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Puppy Basics: Nutrition for Small and Toy Breeds
Puppy Basics: Nutrition for Small and Toy Breeds

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Puppy Basics: Nutrition for Small and Toy Breeds

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Your small- or toy-breed puppy grows rapidly in the first months of their life: Their immune system is developing, their bones are growing and their muscles are getting stronger. With all this growth, they need the right mix of nutrients to support their development. To make sure your puppy is getting the proper nutrition to protect and maintain their health and well-being, keep these key points in mind.

 

 

What Food Should You Feed Your Small-breed Puppy?

Research shows that puppies need up to twice as much energy as adult dogs. Because they are growing so quickly at this stage, your small-but-mighty pup needs an energy-rich, nutrient-dense small-breed dog food like IAMS™ Puppy Small Breed. Puppies also need more protein than adult dogs. High-quality animal-based protein will help your puppy create new body tissue as they grow.
 

Aside from protein, make sure these other important nutrients and ingredients are a part of your puppy's diet:
 

  • Vitamin-rich fish oils to support overall health
  • Essential vitamins and minerals to help support the immune system and help your puppy stay healthy during this critical stage of growth
  • Animal-based protein sources to help nourish growing muscles, vital organs and your puppy’s skin and coat
  • A fiber source that will help keep your puppy’s sensitive digestive system healthy, so more nutrition stays in your puppy
  • Ideal levels of calcium and phosphorus to help your puppy develop strong teeth and bones
     

These are important building blocks of nutrition. Look for them when you choose dry or canned dog food and when you select treats.

 

 

Why Do Small-breed Puppies Need Specialized Nutrition?

When it comes to feeding puppies, one size does not fit all. Small-breed puppies have higher metabolism rates per pound and reach their mature adult weight faster than larger-breed puppies. And small-breed puppies need high levels of protein, fat, calcium and phosphorus to support the growth and development of their bones, muscles and other tissues. So, giving your puppy a food that supports their breed size is the easiest way to make sure they’re getting the right balance of nutrients for their growth rate.


And remember: Small-breed puppies also have small mouths and stomachs! Make sure your puppy's food has small kibble for easy chewing. A nutrient-dense formula will help your puppy get a complete and balanced diet even though their stomach can only hold what seems like a small amount of food.

 

 

How Much and How Often Should You Feed Your Small-breed Puppy?

From the time your puppy is weaned until 4 months of age, you should feed your puppy two to three times a day. Check the food label guidelines to feed them the proper daily amount. After your puppy is 4 months old, feed them twice a day on a regular schedule. And make sure they always have access to fresh water, too!

 

 

When Should You Switch Your Puppy to Adult Food?

A small-breed puppy reaches adult weight faster than larger breeds. You can start feeding an adult dog food, such as IAMS™ Adult Small Breed, when they are around 9 to 12 months old.


Your dog might not be thrilled about the change at first, but don't worry. You can help ease the transition by gradually introducing the adult food. Try mixing 25% of the new food with 75% of their puppy food, and then gradually change the proportions over the next three weeks until they are eating 100% adult food.

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  • How To Deworm A Puppy?
    How To Deworm A Puppy?

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    How To Deworm A Puppy?

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    Deworming is the process of eliminating worms from the body, and it's an essential part of caring for your furry friend. Whether your puppy has already been diagnosed with worms or you simply want to take preventative measures, understanding how to deworm a puppy is crucial for their health and well-being.

    But what exactly are worms, and how do puppies get them? Many types of worms can infect dogs, including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. These parasites are usually transmitted through contaminated soil, water, or food, and they can cause serious health problems if left untreated.

    As a responsible pet parent, it's imperative to understand the process of deworming and how to keep your puppy safe and healthy. This blog will cover everything you need to know about deworming puppies, including the symptoms to look out for and the best ways to deworm your furry friend. Whether you are a new puppy parent or just looking to refresh your knowledge, this blog will provide the information you need to keep your pawfect pal worm-free.

    Uncovering 4 must-knows for successfully deworming your puppy

    Deworming your new pup is an indispensable part of adopting a dog. However, navigating the various deworming options and methods can be overwhelming. Here, we will uncover 4 must-knows to successfully deworming your puppy, including how often your puppy needs to be dewormed, the most effective treatment methods, and the importance of prevention. By understanding these key factors, you can ensure that your puppy remains happy and healthy, free from the discomfort and potential health risks caused by worms.

    1. Keep your puppy healthy and happy with regular deworming

    It's important to understand the importance of deworming your furry friend. This helps prevent the spread of worms and parasites, which can harm their health. Puppies need to be dewormed often due to their small size and underdeveloped immune systems.

    According to experts, puppies should be dewormed every 2 weeks until 3 months of age and then every month until they are 6 months old. This helps to ensure that the worms are effectively eliminated from their system. It's also important to deworm pregnant dogs as they can pass worms on to their puppies in utero.

    Along with deworming at regular intervals, good hygiene is essential to guarding against the spread of worms. Make sure you wash your hands after touching or playing with your puppy and clean up their waste immediately.

    Overall, deworming is a crucial part of keeping your puppy healthy. Following a regular puppy deworming schedule and practising good hygiene can help protect your furry friend from harmful parasites.

    2. Different types of worms that may affect your puppy - even if you can't see them

    Several worms can infect puppies, including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. These worms can cause various symptoms in puppies, including diarrhoea, vomiting, weight loss, and anaemia. It is important to deworm puppies regularly to prevent these worms from causing serious health problems.

    Even if worms are not visible on your puppy, it does not mean they are not present. Some worms, such as tapeworms, can be challenging to detect because they are small and often pass through the stool in small pieces. Additionally, some worms can be present in the intestine without causing visible symptoms. Hence, follow a regular puppy deworming schedule and ensure that this four-legged angel is protected against these worms.

    3. Understanding the signs and symptoms of worm infections in puppies

    Worms in puppies can have many symptoms that can be difficult to spot, especially in young and small dogs. Common symptoms of worms in puppies include:

    • Diarrhoea or loose stools: This can be caused by worms disrupting the digestive system and causing irritation.
    • Weight loss: Worms can take nutrients from the puppy's body, causing them to lose weight.
    • Anaemia: Some worms, such as hookworms, can cause anaemia in puppies by sucking their blood. This can lead to pale gums and lethargy.
    • Vomiting: Worms can irritate the stomach and intestines, leading to vomiting.
    • Lack of energy: Worms can drain a puppy's energy, causing them to become inactive.

    Deworming is especially important for puppies born to mothers who have worms, as they can be infected even before their birth. Following a proper deworming schedule and keeping an eye out for these symptoms can help keep your puppy healthy and happy. If you suspect your puppy has worms, it's important to take them to a veterinarian for treatment.

    4. How to deworm a puppy through effective treatment methods

    Worms are a common problem in puppies and can cause serious health issues if left untreated. The most common types of worms affecting puppies include roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Symptoms of a worm infestation may include vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, and a pot-bellied appearance.

    The good news is that worms are easily preventable and treatable in puppies. It's important to get your puppy on a regular deworming schedule, as recommended by your veterinarian. This will typically involve giving your puppy a deworming medication every few weeks until they reach a certain age. In addition, keeping your puppy's environment clean and preventing them from ingesting potentially contaminated objects can help prevent worms.

    Suppose your puppy does end up with worms. In that case, your veterinarian will likely prescribe a deworming medication that can be given orally or through injection. It's important to follow the recommended treatment plan and continue the treatment for the entire prescribed course to ensure all the worms are eliminated.

    Overall, it's important to be proactive in preventing and treating worms in puppies.

     

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