Copr Bobbie1964/via Flickr
#1: Puppy Development: Birth to 12 Weeks
Well, there are a lot of new owners out there who want to know what to expect. Did you know that different breeds mature at slightly different rates? Or that newborns can’t regulate body temperature–in most cases that means they can die from hypothermia (the cold) but in this heat wave I suspect newborn pups might also be at risk for heatstroke.
#2: Puppy Vomiting
Ewww! All I can say is there must be a lot of URKING going on. This article explains the various reasons behind the behavior, and some home treatments for it. When your dog was a pup, did s/he vomit a lot? Do you know when it’s sorta-kinda-normal and when it’s an emergency?
#3: Puppy Development: 10 Weeks to Adult
It follows, I suppose, that folks want to know what to expect AFTER the adoption. How old was your pup when he came to live with you? Magic was 8 weeks old, but our first shepherd came to live with us at five months. And when does junior-dog become an adult? When can you expect juvenile delinquent behavior to kick in? Actually I’m a bit surprised this article isn’t the most popular, or at least #2 in the lineup. But I guess it’s hard to beat vomit.
#4 Introducing A New Puppy to Dogs
Yep, lots of folks acquire youngsters while they have resident pets. Proper intros can make the transition go smoother. At our house, we had to introduce Magic to the Queen Cat and teach him that kitty is the boss and can whip your furry ass-ets into shape (she still does that, even though he now outweighs her more than 10-to-one. We may, in fact, need to put these tips into practice down the road since we do have plans to bring another canine furry wonder into the house (stay tuned!
#5 Bloat In Puppies
Oh my, I pray that folks who made this the #5 pick on the list just wanted FYI information! A round tummy can be caused by many things but “bloat” is a serious life-threatening condition that needs emergency vet care. Have any of y’all had a dog suffer from bloat? Did you have the preventive surgery done for your at-risk breed pup?
Okay, it’s your turn. Why do you think these subjects top the popularity list? Have you had issues or interest with any of them? What are other subjects that deserve more attention? I’m scheduling my puppy-licious writing calendar for the month and am a bit weary of writing about (ew!) parasites so please send me suggestions!
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, listen to the weekly radio show, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay tuned for more news about my forthcoming THRILLER, LOST & FOUND!
Amy, nice intro on puppies lives in the beginning. I was lucky to watch my dog give birth as a child and pick out the puppy to keep. That was long ago and I dont recall much about taking care of them. I love dogs (but not so keen on the care involved!) but have been thinking of getting a rescue doe that is trained. Our friends got a lab mix rescue dog that has been amazing with their kids. I wonder what is the best way to assess a rescue dog that is a good fit for a family?
Hi Donna, Rescue dogs typically live with a foster family for a while. So ASK! They should be honest and tell you the dog is best as an only-pet, or likes cats, or loves/hates kids. And visit with the pet. There is so much variation it’s impossible to say what would be best in a given circumstance. Typically the retriever breeds have very soft mouths (for retrieving) and have historically been good with kids because they’re a bit bigger and can take the rough housing, but easy going.
Still–sometimes dogs that have behavior challenges end up in rescue. So do your homework. *s* Hope you find the dog of your dreams! An adult rescue dog should be a known quantity in terms of care, temperament, and training, yes.
None of my dogs have had bloat, but one of my grandfather’s dogs died from it. He was away, my folks were feeding her for him and noticed something wrong, so she was rushed to the vet. They said her stomach had flipped over, and there was a surgery that MIGHT save her. Might. But it was very expensive, and I guess in the condition she was in by the time we got to her, it was already so far in that her chances for survival were still slim. My parents had to make a phone call since it wasn’t their dog and not their decision. Mind you, this was a BEAGLE. Who was up to then completely happy and healthy. Our vet’s office had never seen it in a beagle before… not like that with stomach twist and all. Nobody’s quite sure what happened. :
Oh Karyl, how heart breaking. I’ve never heard of a beagle suffering from this, either. Some of Magical-Dawg’s relatives have died from hit, though, so we’re very careful with him.
It’s funny… I had this strange feeling I should bring my sketchbook along. Started drawing her in the waiting room. Then… well… turned out to be the last time I’d get the chance. : Poor pup.
I AM glad to know there’s a preventive surgery though, especially since I LOVE big dogs.
@Amy Shojai, i love your works. you are a great puppies lovers…
Thank you Aslam.