Tag: puppy

Puppy Adoption: A Taste of the Wild Guide

Posted on March 24, 2023 - 2:39 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Puppy adoption can be the best time of your life and certainly the best time (so far!) of your puppy’s life. But the process isn’t without stress. Questions and uncertainty abound, especially if this is your first time adopting a puppy. What kind of puppy food should you get? Is puppy food actually that different from adult dog food? When should puppy potty training happen, and how do you handle the inevitable messes? What about leash training and socialization? You’ll likely have dozens of questions about puppy adoption, which is why we’ve assembled a number of tips for puppy adoption to help you and your new pal get off on the right…paw.

The Building Blocks of Your Puppy’s Diet

A group of puppies eating food from metal bowls on the floor.

One of the more important things you need right away is a solid understanding of puppy food nutrition. An often-raised question is “Do I really need puppy food?” and the answer is always “You really need puppy food,” or at least an all-life-stages food that is appropriate for puppies. So, when choosing a recipe, make sure you look for a “puppy diet” food or that the bag or can is very clearly labeled as “for puppies.”

Building the right nutrition into their diet now will set your puppy up for long and healthy journey into adulthood. Protein and fat are absolutely vital to your pup’s growing body, so look for those levels specifically before making your choice. But how much protein does a puppy need? There’s no exact answer to that question, since puppies vary wildly in size from breed to breed and age to age and so do their needs regarding puppy food nutrition. VCA Animal Hospitals recommend that the protein range for optimal puppy growth is 22–32 percent for dry puppy food.

To make things a bit more confusing, small breed and large breed puppies have their own specific requirements, partly because small breed puppies tend to have a higher metabolism and need more calories to keep up with their higher energy levels. Long story short: Consult with your veterinarian before choosing your puppy food. In the meantime, you can read our blog about puppy food nutrition, where we discuss:

  • The difference between puppy food and all-life-stages dog food
  • Why nutrients matter in a puppy-diet food
  • Where to find portion sizes

Getting your puppy started off properly from a nutritional standpoint will set up a lifetime of success and happiness for both of you.

READ MORE ABOUT THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF PUPPY NUTRITION

It’s Go Time: Cleaning Up When Potty Training Your Puppy

A brown puppy lying on a pee pad on the floor.

Puppy potty training. It isn’t always easy, and it will most certainly be messy at times. Every puppy is different, so every puppy potty training timeline will be different. Your pup goes on their own schedule, especially at the beginning of their potty training.

To avoid puppy messes as much as possible, here are some tried-and-true puppy potty training tips.

  • Start early. You can “officially” start potty training your pup as soon as you bring them home. Invest in some pee pads and get to work!
  • Be positive. That old “rub their nose in it” method has no place in any civilized puppy home, and it probably never should have been used. This is because it simply doesn’t work! Scolding, yelling or rubbing their nose in the spot only breeds confusion. “Am I not supposed to poop at all?” Instead, praise your pooch for doing what they need to do while immediately taking them outside, or wherever the desired target location is.
  • Set an indoor location. Unless you are on a 24/7 vigil, your puppy will go indoors. But you can control where they go and set expectations that there are designated puppy potty zones. This is where pee pads come in handy. If they know that they can go only on a pee pad, soon that pee pad will become “the grass,” and they’ll understand.
  • Crate training is puppy potty training. Dogs really try to avoid going to the bathroom where they sleep, so crate training doubles as potty training. This isn’t to say that they won’t have accidents in their crate; but most pups will hold it as long as they possibly can while crated.
  • Stick to a routine. Dogs are creatures of habit, so turn puppy potty breaks into a habit. If you take them outside at random, they won’t learn when it’s time to go. Eliminate the time variable and eventually they’ll eliminate…on time!

No matter how thorough your puppy potty training methods are, there will be accidents. And that’s OK! When it’s go time and they don’t make it to the pee pad or to the front yard, you’ll be prepared, thanks to our puppy potty training cleanup tips. We’ll tell you how to block smells and stains from your temporarily thwarted puppy potty training methods, and offer up some tips and tricks for easy cleanup.

Together, we’ll get through this. It’s go time!

READ MORE ABOUT CLEANING UP WHEN POTTY TRAINING A PUPPY

How to Train Your Puppy to Walk on a Leash

A black and tan dog walking on a leash outside.

Get outside and unleash fun by starting puppy leash training. You can start leash training a puppy as soon as you bring them home. All you need to do to start leash training your puppy is to acquire the correct size harness and leash length. Most leashes and harnesses have height/weight requirements right on the package, but you can ask your veterinarian for advice, too. Once you have that ironed out, let the puppy leash training commence.

Follow our comprehensive blog about leash training your puppy, where you’ll learn:

  • How to get your puppy comfortable with their leash
  • How to practice walking on the leash before venturing out for the real thing
  • When it’s time to test out your skills in a new environment

With these tips about puppy leash training, you’ll be going for multiple walks a day in no time.

READ MORE ABOUT HOW TO TRAIN YOUR PUPPY TO WALK ON A LEASH

Puppy Safety in the Summer

A wet puppy sitting in the sand at the beach.

Summer is never too far away. If you have a new puppy, summer is either happening or about to happen or happened not too long ago! Whatever time of year it is, you’ll need summer safety tips for your new puppy sooner or later. Why not now?

Here are a few basic tips for a new puppy’s journey through the dog days of our favorite season.

  • Don’t stay out too long! When the sun is beating down, 15–20 minutes is more than enough. When in doubt about your puppy’s safety, look for excess panting or lethargy. If that’s happening, head for the AC!
  • Stay inside! When it’s blazing out there, remember that you don’t have to go outside to have fun.
  • Never leave your puppy in a parked car. Seriously. Just don’t do it.
  • Know your puppy! Every dog has different preferences and, more importantly, tolerances. If your puppy is uncomfortable in the summer sun, get out of it!

If you’re wondering how hot is too hot to walk dogs, the American Kennel Club suggests that when the air is 85 degrees F or higher, the pavement is simply too hot for your pup’s feet without protection. But again, your puppy may be uncomfortable at a cooler temperature, so your best barometer for puppy safety in the summer sun is…your puppy! Pay attention to their needs and wants, and you’ll rarely go wrong.

READ MORE SUMMER SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR NEW PUPPY

Socialize Your Puppy Now for a Friendlier Tomorrow

Two dogs playing near water.

Wondering when to socialize a puppy? The answer is “right now!”

If you’re engaging in leash training your puppy, socialization is a natural next step, and builds a foundation of friendliness. Socializing your puppy between 7 and 16 weeks of age can set them up to get along with everyone for the rest of their lives.

But mostly, you want to get them used to other dogs so you can traverse trails and do the dog parks without worry. So how do you socialize a puppy? It sounds like a lot of work!

Well, it is. But here’s our handy puppy socialization checklist where you’ll learn:

  • How to begin socializing your puppy
  • How to expand your puppy socialization territory
  • Interacting with other dogs for the first time (and many others)
  • What to expect when socializing your puppy in new locations
  • Meeting people with your puppy

Knowing how to socialize a puppy with other dogs is a vital part of giving your newly adopted puppy a long, full life.

READ MORE ABOUT SOCIALIZING YOUR PUPPY

Puppy Adoption Stress

A woman holding a white and black puppy on her shoulder.

You’ve found your ideal best friend on Petfinder or by perusing rescue shelters or online ads. No matter how you’ve decided on your puppy adoption, you’re about to seal the deal. But how do you do it without majorly stressing out your new puppy?

The adoption process can be rough on a four-legged young one. A new home, a new puppy parent, new smells, new…everything. It’s no wonder that puppy anxiety is a common occurrence during the puppy adoption period. Here are a few tips for easing the puppy anxiety generated by the adoption process.

  • Be available. Your puppy’s entire life has been upended! They need constant comfort, so if you can take a few days off work to ease their transition, we urge you to do so.
  • Give them a home within your home. Puppy anxiety can be lightened if they have a “safe space” to go when they’re feeling stressed out. Usually, this is their crate, but it can be a pile of blankets or some sort of hidey-hole that lets them get away from the commotion.
  • Puppy–proof the house. The last thing an anxiety-filled puppy needs is to constantly be told “No,” so try to pre-empt those situations by thoroughly going through your home and making sure that there’s nothing that your puppy can hurt or can hurt your puppy.
  • Ease them in slowly. Don’t inundate your puppy with new people, pets, sights and sounds. Let them explore at their own pace, meeting people and checking things out as they want to. A stressed-out puppy probably doesn’t want to meet a new cat, for instance.
  • Be positive. As with all things relating to puppy adoption, be positive at all times. Negative reinforcement only causes stress and anxiety, which is what we’re trying to avoid.

There are a million other ways that you can ease puppy anxiety during the pet adoption process. We don’t cover all of them, but here’s a comprehensive look at puppy anxiety and stress during the puppy adoption process.

READ MORE ABOUT EASING STRESS DURING PUPPY ADOPTION

Puppy Spay and Neutering

A group of puppies lying in the grass outside.

Neutering or spaying your puppy can be an important part of the puppy-having process. And while it can seem cruel or painful in the moment, spaying or neutering your puppy can provide a number of long-term health benefits.

In 2013, a review of American pet health records found that the states with the healthiest and longest-living pets also had the highest neutering and spaying rates. Neutered male dogs were found to live 18 percent longer than unneutered male dogs. For male dogs, neutering can contribute to a longer life span because it eliminates the possibility of testicular cancer and decreases the risk of enlarged prostate gland, prostatitis and perineal hernias. If you have a female puppy, spaying helps prevent breast cancer and uterine infections.

There are a number of other reasons to spay or neuter a puppy. Puppies who haven’t been neutered or spayed are more likely to misbehave, as in wander away, display aggression or mark their territory with urine. If you look at the bigger picture, spaying puppies and neutering puppies prevents unwanted litters, which helps reduce pet overpopulation.

If you’re wondering when to spay or neuter your puppy, there (surprise!) isn’t a single, universal answer, because growth rates vary with breed and size. The best time for surgery for your pup depends on factors such as breed, behavior, environment and so on — your vet can help you make this important decision. Small breed puppies are often spayed or neutered around six months of age, but it is not uncommon to hold off on surgery for large breed puppies until they are closer to a year old.

Puppy Adoption: A Little Prep, A Lifetime of Fun

A black puppy on a leash standing next to its owner outside.

Puppy adoption can be taxing at times, but it’s worth the effort, especially if you use the available tips for puppy adoption to start your journey together off right.

RELATED POST: A Taste of the Wild Guide to Pet Anxiety and Stress

A new puppy text graphic with a white, tan and black puppy lying in the grass.

Tips for Your Puppy’s First Week at Home

Posted on March 22, 2023 - 6:08 pm by
Taste of the Wild

It’s puppy time! Your new puppy is here and ready to explore their furever home. But are you ready for puppy’s first week at home? You’ve got food bowls, chew toys and a cozy bed, but what should you do now that they’re here? We have some tips to make your puppy’s transition to their new home as safe and as stress-free as possible.

Safe and Supervised Sniffing

One of the first things your new puppy is probably going to do is smell everything. Puppies are born deaf and their eyes are closed for the first 2 to 3 weeks, but that nose works hard from day 1 and doesn’t stop. Your curious puppy will want to explore every nook and cranny in your house and that may include places they shouldn’t be and objects they shouldn’t be touching.

It’s best to puppy-proof your house before you welcome your new puppy home. That way you know the house is (relatively) safe. There are always going to be things that you didn’t think they could get into but they somehow find a way. So for the first few days, supervise their exploration time so you can watch out for hazards that you may have missed.

Some items that should be kept out of a puppy’s reach include electrical cords, sharp objects and anything else puppies shouldn’t be chewing on (e.g., stinky trash, your fluffy pillow, the TV remote, the cat’s food bowl). Make sure you put away anything toxic to dogs like medicines, cleaning chemicals, poisonous plants, human-only food (e.g., grapes, onions, chocolate) and anything else that might harm a nosy puppy.

Help Make Nighttime Less Scary

Have you ever stayed in a new place (e.g., hotel, cabin, friend’s house) and woken up in the middle of the night and forgotten where you were? Scary, right? Think about how scary a new home would be for a little pup (especially at night) with all of those strange new sounds, smells and surroundings.

Plus, depending on where you adopted your new puppy, they were probably with their mom, siblings or had other dogs around them that they knew, and now they’re alone or with unfamiliar dogs. According to VetBabble, when puppies are separated from the pack for the first time, their natural instinct is to be as loud as possible. So it’s likely that your new pup is going to cry (howl, whine or whimper) for a few days or even a few weeks when they’re alone.

You can make nighttime a little more comforting for your puppy by choosing a quiet area of your house for their bed. Make them a snuggly bed in a crate so they will have a secure space to make their own — and keep them out of mischief while you’re asleep. Putting a piece of your clothing near their crate can be comforting for them, plus it will help with bonding. Just make sure it’s far enough away that they don’t use it as a chew toy. You could also consider placing the crate in your bedroom, but if you would like your puppy to sleep in your bed, hold off until they’re potty trained — because, well, you get it.

Spend Time with Your New BFF

Nighttime isn’t the only part of the day that can be scary for a puppy — being left alone during the day can be worrying and overwhelming for your puppy, too. If possible, schedule some vacation days for the first few days that your pup is adjusting to their new home. It will help with bonding, and your puppy will have a friend with them while they’re exploring their new digs. If you can’t be home with them all day, see if a family member or a friend can stay with your puppy, or consider hiring a pet sitter while your puppy is settling in.

Practice Alone Time

Being left alone is going to happen eventually, though. Even if you work from home, there will still be times when you need to go out and you can’t take your little buddy with you. It’s important that your new sidekick learns how to handle being alone and that it isn’t something to worry about.

Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-ka) and Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) Shoshi Parks, PhD, has some useful tips on how to help your puppy become comfortable with being alone. First of all, place your puppy in their crate (or other confined space) with a high-value treat or toy and leave the house for five minutes. You’ll probably hear some barking or whining which is normal. Quickly come back in when there’s silence. It’s important to wait for a break in their barking otherwise they’ll learn that making noise is what makes you come back. Once they’re used to you being away for five minutes, try extending the time little by little.

Eventually your pup should learn that being alone isn’t too bad and that you do come back. Separation anxiety can occur in dogs of all ages, so it’s a good idea to start teaching them that alone time isn’t bad during your puppy’s first week at home.

Time to Go Potty. Again.

Stock up on cleaning supplies because you’re gonna need ’em. A lot. Potty training is another thing that should be started the day you bring your puppy home. But it’s going to take some time and quite a few potty accidents before they get the hang of it — which probably won’t be until they’re around 12 to 16 weeks old.

You can help reduce the number of accidents by taking your puppy on potty breaks every two to four hours — including in the middle of night, if needed. Crate training can also help with potty training because dogs are naturally averse to soiling their “den,” so they will go potty somewhere else. By taking them out of their crate and then immediately outside or to the designated potty place inside, they will learn that that’s where they need to go when they need to go. Eventually they will realize that your whole house is their “den” and not a place to go potty.

Stick to a Schedule

Consistent messaging and keeping to a routine are really important for helping your puppy adjust to their new home and family. Stick to the same schedule (as much as possible) for mealtimes, bedtime, play sessions and potty breaks. And if you have rules that your puppy needs to follow, make sure all of your household is enforcing the rules. If pupster isn’t allowed on the couch, you shouldn’t pull them up for a quick snuggle. It will just confuse them when they get in trouble for jumping onto the couch the next day.

Feeding Your Puppy

For mealtimes, veterinary nutritionists recommend feeding puppies at least two meals and possibly three or four meals daily until your puppy is 4 to 6 months old. Once they’re 6 months old you can stick with two meals a day, although some large and giant breeds may benefit from three meals a day. Feeding the right food is important to ensure your puppy grows into a healthy dog at the correct rate. Your veterinarian can help you determine the best food for your puppy and how much they should be eating.

The first week with a new puppy can be overwhelming and a little scary for both of you. But spending quality time with your puppy and setting up a routine will help everyone adjust in no time. Don’t forget to schedule your pup’s first visit with their veterinarian, too!

POST: Socialize Your Puppy Now for a Friendlier Tomorrow

A new puppy text graphic with a white, tan and black puppy lying in the grass.

How to Choose the Best Food for Your Growing Puppy

Posted on March 15, 2023 - 9:45 pm by
Taste of the Wild

The right nutrition is essential for keeping your puppy healthy, but if you search online for “What’s the best puppy food?” you’re going to get a LOT of options. You want the very best for your puppy to ensure they grow up healthy and strong, so how do you choose which food is actually the “best” for them?

Puppies have different nutrient requirements compared to adult dogs, and all of those nutrients have specific roles in fueling the needs of an energetic and fast-growing puppy. We’ll discuss why particular nutrients are important for puppies and explain which statements you should be looking for on the dog food label to determine the “best” food for your pup.

Grow Puppy, Grow!

You bring home your new puppy and — Bam! — a few short months later they’re not your tiny little puppy anymore. The first three to six months of a pup’s life is the most rapid growth period, and most puppies (except giant breeds) will reach 80 percent of their adult weight between 4.5 and 8 months of age.

All this growth is why puppies have nutrient needs that are different from adult dogs, who need nutrients only for maintenance (unless they’re pregnant or lactating). Maintenance requirements means adult dogs have enough nutrients to satisfy normal tissue repair and physical activity, and if they have any extra energy (calories) left over, it’s stored as fat.

Growing Puppies Need More Nutrients

Compared to adult dogs, puppies need more of most of the essential nutrients, and like adults, their health depends on receiving those nutrients in the correct amounts and proportions. Nutritional factors that are particularly important for puppies include energy, protein, calcium, phosphorus, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and antioxidants. Let’s dive deeper into why those nutritional factors are important for puppies.

Energy Is Your Puppy’s Fuel

It doesn’t matter whether your pup is a shiba inu or a Saint Bernard, the amount of energy they need for growth will be greater than at any other life stage except lactation. After weaning, puppies need twice as much energy per pound of body weight as adult dogs of the same weight. As your puppy’s growth rate starts to decline, their energy requirement will also start to decrease (usually around 6 months of age).

But be careful… too much of a good thing can lead to a chubby puppy. Your puppy needs to have their energy needs met for optimal growth (not maximal growth), so it’s important not to overfeed them. If they eat too many calories, it can lead to an increased growth rate and an overweight or obese puppy, which in turn could become an overweight or obese adult dog with an increased risk of health issues.

Protein Is Vital for a Healthy Puppy

Protein, which is found in every cell of your puppy’s body, is important for building and maintaining muscle, bone, cartilage, skin and multiple organs. Puppies need more protein than adult dogs because puppies are growing all of those protein-dependent body parts. Protein also supplies the amino acids necessary to support a heathy immune system and to synthesize hormones, antibodies and enzymes.

The protein in your puppy’s food should be highly digestible to ensure all essential amino acids are delivered to and used by your puppy’s body for growth and development. Protein-containing ingredients in pet food include meat muscles (e.g., bison, venison, beef, lamb), meat meal (e.g., chicken meal, duck meal, lamb meal), fish, fish meal (e.g., salmon meal), eggs and ancient grains (e.g., chia seed, millet, quinoa and grain sorghum).

A Healthy Skeleton Needs Calcium and Phosphorus

Calcium and phosphorus partner together to keep your pup’s bones and teeth healthy. Nearly all the calcium and most of the phosphorus in your puppy’s body are found in their teeth and skeleton. Puppy foods have slightly higher levels of calcium and phosphorus to promote a skeletal growth rate that is appropriate for a puppy’s size.

Calcium requirements vary based on breed size. It’s important that large- and giant-breed puppies have the proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in their food, as they are especially prone to developmental bone issues.

DHA Helps Your Puppy’s Brain and Vision

The omega-3 fatty acid DHA helps support brain and vision development in your puppy. DHA is found in mother’s milk, and studies have shown that the benefits of DHA in the diet continue after weaning. Research has also shown that trainability can improve when DHA is included in a puppy’s food.

Antioxidants Support Immunity and Overall Health

Antioxidants like vitamin E, beta-carotene, vitamin C, zinc and selenium support your puppy’s developing immune system and may help it respond to vaccinations. Antioxidants also help protect your pup’s body from the damaging effects of free radicals. Some of the ingredients in pet food that are sources of antioxidants include chia seed, quinoa, blueberries, raspberries, tomato and sweet potato.

Look at the Pet Food Label

As you can see, growing puppies have very different nutrient requirements as compared to adult dogs. The “best” food for your puppy is one that is a complete and balanced diet and displays the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutritional adequacy statement for “growth” or “all life stages.” If your puppy is a large breed, make sure the AAFCO all life stages statement also says, “including growth of large size dogs (70 lb. or more as an adult).” These statements ensure your puppy’s nutritional needs will be met by the nutrients in the food.

With so many choices available, choosing the right food for your puppy can be overwhelming. If you need help, your veterinarian can determine which foods meet the nutritional needs of your puppy. Then you just have to work out which flavor they like best!

RELATED POST: A Taste of the Wild Guide to Choosing the Right Pet Food

A new puppy text graphic with a white, tan and black puppy lying in the grass.

Things to Do After Your Pup Turns One

Posted on February 23, 2023 - 9:20 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Did your puppy recently celebrate their first birthday? Woo hoo! How was your first year together? There were probably some highs — your first hike together, graduating from puppy school, all of those sweet cuddles. Annnnd some not-so-highs — cleaning up potty training accidents, failing puppy school the first time ‘round, your favorite shoes getting chewed.

All in all, the first year of puppyhood was likely pretty fun for you both, but now you might be wondering what comes next. Here are a few things that you can (or should) do in the next few months, now that your puppy is officially a young adult.

Unleash Those Athletic Talents

If you’ve been itching to get your dog into a canine sport, we’ve got great news — your dog is (probably) old enough now! When choosing a sport for your dog to try, think about what skills they’re naturally good at and what type of things their breed usually likes to do. Herding events may be perfect for your dog if they spend a good part of their day trying to herd your backyard chickens into their coop. If your dog loves playing in water, maybe dock diving is their thing. Or if they’re an avid fetcher, try flying disc events.

The caveat is that some large-breed puppies haven’t finished growing yet and may need a little extra time to let their bones and joints develop properly before they can start their athletic career. Also, other breeds may not be able to take part in certain events due to their physical characteristics. For example, brachycephalic breeds (those with short muzzles, like bulldogs, pugs and Boston terriers) probably shouldn’t participate in swimming or long-distance running events due to their tendency for breathing challenges.

Before beginning a new sport, check with your veterinarian that your dog is healthy and old enough to start that particular sport. Some sports may be go-go-go but others may be no-no-no, or at least, no-no until your dog is a little older.

Brush Those Teeth

Remember those sharp little puppy teeth that were oh-so-good at chewing and biting things they shouldn’t? Well, they’re gone now, and have been replaced by your dog’s adult teeth. To keep those chompers in tip-top condition and reduce the risk of gum disease or “doggy breath,” it’s important that you continue (or start) making dental care a regular part of your dog’s routine care. Try to brush your dog’s teeth at least once a day and schedule professional veterinary cleanings regularly, too. Your veterinarian will likely perform these cleanings under anesthesia so they can conduct a thorough cleaning that’s also comfortable for your dog.

There are special pet toothbrushes available that fit over your finger, or you can use a child’s toothbrush or a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger. There are also pet toothpastes available that come in dog-approved flavors like peanut or poultry. Make sure you don’t use human toothpaste as the ingredients can cause an upset tummy.

Puppy Food or Adult Food?

Has your dog been enjoying a food formulated with puppies in mind? Something like High Prairie Puppy Recipe with Roasted Bison & Roasted Venison? Or maybe Pacific Stream Puppy Recipe with Smoke-Flavored Salmon? We certainly hope so! The good news is that you can continue feeding “puppy” food, as long as the label says the food “is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages including growth of large size dogs (70 lbs. or more as an adult).” If the label has that particular statement, there’s no need to switch to a food that doesn’t say “puppy” on it now that your dog is no longer a puppy.

Alternatively, if you’re ready for your dog to try a new food, maybe something like Southwest Canyon Canine Recipe with Wild Boar, you can do that, too — as long as your veterinarian agrees with the diet change.

It’s Time for a Visit to Your Veterinarian

You want year 2 for your dog to be a healthy one, so it’s important to take them for their annual checkup around this time. Your veterinarian can check that they’re growing well and don’t have any health issues that are hiding from you. The annual checkup is also a good time for you to ask questions about your dog, if you have any.
The vaccines that your dog was given as a puppy typically require a booster around one year of age or 12 months after the last puppy booster. They will include core vaccines that protect against distemper, canine adenovirus, canine parvovirus and rabies, as well as any non-core vaccines your veterinarian recommends, depending on your geographic location and your dog’s lifestyle (e.g., leptospirosis and kennel cough).

Raising a puppy can be challenging at times, but you did it! And now a lifetime of adventures awaits!

RELATED POST: Preventive Health Care for Pets

Fueling Your Puppy’s Growth with the Right Food

Posted on February 16, 2023 - 10:43 pm by
Taste of the Wild

If there’s one thing puppies like to do (other than chew), it’s eat. Food is what fuels their rapid growth and development, which is why it’s important that the food they eat helps them grow and develop properly.

Once you bring your puppy home (and name them), it’s important to understand that puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, and puppies of different breeds and sizes have different nutritional requirements. For example, a dachshund will reach their mature size and weight a lot quicker than a large breed pup like a Great Dane, so they will have different nutritional requirements. Keep reading to learn about how puppy growth rates affect nutrient requirements and the food options that are available for your puppy.

Puppies Reach Adult Size at Different Ages

Dog breeds are typically categorized as small (including toy and teacup), medium and large (including giant). As adults, small breeds are usually less than 20 pounds, medium breeds range between 25 and 55 pounds and large breeds are more than 50 pounds — although the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) uses 70 pounds or more for their large breed definition.

All puppies grow rapidly during the first 3 to 6 months of life. Small breed dogs will end their rapid growth period earlier (around 3 months of age) compared to giant breed puppies, who will continue growing rapidly for a couple more months. The graph below shows the growth rates of puppies from a range of breeds of different sizes.

Body-weight changes during growth in puppies of different breeds.
Adapted from Hawthorne AJ, Booles D, Nugent PA, Gettinby G, Wilkinson J. Body-weight changes during growth in puppies of different breeds. J Nutr. 2004;134(8 Suppl):2027S-2030S.

When your puppy celebrates their first birthday, they are officially considered an adult dog. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they have reached their adult size, as not all puppies reach adult size by 12 months. Toy, small and some medium-sized dogs reach adult size at around 8 to 10 months of age, while other medium dogs take until 9 to 12 months. Large and giant breeds don’t typically reach mature size until around 11 to 15 months, with some giant breeds reaching adult size at around 18 to 24 months old.

Every dog is different, so some puppies may grow faster or slower than their breed average. Even after they reach their mature size, dogs still continue developing for several more months — for example, after their bones have fully developed they will continue to add fat and muscle. To support all of this growth and development, they need to receive a complete and balanced diet that contains the right nutrients in the correct amounts.

Puppies Are Full of Energy — and So Is Their Food

Compared to adult dogs, puppies have a greater requirement for energy (calories), amino acids, and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus (for strong bones) and copper and zinc (for healthy immune systems). Puppies can also benefit from increased levels of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which is important for brain and vision development.

Energy is the most important factor affecting puppy growth rates. Early in life, about half of a puppy’s caloric intake goes toward growth, but as they get older and their growth rate slows, so do their energy needs. Puppies obtain most of their energy from the fats and carbohydrates in their food, which is why you’ll find higher fat levels in puppy foods.

Calcium is important for puppy growth and development, but too much calcium in the diet can also be a bad thing. During the rapid growth period, puppies can have trouble regulating calcium absorption in their body as that mechanism isn’t fully mature. Large breed puppies tend to be more sensitive to excessive dietary calcium than small and medium breeds, and it can negatively affect their skeletal formation and growth. Once the calcium absorption process in their small intestine is fully mature, they can protect themselves better from absorbing too much calcium from their diet.

Choosing the Right Food for Your Pup

Puppies can eat food formulated for puppies or they can eat an all-life-stages food. Some formulas labeled for puppies, like High Prairie Puppy Recipe with Roasted Bison & Roasted Venison and Pacific Stream Puppy Recipe with Smoke-Flavored Salmon provide the nutrients puppies need in an easy-to-enjoy small kibble size. Both of these formulas have guaranteed levels of DHA and perfectly balanced nutrition, which means they can be fed to pregnant or nursing mothers or other adult dogs, too.

If you have a large breed puppy, make sure you check for a specific AAFCO statement on the label. AAFCO uses life stages, not weight, to distinguish between their nutrient profile categories — with one exception. If a growth or all-life-stages dog food has been formulated to meet the nutritional requirements specified in the AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles, the statement must specifically state if the food meets the growth of large size dogs. Two example AAFCO statements are below.

In this example, the second recipe is formulated for small breeds and doesn’t meet the AAFCO requirements for the growth of large size dogs.

How Much Should Your Puppy Eat?

Some puppies will guzzle down as much food as you give them. But while puppy rolls are cute, it’s important for your puppy’s long-term health that they eat an amount appropriate for their age and size. Veterinarians recommend feeding a measured amount of food at each meal to avoid obesity issues later in life. The feeding guide on the dog food package can be used as a starting point on how much to feed, but this may need to be adjusted to keep your puppy within their ideal body condition range.

How often you feed your puppy depends on their age. Nutritionists recommend feeding puppies at least two meals and possibly three or four meals daily until your puppy reaches 4 to 6 months of age (the rapid growth period). After 6 months, two meals a day is the recommended amount, but some large and giant breeds may benefit from three feedings.

Nutrition is an important part of ensuring your puppy grows up to become a healthy adult dog. If you have questions about which food or how much food to feed your puppy, ask your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist for advice.

RELATED POST: A Taste of the Wild Guide to Choosing the Right Pet Food

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Socialize Your Puppy Now for a Friendlier Tomorrow

Posted on January 12, 2023 - 3:12 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Socializing your puppy between 7 and 16 weeks of age can have a lasting impact on their life, although the process never really ends. Acclimating your young puppy to various sights, sounds, smells and people allows them to grow into a relaxed, confident and well-mannered adult dog. It could even save their life one day, as socialized dogs are less likely to use aggression, bite people or flee in moments of fear.

How to Begin Socializing Your Puppy

You can start nearly the moment you bring your pup home, getting them used to new sights and sounds. While supervising your puppy, let them explore their new home. Over the course of a week, gradually introduce them to unusual sounds like the vacuum cleaner, washing machine or dishwasher. Encourage them to walk on different surfaces throughout the house and yard to feel a variety of textures on their paws. And provide them with their own safe space to retreat when they need to take a break from investigating.

Seven days after your puppy has received their first round of vaccines, you can begin venturing out to places that have a low risk of infectious disease (i.e. not the dog park). This waiting period helps decrease the risk of picking up contagious diseases when greeting other dogs and humans.

Venturing Farther Away

During your puppy’s first neighborhood adventure, let them set the pace. But you need to set the mood: positive, easygoing and upbeat. They may pause to sniff a fire hydrant. They may play in a puddle of water. And they may get excited to say hello to a neighbor they have not met yet. Just roll with it! If your puppy gets scared of anything along the way, treat their fears with care. Don’t push them to interact with someone or something.

Instead, revisit the area later and bend down to your puppy’s level. Calmly talk to them while close to the object or person in question. Show them you’re not being harmed and there’s nothing to fear. Once they’ve overcome that bout of nervousness, reward your puppy with a treat and praise.

Check out our blog, “How to Train Your Puppy to Walk on a Leash” for more info about getting ready to stroll around the neighborhood.

After a few neighborhood adventures, it’s time add a few more tools to your socialization toolbox. There’s so much more to be done during this pivotal time frame!

Interacting with Other Dogs

Start small by scheduling a 30-minute playdate with a friend who has a puppy or well-behaved adult canine that is also current on their vaccinations. Pick a neutral, quieter location like someone’s house or backyard in an effort to not overstimulate your puppy. Let the doggos lead the pace of interacting with one another but make note that pet parents are not off duty. Keep your eyes on your puppy as they’re navigating this new situation and step in if your pup gets overwhelmed.

Ideally, throughout the playdate you’ll see the dogs wagging their tails, acting playful, chasing each other and wrestling.

Work up to a small group of puppy friends, exposing them to a variety of sizes and breeds along the way.

Next, consider enrolling your pooch in puppy classes or scheduling a few doggy daycare stays. Both provide your puppy an outlet to mingle, play and get used to being around a larger vaccinated group of furry faces.

Traveling to New Locations

Check to see if any places around town or a short distance away allow dogs.

In the beginning, limit travel to a 20-minute radius to help your puppy get used to car rides. Think about all the sights, smells and textures your pupper could encounter walking along an uncrowded hiking trail. Let them take it all in and use positive reinforcement when they behave in public.

As your puppy becomes more comfortable traveling to new places, seek out additional experiences for Fido. Examples could include:

  • Building a snowman with friends at a local park.
  • Visiting a botanical garden and seeing all the colorful flowers in the springtime.
  • Picking up a to-go coffee and pup cup at a noisy pet-friendly coffee shop.

Meeting All the Hoomans

Introduce Fido to family, friends and community members of all ages, genders and backgrounds. Set a goal of having your puppy meet a minimum of 100 different people before they turn 12 weeks old.

That might sound like a lofty amount, but each outing adds up quickly. Think about all the individuals you’ll encounter when you walk past a local elementary as classes get out, eat out on the patio of a restaurant, or invite your best friend and their kiddo to the dog park.

Encourage everyone to let your puppy make the first move when saying hello. Don’t be afraid of letting others know your puppy is working on their people skills. Ask the new person to hold out their hand, say hi and be patient. Over time, your puppy will likely warm up to them — and if they don’t, that’s fine. Your puppy may be all peopled out at that point. Try again tomorrow. With patience and repetition, your puppy will get the hang of peopling.

Whew! You’ve made it to week 16 with lots of adorable puppy stories to share. Now, as you take your bundle of fur to new places during week 17, 18, 19, etc., your future self and future Fido will say, “Socialization was 110% worth it!” Trust us. A relaxed, calm and well-behaved doggo is developing throughout the process.

RELATED POST: Ease the Stress on Puppies During the Adoption Process

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How to Keep Your Dog Safe and Calm on Christmas Eve

Posted on December 22, 2022 - 6:02 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Christmas Eve is the happiest day of the year for many people. For dogs, it can be quite upsetting! Weird footsteps on the roof. Strange horned animals flying around. Treats left out that they’re not allowed to have. The horror!

How do you keep your dog calm and safe when stranger danger, upset tummies and other mistletoe mysteries are very real possibilities this night? To keep everyone in the house jolly and ho-ho-healthy, read on!

Santa Paws Eats Cookies

You’ve got the plate of sugar cookies all perfectly laid out for Santa’s arrival. A cup of milk is even sitting next to your famous Christmas cookie plate. After you’ve drifted off to sleep, your furry friend sneaks over to the plate with eyes all aglow. It’s snack time for Santa Paws!

While the ingredients for sugar cookies may not be toxic to Fido, these delectables can cause them an upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea and gas. No one wants to be under the weather for the big morning, so save your pup from themselves.

Before heading off to bed for visions of sugar plums, set out a decoy plate of dog cookies and place Santa Claus’s treats out of Fido’s reach. Most pet stores carry dog biscuits and cookies perfect for curbing your furry friend’s craving. You could even try a treat from your dog advent calendar!

Reindeer Takeover

Your dog looks out the window to see some funny looking dogs have invaded the front lawn this Christmas season. They’re not moving. They’ve not made a sound. They must be in stealth mode, Fido ponders. Your dog begins to alert the whole house and attempts to warn the whole neighborhood as their bark gets louder and louder. If their barks could translate into English, it’d probably resemble something like, “Must save the family from a North Pole invasion!”

You know the funny-looking dogs are actually plastic reindeer you bought on sale three Christmases ago, but your dog is oblivious to this fact. It gives you a good chuckle at first, but after a few minutes you really want to let Fido know all is well.

Let’s hit the rewind button and go back to before you put up the life-sized decorations. First, we recommend getting a dog pheromone diffuser for the house. These diffusers release dog-appeasing pheromones to help calm Fido in their time of distress.

Second, we recommend using positive reinforcement to help your dog get closer to the reindeer so they can see the decorations are not really plotting a takeover. Give your dog a treat anytime they approach the reindeer and praise them for their bravery. This can help show Fido they have nothing to be afraid of.

If you notice these methods do not work, that’s okay. Some dogs just have a very strong fear of certain objects. Close the curtains so your dog can’t see the reindeer, and enjoy the yard decorations by yourself from the front porch.

Stranger Danger

Your dog is rustled from their sleep as they hear something stirring in the house. Fido isn’t sure if it’s an intruder or a friendly face ready to provide pats. As they round the corner, they see an unfamiliar person in a red suit reaching into a very large bag! It’s not registering that this is Santa Claus from the Christmas stories you all read earlier that evening. Fido opens his mouth to bark, “Stranger danger!” before leaping through the air to attack and save their family.

This may sound like a funny scene from a movie, but as you or a loved one is icing their bum in a Santa Claus suit, you begin to wonder what you could have done to help your dog realize that “Santa” is no threat.

Let’s back up the calendar. Calm your dog’s nerves by introducing them to the suit a few days prior. Let them sniff everything, then try the suit on in front of them so they can see the transformation from owner to Santa. Be sure to talk to them throughout the process so they can hear your voice and associate it with jolly Saint Nick standing in front of them. Give them a treat and positive reinforcement before removing the costume. Repeat these steps one or two more times before Christmas Eve to help prevent an unwanted Santa attack on the night itself.

WHEW! The holidays are taxing for everyone. You deserve a nap and a comforting cup of ’nog after the holiday festivities are complete because you’ve followed these tips and helped Fido thwart a reindeer takeover. Their tummy is at ease having eaten Christmas cookies made for dogs. And last but not least, Santa and your doggo are now best friends. All in a holiday’s work.

RELATED POST: Stop Unwanted Barking Before the Holidays

What to Do if Your Puppy Eats More Than Food

Posted on December 15, 2022 - 2:59 pm by
Taste of the Wild

“What do you have in your mouth??!?”

It’s a question every puppy owner asks. Sometimes, very often.

Chewing is a natural instinct for a growing puppy. But puppies need to be taught what’s okay to chew and what’s not. They’re still learning how to navigate life, after all. Pet owners have seen anything from sticks to couch cushion pieces wedged between those chompers.

We recommend diverting their attention away from potentially hazardous items with the help of chew toys or the use of pet gates to keep the chewers confined to safe locations when they cannot be constantly supervised.

However, while we can recommend these tactics to divert a crisis, it’s also extremely realistic to expect accidents to happen. Puppies can be quick on their toe beans and chewing on an item one moment can turn into accidentally swallowing it the next. Puppy owners need to be prepared to act fast in these instances.

Hazardous Items Puppies Commonly Eat

Puppies eat items they shouldn’t out of boredom, hunger, scavenging instincts, underlying health conditions or because they’re teething. Watch out for these household items puppies commonly try to chew, rip up and/or swallow.

An interior graphic detailing common items that puppies like to chew.

Call Your Local Veterinarian ASAP

If you see your puppy eat something they shouldn’t, your first step is to call your local veterinarian’s office or the nearest emergency animal clinic. Let them know what your pup ate and how much they consumed.

The doctor will be able to tell you if the object is small enough to pass (which happens within a matter of days), if there are any toxicity concerns, or if it’s best to come in for an exam.

Veterinarians may induce vomiting, utilize endoscopy, or perform surgery to safely retrieve the object before serious issues set in. They can also look for tears in the mouth, esophagus or stomach if the item in question has sharp edges, like sticks, rocks or pencils.

Note: Do not try to take matters into your own hands and make your dog throw up without talking to your vet first. It is best to have professional supervision in case anything goes awry.

What if I Only Suspect Something Was Ingested

Little Fido has just finished up playing outside and is ready for a rest on the living room floor. Over the next hour or so, your pupper seems to be a little off. You didn’t see them ingest anything they shouldn’t, but now you begin to question if they got into something.

What signs should you look for to know if they ate a hazardous item without your knowledge?

  • Vomiting or dry heaving
  • Not eating
  • Lethargic
  • Stretching a lot like they’re trying to relieve pressure built up in their stomach
  • Grunting or moaning like they’re in pain

Call your veterinarian to discuss your situation as soon as you notice these symptoms. It’s better to go in for a visit and an X-ray to know what you’re dealing with — especially if you start to suspect they may have ingested something without you knowing.

My Puppy Repeatedly Eats Non-Food Items

If your puppy goes from chewing on items to repeatedly eating non-food items, they may have a medical issue called pica. The need to constantly eat non-food items can indicate nutritional deficiencies or behavioral issues such as anxiety or a compulsive disorder.

Your veterinarian can work with you and your puppy to find the root of the issue and ways to manage it. These management techniques can be as simple as proper anxiety treatments or adding in more exercise opportunities throughout the week. Your veterinarian will know best.

We hope your furry companion does not need to have an item removed from his or her stomach, but in the event they do, you’ll now properly be prepared to act fast. Keep your veterinarian’s phone number in an easily accessible location not only for you, but for any puppy sitters to have on hand as well.

RELATED POST: Common Household Items That Are Pet Poisons

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It’s Go Time: Cleaning Up When Potty Training Your Puppy

Posted on November 23, 2022 - 3:14 pm by
Taste of the Wild

You have a puppy, which means that it’s go time, whether we collectively want it to be or not. When potty training a puppy, they will inevitably “go” when and where they aren’t supposed to. And that’s OK! Accidents happen, and they are learning. Just like knowing their name, potty training takes time; most puppies don’t fully master the art of elimination for a few months. Which means proud puppy parents should bone up on the best ways to clean puppy pee and poop.

Don’t Let It Linger

The longer it’s there, the harder it is to clean up. That’s the best thing to remember about puppy accidents. Stains set, odor seeps, and if the mess remains in place for too long, it can leave a nearly permanent reminder. So start cleanup ASAP!

If you happen to witness your puppy letting loose in the wrong place, clap or make a sharp noise to indicate that it’s bad and then quickly take them outside. Once they’ve gone in the “right” place, be sure to reward them with praise and/or treats or toys, to reinforce their good behavior. Never rub their nose in the mess, especially if you didn’t see them make it. They do not understand why you’d do it. No one learns anything, and everyone feels bad about it!

No Scrubs

When cleaning up puppy accidents, a gentle hand is required. You don’t want to mash anything into the carpet or furniture. First, scrape off any solids and soak up the liquid with dry paper towels. Make sure you blot rather than scrub to prevent the any material, liquid or odors from being pushed further into the material. Apply light pressure to help absorb the liquid faster. Then rinse with cool water and blot that dry.

Stop the Stain and Smell

It might be a good idea to invest in some store-bought pet stain and odor removers, but in a pinch, here is a homemade remedy that uses ingredients you probably have on hand. Grab some distilled white vinegar and baking soda. Make a 1:1 mixture of distilled white vinegar and water. If odor is a major concern, add two teaspoons of baking soda to the mix. Use a spray bottle to apply it to the stain and wait a few minutes, then blot dry with paper towels.

Removing the odor is important, not only for a sense of cleanliness but for your puppy’s progress. Puppies tend to pee where they smell other urine; it’s an instinct. Smelling urine is a signal that it’s OK to go there, because it’s happened before. So if they can smell it, they might go back to the well again, so to speak.

Even if the area is already dry, there are things you can try to remove the odor. Using the vinegar, water and soda combination to clean will also help neutralize the odor. Another option is to evenly spread a thin layer of baking soda alone on the stain and let it sit overnight.

There are also enzymatic cleaners available which are specifically designed for breaking down the organic matter in dog pee and poop. Just make sure to follow the directions on the label.

Whether you choose to use a store-bought option or a home remedy, always test the solution on an inconspicuous area first to make sure it’s safe for that surface type.

Potty training a puppy isn’t always easy, but it doesn’t have to be messy! With consistency and a few reliable cleaning methods, you can be ready when it’s go time, inside or outside.

RELATED POST: How to Train Your Puppy to Walk on a Leash

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A Taste of the Wild Guide to Pet Anxiety and Stress

Posted on November 17, 2022 - 7:57 pm by
Taste of the Wild

There aren’t many issues that are more upsetting to pet owners than pet anxiety, especially when it comes to anxious dogs. An anxious dog can lead to destructive behavior, health conditions or repetitive or compulsive behaviors that can have major ramifications on your pet’s life.

Types of Anxiety

A dog’s anxiety or stress can come from many sources, but there are three major causes.

Separation Anxiety

Dog anxiety caused by separation from their pet parents or other companions has always been an issue, but it might be exacerbated by the recent COVID years, as many pets got used to being around their owners all the time. Sudden time apart can lead to destructive behavior in anxious dogs.

Loud Noises

If you’ve ever seen how thunder can cause anxiety in dogs, you immediately understand how loud noises like storms, fireworks or gunshots can cause pet owners to cringe. Not all dogs are impacted by these noises, but an anxious dog might need prescribed medication in the worst cases.

Changes in environment or routine

Certain dog breeds are more chill than others when it comes to anxiety, but most are impacted by lifestyle changes in some way. Different bed or wake times, other changes in sleeping habits, new items in a dog’s environment — they can all trigger anxiety.

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety in Dogs

Dog body language is a prime indicator of stress and anxiety in dogs, but it’s far from the only indicator. Depending on how well you know your dog, you can read these signs to determine how they’re feeling, mentally. Other things to look for:

  • Barking or howling
  • Panting or pacing
  • Digging
  • Escaping the yard
  • Destroying furniture

Any sudden addition of these behaviors might be an indication that your dog may need to relieve stress or be taken out of a stressful situation. Dog anxiety can be hard to read, but if you know these signs you can get with your veterinarian to plan to treat anxiety in your dog.

For more details on specific situations or types of dog anxiety or stress, read on!

Separation Anxiety in Pets

A Dog Looking Out of the Window. | Taste of the Wild

Do the Sunday Scaries get you down, knowing that work on Monday is coming? Your pet may hate it even more than you. Up to 17 percent of dogs suffer from separation anxiety. That time spent away from your pet can be extremely stressful, almost like a traumatic event. Extended anxiety in pets can cause health issues or behavior problems.

Knowing that a pet is stressed can be distressing for an owner, too. Your best option is to work with your veterinarian or a veterinary behavior specialist to help your pet overcome his or her fear.

READ MORE ABOUT SEPARATION ANXIETY IN PETS

Back to School Can Be Stressful for Pets

A Dog Standing in Front of a School Bus. | Taste of the Wild

If your pet and the kids have been inseparable all summer, that first day of school can be a rude awakening to the pets, especially if they’re now all alone in the house.

Helping a dog cope with the sudden change in play and snuggle time can be tricky, but with some extra chew toys and other minor changes, you should be able to ease your dog’s symptoms.

READ MORE ABOUT PET STRESS AND BACK TO SCHOOL

Calming Pet Stress and Pet Anxiety When the Thunder Rolls

Two Dogs Under the Covers in a Bed. | Taste of the Wild

For some dogs, the sound of thunder can cause a major anxiety disorder. But it might not just be the noise; it can be everything surrounding the storm. Or it might not be the storm at all! It’s important to work with your veterinarian to determine whether your dog is suffering from noise anxiety, storm anxiety, separation anxiety or a combination of stresses, so you can find the right treatment to help your pet. If your dog’s anxiety is so extreme that they are hurting themselves or destroying property, your veterinarian may recommend prescription medications to help.

READ MORE ABOUT YOUR PET AND THUNDER STORMS

De-Stressing That Trip to the Veterinarian

A Dog Being Treated by a Veterinarian. | Taste of the Wild

We all hate going to the doctor, but did you know dogs can feel that same anxiety when going to the veterinarian? Dogs may not speak the same language as us, but they can pick up on shifts in your mood, and they tend to know when they’re being rounded up to go somewhere.

READ MORE ABOUT STRESS AND THE VET

Puppies and Adoption Stress

Three Puppies Playing Together. | Taste of the Wild

That puppy might be all happy and wiggily in the window, but the adoption process can be hard on a young pup! Here are all the ways a pup’s anxiety can be exacerbated by the adoption process, as well as a few ways you can help your puppy with a stress-free transition to a new home.

READ MORE ABOUT DE-STRESSING THE PUPPY ADOPTION PROCESS

Dog Anxiety Is Real But Can Be Helped!

Dogs are wonderful creatures who somehow relieve the constant pressure that we humans face on a day-to-day basis. But dogs experience many of the same anxiety issues that we do. It doesn’t take much effort to reduce anxiety in dogs. Luckily, the root cause and many symptoms of much dog anxiety can be handled without much difficulty, and your dog will be back to their silly, wiggly self in no time.

A new puppy text graphic with a white, tan and black puppy lying in the grass.