8 Tips to take care of your puppies’ health

Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting experience for any pet owner. However, with this new bundle of joy comes the responsibility of ensuring their health and well-being.

Puppies require extra care and attention during their first few months of life to help them grow into happy, healthy adult dogs.

Photo by Eric Ward

Here are eight tips to take care of your puppies' health and ensure they have the best start in life.

Provide regular veterinary care. This includes vaccinations, preventative care, and regular check-ups. Feed a high-quality diet that is appropriate for your puppy's age, size, and activity level. Exercise your puppy regularly to promote physical fitness and behavioural well-being. Socialize your puppy early and often to help them become well-adjusted and confident adults. Keep your puppy's living area clean, and provide them with a comfortable place to sleep. Provide…
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Choosing the Right Size Dog

A Guide for Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Family

When it comes to choosing a dog, size is an important factor to consider. The size of a dog can affect many aspects of your life, including living space, exercise requirements, and overall cost of care.

Small dogs, such as the Chihuahua and the Yorkshire Terrier, are great for apartment living and can be easily transported in a purse or small carrier. They also have lower exercise requirements and are less expensive to feed. However, small dogs can be prone to certain health issues and may be more fragile than larger breeds.

Medium-sized dogs, such as the Cocker Spaniel and the Border Collie, are a great middle ground between small and large breeds. They have moderate exercise requirements and can adapt well to both apartment and house living. They are also good with children and other pets, making them great family dogs.

Large dogs, such as the Labrador Retriever and the Great Dane, have high exe…

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How to find a reputable dog breeder

Finding that perfect dog breeder

When researching the perfect dog breeder, there are several important things to keep in mind.Look for a reputable breederA reputable breeder will have a history of breeding healthy and well-adjusted puppies, and will be able to provide you with information about the puppy's health and temperament.

Visit the breeder's facilityA reputable breeder will be happy to show you their facility and introduce you to the puppies and their parents. This will give you a sense of the environment in which the puppies were raised and will allow you to assess the health and temperament of the parent dogs.

Ask for referencesA reputable breeder will have no problem providing you with references from previous puppy buyers. Contacting these references will give you an idea of what it's like to work with the breeder and the quality of the puppies they produce.

Research the breedBefore you begin your search for a breeder, make …

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Adopt a dog from humane society

Benefits of adopting a dog from humane society

Adopting from a humane society saves lives. These organizations rescue and care for dogs in need, providing medical attention and shelter until they find loving homes. By adopting, you give a dog a chance at a better life and free up resources to help others.

Financially, it's practical with lower fees covering vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and microchipping. Many offer follow-up care too.

Beyond the practical, it offers dogs a second chance at love and stability. Your compassion provides them with a new beginning as cherished family members.

Humane society organizations in Canada

ONTARIO:

Burlington Humane Society Cambridge and District Humane Society Etobicoke Humane Society Guelph Humane Society Lincoln County Humane Society Mississauga Humane Society Niagara Falls Humane Society Ontario SPCA Ottawa Humane Society Quinte Humane Society Sarnia and Dist…
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Adopting from the humane society vs puppies from breeders

Adopting a dog from a humane society vs breeders

Adopting a dog from a humane society or rescue organization is a great way to give a loving home to a dog in need. These organizations often take in dogs that have been abandoned, surrendered, or rescued from abusive or neglectful situations.

Many of these dogs have been through a lot and may have some behavioural or medical issues, but with patience, love, and proper training, they can make loyal and loving pets.

Photo by Katie Bernotsky

The Benefits

Saving a dogs lifeOne of the main benefits of adopting a dog from a humane society or rescue organization is that you are saving a life. Many of these dogs would not have a chance at finding a forever home without the help of these organizations. Additionally, adopting a dog can be less expensive than buying a puppy from a breeder.

Medical historyAnother benefit of adopting a dog is that many humane societies and re…

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Purebred or Mix Breed Puppy?

Purebred or Mix Breed

When it comes to choosing a new dog, one of the biggest decisions you'll need to make is whether to go with a purebred or a mixed breed. Both have their own unique set of pros and cons, and the best choice for you will depend on your lifestyle and preferences.

Purebred dogs are those that are bred from a specific set of parents that share the same breed characteristics. This means that you'll know exactly what to expect in terms of size, temperament, and exercise needs. Purebreds also tend to have a more consistent appearance, so you'll know what your dog will look like as an adult.

On the other hand, mixed breed dogs, also known as designer breeds, are a combination of two or more different breeds. This means that their appearance and temperament can be more varied. Mixed breeds often have a more unique look and can have a mix of characteristics from their parent breeds. They also tend to have a lower risk of genetic health issues that…

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Dog Grooming Basics

Steps to groom your dog Brush your dog's coat regularly to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Use a brush that is appropriate for your dog's coat type. Bathe your dog as needed, using a dog-specific shampoo. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all soap. Trim your dog's nails with a proper dog nail clipper. If you're unsure how to do this, seek the help of a professional groomer or veterinarian. Clean your dog's ears, removing any wax or debris. Be careful not to go too deep into the ear canal. Brush your dog's teeth regularly to prevent dental problems. You can use a finger toothbrush or a dog-specific toothbrush with toothpaste. Check your dog's eyes, cleaning any discharge with a damp cloth. Check your dog's skin for any signs of rashes, hot spots or any other abnormalities. Lastly, show your dog that grooming is a positive experience, reward with treats and praise during and after grooming.

Note: Grooming is also a…

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Health and Nutrition recommendations for your new puppy 

Congratulations on your new puppy!

As a new pet parent, you may be wondering what steps you can take to ensure your furry friend is healthy and happy. In this article, we'll go over some essential tips for keeping your new puppy in tip-top shape through proper nutrition and exercise.

Photo by Nick Mundackal

The right food

First and foremost, it's important to choose the right food for your puppy. Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, so be sure to select a food specifically formulated for their age and size. Look for a food that is high in protein, as this is essential for muscle growth and development. Also, make sure the food is age appropriate, and you should also check if it is a grain-free diet.

When it comes to feeding, it's important to stick to a consistent schedule. Puppies should be fed three small meals per day, rather than one or two large meals. This will help prevent …

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Preparing for your New Puppy

Congrats on your new best friend! Here are the steps for preparing for your new puppy: Set up a designated space for your puppy. This could be a crate or a designated room that will be just for your puppy. Purchase the necessary supplies, such as a collar and leash, food and water bowls, a bed, and toys. Research and choose a high-quality puppy food, and have it ready for when your puppy arrives. Research and choose a veterinarian and schedule a visit for your puppy's first check-up. Research and choose a training and socialization classes. Puppy classes are a great way to socialize your puppy and learn how to train them properly. Get your house ready by puppy-proofing it, removing any items that could be dangerous or harmful to your puppy. Begin to establish a schedule for your puppy, including feeding, potty breaks, playtime and rest time. Finally, be prepared to devote a lot of time and patience to your new puppy, as they will need consistent training, soc…
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Selecting the right food for your puppy

When selecting dog food for your new puppy, there are several things to consider

Age and breedPuppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, and large breed puppies have different needs than small breed puppies. Look for a food specifically formulated for puppies and the appropriate size.

IngredientsChoose a food that lists a high-quality protein source, such as chicken or fish, as the first ingredient. Avoid foods with fillers, such as corn or wheat, as well as any artificial preservatives or colors.

Nutritional valuePuppies need a diet high in protein, fat, and other essential nutrients to support their growth and development. Look for foods that meet the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) guidelines for growth and reproduction.

Brand reputationResearch different brands and read reviews from other pet owners to get an idea of the quality of the food. Look for brands that have a good reputation for qualit…

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