Large Breed Puppy Food
Large Breed Puppy Food
Your New Puppy - what to expect when you bring him home
Puppies often leave their canine family and go to their new homes when they're still babies. A medium to large breed puppy should be at least 8 weeks old, and a tiny/toy breed needs to be 10 - 12 weeks.
At this age your puppy is just a baby, and the stress of leaving his familiar family and surroundings, perhaps coupled with a long car ride, or airplane journey, and topped off with a sea of new faces/experiences and possibly even a change in diet, is a LOT OF STRESS for him to handle.
When you first met your new pup, he was probably feeling safe and secure with his momma and siblings. He may have been the boldest in the litter then, but once you get him home he's likely to act much more like a anxious and homesick baby - and that's okay, because that's what he is!
It's natural for that confident, happy little pup you first met to be affected by the stress of these big changes in his life. Anxiety, sadness and withdrawal are not surprising, but they can be worrying and upsetting for his new parents.
What to expect during the first few days
Your new pup may seem happy and lively when you first get him home, running around and greeting everyone with that little tail wagging nineteen-to-the-dozen. However, most puppies tend to gradually become quieter and more subdued. All puppies are different, and you may only notice one of these behaviors - or all of them...
A loss of appetite
He seems 'lazy' or extra sleepy
Diarrhea
A lessening of interest in toys/treats/attention
Apparent 'depression' or sadness
General anxiety
Your puppy's little body is trying to adjust to many new things, and he may react to this by 'shutting it all out' - simply withdrawing from activity and going to sleep.
Like babies, puppies need to sleep a lot anyway, but for the first few days they may seem to be taking one marathon nap! He's feeling scared, and a bit homesick, and it's not surprising that he may not feel much like playing or eating.
As the days pass though, and he starts to feel more 'at home' with his new family and surroundings, he will start to 'perk up', his appetite will come back (often with a vengeance!and he will suddenly be the bright, active little pup you first met. When that starts to happen, you know he's settled in.
How to tell if your new puppy is just homesick.... or really is SICK
Although in most cases, the above symptoms last only a couple of days and are nothing to worry about, it's important to know that the same symptoms CAN SOMETIMES INDICATE TRUE ILLNESS.
There are many serious, contagious canine diseases that cause loss of appetite, diarrhea, lethargy (excessive sleepiness) and so on. One of the difficult things for new puppy owners is knowing when there's nothing to worry about - and when to seek veterinary help.
Although it's not possible for me to tell you how to know for sure whether your puppy is homesick or really sick, there are some tips that can help you figure it out.
Your puppy may be suffering from an illness if -
His diarrhea is frequent, and is getting worse. Or if it is watery or contains blood/mucus
He is vomiting repeatedly and is unable to keep food/water down
He seems totally exhausted - too tired to lift his head or care about toys/treats
A puppy who is just homesick may seem sleepy and sad, but can generally be enticed with a game of fetch or a tasty treat. Most times there will be short periods of happy activity during the day, even though he isn't quite 'himself'. However, if your puppy is truly sick, he will usually be unwilling/unable to run around and play - even for short periods. He will look and act as if he feels terrible.
What to do if you're worried
Young puppies are very vulnerable, and can get sick very fast. It's best not to take any chances with a young puppy. If you are worried or concerned, always err on the side of caution and take him to see your veterinarian.
Whenever you bring a new puppy home it's a good idea to have him checked over by your veterinarian within a day or two anyway. This way you can be certain that he's current on all his puppy shots, de-worming and other routine care. It also gives you a chance to make sure there are no underlying health issues that you need to be aware of.
If you're not certain whether your puppy's behavior means he's just going through the normal 'adjustment period', or whether he's not feeling well, take him to your vet just as soon as you can. That way you can put your mind at rest, and be certain that you are doing the very best you can for your new puppy.
About the Author
The author has spent years owning, breeding, raising and training puppies and is a long-time dog-lover. To read the full article entitled 'Bringing Home A New Puppy', and get all the tips, advice and information you need to raise a happy, healthy puppy, visit http://www.the-puppy-dog-place.com
Donut vs. Nutro Puppy Formula for Large Breed Puppies
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 Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Food Large Breed 175 lb  US $44.79
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 Nutro Ultra Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food US $34.85
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 Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Chicen Puppy Food US $33.92
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 Orijen Large Breed Puppy Food US $7.14
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 Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Food Large Breed 5 lb bag US $19.81
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 Nutro Max Large Breed Puppy Food 5 lbs US $10.32
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 Nutro Max Large Breed Puppy Food 175 lbs US $25.94
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 Nutro Max Large Breed Puppy Food 35 lbs US $43.73
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 PRO PAC Large Breed Puppy Premium Puppy Food 70512 US $39.49
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Blue Buffalo Large Breed Puppy Dry Food, Chicken and Rice Recipe, 30-Pound Bag List Price: $49.99 Sale Price: $40.79  |
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Blue Buffalo Large Breed Puppy FoodLike you we think of our puppies as family members and want them to live long, happy lives. And since superior nutrition plays a vital role in their health and development, we take great care in selecting only the finest natural ingredients... |
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Royal Canin Dry Dog Food, Maxi Large Breed Puppy 32 Formula, 35-Pound Bag List Price: $61.99 Sale Price: $52.19 |
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Your large breed puppy requires specifically adapted nutrition to meet a unique long growth cycle (up to 18 months). Royal Canin Large Breed Puppy⢠formula contains the optimal amount of high quality proteins, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals to fulfill your large breed puppy's unique nutritional requirements. |
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Wellness Super5Mix, Large Breed Puppy Dog Food, 30-Pound Bag List Price: $58.99 Sale Price: $53.29 Average Rating:  |
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Specially formulated for the unique nutritional needs of the large breed puppy. With a longer growth cycle and a faster potential growth rate, your large breed puppy has a unique physical composition that creates special nutritional needs:Controlled Bone Development: Optimal skeletal development depends on appropriate amounts of calcium and phosphorus... |
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PP LARGE BREED PUPPY FOOD 33LB List Price: $25.18 Sale Price: $27.08 |
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Mpf Propac L/B Puppy 33# Made by Wells Pet Foods Model Number: 1710095 |
