Malaysia Veterinary Forum (Archive)

jin · Joined: 28 Apr 2008 Posts: 2

I bought a toy poddle 5 days ago.
I started feeding her baby's milk powder on second day. She seem like it.

And i thought since my puppy still a baby and i give her milk (1 oz) 3 times a day soaking with the biscuits.

Is the baby's milk good for her?

Dr Nat · Joined: 07 Dec 2005 Posts: 1834 Location: Klang Valley

How old is your poodle when you get her? Usually, a responsible breeder will only sell the puppies at 2 months of age (and after its first vaccination). At that time, they should be fully weaned and not dependant on milk anymore. Infact, giving milk will actually promote diarrhoea in many puppies.

If your puppy is 4 weeks old or younger, then you will be required to feed her milk. However, baby's milk is not suitable for them. It is best to get a real milk substitute for puppies, which can be bought from the vet clinic. (and I dont recommend those cheap 'animal' milk from supermarket, as they are of poor quality and not necessarily nutritionally balanced).

If your puppy is around 4-6 weeks of age, then it should be able to take in solid foods. Normally soaking puppy food in water is good enough. Soaking it in milk is only useful to encourage it to try out the solid food - which then should be changed to just water later on.

As a new pet owner, I'd encourage you to read up about keeping dogs as much as possible. In fact, I recommend reading up FIRST before getting your puppy/dog.
Websites such as these are a good place to start:
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pets_dogcare
http://www.newpet.com/quicktips/quicktipsindex.htm
http://spca.org.my/care.htm
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/dog_care/caring_for_your_dog_the_top_ten_essentials.html

There are lots more online. Do not stop learning more about your dog (or potential new pet). We are all still learning too.

jin · Joined: 28 Apr 2008 Posts: 2

Dr Nat,

Thanks for the advice.... my poddle is 2 months old...

since you mention 4-6 weeks of age, then it should be able to take in solid foods. Normally soaking puppy food in water is good enough. Soaking it in milk is only useful to encourage it to try out the solid food - which then should be changed to just water later on. I can just give her biscuits soaking with water.

Beside, I found my puppy "wee wee" many in a day. Is that normal? When i bring her out for cage, about 20 minutes per time... but small amount.

what about "poo poo"? well my puppy just shit 2-3 times a day.

Please advice again.. thanks...

Dr Nat · Joined: 07 Dec 2005 Posts: 1834 Location: Klang Valley

What do you mean "about 20 minutes per time"? Do you mean she pee for as long as 20 minutes? Or she pees every 20 minutes?

2-3 times defaecating a day for a small dog who eats a lot can be considered normal. However, look at the condition of the faeces. Is it watery, pasty or solid?

If you're worried, have her checked by a vet. Also it would be a good time to ask for advice on vaccine, deworming, heartworm and neutering schedule.