Newborn Puppies

Whether it’s the worsening condition of the economy or just an innate preference for animals, many millennials today would adopt and care for pets rather than raise their own children. Raising dogs costs way less than child-rearing, but it isn’t that much easier, especially if you’re caring for newborn puppies.

Many aspiring dog owners may believe that rearing pups will save them from parenthood's stressful and endless troubles. However, they will need comprehensive research and practice on newborn puppy care to work during their first few weeks of dog parenthood.

Fortunately, this handy-dandy dog owner handbook can quickly answer and solve your puppy-parent problems. Let’s learn how to care for your precious little pup through several dog-caring aspects.

Working Up an Appetite: How to Feed a Newborn Puppy

Unsurprisingly, one of the most prominent questions that will pop up in a puppy owner’s mind is how to sustain their little pup. After all, food and water are where puppies get the energy to maintain their bodily functions and perform daily activities.

Before we get into puppy feeding habits and their nutritional needs, you must know there are two ways to discuss puppy nutrition: puppies with their birth mothers and orphaned pups or puppies that the mother dog cannot take care of.

Usually, puppies will receive the necessary nutrients from their mother’s milk. The dog’s milk (colostrum) is high in protein and has antibodies that shield their little ones from germs and infections. To ensure their immune system is well-developed, the newborn must drink their mother’s milk as much as possible.

If the mother cannot nurse their puppy or the pup is separated from their parent, the dog owner can feed their little furry baby with puppy milk formula as a substitute. It’s essential to note that regular cow milk will not give your puppy the necessary nutrients. Hence, it’s best to stick to puppy milk replacements.

Like newborn babies, puppies must lie on their backs during bottle-feeding to avoid choking and other similar incidents. Puppy parents must also heat the milk to approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit before feeding to prevent gastrointestinal problems, such as bloating, diarrhea, and vomiting.

How often should you feed them?

As mentioned, newborn puppies must receive their mother’s milk often to develop and strengthen their immune system properly. Therefore, owners should feed their young puppies every two to three hours. 

For orphaned puppies who drink formula, the feeding habits will depend on the details in the formula’s packaging. However, orphaned puppy owners are likewise recommended to feed their pups every two to four hours. 

Your newborn pup's recommended daily milk intake will also depend on the formula’s packaging. The table below briefly overviews puppy feeding habits during their first weeks and months.

Puppy parents are also encouraged to gently pat their little furry baby’s backs after feeding to make them burp to avoid bloating and help their digestion.

When should they transition to solid puppy food?

Like human infants, puppies must also transition from liquids to solid food. Weaning typically begins during the puppy’s third or fourth week. When your puppy starts chewing on the bottle nozzle, they’re likely ready to transition.

To help with the weaning process, you must gradually introduce solids into your little pup’s diet by adding fluids, like milk or water, to canned puppy food until it looks like soft mush. Have your puppy eat said mixture until they can handle small solid foods. Puppies may typically complete the transition by their fifth or sixth week.

What nutrients must they consume?

Newborn pups' diets must have a high-protein rate of about 20 to 30 percent. High-protein diets are essential for muscle and immune system development. 

For the following weeks, puppies must have a balanced diet to ensure they develop their bodily functions correctly and for optimal health and growth. Owners must read puppy food labels and check if these meet their pet’s nutritional needs.

Your puppy must receive the following nutritional requirements in their diet:

• Protein: This nutrient is essential for tissue and muscle growth.
• Carbohydrates: Carbs in your puppy’s diet will help give them energy.
• Fats: This nutrient is crucial for your pup’s coat, brain, and eyes.
• Vitamins and minerals: These nutrients will help balance your puppy’s diet.
• Water: No matter what age, every dog’s diet must contain water to help maintain their bodily functions.

Sweater Weather: Keeping Young Puppies Cozy

Besides feeding their precious little ones, pet owners must also consider how to keep their puppies warm. Warmth is essential for newborn puppies for several reasons. 

First and foremost, newborns can’t regulate and maintain their own body temperature during their first two weeks. As a result, they will depend on external sources for heat. Pups also need heat to aid them during digestion. 

Newborns typically stay in the whelping box (the pen where a pregnant dog will give birth) during the first weeks of their lives. While puppies gain warmth by being close to their birth mother, placing a heat lamp or similar heat sources near the box can also heat the environment.

On the other hand, since orphaned puppies couldn’t snuggle up to their mothers for heat, owners must keep their pets in a warm box and heat the environment with blankets, bedding, and other heating sources. 

Experts recommend keeping the environmental temperature between 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit during the puppy’s first days, gradually decreasing it as the weeks pass. By the fourth week, the ideal environmental temperature is generally 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

Talk that Talk: Puppy Socialization

Keeping your newborn pup around other puppies and mingling with humans are crucial for their development and well-being. By the fourth week, newborn puppies will begin interacting with the pups and humans nearby. 

Puppy owners must allow and encourage their pets to roam the environment and gain new experiences through exploration. 

Like human infants, a newborn puppy has a critical period for socialization. It happens during the primary (weeks 3-5) and secondary (weeks 6-12) socialization periods.

During these phases, the puppy must learn to communicate and interact with puppies, humans, and their environment. Puppy owners can introduce their pets to the following to ensure optimal social development:

• Different textures
• Outdoor environment
• Grooming tools
• Food and water bowls
• Toys and other methods of play.

Poor socialization during these critical periods may lead to various impairments in your puppy. For instance, they may develop severe anxiety toward the outside world and other similar behavioral problems.

Common Issues Puppy Parents May Face

Although owners try their best to ensure their pet doesn’t encounter any additional problems during the initial months of puppy parenthood, some issues are still inevitable. Here are three of them.

Hypothermia

Neonatal puppies cannot generate enough heat to warm their bodies. The lack of warmth may unsurprisingly trigger hypothermia. If the condition remains untreated, it can lead to the loss of the puppy’s life.

Check your furry baby’s rectal temperature to determine if they are experiencing the deadly condition. Puppies with hypothermia will typically have a low body temperature. Your pet must have a rectal temperature of at least 95 degrees Fahrenheit. So if your puppy has a temperature lower than 94 degrees, contact your veterinarian and warm up your pet promptly.

Weight loss

Another common issue in newborn puppy care is your pup’s weight. The ideal weight will depend on your pet’s breed, but newborn pups generally weigh about two and a half ounces to two and a half pounds. 

Gaining weight is typical for pups, so don’t worry too much. Young puppies may put on pounds quickly during the first months of their lives. Studies show newborn pups naturally lose weight during the first week but quickly regain the weight in the following weeks. Some breeds may gain six times their birth weight in the coming weeks.

But weight loss is what puppy parents should be wary of. Unusual weight loss may be a symptom of more severe health issues. If your puppy begins losing weight at an unnatural rate, contact your veterinarian promptly.

Parasites

If you notice an unusual weight loss in your puppy, they may have internal parasites. Newborn pups may contract parasites from their birth mothers, from the food they eat, and from the environment.

Some internal parasites inhabiting puppies may affect the digestive system (roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, whipworms) or live in their bloodstream (heartworms). It’s crucial to have your newborn pup checked for parasites by the veterinarian to resolve the issue immediately.

Ready to Trek the Road of Puppy Parenthood?

Caring for neonatal puppies is a lot to take in. It’s completely understandable if most of you may feel hesitant or even decline to answer your calling to puppy parenthood after reading this article. 

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