We feel you. 

Teething puppies tend to chew literally anything they get their jaws on. But before you yell at them for shredding your expensive footwear, remember this: chewing is simply their way of relieving the discomfort they feel as their adult teeth come into place. (Watch Video Below)

@teddys_golden_days ❄️ Happy chomping! 💡Tip: Tie a knot in it before you freeze it to make it easier for them to hold and chew #fyp #goldenretrieverpuppy #goldenretriever #goldenretrieversoftiktok #puppy #Teddysgoldendays #puppyvlog #puppyteething #tipsforteethingpuppy #teethinghack ♬ original sound – Teddy’s Golden Days

Thankfully, you don’t have to witness the chewing horror unfold every other day as your puppy deals with their teething woes. There are effective home remedies that can do wonders in soothing your furry friend’s irritated gums so they don’t resort to chewing your stuff. A Golden Retriever owner has shared different ways they help their teething puppy named Teddy, and we’re pretty sure you’ll find these tips super helpful.

In a series of short clips posted on TikTok account @teddys_golden_days, Teddy’s owner reveals the different dog-safe frozen treats they use to address Teddy’s teething discomfort. The good news? They all work! These safe chews include ice cubes, frozen celery, frozen carrots, and frozen apples. According to the relieved owner, the coldness of these treats greatly helps soothe Teddy’s inflamed gums.

In addition, Teddy’s owner recommends freezing a wet rag or your puppy’s favorite stuffed toy (after wetting it) and letting them chew on it.

“Freeze a wet rag and let them chew on it (under supervision). The cold soothes their gums. Tie a knot in it before you freeze to make it easier for them to hold and chew,” reads the caption on one of the videos. 

The Basics — What Is Puppy Teething?

Teething is a normal development stage that every puppy goes through during their early months of life. Just like human babies, all puppies are born without teeth. This, however, changes when your puppy is around three weeks old and starts growing milk teeth (also called deciduous teeth, meaning they’ll eventually fall off). 

These temporary milk teeth are often quite sharp, which is why you may feel so much pain when your puppy bites you. It’s no wonder many puppy owners refer to these milk teeth with labels such as “razor sharp”, “shark teeth”, and needle sharp.”

Puppy Teething Timeline

By the time your furry friend reaches six weeks old, they’ll have a full set of milk teeth, which are often around 28 in total. Usually, these sharp milk teeth comprise: 

• 12 incisors: incisors (the middlemost teeth) are among the first set of milk teeth to erupt. Your puppy will grow six sharp incisors on their upper jaw and another six on the lower jaw. 
• 4 canines: Your puppy will grow canine teeth — commonly referred to by many as puppy fangs — around the same time their incisors erupt. Each jaw will have two canine teeth. 
• 12 premolars: Premolars are the last set of milk teeth to emerge. Your puppy will grow six sharp premolars on each jaw to aid them in chewing solid food.

Like most pet parents, your mind is probably flooded with questions such as “When does a puppy lose their teeth?” “When do puppies lose their baby teeth? “When do puppy teeth fall out?” or “When do puppies lose their teeth?” 

Well, most puppies start shedding their baby teeth when they reach three months old. 

When your puppy is around 12 weeks of age, their milk teeth will begin to loosen and fall off. As this happens, their permanent adult teeth will also be erupting, making the entire experience painful for your pup. It is during this period that your puppy will suddenly turn into a little destructive monster. You’ll catch them biting and chewing almost everything in sight, which is their way of easing the soreness in their gums as the adult teeth start to poke through.

It’s not advisable to pull out your puppy’s milk teeth, no matter how loose they appear. Doing so will only cause them unnecessary pain and interfere with their normal tooth development. 

Most puppies usually have their full set of adult teeth — 42 permanent adult teeth in total — when they hit six months old. Unlike milk teeth, these 42 permanent teeth are stronger, less sharp, and bigger. So, if you’ve ever caught yourself thinking: “When do puppies stop teething? Or “When do puppies get their adult teeth,” the general answer is when they reach six months of age. 

“Mine is six months and just about done. There was one week that was particularly hellish….it was constant biting, nipping, and chewing on everything, especially me. I had a big rethink after a couple of hell days and threw every suggestion I saw here at the problem. Mine didn’t go for frozen Kongs. But he loves whole frozen veg! Carrots, Zucchini, and bell peppers….it made a huge difference by giving him some pain relief,” wrote user @biblio76 in a Reddit discussion on puppy teething.

8 Common Puppy Teething Signs  

Now that you’re familiar with the puppy teething age chart, let’s talk about the telltale signs of the teething process. It’s easy to figure out your puppy is teething, and that’s because the symptoms are often obvious. 

Here are eight telltale signs to look out for if your puppy is teething:

• Their gums appear red and swollen 
• Excessive chewing/nipping tendencies 
• Minor gum bleeding (you’ll frequently notice spots of blood on their chew toys)
• Changes in eating patterns (they’ll avoid eating during teething)
• They drool more than usual 
• Constant whining/ crying 
• Bad breath 

“Our puppy had a hard time eating when she was teething. We added some water to her food, and it helped. Stinky breath too; her breath was a little rank when she was teething. And blood on the toys too. You might also start finding teeth around the house,” commented user @nothernlights in a Reddit discussion on puppy teething signs.

4 Helpful Tips for Managing Puppy Teething

So, you’ve just realized your little furry friend is teething…….now what? Here are a few tips to help keep your puppy comfortable and happy as they go through the teething process.

• Offer Puppy Teething Toys

The best Teething toys for puppies are designed to massage your puppy’s sore gums and keep them distracted from the discomfort by making them focus on something they naturally love doing (chewing). 

These puppy-safe toys come in a soft yet durable material to cater to your pup’s delicate gums. For added relief, you can consider getting them freezer puppy chew toys. 

“N-bone teething rings are a great edible chew, with different flavors that keep my puppy interested. Kongs, frozen or otherwise, also work well. The puppy ones are a soft yet sturdy rubber. Bully sticks are probably my puppy’s favorite,” shared user @Defiant-Enthusiasm94 in a Reddit discussion on puppy teething chew toys.

• Offer Them Frozen Treats  

Another effective way to help your puppy cope with teething discomfort is to offer them frozen treats that hit that soft spot between nutritious and pain-relieving. 

“Try freezing dog-friendly foods such as small pieces of carrot, blueberries and apples. Your dog might also enjoy chewing on an ice cube. If you are planning to offer your pup frozen treats, always speak to your vet first to ensure it’s a good option for your pup,” says experts from the West Chester Veterinary Medical Center.  

• Positive Reinforcement Training 

The puppy teething phase presents the perfect opportunity for you to enforce positive reinforcement training to curb your pup’s undesirable chewing habits. If you do nothing about their reckless chewing and biting, they will likely carry these behaviors to adulthood.  

“Use treats and lots of praise to reward calm behavior or when they are chewing on their toys rather than household items,” advises Dr. Elishia Dunne in an Instagram post.

• Speak to Your Vet In case of Concerns

If you’re worried that your puppy’s teething symptoms seem to be beyond what you ordinarily expected, it’s best to consult your vet. They’ll be able to assess your furry friend’s teething situation and offer appropriate solutions. 

@lovinpet.global 🥺#pet #cute #lovely #fyp #fypシ #foryou #foryoupage #funny #dog #lovinpet ♬ original sound – LovinPet.global

6.3 million pets enter the US shelter system annually, but only around 4.1 million find homes. Nearly 1 million dogs and cats are euthanized due to shelter overpopulation, so any opportunity to prevent an animal from entering the shelter system is one worth taking. 

Sometimes, surrendering a pet is the right thing to do, but it’s not your only option. Let’s talk about what your options are, where to bring a dog you cannot keep, and how you can find resources to help you keep your dog rather than rehoming. 

How To Surrender a Dog To An Animal Shelter or Rescue

“I can’t keep my dog anymore, what should I do?” That’s a sentence most pet owners hope to never say or even contemplate. Unfortunately, even the best-laid plans can go awry, and we are sometimes forced to give up dogs and cats when we can no longer care for them. Whether you need to surrender a pet because of financial struggles, behavioral issues, housing insecurity, or sudden life changes, you are not alone.

First and foremost, do not be embarrassed to surrender a pet to the shelter. Shelter intake staff are compassionate, trained to listen to your concerns and experience, and dedicated to making the experience as stress-free as possible for you and your pet. You will not be shamed or scolded because you need to surrender a pet, and if this is your only option, you are doing the right thing. 

Even if you’re not concerned about embarrassment or shame, you might be wondering how much does it cost to surrender a dog? If you’re in a financial bind, the idea of paying a shelter to take your dog can be daunting. The good news is that many shelters, animal rescues, and humane societies do not have an intake or surrender fee. Some shelters may ask for a fee, but if you cannot afford to pay, there are always other options. 

How To Surrender Your Pet To Local Animal Shelters

It is always preferable to surrender to an animal shelter or private rescue rather than animal control. If possible, choose a no-kill shelter or rescue that emphasizes welfare for the animals in their care. 

Here’s a quick summary of how to surrender a dog to the humane society or an animal rescue: 

1. Appointment or walk-in? Take a moment to look up your local shelters online and explore their surrender process. Some shelters accept walk-in surrenders while others require you to make an appointment. 
2. Gather paperwork. Before you surrender your dog, it’s a good idea to assemble their vet records and any other paperwork—like breeder information. 
3. Bring a comfort item. Not all shelters will allow you to leave a blanket, bed, or toy with your dog, but some will. Even if your dog can’t keep the item, it’s a good idea to bring along something comforting to keep them calm during the surrender process. 
4. Expect a discussion. Be prepared to speak with shelter staff about your dog, their personality and needs, their behavior history, medical history, etc. You may also be asked to explain the circumstances around your choice to surrender your dog. You do not need to get into personal details, but a brief summary can help shelter staff understand your dog’s needs better. 

How To Surrender a Dog To a Breed-Specific Rescue

If you have a purebred dog or a mix of a specific breed, you may be able to surrender them to the care of a breed-specific rescue. Breed-specific rescues are a wonderful option, particularly for dogs who might be adopted for the wrong reasons—for example, breed desirability, aesthetics, or social clout. 

The process of surrendering a dog to a breed-specific rescue is lengthier and often more in-depth than surrendering to a shelter. However, you do get the peace of mind of knowing your former dog is in the care of people who understand its needs. 

To find reputable breed-specific rescues, I recommend looking through the American Kennel Club Rescue Network. 

Ethical Methods of Rehoming Your Pet

If you don’t want to surrender your dog to a shelter, humane society, or rescue, there are a few ethical ways to find a new home for your pet. You should never give your pet away to someone you don’t know simply because they are interested in your dog. You are responsible for finding a good home if you do not feel comfortable surrendering a pet to experienced rescuers, and part of that means taking precautions to choose the right placement for your pet. 

Animal rescue and shelter staff are trained to identify behavior issues in dogs you might never have considered and describe the full spectrum of a dog’s needs to potential adopters. They are also adept at choosing the right homes for a dog’s individual needs, and assessing whether someone is actually the right fit to care for your pet. You can find a good home independent of a rescue organization, but you must take the responsibility of finding your dog’s new forever home seriously. 

If you are pressed for time to rehome your dog, I recommend surrendering them to a trusted rescue. 

Speak With a Veterinarian 

Veterinarians typically have connections with local rescue and foster groups or may know trustworthy clients searching for a new dog. Veterinarians can also help point you to helpful resources if you want to keep the dog but are struggling financially. 

Consider a Home For Your Pet With Family Members Or Friends 

While you should not rehome a dog to a stranger or someone you don’t know well, friends and family can be a good resource for rehoming. Friends or family members who have spent time with your dog will already know its personality and have a clearer idea of whether they can handle the dog’s needs. 

What NOT To Do When Surrendering a Pet

“Where can I take my dog that I can’t keep?” The shelter! The answer is always, the shelter. If you’re finding yourself thinking “I can’t keep my dog, what do I do?” there are plenty of options available to you. 

There is no shame in safely surrendering or ethically rehoming a pet you can no longer care for. Sadly, some people let their fear of judgment or stigma stop them from surrendering their pets to experienced rescuers and choose to dump or abandon their dogs instead. You always have a better option than to abandon a pet, and there are plenty of resources available to help you and your pet. 

However, there are also a few things you should not do if you can’t keep a dog. 

DON’T Post Your Pet On Social Media

It is unethical to rehome your pet via social media or to a stranger. See above for ethical options to rehome your pet that doesn’t involve surrendering them to a shelter. 

DON’T Sell Your Pet Online

Selling a dog on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or any other online selling forum is unethical. Like trying to rehome your dog through social media, selling your pet for a profit to a stranger online is wrong and unsafe. 

DON’T Dump Or Abandon Your Pet Outside

Do not leave your dog in a remote location or outside a shelter/rescue. Shelter staff are compassionate and welcoming, and it takes just a few more moments of effort to do the right thing and surrender your dog to responsible rescuers. 

I Can’t Afford To Keep My Dog—What Should I Do? Options Before Surrender

If you are considering surrendering a dog because of financial hardship, there may be resources in your area to temporarily alleviate the financial responsibility of pet ownership. Free or reduced-cost veterinary care is often available through local shelters and welfare programs, and many vet clinics operate mobile clinics to offer free and affordable vet care to their communities. 

If you’ve been told by a veterinarian that your financial instability makes you incapable of being a dog owner, look for a new vet. But, can the vet keep my dog if I can’t pay? What happens if I don’t settle my invoice? Don’t worry—vets cannot keep or withhold possession of an animal simply because you owe them money. 

Pet food pantries and some homeless shelters supply their communities with free and heavily-discounted food and other supplies like kitty litter, poop bags, toys, beds, etc. 

To find low-cost and free veterinary care, pet food pantries, and other affordable pet resources near you, try using Pet Help Finder. You can also speak with your veterinarian and ask about local resources or affiliated programs that offer financial relief and supplies to pet owners in crisis. 

The same survey found that around 83% of American pet owners are at risk of a natural disaster, but fewer than half have a pet evacuation preparedness plan. 

Lack of preparation dramatically reduces your chances of evacuating from a natural disaster with all of your family members—pets included. Your plan doesn’t need to be complicated or extensive, but having the basics nailed down well ahead of an emergency makes all the difference. 

We hope you never have to use this, but in the spirit of keeping yourself and your pets safe, here’s how to create an emergency evacuation plan if you have pets. 

Why Do Pets Get Left Behind During Disasters? 

The number one reason pets get left behind during disasters is lack of preparation. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, an estimated 100,000–250,000 pets were stranded, centering a spotlight on the need for disaster preparedness plans that include animal evacuation. 

30% of pet owners who have left a pet behind in a natural disaster say they simply didn’t have time to prepare. No one wants to think about losing their home or pets, but taking some time to create a plan and assemble supplies can ease a small part of the inherent tragedy of experiencing a natural disaster. 

Lack of preparation not only forces people to leave pets behind but it can also result in your pet getting lost. If you aren’t prepared to evacuate, natural disasters can strike so quickly that your pet can get lost in the shuffle. Natural disasters are scary, and dogs instinctively run and hide from scary or dangerous things. Again, preparation can keep your pet safe and in your care. 

What Happens To Pets Abandoned After Natural Disasters?

Sadly, many abandoned or lost pets lost their lives to natural disasters. Those who survive are occasionally found by their families, but most will be rescued by local volunteer groups and welfare organizations. 

“When a hurricane, wildfire, tornado, or other disaster forces local shelters to close or evacuate, temporary pop-ups run by rescue organizations—and often housed in large parking lots or evacuated department stores—typically become the sole resource for pet owners needing to temporarily surrender their pets, for strays caught running for their lives, and for homeless shelter animals,” says the Sierra Club. 

Tasked with rescuing terrified and often injured pets, rescuers bring abandoned dogs and cats—among other animals—to temporary safe housing in the area if possible, but they are often evacuated to other areas not rebuilding from disaster. Following Hurricane Katrina, an estimated 15%—20% of rescued pets were reunited with their owners. Pets that are not microchipped may be adopted out to other families, transferred to other shelters, or euthanized.  

Pet Disaster Preparedness & How To Safely Evacuate With Pets

Whether preparing for hurricane evacuation with pets, wildfire evacuation with pets, or any other pet emergency evacuation you need a plan. Preparing yourself for the possibility of an evacuation will help protect you and your pets, and safeguard you against the genuine risk to pet safety during disasters. 

An animal evacuation plan should include creating a concrete evacuation route (e.g. mapping driving routes, working with local evacuation teams), assembling supplies, and locating pet-friendly emergency shelters if you don’t already have friends, family, or access to private shelter/housing. 

Remember that while the basics of how to evacuate dogs apply in part to other pets, but cats, reptiles, and other small animals will have other specific needs in an emergency. 

What To Put In An Evacuation Kit for Pets

A pet evacuation kit should include basic supplies—like food and medications if needed—and pet emergency supplies like a first aid kit. Some key items to include in your dog’s evacuation kit include:

• At least one week’s worth of food and clean water in a refillable container
• Food & water bowls; save room by choosing collapsable bowls or lightweight plastic containers
• One month’s supply of medications if applicable
• Poop bags
• A copy of veterinary records; ideally both a physical copy and a digital copy
• Pet first aid kit
• An extra collar and leash
• A recent photo of you and your pet in case you are separated and need to reclaim your pet

Identification & Pet Management Tools

Proper pet identification during evacuations can help prevent your dog from getting lost, and help your dog find their way back to you if you are unfortunately separated. In addition to ID tags with your up-to-date contact information, you might also consider a GPS collar as an extra precaution. 

You should also have a crate labeled with your dog’s information and your contact information. Evacuation can be scary, and your dog might not walk calmly or safely on a leash. Having a crate to safely contain them significantly reduces the risk of them getting loose and lost. 

Some professionals also recommend attaching to your dog in multiple places. For example, you could put both a collar and a harness on your dog, then use two leashes. Hold the one attached to their collar in your hand, and attach the one connected to your dog’s harness to your backpack. If the collar breaks or they slip their lead, you’ll still have one point of connection to stop them from dashing off.  

Veterinarian Recommendations for Evacuation

Veterinarians will always recommend pet microchipping for emergencies since it’s not uncommon to be separated from pets during a disaster. Having your dog microchipped will help you be reunited with them, and tell rescuers who the dog belongs to. 

Vets can also give you recommendations for managing pet anxiety during evacuation. Natural supplements and prescribed anti-anxiety or sedative medications can help your dog stay calm and keep them safe during an evacuation. Your vet can tell you which are safe, and recommend specific options based on your dog’s particular needs. 

Consider also speaking with your veterinarian about resources for pet first aid during disasters. They may be able to point you to veterinary groups, non-profits, and other emergency services in the area you plan to evacuate to. 

Finding Pet-Friendly Emergency Shelters

Research emergency shelter policies in the area you will evacuate to. Many public shelters do not allow pets, so you may need to find secondary shelters or opt for a hotel/motel. Anticipate the possibility of not being able to find a safe shelter for yourself and your dog, and create a plan for leaving your dog at a kennel/boarding facility or with friends/family members. 

Ideally, you will find a shelter that accepts pets, but having a backup plan will keep both you and your pet safe once you reach your destination after evacuating home. 

One such dog is Grumpelstiltskin, a senior terrier pup with just two teeth. Yes, you read that right; his dental formula is as unique as his name. Grumpelstiltskin is currently at the Best Friends Animal Society in Houston, waiting to be scooped up into the arms of a loving family that will commit to offering him hospice care until his time comes. 

He is the biggest love bug and never shies away from rocking his two-teeth smile like a badge of honor when surrounded by people he trusts. This 60-pound gray-muzzled sweetheart of a dog loves going on slow strolls as he sniffs around, and he does great on the leash. Did we mention he wouldn’t trade his nap sessions for anything? Catching some zzz’s is among his top pastimes.

Grumpelstiltskin is house-trained and loves nothing more than pampering his loved ones with unlimited cuddles. This lovely senior is best suited for an easy-going household with no young kids because relaxation and “no disturbance” are his middle name. 

Even better news? The shelter has already waived his adoption fees. If you’d love to offer sweet Grumpelstiltskin a warm, loving home for the remaining time he has left, kindly visit the Best Friend Animal Society’s website for details on his adoption process.

Hospice for Dogs: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Hospice care for dogs pretty much mirrors human hospice care. It involves offering compassionate medical and non-medical care to dogs approaching the end of life, whether due to advanced aging, a chronic condition, or a terminal disease.

The primary goal of veterinary hospice is to ensure a dog lives as comfortably and pain-free as possible for the days they have left. This type of care recognizes that pups nearing the end of life can still enjoy a good quality of life until death comes naturally or until euthanasia becomes the most appropriate alternative. 

“Pet hospice care provides the framework to ensure that pets with life-limiting diseases achieve the highest level of comfort and quality of life,” explains Dr. Julia Spade of BluePearl Pet Hospice. 

The key to the success of dog hospice care is for the dog’s family and veterinary hospice care team to work together to meet the pup’s emotional and physical needs. 

One commonly asked question about dog hospice is, “Is there hospice care for dogs at home?”

The short answer is yes. Dog hospice care doesn’t have to be delivered within the confines of an animal hospice facility. A pup can still receive this type of care from the comfort of their home, which is, in fact, a great thing because they’ll have a chance to spend their remaining time in a familiar environment that they love.   

In this case, the hospice veterinary team will create an individualized at-home care plan for your dog based on a quality-of-life assessment. A dog hospice care plan typically entails nutritional and hydration support, movement support, pain management, hygiene & grooming, frequent assessments, and comforting care, among other services.

There’s no standard price for this type of care. The cost of dog hospice care varies from one hospice provider to another and is determined by different factors, including the level of care the hospice pup needs. 

Another essential aspect of hospice care includes providing the dog’s family with guidance, counseling, and emotional support as they process their pup’s end-of-life journey. More often than not, families that opt for at-home hospice care also choose home euthanasia when they feel it’s time to give their ailing pup a peaceful death.

Hospice and Palliative Care in Dogs: What’s the Difference?

The key difference between hospice and palliative care in dogs lies in the end goal.

Similar to hospice care, palliative care aims to improve a hospice dog’s quality of life by addressing their physical and emotional needs.  

However, palliative care is centered on prolonging a dog’s life following the diagnosis of a terminal or chronic disease. In this case, the focus is primarily on ensuring the dog not only receives comforting care but also treatment that can treat or control the progression of the underlying disease. The end goal of palliative care is to try and extend the dog’s life using various medications and treatment approaches.

Hospice care, on the other hand, is usually initiated when the treatment interventions used in palliative care are no longer effective.

Unlike palliative care, the main goal of hospice care is to make the pet comfortable for the remaining days they have left. Dog hospice care doesn’t involve any attempts to prolong life. Medications administered to hospice dogs simply seek to ease any discomfort or pain so that the pup’s final days, weeks, or months are filled with comfort and less pain. 

How Will I Know My Dog Requires Hospice Care?

Knowing whether or not your furry friend is a candidate for hospice care is a decision that largely lies with your vet, as they are in the best position to provide insight into your dog’s condition and prognosis. Generally, though, some of the common signs that it may be time to transition your dog to hospice care include: 

• Your dog is no longer responding to palliative treatment and is, therefore, worsening in health. 
• Their quality of life has significantly declined due to advanced aging (they’re having more bad days than good days)

“When I entered the hospice stage with my senior girl earlier this year, I basically followed the quality of life scales from Google as a general guideline. Her first sign of being almost ready was when she lost interest in her food. She still enjoyed treats etc, and still loved her walks and showed joy. When she refused her favorite treat (cheese), that was when I knew it was time. I booked the appointment for a week later…and gave her the best last week I possibly could….” shared user ieBaringa in a Reddit discussion on hospice care in dogs.  

All in all, dog hospice care presents an opportunity to make the most of the little time one has left with their beloved pet. Not to mention, this type of care can help an owner come to terms with the impending loss of their furry friend, which may make a difference in how they handle the grief process. 

The latter pretty much summarizes the life experience of one Dachshund dog owner who lost her soul dog, as revealed on her TikTok account @fen.the.ferocious. 

In a heartfelt TikTok clip, a dog owner shares five things she wishes she had known before bringing home her new Dachshund puppy, Fen, after the passing of her first dog, whom she lovingly refers to as her “soul dog.” The video’s caption poignantly reflects her emotions: “Getting a new puppy after your soul dog passes can be healing, but also really hard. It’s difficult to prepare for all the conflicting feelings.”

According to the grieving owner, she wishes she knew that it would take a while for her to feel connected to her new dog, and that there’s nothing wrong with that. She also wishes she knew she’d feel guilty for giving her new puppy fun experiences that she never gave her previous dog, and that she’d feel guilty for missing her previous dog, who was way past the frustrating puppy phase. 

“Mainly lots and lots of guilt, but more importantly, I’m learning to love you while still grieving him,” reads part of the lengthy text layered over the clip. 

Watch the whole clip below:

@fen.the.ferocious Getting a new puppy after your soul dog passes can be healing but also really hard. It's hard to prepare for all the conflicting feelings #dachshund #souldog #petloss #grief #newpuppy #dogmom #doglove ♬ Bundle of Joy (From "Inside Out") – Mark Northam

Getting A New Dog After One Dies: When Is the Right Time?

There’s nothing as emotionally devastating as losing a furry friend who wiggled their way deep into your heart, leaving memories that time can never erase. When your beloved dog crosses the rainbow bridge, it’s natural to have thoughts such as: “When to get a new dog after your dies?” “Quotes about getting a new dog after one dies,” “How long should I wait before getting a new dog,” “When should you get a new dog after one dies,” and “How soon to get a new dog after one dies.”

We feel you.

Truth is, welcoming a new pup is strictly a personal decision. There’s no universal “right time” regarding when to get another dog after your dog dies. However, it’s best to take time to process the grief and think things through, as this will help you build a much stronger, healthier relationship with the next dog you bring to your life.

“There is no definite answer as to how long an owner should or shouldn’t wait after the loss of a pet,” Animal Bereavement Specialist, Angela Garner, explains. “However, it’s clear that thinking things through in a considered way, rather than deciding on the back of an emotional reaction, will benefit both the person and any new companion who they take into their heart and home.”

According to Angela, some of the questions you can ask yourself before bringing home a new dog to fill the void include:

• Am I emotionally ready to handle the “settling period” that a new dog will need?
• Would I rather foster first before committing to adopting one?
• Is everybody else in your family okay with the idea of getting a new dog?
• Are you financially ready to cater to the new responsibilities of another dog?
• Do you have any other pets that may be negatively affected by your decision?

“Honestly, the silence after a dog passes is the worst. Home didn’t feel right for me without the sound of a dog rummaging around….but how long will depend entirely on you (and your family). For me, it was about 2–3 months, some will take longer, some will take less, you’re the only one who can judge really. But you’ll know, I suppose. Everyone kinda just knows when it’s right to accept another dog into their lives,” shared user @imitebmike in a Reddit discussion post on how long to wait before getting a new dog after losing one.  

“Our dog passed away a little over a month ago. We know we aren’t ready to get another dog yet, so we are fostering instead,” added user @fissidens. 

Pet Loss: Grieving the Loss of a Beloved Dog 

It goes without saying that grieving the loss of a pet is anything but easy. There is no wrong or right way to go about your grieving process, as everyone copes with pet loss differently. For this reason, you shouldn’t feel ashamed or guilty for grieving your previous dog for as long as you like because only you understand the special connection you and your furry friend shared. 

Bill Berloni, Animal Behaviorist at the Humane Society of New York, encourages grieving owners to mourn at their own pace. 

“A lot of people will say to you, oh, don’t need to be so upset, it’s just a dog, or it’s just a cat. My advice is, like with anyone, take your time. Grieve at your own pace. If you need solace, find someone who has a dog, not someone who doesn’t. Because someone who has a dog will understand how you’re feeling,” Bill says. “Don’t run out and get a dog right away or decide I’m never going to have another dog. Give your heart some time to heal. And then when the time is right, fill that void with some wonderful pet.” 

It’s also a good idea to reach out to pet loss support groups, whether online or offline, where you can share your experiences with people who understand and relate to the true scope of your loss. 

Grieving a Dog FAQs

Maybe it’s how sorry you feel whenever you notice your furry friend looking lonely in the yard without company. Maybe it’s how excited they get when around other dogs in the park. Or maybe it’s the constant guilt of leaving them home alone to face solitude and boredom for hours. Well, if these are some of the thoughts that flood your mind from time to time as an owner of one dog, then you’re not alone.

A Golden Retriever owner on TikTok has melted hearts online after showing how happy her first dog — an adult Golden named Pacha  — has become ever since she added another dog.

While there are plenty of dogs out there who are perfectly okay with being the only dog in the household (and prefer things to remain that way), this wasn’t the case for Pacha, going by how fast she bonded with the new dog. When Pacha’s owner brought in the second dog — a Golden Retriever puppy named Bucket — a friendship between the two compatible pups sparked from day one.

In the adorable video uploaded on TikTok account @goldengirlpacha, Pacha is clearly grateful to have found a constant friend, snuggle partner, and playmate in Bucket. Pacha enjoys Bucket’s presence so much that she often wants to be around her all the time. Plus, Pacha never hesitates to share her treats and possessions with Bucket, despite her history of resource guarding.

We have a feeling their beautiful friendship will make you want to get your current pup a doggy best friend.

Thinking of Adding A Second Dog? Here’s What You Should Know

It’s not hard to think of reasons why two dogs are better than one. I mean, the happiness that just one dog adds to a home is indescribable, which is why many dog owners often battle with thoughts such as “Should I get a second dog?” “Are two dogs better than one?” “Should I get another dog for my dog?” “When should I get another dog?” “My dog has anxiety, should I get another dog?” and “Should I get another dog to keep my dog company,” among many others.

Truth is, the decision to welcome a second dog isn’t one to be taken lightly. It requires thoughtful consideration of different factors, lest it turn out to be a disaster. If you’re entertaining the idea of bringing home another dog, here are some key factors to consider:

Is Your Current Dog Old Enough? 

Generally speaking, it’s advisable to ensure your current pup has exited the puppyhood stage before adding another dog. A dog that hasn’t hit adulthood still has a lot of growing up to do, so you’ll have a difficult time trying to manage their hyperactivity and mischief while tending to your second dog’s needs.

Not to mention, if your first dog is a puppy, they’ll likely not set a good example (behavior-wise) for your second one. 

“Here’s the thing about puppies: they’re not just cute little furballs. They require patience, understanding, and a lot of work. They need guidance, direction, and, most importantly, love. Without these, their boundless energy can quickly turn into bad habits,” said Rocky Kanaka, a pet rescue advocate. 

Most puppies begin to settle down and act calmer when they turn a year old. According to the American Kennel Club, it’s best to wait until your current dog is one to two years of age before adding a second pup to the family. In other words, things will be much easier for you if you have two adult dogs under your roof. 

“We waited until our Aussie was 2 before getting our Collie — and I’m so glad that we did. He has been so good with her and she’s definitely learned more good things from him than bad things, which may have not been the case if we had gotten a 2nd while our 1st was younger,” wrote Reddit user can-i-pet-ur-dog in a threaded discussion on the right time to add a second dog. 

So, if your mind is swirling with thoughts about “Should I get my dog another dog?” or “When should I get a second dog?” remember to think hard about the age factor. 

1. Does Your Current Dog Have Any Behavioral Issues?

Many dog owners assume that bringing home a second dog will automatically fix any behavioral issues that their first dog has — for instance, dogs with separation anxiety. We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this won’t work, according to professional dog trainer Elijah Boateng of Apex Dog Training.

“If you have a poorly behaved dog, getting a second dog means that 99% of the time, you will have two poorly behaved dogs,” explained Elijah on an Instagram post. “What happens most of the time is that people think their dog needs a “friend.” No, they don’t. What they need is to be trained.” 

What we’re trying to say is, engage a professional to tackle any behavioral issues your first dog has before introducing a new dog. So, if you’ve ever wondered, “My dog has separation anxiety, should I get another dog,” the short answer is, not a good idea. 

2. Is Your Current Dog Fully Obedient?

If your first dog is giving you a hard time with their lack of obedience to commands, then you should put the thought of adopting a second dog on hold. 

“Before you get that second dog, make sure that you are happy with the obedience and communication that you have with your first dog. Meaning they listen, they do what they’re supposed to do, and you have full control,” shared experts from K9 Concepts Training in an Instagram post.

So, if you’re thinking, “Should I get a second dog for my dog?” keep in mind your current dog’s overall discipline. 

3. Compatibility is Everything 

As much as dogs are social animals, not all dogs get along. The possibility of your current dog living in harmony with a newcomer depends on a few things, like their age, activity levels, and overall personality. 

For instance, if your first dog is a senior, it wouldn’t be a good idea to bring in a puppy as the second addition unless you’ll be intentional about constantly supervising their interactions. You see, senior dogs are pretty chilled and value their space and peace of mind. Since puppies can be quite rambunctious thanks to their boundless energy, they tend not to respect the boundaries of other older dogs.

“In my experience, as long as you’re actively involved in supervising, training, and managing interactions while the puppy is young, it can be very successful. Last year, I integrated a 8-week-old puppy with a 10-year-old dog. They get along well now, but it did take some work in making sure their relationship stayed positive. I would say be prepared to advocate for your older dog, and don’t leave it up to them to set the boundaries with the puppy,” shared Reddit user Le _Wash in a discussion on getting a puppy as a second dog.

In addition, it’s important to consider your current dog’s activity levels before adding a second dog. If your existing dog is the kind to snooze on the sofa all day rather than run around chasing everything they see, then it’s best if the second addition is just as laid-back as them.  

The Basics: Introducing Your Second Dog to Your Current One 

If you’ve decided to add a second dog to your family, you should ensure that the first meeting between them and the other dogs in your home goes as smoothly as possible.

The basics are that you should introduce the dogs on neutral grounds — like at the park — when they’re both separately leashed. In other words, it’s not a great idea to bring the second dog into your home for a first introduction. Carrying out this first meeting in a neutral location will prevent the possibility of your current dog becoming territorial about their “residence.” 

In addition, it’s advisable to pay close attention to the dogs’ body language as they interact with each other. If you notice any negative cues from either dog, such as teeth baring and growling, the best thing to do is to interrupt the interaction and create a distance between the dogs. And if they seem relaxed around each other, consider offering them a treat to encourage more positive interaction. 

“Let the two dogs meet on “neutral ground” like a local playground or park. That way, your older dog won’t feel obligated to defend against a stranger. Then keep them leashed as they both explore the backyard. If that goes well, we used a baby gate to keep them separated while inside. Again, if that goes well, let them interact together, but monitor them closely. Definitely separate during feeding until you know everyone is cool,” shared Reddit user New-Section-9374 on a threaded discussion on introducing a first dog to the new dog. 

Above all, manage your expectations. Don’t expect your current pup and the second dog to get along immediately. Be patient with them as they get to know each other at their own pace.

What’s more, Golden Retrievers are more than just a pretty face. They are exceptionally smart, currently ranking as the 4th most intelligent breed of dogs as per the American Kennel Club’s findings. If your checklist for the perfect family dog includes a highly trainable pup who’ll master commands and tricks in no time, look no further than the Golden Retriever.

This good-natured, popular dog breed traces its roots to Scotland, where an affluent Scottish breeder developed it by breeding a Tweed Water Spaniel and a yellow Flat-Coated Retriever. 

Golden Retrievers — which can weigh up to 75 pounds on average and reach heights of 24 inches (particularly for the males) — were originally kept as gun dogs to help hunters retrieve the game birds that they had shot.  

If you’re thinking about getting a Golden Retriever, your mind is likely swirling with thoughts such as “the female Golden Retriever’s lifespan” or the “male Golden Retriever’s lifespan.” Well, keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the Golden Retriever’s lifespan. 

Average Lifespan of Golden Retriever Revealed 

According to the American Kennel Club, the Golden Retriever’s average lifespan ranges between 10 and 12 years. Safe to say that one of the downsides of owning a Golden Retriever  — be it male or female — is their not-so-long life span, especially when compared to smaller dog breeds.

A top reason for this is, similar to medium and larger dog breeds, Goldens grow rapidly and thus tend to age at a faster rate than smaller breeds. This makes them prone to body wear and tear earlier in their lifetime, hence a shorter life expectancy.

The good news is that healthy Golden Retrievers live longer, way beyond the average 10–12 years. Interestingly, records show the longest-living Golden Retriever in history was a pup from Tennessee named Augie, who had reached 20 years of age when she passed away in 2021.

Common Health Issues that Affect the Golden Retrievers’ Lifespan 

While Golden Retrievers are healthy dogs in general, they’re susceptible to certain health conditions, which, if not detected and medically addressed earlier, can shorten their life expectancy. Here are six common health issues that afflict the ever-charming Golden:

1. Hip dysplasia 

Golden Retrievers are highly susceptible to hip dysplasia, a hereditary condition common in large, heavy-boned breeds.

Hip dysplasia is characterized by abnormal development of the hip joints, leading to pain and mobility issues. This condition is associated with symptoms such as reluctance to jump on high surfaces, decreased activity levels, and a reluctance to walk. There’s a wide range of treatment and management options for hip dysplasia, among them total hip replacement surgery and anti-inflammatory drugs. 

2. Hypothyroidism

Golden Retrievers are at an increased risk of hypothyroidism, a thyroid problem characterized a low concentration of thyroid hormones.

Hypothyroidism affects vital body processes such as metabolism and body temperature regulation. It leads to symptoms ranging from excessive weight gain to hair thinning, lethargy, and dryness of the skin. Timely blood tests can help catch hypothyroidism earlier, and with the right medication, your Golden can lead a healthy life free from the debilitating symptoms of this condition.  

3. Cancer 

Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers are among the top dog breeds with the highest cancer rates. The most prevalent types of cancer among Goldens include lymphoma, bone cancer, hemangiosarcoma, and mastocytoma. 

4. Eye Conditions

Golden Retrievers are at a high risk of developing hereditary eye conditions such as cataracts, which, if not detected and treated sooner, can cause total blindness and, ultimately, a poor quality of life. 

5. Seizures

Golden Retrievers are genetically predisposed to seizures, which cause progressive brain damage if not medically managed.

Two months ago, a Golden Retriever owner took to Reddit to share: “For the last year or so, our Golden Retriever, female, seven years old, has had some sort of short episode or seizures about once a month.” Clarifying further, they added: “We took her to the vet, and they did bloodwork. They said everything is normal and to just monitor her for these episodes progressing or occurring more than once every couple of weeks.”

6. Skin Conditions

Last but not least, Goldens are highly susceptible to skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis. If left untreated, these skin issues can lower your Golden’s quality of life and, ultimately, longevity.

7 Tips to Prolong Your Golden Retriever’s Lifespan

Thankfully, you have great influence over how long your Golden stays by your side. In a threaded Reddit discussion on what owners can do to increase their dog’s life expectancies, part of a lengthy comment shared by a Golden Retriever owner reads: “Keep in mind that average life expectancy is just that, an average. It’s not uncommon for dogs to live several years beyond the average for that breed. I had a large Golden Retriever that made it to 18.”

With that in mind, here are five sure-fire ways to help your Golden Retriever live a healthier, longer life:

• Be sure to take them for vet check-ups often 
• Prioritize regular physical activity and mental stimulation
• Ensure to feed your golden healthy, high-quality dog food.
• Speak to your vet about skin and joint supplements to introduce into your Golden’s diet.
• Prioritize your dog’s oral hygiene and seek your vet’s advice on ways to improve their overall dental health.
• Spay & neuter. A spayed or neutered Golden Retriever is less likely to develop life-threatening reproductive health issues known to shorten a dog’s lifespan.

American Pit Bull Terriers, a crossbreed between terriers and bulldogs, trace their roots back to England, where they were used for bull baiting and dog fighting. When these cruel sports were outlawed, early American immigrants brought along their treasured Pitties into the U.S. for a fresh start at life. Although Pit Bulls were originally bred for fighting sports, they still possessed valuable traits to make incredible family pets. 

Today, almost everyone with a Pit Bull — be it a Red Nose Pit Bull or a Blue nose Pit Bull — will tell you that these dogs are sweet, playful softies who enjoy nothing more than loving on their families.

How long do Pit Bulls live, though? If you’re thinking of adding a Pittie to your family, chances are, your mind is swirling with thoughts about their life expectancy.

Before we dive into the Pit Bull’s average lifespan, it’s worth pointing out that “Pit Bull” isn’t a specific dog breed recognized by the American Kennel Club. Rather, it’s a blanket term used to refer to Pit Bull-type dogs: From the American Pit Bull Terrier to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, and the English Bull Terrier. 

For this article, though, we’ll explicitly look into the average lifespan of a Pitbull in reference to the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Here’s How Long Pit Bulls Live on Average

The average lifespan of an American Pit Bull Terrier ranges between 8 and 15 years, almost as long as that of most medium and large dog breeds.

One key factor that influences how long any dog breed lives is size. Generally, smaller dogs have a much longer life expectancy than their larger counterparts. This is why it’s not unusual for a breed like the Chihuahua to outlive Pit Bulls and other larger breeds.

Pit Bulls, like other bigger breeds, often age at a faster pace than small breeds. For this reason, American Pit Bull Terriers may develop age-related conditions earlier in their lifetime, hence a shorter lifespan (compared to smaller breeds).

This is not to say that Pit Bulls can’t live beyond 15 years, as their average lifespan suggests. In fact, healthy Pitties with a good quality of life can live longer than expected. You’d be surprised to learn that the longest-living Pit Bull on record was a Pittie mix named Max, who reached 26 years of age in 2009. 

6 Common Health Issues That Affect a Pit Bull’s Lifespan

Like every other breed, American Pit Bull Terriers are predisposed to various health problems that can shorten their lifespan. Without early diagnosis and proper, ongoing medical care, your Pittie may cross the rainbow bridge sooner rather than later.

That said, here are five common health conditions that Pit Bulls are prone to:

1. Dental Diseases

Unfortunately, American Pit Bull Terriers are highly susceptible to dental diseases due to their crowded teeth. These diseases are preventable by adhering to good (and regular) dental hygiene practices. 

What’s worse is that if left untreated, dental disease-causing bacteria can make their way to your Pit Bull’s vital organs — heart, kidneys, liver, to name a few — and wreak havoc. In other words, dental diseases can significantly shorten your beloved Pittie’s lifespan.

2. Hip Dysplasia 

Like many other medium and large breeds, Pit Bulls are genetically predisposed to hip dysplasia, a painful hereditary condition characterized by abnormal development of the hip joint.

Hip dysplasia is associated with symptoms such as difficulty in waking, change in walking style, lameness in the legs, and difficulty standing up from a lying position. If not medically managed, this condition can lead to osteoarthritis, which is potentially fatal. 

3. Hypothyroidism 

Pit Bulls are prone to Hypothyroidism, defined by an alarming drop in the amount of thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Since the thyroid gland plays a crucial role in a dog’s metabolism, untreated hypothyroidism shortens a Put Bull’s life expectancy. 

4. Obesity

Being a muscular dog with high energy levels, Pit Bulls are hearty eaters. Their mighty appetite often puts them at risk of obesity, particularly if consideration isn’t given to portion control. Those excess pounds come with life-threatening diseases that can lower your Pittie’s longevity.

5. Cataracts

Cataracts — an eye condition characterized by the clouding of the eye lens — is common among American Pit Bull Terriers. If not medically addressed, Cataracts will affect your Pittie’s everyday quality of life and shorten their lifespan. 

6. Skin Issues

Due to their short coats, American Pitbull Terriers are vulnerable to various skin problems, from allergen-triggered issues like atopic dermatitis to ichthyosis and even skin cancers. These distressing skin issues can hinder your Pit from enjoying a healthy, comfortable, long life. 

Prolong Your Pit Bull’s Lifespan with These 5 Tips 

As a Pit Bull owner, you have a great influence over how long your pup spends by your side. Your Pittie has a greater chance of living way past their average life expectancy only if you prioritize these five tips:

• Don’t ignore regular vet checkups. Frequent checkups will help your vet catch any underlying health issue early enough before it worsens. 
• Ensure to feed your Pitbull high-quality, vet-approved dog food (and exercise portion control to help them maintain a healthy weight).
• Observe proper dental hygiene and seek your vet’s guidance on more ways to improve your Pitbull’s overall dental health. 
• Make regular exercise and mental stimulation part of your Pitbull’s everyday lifestyle. 
• Talk to your vet about joint health supplements that could be of great benefit to your Pittie’s overall joint health. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you’re committed to the journey and the effort, read on, this guide is for you! Here, we’re sharing some of the best homemade puppy food recipes approved by vets, and tips to help you get started. 

What is Vet-Approved Homemade Puppy Food?

So, what exactly makes homemade puppy food recipes “vet-approved?” The qualify as a vet-approved formula, a dog food recipe must meet at least one of these two criteria: 

1. Be formulated by a vet or canine nutritionist, or
2. Be evaluated by a vet or canine nutritionist

While you might think you’ve included everything your dog needs in your homemade puppy food recipe, it’s easy to accidentally leave out vital nutrients if you’re not a trained veterinarian or nutritionist. Ensuring that the recipe you’re using is vet-approved will help you avoid inadvertently giving your puppy an incomplete diet, so be sure to follow vet-approved recipes closely.

Should You Feed Your Puppy a Homemade Diet?

Before you decide to start making DIY puppy food recipes at home, there are a few important factors to consider. Yes, homemade dog food recipes for puppies include fresh, nutritious ingredients, but it’s not always easy or efficient to make home-cooked puppy food recipes. 

• Time commitment: It is way easier to go to the pet store or buy dog food online than it is to make homemade dog food at home. Home cooking for your puppy is a major time commitment and one you can’t fall behind on. Not only will you need to take the time to prepare the food for your puppy, but you’ll also need to spend time shopping, planning, and stocking up on essential items.
  
• Financial commitment: Making fresh puppy food recipes is often more expensive than buying puppy food from the store. While you may be able to reduce overall costs by buying in bulk, making your own dog food still requires a fairly substantial financial investment. Dogs—puppies included—need variety in their diet, and you’ll likely end up sourcing certain specialty ingredients from exclusive and niche stores where prices can be quite high. If you’re looking for a way to save a few bucks on your puppy’s food, making it at home won’t help you out.
  
• Nutritional knowledge & consultation: Unfortunately, the vast majority of homemade dog foods are lacking in essential nutrients. This is either due to intentional dietary exclusions made by the dog owner, lack of adequate resources, or genuine ignorance of canine nutrition. For puppies, especially, a diet lacking vital nutrients can inhibit proper growth and future health. To decide whether or not you should be making your puppy dog food recipes at home, ask yourself if you are willing and able to follow explicit instructions from a veterinarian or canine nutritionist. 

What to Watch for When Feeding Puppies Homemade Dog Food

Growing puppies need different nutrients than full-grown adult dogs. Puppies need more protein to fuel proper growth and development, and a higher ratio of vitamins and minerals like calcium and zinc to support energy, bone density, neurological development, and so on. 

While some adult dog foods might have the right ratio of protein, they won’t have the appropriate portion of nutrients for developing puppies. For this reason, it’s important to use a puppy-specific recipe and speak with your veterinarian for more in-depth instructions for your puppy. 

It’s also very important to consider your puppy’s breed when feeding them. Small-breed puppies have different nutritional needs than large-breed puppies and breeds mature and grow at very different rates. Some smaller breeds will be full-grown by a year old, while larger breeds can take up to two years to reach full maturity. Proper nutrition during this period of growth is so important and can set your puppy up for a long, happy, and healthy adulthood. 

Take a look at the basic feeding requirements for puppies according to veterinarians Krista Williams and Robin Downing. 

As mentioned above, many homemade food recipes for puppies and adult dogs are lacking in vital nutrients. While we recommend speaking with your vet about supplements to add to your puppy’s food, a good place to start is with The One. A daily canine supplement designed to work well with homemade and store-bought diets, The One can safely be used for puppies ages 12 weeks and up!  

How To Prepare Homemade Food for Puppies

Beyond choosing the right recipe/formula to feed your puppy, how you prepare their food can make all the difference. Safe handling of the ingredients used to make their food, proper storage, and regular cleaning routines can keep your puppy safe from food-borne illnesses and prevent food waste. 

• Remember to wash your hands before you begin preparing the food, while you are working, and once you have finished.
  
• Since you will be dealing with raw meat, make sure to disinfect surfaces once you have finished cooking to prevent the spread of germs.
  
• Keep the containers, utensils, or areas of the fridge/freezer for your puppy’s food separate from the ones used for human food. Keeping them separate is not only beneficial for your health but also for the health of your puppy.
  
• Instead of storing extra homemade puppy food in the fridge, try pre-portioning and freezing it. Puppy food will last much longer in the freezer and will take only around 12 hours to thaw in the fridge before serving.
  
• After every meal, use hot, soapy water to wash your puppy’s bowl.

3 Basic Homemade Recipes for Puppies

In your search for the best recipe for puppy food on the internet, you’ve probably noticed that there just aren’t very many. It’s especially hard to find homemade puppy food recipes that have been approved by vets, which is why we love Build.It so much! 

Build.It creates custom homemade puppy recipes based on your puppy’s specific details, traits, and dietary needs. To give you an idea of how it works, we’ve chosen three homemade recipes for puppies from three different categories: small-breed puppy food recipes, large-breed puppy food recipes, and novel protein puppy recipes. 

1. Homemade Chicken Puppy Food Recipe for Small Breeds

This recipe is chicken-based and makes 2 servings (or one day of food) for an 8-pound, 6-month-old small-breed puppy. Because this is designed for a small breed, it won’t have enough nutrients for large breed puppies, even if they are the same weight. Remember, puppy feeding guidelines aren’t just based on weight—breed, age, and growth matters, too. 

Nutritional Information: 

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 47.7%
• Fat: 33.4%
• Carbohydrates: 19%

Ingredients

• 6 ¾ oz. cooked chicken breast
• 3 tsp canola oil
• ½ mL omega oil (try this one from Plano Paws)
• 80 g white rice
• ⅓ tsp iodized salt
• Small-dog serving of daily supplement (we recommend Pet Wellness Direct)

Instructions

1. Chop cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. 

2. Pork & Bean Large Breed Puppy Food Recipe

Some puppies are just big, and large-breed pups have their own unique dietary needs. To support those big bones and strong muscles, large-breed puppies need more calories and more nutrient-dense diets than small-breed pups. This recipe for homemade puppy food makes 2 servings—or one day’s worth of food—for a 50-pound, 6-month-old large-breed puppy.

Nutritional Information: 

• Calories: 1902
• Protein: 46%
• Fat: 35%
• Carbohydrates: 18.8%

Ingredients

• 28 oz. pork loin
• 3 TBSP canola oil
• 3 mL omega oil (try this one from Plano Paws)
• 31 oz raw pinto beans
• 2 tsp iodized salt
• 4 ¼ oz. water
• Small-dog serving of daily supplement (we recommend Pet Wellness Direct)

Instructions

1. Slice the pork loin into small, bite-sized pieces and add to a large pot. 
2. Add canola oil, omega oil, pinto beans, salt, and water to the pot along with the pork. 
3. Cook on medium to medium-low heat, stirring regularly until the pinto beans are fully cooked through. You may need to add more water throughout the cooking process to hydrate beans. Reduce the heat as needed to prevent burning, and avoid cooking off moisture too quickly. 
4. Remove the pot from the heat and let cool. 
5. Add daily multivitamins, mix, and serve. 

3. Novel Protein Puppy Food Recipe

If your puppy has food allergies and can’t eat traditional proteins like chicken, turkey, or beef, try feeding them a novel protein like fish! The recipe we’ve chosen to feature is tilapia-based, but other fish like salmon, cod, and tuna also work well. Formulated to make 2 servings—or one day’s worth of food—for a 30-pound 6-month-old puppy, this recipe is super easy and asks you to cook ingredients separately before combining them. 

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 1488
• Protein: 48.1%
• Fat: 33%
• Carbohydrates: 19%

Ingredients

• 23 ½ oz. tilapia, lightly roasted or poached
• 8 tsp canola oil
• 2 ⅓ mL omega oil (try this one from Plano Paws)
• 338 g sweet potato, baked in skins, flesh removed and cooled
• 1 tsp iodized salt
• Small-dog serving of daily supplement (we recommend Pet Wellness Direct)

Instructions

1. Combine cooked tilapia, canola oil, omega oil, baked/cooled sweet potato flesh, and salt in a large bowl. 
2. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to combine. The finished mixture will almost look like a mash. 
3. Add your dog’s multivitamin and serve. 

Vet-Approved Homemade Puppy Food Recipes FAQ

Phew—that was a lot of information to take in! Chances are, you probably have some more questions. Here are our answers to some of the common queries we get about dog food recipes for puppies. 

Related Articles:

• Best Puppy Food for German Shepherds
• Top 6 Dog Foods for French Bulldog Puppies
• 3 Vet-Approved Pup Loaf Recipes Your Dog Will Love
• 4 Vet-Approved Homemade Dog Food Recipes

How Do I Know If My Dog Is Overweight?

Every dog is different, and there’s no one healthy weight, even for purebreds with breed standards. Your veterinarian will be able to help you by assessing your dog’s body condition. 

According to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, a dog in ideal body condition will have a visible waist and a thin layer of fat covering the ribs. Many dogs will have a visible abdominal tuck, although this depends on body type; labs and their crossbreeds often do not have a tuck, even at their ideal weight.

Tips to Lose Weight

Once you’ve established that your dog does need to lose weight, how do you help your dog lose weight? 

Tip #1 – Decrease the amount you feed.

Veterinarian Jamie Peyton says that “the most simple place to start is to decrease the amount they’re feeding by 25%. Then monitor each week to ensure they are losing weight.” 

Tip #2 – Rethink what you feed your dog, and say no to kibble.

Dr. Peyton explains that “owners should closely examine the food they are feeding and note the calories in each cup. While higher protein and fat foods can increase the calorie content in dog food, they can also increase food satisfaction. Fat takes longer to digest and therefore creates more satiety. The caution with these foods is that you have to feed a smaller amount.”

So basically, you need to rethink how you’re feeding your dog. How many calories are they getting? Are they getting a diet that has lots of carbs? If you feed kibble primarily, you might want to switch partially or entirely to raw, fresh-frozen, or air-dried food.

Be sure to count treats when you calculate the amount of food you feed your dog as well. If your dog is ingesting it, it should be measured!

Tip #3 – Get a slow feeder. 

Slow feeders require your dog to chew their food more carefully rather than simply wolfing it down. The benefits to this are two-fold: it increases the amount of chewing your dog will do and decreases your dog’s chances of choking/vomiting. It’s even better if you can order several different ones. Each one has a different pattern so each meal your dog will have to work out how to use it.

Amazon has a good assortment of slow feeders. See them here:

Tip #4 – Increase exercise.

If your dog is already walking the recommended amount of time (20 minutes twice a day), consider boosting that by 10-20%. If you aren’t already walking your dog that often, don’t overwork them by drastically increasing it all at once. Take longer walks in small increments to get them used to it. 

Tip #5 – Get a kitchen scale. 

Whether you plan to do some home cooking for your overweight dog or need a more reliable way to measure how much you’re feeding them, a kitchen scale is a must. First, go to a feeding calculator to determine how much you should feed your dog. Based on the desired weight and calories of the food you are feeding, it will tell you how many calories per cup or ounce per day.

If you have a kitchen scale you can easily weigh the food to make sure you are not over/under feedling.

Tip #6 – Rule out an underlying medical condition. 

If your normally-healthy dog has suddenly put on weight, it could be due to a medical issue. Ask your veterinarian to perform a full examination of your dog to find out if there’s a medical reason for weight gain.

Some of the reasons for weight gain could include:

• Cushing’s syndrome
• Diabetes
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Hyperthyroidism
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease

By asking for an examination, you can rule out these other issues or discover if there is a better diet for your dog’s medical condition. 

Tip #7 – Feed based on the weight you want. 

Many dog owners make the mistake of feeding their dogs based on their current weight, rather than the weight they want their dog to be. By feeding them according to their ideal weight (consult with a vet if you’re not sure what that should be), you’ll find that they slowly lose the excess pounds they’ve been carrying. Go to a feeding calculator to determine how much you should feed your dog.

Tip #8 – Multiple Dogs? Be Sure One Dog Is Not Eating Everyone Else’s Food

At my house we have multiple dogs and they all eat at different rates. My overweight dog Buttercup will immediately eat everything in the bowl, while the other dogs prefer to take their time. This poses a challenge, because if I put all 4 bowls down at the same time, Buttercup will eat her portion and everyone else’s. So now, I only put her food down and wait until later to feed the other dogs, when Buttercup is in a different room.

I learned this the hard way as Buttercup kept gaining weight and Cookie was getting skinnier. In a busy household trying to get kids off to school and feed dogs, it’s hard to pay attention to who is eating what.

Best Dog Food Brands For Dog Weight Loss

When you’re choosing food to help your dog lose weight, you don’t have to switch to something new. If you feed them less of what they are already eating, you will start to see them lose weight.

However, this can affect the number of nutrients your dog gets from their food. Making sure that your dog gets nutrient-rich food is important, so a balanced, complete diet that has nutrients that are easy to digest can help your pet with its weight loss. 

The characteristics of a good diet for dog weight loss include:

• Most of the caloric makeup comes from lean protein
• Low amounts of carbohydrates
• Avoidance of “filler” ingredients
• Avoidance of high starch ingredients like rice and potatoes
• Protein that they can easily digest (for some dogs, this means no chicken)

With these characteristics in mind, let’s look at some dog food brands that can help answer the question “How to help my dog lose weight?” while still keeping them happy with their food. 

1. We Feed Raw 

We Feed Raw contains nutritious meat as its main ingredient. This food is good for dog weight loss for several reasons. These include:

• No sugar or carbohydrates of any kind
• Lean protein
• Novel protein sources– dogs with beef or poultry allergies will likely be fine with their venison or lamb recipes

2. The Farmer’s Dog

The Farmer’s Dog fresh-frozen food is a favorite of many dogs for its flavor and texture. This food is good for dog weight loss because it has:

• Lean protein
• Nutritious veggies that help with digestion
• Extra omega-3 for joint and cardiac health

3. Sundays For Dogs

Sundays is an air-dried dog food that uses 100% free-range, antibiotic-free meat and veggies.

This food is good for dog weight loss because it uses:

• Lean and novel protein
• No starch or grains
• Extra superfood boosts 

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Help Your Dog Lose Weight With Home Cooked Meals

If you want to make your own dog food for weight loss, here’s how! To help dogs lose weight here is a tasty “Puploaf” recipe from veterinarian Dr. Judy Morgan.

To make healthy Puploaf, grind and mix all of your ingredients. Pour into pans– muffin pans work great for easy portioning.  Bake at 325ºF for 30 to 60 minutes depending on the size of the pan. The loaf should be juicy in the center. If your dog is allergic to beef or chicken, you can substitute turkey. Use within 3 to 5 days; you can freeze the extra portions. 

The guidelines for how much homemade dog food to feed for weight loss is that the total amount of food per day should be 2-3% of the dog’s body weight in ounces. Because a 40-pound dog weighs 640 ounces, 12.8 ounces of homemade food per day is good for weight loss. Again, a kitchen scale will help you measure! 

Aim for 5% liver, 30% vegetables, and 65% protein for your dog. 

Keep in Mind…

Carbohydrates are your enemy if you’re trying to get your dog to lose weight. Avoid rice and grains when cooking for your pup. Instead, choose non-starchy vegetables and lean meats. 

If you want to try making up your own recipes, use this tool to make sure it’s a balanced recipe for your dog: You can find it right here.

FAQs

Pet weight management is a complicated subject. Here are some of the questions that pet parents like you have about helping their pets maintain a healthy size.

Related Articles: 

• Best Dog Foods for Dogs Who Need To Gain Weight
• 6 Vegan Dog-Food Recipes for Dogs with Meat Allergies
• Best Dog Food For Senior Dogs
• 13 Novel Proteins That Dogs with Allergies & GI Issues Can Eat