Puppies are one thing above all: terribly cute, because they are also very, very small.
This cute phase may be delightful. But it also has its pitfalls for the little fur nose. A puppy is more vulnerable than an adult dog.
But when are puppies over the hill? Find out in the guide below.
The critical time: when are puppies over the hill?
First of all: yes there are guidelineswhen puppies are over the hill, however, these are not to be stated in general.
The reason: When a puppy is out of the woods depends, among other things, on the race away. So from the point in time from which this is considered to be fully grown or adult.
In general, however, a dog is referred to as a puppy until it has completed its first year.
This time is characterized by various processes in development. These are not only related to physical development, but also to health.
At Puppies is divided into 3 stages distinguished:
- Neonatal phase, birth to 2 weeks of life
- Transitional phase, 2nd to 4th week of life
- Socialization phase, 4th to 12th week of life
In these first few months and afterwards, the little brat develops. That means: It grows, and with it a strong one slowly develops immune system.
Strictly speaking, a puppy is not out of the woods before this is fully developed.
It is important that puppies in the first few weeks and months as many nutrients as possible through breast milk as well as that proper puppy food receive.
those included here nutrients and also antibodies contribute significantly to healthy growth and an optimally positioned immune system.
In some cases, an existing one vaccination protection at the mother animal ensure that certain and dangerous diseases cannot dock and break out in the puppy.
Good to know:
The first few days after the birth are particularly critical. And that’s no wonder. Because while the little plugs were warm and safe in mom’s uterus up until then, they now have to deal with the «fresh air».
Mortality rate in puppies statistically
The mortality rate for puppies is particularly high in the first few weeks of life. Here they are special defenseless and at the same time susceptible to pathogenssuch as viruses and bacteria.
According to statistics, the mortality or morbidity rate here at about 30%. This fact is justified by the transition from life in the womb to life outside the womb.
Here experts speak of Transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life. Studies have also found that, above all, Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract were among the most common causes of death.
The conditions under which the puppies grow up also have a major impact on their chances of survival.
Good to know:
These statistics do not always have antecedent symptoms that give a reason for mortality.
You should also keep in mind at this point that it is is about statistics. And this do not have to have anything to do with your puppy!
The fact is that puppies are more vulnerable and in need of protection due to their still very weak immune system.
Will my pup be over the hill if I get it from the breeder?
Unfortunately, this question can be not answer with a resounding yes. Because it play a whole set of factors plays a role in how robust your little fur nose really is.
Depending on the breed, it is actually assumed that a small dog is only out of the woods when it reaches adulthood.
Nevertheless, it can never be ruled out that one or the other disease is lurking that poses challenges for the immune system.
Also exists with wrong breeding a high risk of hereditary diseases.
Of course, we assume that your breeder is responsible and reputable. Unfortunately, this does not apply to everyone who breeds dogs.
Here it happens, among other things backcrosses. Hereditary diseases are not just not outbred.
They are indeed reinforced – because, for example, the dog’s mother is also the sister, aunt and cousin of the little puppies.
However, you yourself can certainly help to ensure that your little fur nose is over the mountain and stays there.
Because there are, among other things, preparations that strengthen the immune system. And thus help to keep illnesses under control.
As mentioned, stands and falls but also a lot with the right diet as well as adequate vaccination protection, which contributes to a good basic immunization and is simply part of it. Make sure to rest your dog after the vaccination.
Conclusion
A puppy is only really out of the woods once it has reached adulthood.
At least then you can assume that it is The immune system and the body’s own defenses are strong enough are in order to successfully deal with one or the other potential intruder.
Yet there is many factorswhich also after this «over the hill phase» can affect your dog. And do this partly through incorrect and/or dubious breeding.
What experiences can you share with us in the comments? Or: Have you already been able to make some? If so – we look forward to everything you can and want to tell us here.