Puppy Care and Nutrition Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary nutritional need for puppies during the initial weeks of weaning?

Low-fat diets

High amounts of carbohydrates

Balanced energy, proteins, vitamins, and minerals (correct)

Only milk-based diets

At what age are Toy breeds typically fully grown?

6-9 months (correct)

10-12 months

12-18 months

3-5 months

What is the critical timeframe for a puppy's socialization?

From 6 to 12 weeks

From birth to 8 weeks

From 3 to 6 months

From birth to 16 weeks (correct)

When should bitches be fed puppy food during their pregnancy?

From week 3 of gestation (D) Signup and view all the answers

When does the weaning process for puppies typically begin?

3-4 weeks of age (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal time frame for the delivery of the placenta after whelping?

2 to 24 hours (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected environmental temperature for puppies on Day 5 after birth?

29.5oC (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of lactation is considered the most nutritionally demanding for the mother?

Peak lactation at 3-4 weeks postpartum (A) Signup and view all the answers

During which weeks of gestation do nutrient requirements significantly increase for a pregnant dog?

Last 3-4 weeks (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical time frame for a puppy's eyes and ears to open after birth?

Eyes: 10 days, Ears: 14 days (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical behavior of wild dogs when hunting?

They hunt in packs and have a hierarchical system. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT a reason for reduced activity in senior dogs?

Increased need for social interaction. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How often does a bitch typically go into heat?

Every 6 months. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the average gestation period for dogs?

63 days. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What should be done for a bitch before breeding?

Have a vet check and vaccinations up to date. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of their day do dogs typically spend sleeping?

50%. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which vaccination is NOT listed as necessary for routine veterinary care?

Feline leukemia. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of introducing a whelping box before whelping?

To prepare for the delivery of puppies. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What health issues are predisposed by canine obesity?

Cancer, diabetes, and heart disease (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which breed is mentioned as being particularly affected by the POMC gene variant related to obesity?

Labrador Retriever (C) Signup and view all the answers

How much heavier, on average, is a dog that carries one copy of the POMC gene variant?

1.9 kg (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the Body Condition Score (BCS) range for an ideal weight in dogs?

4-5 (B) Signup and view all the answers

In a BCS assessment, what is observed to determine a dog's weight condition?

Coverage over ribs and tail base (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a visible sign of an overweight dog when viewed from above?

No visible waist (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about Labrador obesity?

Owners play a critical role in managing a Labrador's food and exercise. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is primarily controlled by the owner of the dog?

Food intake and exercise (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which group of dog breeds includes Retrievers and Spaniels?

Gun (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which breed is classified under the Pastoral group?

Border Collie (C) Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is NOT typical of the Toy group of dog breeds?

High energy levels (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'utility' refer to in dog breeds?

Fitness for a specific purpose (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following dog breeds was originally bred for hunting vermin?

WHWT (West Highland White Terrier) (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common dietary issue affecting dogs in developed countries?

Overfeeding leading to obesity (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which dog group is associated with search and rescue roles?

Working (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which breed belongs to the Hound group?

Beagle (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary concern in dog husbandry related to diet?

Monitoring for canine obesity (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of dogs in the Gun group?

To find and retrieve game (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Dog Husbandry

Seven dog breed groups exist, originally bred for various purposes
Dogs are omnivores; in the wild, they hunt in packs
Female dogs (bitches) typically come into heat approximately every six months
The gestation period for dogs is about 63 days
Bitches should be fed puppy food from around week three of pregnancy
Weaning typically begins at 3-4 weeks and is complete by week 8
The socialisation period for puppies is crucial for their future behaviour

Learning Outcomes

Students will define dog breed groups and give examples of breeds within each group
Students will describe dog husbandry requirements, including diet, behaviour, and welfare
Students will describe how dogs are bred and how puppies are cared for

Dog Breeds

Dog breeds are categorized into groups including Terrier, Gun, Hound, Pastoral, Utility, Working, and Toy
Gun dogs were initially trained for finding and retrieving game
Divided into Retrievers, Spaniels, and Hunt/point/retrieve (Pointers and Setters)
Gun dogs make good companions and require moderate exercise
Hound dogs are used for hunting by sight or scent
Examples include beagles and bloodhounds (Scent Hounds) and greyhounds (Sight Hounds)
Many hound dogs need significant exercise; some don't
Pastoral dogs are associated with working livestock
Usually have a weatherproof double coat
Examples include Border Collies and German Shepherds
Terrier dogs were originally bred for hunting vermin
Come from the Latin word 'terra' meaning earth
Hardy and tough, pursuing various animals above and below ground
Toy breeds are small companion or lap dogs
Many were bred for this purpose
Generally have friendly personalities and need little exercise
Miscellaneous breeds of dog, mainly not sporting.
They perform specific functions beyond sporting or working
Examples include standard poodles and bulldogs
Working dogs were selectively bred as guards and search/rescue dogs
Examples include Rottweilers and Bernese Mountain Dogs

Diet

Dogs are part of the Carnivora order, specifically the Canidae family
Dogs are omnivores
Commercial dog food (wet/dry) is available
Home-prepared dog food is also an option
Raw food is another nutritional choice
Dogs need continuous access to water

Canine Obesity

Almost two-thirds of dogs in developed countries are overweight
Overfeeding is a key cause
Common causes of overfeeding: Cake, Chocolate, Biscuits, Crisps, Chips, Takeaway, Table Scraps, Alcohol
Obesity predisposes dogs to cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis
A genetic variant (POMC) is linked to obesity in Labrador retrievers and flat-coated retrievers

Body Condition Score (BCS)

Dogs are scored on a scale of 1 to 9 (1-3 = underweight, 4-5 = ideal, 6-9 = overweight/obese)
Assess coverage over ribs and tail base
Observe abdominal tuck and waist visibility

Feeding Dogs

Adults:
- Wild dogs hunt in packs and have a hierarchical system. They eat large meals quickly and then rest.
- Domestic dogs typically eat once or twice daily.
Seniors:
- Reduced activity and lower basal metabolic rate (BMR)
- Feed once or twice per day.

Activity and Behaviour

Dogs spend approximately 50% of their day sleeping, 30% resting, and 20% in active behaviours
Physical and mental exercise varies according to breed, age, and health
Dogs are social animals and need interaction with other dogs in packs

Routine Veterinary Care

Parasite control is crucial (fleas, ticks, worms including lungworm)
Vaccination schedule includes: Leptospira, Adenovirus, Distemper virus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza virus, Bordetella, and Rabies
Grooming needs at home or by groomers. Breed variations exist

Travelling in Cars

48% of UK dog owners are possibly breaking highway codes by not restraining dogs appropriately
Dogs should be securely restrained

Canine Breeding

Before breeding dogs, a veterinary check and vaccination updates are necessary
Puppies should also be wormed
Bitches typically come into heat every six months
Bitches should be at least one year old and have had a (normal) season before breeding
Canine mating stages exist
Gestation period: 63 days
Average litter size: Approximately 6 puppies; however, larger litters are possible
Pre-whelping preparation includes introducing puppies to their whelping box (i.e. after week 5 of pregnancy), toys, bedding and food)
Whelping
- Three stages: Contractions, delivery of the puppy, delivery of placenta
- Generally between 2 and 24 hours
- Puppies could arrive front first, or rear (hindlegs) first into the birth canal
- Normal for clear, red, or green discharge
- Dystocia (difficult birth) is 16x more likely in brachycephalic breeds

Care of the Newborn Pup

Born with ears and eyes closed; eyes open after 10 days, ears after 14 days
Handle them as little as possible until three weeks old
Environmental temperatures should be maintained at 32°C (Day 1); 29.5°C (Day 5); 26.5°C (Day 7-10); 22°C (end of week 4)

Nutrition in Pregnancy and Lactation

First 5-6 weeks of pregnancy, nutrient requirements increase slightly
Nutrient requirements increase significantly during the last 3-4 weeks of gestation
Small, frequent meals of concentrated diet (puppy food, from approximately week 3 onwards) are necessary
Lactation increases nutritional requirements; increased meals (3-4x per day) are essential

Weaning and Growth

Weaning begins at 3-4 weeks of age.
Commercial puppy foods and dam's food should be offered in small amounts.
Weaned by 8 weeks
High demand of energy, proteins, and vitamins
Food frequency should be high initially then reduced gradually with maturation
Different breeds mature at different rates

Training

Critical socialisation phase from birth to 16 weeks of age.
Includes getting used to household noises and meeting people and other dogs.
Older dogs can still learn

Summary

Seven dog breed groups exist.
Dogs are omnivores; in the wild, they hunt in packs.
Female dogs typically come into heat approximately every six months.
The gestation period for dogs is about 63 days.
Bitches should be fed puppy food from around week three of pregnancy.
Weaning begins typically at 3-4 weeks and is relatively complete by week 8.
The socialisation period for puppies is extremely important for their future behaviour.

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Description

Test your knowledge on puppy care, nutrition, and growth phases. This quiz covers essential topics including weaning, socialization, and dietary needs for pregnant dogs. Perfect for dog owners and pet enthusiasts looking to enhance their understanding of canine development.