The first year of a dog's life is the most important period for them. This is because it is the time to build habits and build good health for them, which will be the foundation for their entire life. This age is therefore a time when you need to give him a lot of time, as it is a period of considerable change in both physical development and behavior. Being in good health, well fed, vaccinated, and getting proper exercise are the foundations for a dog to grow up to be a quality dog. So, we're going to share some tips on how to care for a one-year-old dog. Follow along!
Food suitable for dogs in their first year of life
Essential nutrients for growing dogs include carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, fat, minerals, and water. If you want to make food for your dog, it should be food with rice, meat, and vegetables as the main ingredients. The taste can be improved to make it more appealing. And don't forget to rotate the food. You shouldn't feed your dog the same food repeatedly, as this can cause him to lack one type of nutrient, which could lead to health problems in the future.
Protein from eggs is an important nutrient for puppy growth. However, we should not feed raw or soft-boiled eggs because the protein in eggs cannot be absorbed by the dog's body. It is better to cook them by frying or boiling, which will be more beneficial for the dog.
Liver foods that many people like to give to their dogs, such as boiled liver or grilled liver, are easy to find and dogs love. In reality, it shouldn't be given to them every day, as it can cause bone problems. Liver's mineral balance is not balanced, which can cause your dog to develop osteoporosis or fracture easily. If you really want your dog to eat liver, you should add a vitamin or calcium supplement instead to help reduce the problem of brittle bones.
Principles for selecting ready-made food for dogs during their first year of life
If you want convenience or want to find food that is easily available, you can feed pellets or ready-made food. However, you should look at the box that says it is for 1-year-old puppies and consider the following:
1. You need to consider your dog's age. You should prepare food that is appropriate for their age. This can be found in the product description on the bag or box. Every brand has detailed specifications for their age and nutritional value.
2. Canned food or dry food: Both are equally beneficial for dogs. It depends on what your dog prefers. Canned food is easier to eat because it has a better smell, water content, and taste than dry food.
Vaccination
After birth, puppies receive immunity from their mother through milk. This immunity will only protect against disease for about 6-10 weeks. After that, the body's immunity will decrease. During this time, puppies will be weak and easily susceptible to various diseases or become sick and die if they are not vaccinated in a timely manner. However, if the vaccine is given too early while the immunity from the mother is still high, it will cause resistance, which can be dangerous. Therefore, puppies should be vaccinated when they are about 2 months old. They should receive the vaccine according to the following program:
Vaccination program
1. 5-in-1 vaccine, first dose at 2 months of age, second dose at 2 and a half months of age.
2. Rabies vaccine, first dose at 4 months of age, second dose at 7 months of age.
3. All types of vaccines require a booster shot once a year.
4. Heartworm prevention vaccines are started at 3 months of age and must be given continuously.
5. Take deworming medication for the digestive system to get rid of both flatworms and roundworms.
You can view the puppy vaccination program at Taling Chan Animal Hospital. here
Exercise
A puppy that gets regular daily exercise by running and playing will help him grow strong and healthy. However, the amount of exercise will depend on his size and breed. Large breed dogs, such as Siberians, Labradors, etc., will need a greater and longer amount of exercise than smaller breed dogs like Chihuahuas or Pomeranians. However, all puppies under one year old should be given the normal amount of exercise.
Additionally, after your puppy has received all necessary vaccinations and has developed strong immunity, you should take him for regular walks and runs. Taking your dog outside not only keeps him healthy, but also provides him with opportunities to learn new things and create new experiences, including meeting other dogs. These things will help him learn about adaptability and help prevent social behavioral problems.
During their first year, dogs are like kindergarten children whose bodies need food and medicine to grow strong. However, the love and warmth of their owners also helps build their mental health. Showing them love by hugging, stroking their heads, talking to them, or showing interest when they come to play with us will make them happy. Make your dog's first year complete both physically and mentally, and grow into a quality dog. Families with puppies at home, don't forget to pay attention and take care of them a lot.
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References
Dr. Oraya Prapanpoj, veterinarian at the Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Surgery and Department of Cardiology, Talingchan Animal Hospital
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