For this reason we've calculated the approximate 'as fed' percentages for the main ingredient categories in the finished product. Decide in advance whether your dog will be allowed upstairs and how to discourage any explorations or the puppy from simply following you up. Baby gates can be a good temporary solution to open stairs. Puppies are not able to manage stairs so will need carrying until you can teach them how to safely crawl up and down. Days 35-42: Puppies become coloured (skin pigment develops) and the mother’s stomach continues to swell. Carb-rich ingredients: includes all ingredients derived from grains, pseudo-grains, potatoes and other starchy root vegetables, sweet potato and legumes (except whole peas which are categorised under fruit and veg) except for isolated protein and extracted oils. Also includes fibre supplements. While the 'mixing bowl' composition is useful for knowing what went into the food, it doesn't always reflect what your dog is actually eating. This is because the processes that turn the ingredients into the finished pet food can significantly alter the relative weights of the ingredients.

Puppies have different requirements to adult dogs. During their growth period they need higher levels of energy, protein, fat and certain minerals and vitamins to maintain their optimum growth. To feed a puppy on an adult diet would mean doubling the amount of food you would need to give the puppy. This would be difficult to interest the puppy into eating and likely to cause diarrhoea, through the sheer volume of food passing through the digestive system. In addition although the diet would provide sufficient energy it would not be balanced in terms of amino acids, vitamins and minerals which could all have a detrimental effect on growth. Food and water bowls: These need to be heavy bottomed dishes to ensure they don’t tip over & made of material that cannot be chewed. Puppy sized versions are available which will allow easier access for small puppies. Generally, after the age of seven most dogs will start to show some signs of aging. They may just be a little slower on their walks, sleep a little deeper at night and need more reassurance and affection from you, but it can also be the start of some debilitating illnesses like arthritis, diabetes and kidney disease.Days 21- 28: The fetuses will grow from 5-10mm to 14-16mm, their faces take shape and their eyes and spinal cords develop. A vet will be able to palpate and possibly detect pregnancy between days 27 and 31. Sporting dogs like Spaniels and Labradors used in shoots and trials, will need higher levels of energy for short bursts of activity, they will also need good concentration and eye sight for retrieval, so a highly active diet like Dr. John Titanium will give them the additional energy and nutrient levels they need along with a joint supplement to keep their active joints supported and in good health. Another common complication is false pregnancy. This can occur soon after the heat cycle and mimic all the signs of pregnancy. Typically symptoms will last for a month or so before subsiding naturally. Getting a vet’s diagnosis can be helpful in ruling out other possible causes. Day 49- 57: When the mother is resting you will be able on occasion to see and feel the pups moving. Pups can be born at any time now, but keeping them in for another week is much healthier, so avoid rough play. Some dams can get milk (colostrum) as early as day 45, but normally it is later on.

It’s worth getting your vet to advise you on the birth process with puppies and what might go wrong if this is the first litter you have overseen. Reference books can also provide additional information and reassurance on the day. Finally, research whelping kits (ID collar bands, UV lamps, heat pads and bitch milk replacer for instance) early on to ensure you have everything to hand when needed. WHAT TO FEED DURING PREGNANCY Days 28 – 35: At this time the fetuses begin to resemble dogs with developing toes, whiskers and claws. They can be identified as male and female at this point and their eyes will now close (and remain closed until the pups reach until about 10 days old or so.) At this stage they become more resistant to development problems. In the mother, her weight will begin to increase, and swelling will begin to be noticeable.

Firstly more energy: working or sporting dogs are likely to need either a higher energy diet like Dr. John Titanium or a good active maintenance diet like Dr. John Gold, with enough energy for activity, protein for growth, maintenance and repair of tissues and essential fats for condition and additional energy. Start by feeding towards the upper end of the recommended feeding requirements to get the right level to maintain condition in your dog. Feeding twice a day is ideal for most dogs, however, it needs to be at appropriate times for a working dog so they rest after eating to encourage good digestion before starting a period of work. Food: A good breeder will send your puppy home with enough food for a few days, but it can be worth enquiring before what food it is and getting a small bag in to cover the first few weeks before moving onto a suitable puppy diet. Symptoms of hunger, shivering in the cold and fatigue can be early signs that your dog needs a higher energy formula. It may be that you have been feeding a light diet to prevent your dog gaining weight, cutting out treats to prevent bad behaviour, or perhaps started keeping your dog cooler to improve coat condition. All these minor changes can have an effect on your dog’s metabolic rate and nutritional requirements. If you keep an entire (un-neutered) male dog at home as well, then you may find it necessary to make arrangements for them to have a holiday away from home during the season. This should be for at least 28 days from the date the bleeding was first noticed. Feeding during a season

Newspaper/training pads. These can help with house training your puppy at the start and catching any accidents inside. Also very useful for visits to new environments/households where you want to introduce your puppy. The cycle lasts between 14 and 28 days and begins from when bleeding is first noticed. If you intend to breed, then find out as much as possible about the subject beforehand, your breeder, vet and the Kennel Club are all good sources of information to ensure the best outcome. Normal symptoms & what to watch out for Dr John also makes food specifically designed for working dogs and has a great range of different foods for different breeds. Here at The Pet Express we want you to enjoy every time you shop with us. Occasionally we know you may want to return items, we have tried to make our terms as clear as possible to avoid any nasty surprises.While our Dr John dog food review is totally non-biased, we really can’t find any faults, except for the hefty price-tag that is. From our research, it seems as though dogs all over the country are absolutely lapping up these products. All puppies will develop slightly differently to each other depending on their environment and genetics but they all will go through the same stages during the first 12 weeks from birth. Plan to spend the whole day with your puppy so arrive at the breeder’s home as early as possible so you have time to go through all the documents, information on your puppy’s current routine and what your puppy will need over the next few days. This will also allow your puppy to become more familiar with you before leaving. Recovering from operations, or long term illnesses should also be taken into account when considering diet, even in the case of standard operations like neutering or dental treatments. Assess how your dog is coping; whether there are problems with chewing after dental work (in which case soak the food for longer in warm water to soften it). If activity has to be restricted, then consider changing diet to a lighter, highly digestible food, as your dog will still want to have normal sized meals but won’t be using the same amount of energy as before. Joint supplements may be useful, for instance, an active ingredient in NZ green lipped mussel has been found to have an anti-inflammatory effect, and other ingredients are present that benefit joint health (We use a joint complex in many of our diets, ( Gilpa Kennel for instance). In some dogs, neutering can have a long term effect on metabolism slowing it so these dogs are prone to weight gain and will need to be fed a lighter or low fat diet. (try Dr. John Silver).