i have a new jack russell puppy 8 weeks old when do i innoculate and can i give him dried food and scraps rather than canned dog food?

labman

I really hope you aren't planning on doing the shots your self. I would leave them and the schedule to your vet. If you insist on doing them yourself, you may find a schedule at American Veterinary Medical Association. I have also found Dog & Pet Supplies - Vet Vax, Inc Pet Supply Store for dogs, cats, horses. trustworthy. You can't trust much of what is on the net

They should be on a dry puppy chow now. Please don't add table scraps. There is no way you are ever going to able to give them the complete and balanced diet they need if you include table scraps. Canned food is never a good idea. Dogs' teeth and jaws need the exercise of chewing the dry food. It also scrapes off bad breath causing tartar. Modern chows are carefully formulated to give your dog exactly what it needs. The less you add, the better for the dog.

There is a wealth of material in the sticky at the top of the forum for new puppy owners. Start at http://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/in...tml#post251802

badams007

Helena -

Your new baby is just that, a baby, and the best way to start him off is to study all you can so you can make the kind of decisions you will look back and be glad you made.

You have opted for a breed that requires an owner who is particularly committed to being well informed, and who will enthusiastically engage in properly training him. Otherwise, you run the risk of having a true terrierist on your hands when he's 12-18 months.

As for the food, he should be fed only dry kibble, and it can be softened a little with water, but not soaking wet. Avoid canned and scraps to avoid weight problems, dental problems, and ending up with a dog so spoiled it won;t eat kibble.

Choose one of the many good quality puppy kibbles and be sure to measure the amount and stick with the same brand & variety through at least the first 6-8 months.

Labman is very very likely to have stickies at the top of this forum on this topic.

Good Luck

-Beth