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El desarrollo del cachorro hasta los dos meses

Growing a puppy: the first 2 months

The development of a puppy from weaning to two months old is a critical stage involving significant physical, behavioural and nutritional changes. During this period, puppies experience accelerated growth and require specific care to ensure their health and well-being. In this article, we will explore these changes from the perspectives of growth, development, learning, feeding and care.

Growth

From weaning, which usually occurs around 3-4 weeks of age, until two months of age, puppies go through a phase of rapid physical growth. During this time, their senses are fully developed and they begin to explore their environment more independently. As their muscles and bones strengthen, puppies begin to walk, run and play with greater coordination and energy. Their immune system also strengthens during this stage. Breast milk provides essential antibodies for protection against disease, but as they wean, it is crucial to ensure that they continue to receive the nutrients needed to support their immune development. Regular veterinary visits and vaccinations are essential to maintain puppies’ health at this stage.

Development

The development of puppies between weaning and two months of age is equally dynamic. This is a critical phase for socialisation. Puppies begin to interact more with their littermates, learning important social and communication skills. Through play, puppies learn to control their bite, to understand the cues of their mates and to develop a social hierarchy. They also begin to show signs of independence, exploring their environment and establishing their first routines. It is important to provide a safe and stimulating environment that promotes healthy puppy development.

Learning

Learning at this stage is rapid and significant. Puppies are at a sensitive stage where they are especially receptive to new inputs and experiences. This is the best time to introduce them to different stimuli and environments, which will help prevent future behavioural problems. Basic training can also begin during this period, including using the harness, learning to respond to their name and understanding simple commands such as ‘sit’ and ‘come’. Positive reinforcement, such as rewards and praise, is essential to teach them desirable behaviours and build a trusting relationship with their owners.

Feeding

Nutrition is a crucial aspect of puppy care at this stage of growth. After weaning, puppies should be fed a puppy-specific diet containing an appropriate balance of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Picart’s high quality puppy diets are formulated to meet these requirements. Protein is essential for muscle development and tissue repair. Fats provide energy and are important for brain and eye development. Carbohydrates are a source of quick energy and vitamins and minerals support various body functions, including bone development and immune system health. At Picart we have developed a formula for this important stage: Picart Select Puppy Starter. It is advisable to feed puppies several times a day due to their small stomachs and high energy needs. The amount and frequency of meals can be adjusted according to the vet’s recommendations and the food manufacturer’s instructions.

Cares

General care during this period is critical to the welfare of puppies. Ensuring that they have a safe and clean environment, with access to fresh water and a comfortable place to sleep, is essential. In addition, regular visits to the veterinarian are important to monitor their health and development, as well as to keep their vaccination and deworming schedule up to date. Supervised play and quality time with their owners helps strengthen the bond and provides mental and physical stimulation. Socialisation with other dogs and people, under controlled conditions, is key to developing balanced behaviour and avoiding future behavioural problems.

Ultimately, the period from weaning to two months of age is a time of rapid growth and development for puppies. Understanding and addressing their physical, behavioural and nutritional needs is essential to ensure that they grow up healthy and happy.

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