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Lifestyle & Travel
Nutrition
16 10 questions to ask a breeder before you buy
41 Plants that heal
Before buying a pup, learn everything you can about the breeder.
31 Top 10 holiday tips This handy list will help ensure she stays healthy and happy.
Look for these nutritious plants in fresh, dried or oil form.
48 Give her diet a boost! Top supplements to optimize her health.
88 Recipe: Sweet potato and honey crisps You’ll want to share them with your whole family!
60 Top dog list Different breeds are suited to different lifestyles.
64 New car shopping? Consider these dog-friendly features.
70 Game time!
Consider getting your dog involved in a fun canine sport.
75 Dog coat shopping Finding the balance between quality, fit and fashion.
80 Dos and Don’ts of doggie travel etiquette Taking him on a trip? Make sure he minds his manners.
82 Providing for your dog after you’re gone What would happen to her if something happened to you?
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CANADIAN DOGS ANNUAL 2016
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CDNdogs.ca
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The stages of puppyhood
GROWING
UP
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CANADIAN DOGS ANNUAL 2016
BY DANA COX
Neonatal – from birth to 2 weeks
Newborns are completely dependent on their moms (or surrogate) for food and warmth, since they can’t regulate their own body temperature yet. They spend 90% of their time sleeping and the remaining time eating. At this stage, they find their mother’s teats through smell and touch. In the early days, they get colostrum from their mother, which builds their immune systems. Puppies can be handled gingerly at this stage but it’s important not to stress out the mother.
Transitional – 2 to 4 weeks
STAGE 2
STAGE 1
Puppies grow quickly, and growing up brings many changes. Your puppy will change not only physically, but intellectually and emotionally, too. As a new doggie parent, you can better understand and anticipate your puppy’s needs if you recognize where she’s at in her development. Remember to be patient – she’s only a kid once!
At this age, puppies add two new senses to touch and smell. Ears start functioning at two weeks and eyelids open at between ten and 16 days. Communication goes from mews and grunts to barks. They start walking and wagging their tails, and their baby teeth begin emerging. Soft food can be introduced towards the end of this phase. Now more independent from Mom, the puppies will start to play together and explore what’s around them. Increased human interaction is also important at this age.
STAGE 3 Socialization – 4 to 12 weeks
Puppies begin socializing in earnest during this phase, learning social skills from their littermates during playtime, as well as acceptable activities such as inhibited biting. Ensure your puppy has lots of interaction with a wide variety of humans, from young to old, male and female. Handle the puppy all over so he becomes used to being touched. Limit exposure to dogs outside the family until after vaccinations (your
vet can make recommendations on this). Weaning is usually complete by week seven or eight. Somewhere between the eighth to 12th week, puppies go through a “fear period”. Instead of being curious about everything, they may be frightened of everyday items and experiences. Don’t fret – your puppy will get through it – but take care not to overstimulate your new buddy with too many new situations. CDNdogs.ca
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