When you adopt a pumi puppy, you have to consider his meals and vet bills, including the cost for neutering or spaying, dog crate, leash and collar. Pumi puppies are cute and adorable, but they need a lot of attention and care.
If you are not ready to take care of a puppy, you should choose an older dog. However, if you decided that you really want to raise a pumi puppy, you should read this guide.
Pumi Puppies Feeding
Pumi puppies should be fed with high quality dry food. Here’s the feeding schedule that you should follow.
- 8 to 12-week old pups – 4 bowls within 24 hours
- 3 to 6-month old – 3 meals every day
- 6 months to 1-year old – 2 meals daily
One-year old pumis can be fed once a day. Some puppies do well with 2 smaller meals daily. Observe your pup’s eating habits and make the necessary adjustments. Pumi puppies should be fed high quality puppy food.
Reduce the amount of “people food” you give your pet because it can cause teeth and bone problems as well as vitamin and mineral deficiencies. It may also lead to obesity and a picky eating behavior. Don’t forget to wash your pet’s food and water bowls on a regular basis and always make sure he has access to fresh water.
High quality dry food for adult pumis can be mixed with canned food, broth or water. You can also give them cottage cheese, cooked eggs, veggies and fruits. However, these foods should be less than 10% of your pet’s daily nutrition.
Pumi Puppies Training
Pumi puppies can be great companions. If they are not trained, they can be troublesome. You can teach your pup some basic commands such as sit, come, stay, down, off, leave it and heel. This will strengthen your relationship with your pet. You should also teach your pup the right behavior as soon as possible.
Meals can be used to motivate your pumi pup. You can also enroll them in obedience courses. A disobedient or aggressive pumi won’t do well with other people or pets. Always walk your pet on a leash when you’re in public.
Pumi Puppies Grooming
Brush his coat often to reduce shedding and to keep your pet clean. Comb or remove all mats from their hair before giving them a bath. Rinse them thoroughly to prevent dirt from sticking to the soap. Don’t forget to inspect for fleas and ticks every day during summer.
Pumi Puppies Care Tips
Exercise
Pumi puppies need daily exercise to keep them healthy and to prevent boredom, which would usually lead to unwanted behavior. Consider your pup’s age and health. A 10-minute walk won’t be enough for a 6 to 18-month old pumi pup.
Supervised games and fun will get rid of their desire to chase, herd, dig, chew or retrieve items. You should take your pup to the vet for heartworm screening, vaccinations and thorough assessment every year and immediately if he’s injured or sick.
Dental Health
Bad breath is usually a sign that your pup needs an oral screening. Your pup should get his teeth and gums cleaned by a professional. You can maintain his oral health through regular brushing, following a diet for improving dental health and getting rid of table food.
The vet can also give tips and advice about preventing bad breath and oral diseases. Use a soft toothbrush and toothpaste made for dogs when your brush his teeth. You can use a paste made with water and baking soda.
It’s also possible that your dog is suffering from other health problems. Diseases of the liver or intestines may also cause bad breath. If your dog’s breath smells of urine or ammonia, he may be suffering from kidney disease.
If his breath has a sweet, fruity odor, it’s possible that he has diabetes. Take him to the vet if he is also suffering from other symptoms such as depression, vomiting and loss of appetite.
Vaccinations
Pumi puppies should be immunized with a five-in-1 or combo inoculation at 2, 3 and 4 months old and once every year after that. This inoculation immunizes them from parvovirus, distemper, parainfluenza, hepatitis, and leptospirosis.
If your pup is older than 4 months and has not been inoculated, he requires 2 immunizations immediately. The second inoculation should be done 2 or 3 weeks after the first immunization. After this, your pup should be vaccinated every year.
You should also let your pumi pup socialize during this period. Enroll him in socialization courses when he’s 8 or 9 weeks old. Your pup should have already finished his first series of vaccinations at this age. If your puppy gets ill because he’s not vaccinated, you shouldn’t give him the shot until he fully recovers.
