Life Stages

What should be evaluated in the dam and sire before breeding?

Physical condition, complete PE’s, and current preventative health care

What can happen if a dam is underweight during pregnancy?

She may not consume enough food to support herself and her developing puppies

What reproductive problems are associated with underweight dams?

Decreased conception rates, birth rates, birth weights; increased neonatal mortality; and poor lactation performance

What complications may occur in puppies born to underweight dams?

Decreased birth weights, increased risk of hypoglycemia, and decreased survival rates

What reproductive problems are associated with overweight dams

Lower ovulation rates, smaller litters, and poor lactation performance

Why are overweight dams at greater risk of dystocia?

They may develop excessively large puppies, causing fetal-maternal disproportion

When should an overweight dam lose weight?

Before breeding to reduce the risk of dystocia

When should a pregnant dam transition to a growth diet?

During the last 3-4 weeks of gestation

Why should large-breed growth diets NOT be fed to pregnant or lactating dams?

They may lack adequate calcium, fat, and energy for pregnancy and lactation

Why is calculating maintenance energy requirements important during pregnancy?

To ensure the dam receives adequate energy and nutrients

What diet should a dam gradually transition to after lactation?

A high quality, highly digestible adult maintenance diet

What nutrients support brain, vision, and CNS development in puppies?

DHA and omega-3 fatty acids

Why should newborn puppies nurse immediately after birth?

To ingest colostrum, which provides essential maternal antibodies

What is colostrum?

Special milk that contains maternal antibodies

When does colostrum begin transitioning into more complete milk?

Approximately 24-48 hours after birth

How frequently should neonatal nursing be observed?

4-6 times daily

What does maternal milk provide to nursing puppies?

All essential nutrients and fluids needed for growth

How often should neonates be weighed during their first 2 weeks?

Daily to ensure adequate growth

When are commercial milk replacers necessary?

For weak or premature neonates, orphans, large litters, or inadequate maternal milk production

At what age should puppies begin weaning?

Approximately 3-4 weeks old

How should food initially be prepared for weaning puppies?

Mix a high quality growth diet with water to create a thick, soupy gruel

How often should weaning puppies be offered gruel?

3-4 times daily

At what age should large-breed puppies begin eating dry or canned food?

Approximately 5-7 weeks old

At what age should small-breed puppies begin eating dry or canned food?

Approximately 6-8 weeks old

Why should cow’s milk NOT be offered to puppies?

It contains more lactose, which can cause GI upset

What are common nutritional problems in large-breed puppies?

Overfeeding and excessive supplementation

What disorders are associated with overfeeding large-breed puppies?

Obesity, hip dysplasia, and osteochondrosis

What electrolyte abnormalities can result from excessive calcium intake?

Hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia

How can excessive calcium affect skeletal development?

It may slow bone volume, bone modeling, and cartilage maturation

What is the role of vitamin D in growing puppies?

Regulates calcium metabolism and helps absorb calcium and phosphorus

Why should low-quality growth diets be avoided?

They may cause poor appearance, increased disease risk, overeating, obesity, and increased stool volume

Why might puppies overeat when fed low-quality diets?

They may consume excessive amounts of food trying to meet their caloric needs

What is the primary nutritional goal when feeding large-breed puppies?

Decrease growth rate while allowing them to reach their genetic potential at maturity

What primarily determines the nutritional requirements of adult dogs?

Lifestyle

What is the general adult maintenance life stage for dogs?

1-7 years depending on breed size

What is the adult maintenance age range for large-breed dogs?

1-5 years

How do small breeds mature and age compared with large breeds?

Small breeds mature earlier and age more slowly

What lifestyle factors should be considered when evaluating an adult dog’s diet?

Activity level, working status, environmental conditions, treats, and table scraps

What percentage of a dog’s total energy requirements can come from treats and table scraps?

No more than 10%

How do the energy requirements of active dogs compare with those of less active dogs?

Active dogs require increased caloric energy

What type of dogs may require increased caloric intake?

Hunting, working (police, search/rescue, service), show, guide dogs; stress of boarding dogs; and some toy breeds

What type of diet is recommended for active dogs?

A highly digestible, calorically dense diet that is higher in fat

What feeding schedule is recommended for active dogs?

Small, frequent meals with water available at all times

Why should prolonged fasting be avoided in active dogs?

It may lead to hypoglycemia

Why should binge eating be discouraged in active dogs?

It may lead to obesity

At what age are small-breed dogs considered geriatric?

7 years old

At what age are large-breed dogs considered geriatric?

5 years

What are common signs of aging in geriatric dogs?

Decreased activity, cataracts, graying muzzle, and physiological changes

Why do geriatric dogs require careful nutritional management?

Aging organs become less tolerant of nutrient excesses and deficiencies

Why are reduced-fat and reduced-calorie diets recommended for geriatric dogs?

To help prevent weight gain

What nutrients are recommended to reduce in order to decrease kidney workload?

Sodium, protein, and phosphorus

Why are increased essential fatty acids recommended for geriatric dogs?

To support skin and coat health

Why is increased dietary fiber recommended for geriatric dogs?

To support GI function and regular bowel movements

Why should geriatric dogs continue exercising?

To maintain healthy body weight and keep joints moving

At what age can kittens begin eating kitten food, and what type should be offered?

Approximately 3 weeks; a highly digestible kitten food

What can be offered if kittens refuse a food slurry?

Wet or canned kitten food

What is the natural feeding behavior of adult cats?

Cats are natural nibblers, preferring small, frequent meals

What type of diet is recommended for adult cats?

A premium quality, highly digestible, calorically dense diet

What disease can a high-quality diet help reduce the risk of in adult cats?

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD)

Why is dietary consistency important for adult cats?

To prevent behavioral problems with finicky eatersA

At what age do cats enter their senior years?

Approximately 12 years old

What exams are recommended for geriatric cats?

Yearly geriatric workups to monitor organ function and oral health

How common are FLUTD and urolithiasis in geriatric cats?

They are uncommon

What type of urinary stone is more common in geriatric cats?

Calcium oxalate stones