When Can A Puppy Have 2 Meals A Day?

[Violet Turner]

When Can A Puppy Have 2 Meals A Day?

I am wondering when can the puppies be put on two meals a day, I will not be in all day when Doris needs 3 meals, what can I do? Also I will not be able to ‘relive her’ during the day. What should I do? We are able to do it with Olive all day, but we feel bad for Doris as she is only a puppy. The kennel club says at 6 months old, is this correct? Would I need a walker/sitter? I dislike the fact of someone coming in my house while I’m not there.

 

[JoanneF]

I would ask: if a client asked your professional opinion as a a vet, what would you advise them?

 

[Violet Turner]

I would ask: if a client asked your professional opinion as a a vet, what would you advise them?

I would advise 8-10 months. It would also depend on the size and weight of the dog. But what I am asking if I can do it sooner than 8 months @JoanneF

 

[JudyN]

Normally you would move to two meals a day at around 6 months old. You really need to have someone come in at least once a day - you're quite right to feel bad about leaving Doris all day, and it won't help her toilet training. In fact toilet training could be a struggle if there isn't someone there to take her out at least hourly at first.

Remember, a good dog walker/sitter will be well insured and would also care about their reputation far too much to do anything they shouldn't in your house. You could always set up video cams for peace of mind - though tell the dog walker/sitter this.

 

[Violet Turner]

Normally you would move to two meals a day at around 6 months old. You really need to have someone come in at least once a day - you're quite right to feel bad about leaving Doris all day, and it won't help her toilet training. In fact toilet training could be a struggle if there isn't someone there to take her out at least hourly at first.

Remember, a good dog walker/sitter will be well insured and would also care about their reputation far too much to do anything they shouldn't in your house. You could always set up video cams for peace of mind - though tell the dog walker/sitter this.

But by the time i go back to work she should be toilet trained. i feel bad if i put up cams to watch the sitter/walker. would i be best taking more time off work?

 

[Caro Perry]

When Can A Puppy Have 2 Meals A Day?

I am wondering when can the puppies be put on two meals a day, I will not be in all day when Doris needs 3 meals, what can I do? Also I will not be able to ‘relive her’ during the day. What should I do? We are able to do it with Olive all day, but we feel bad for Doris as she is only a puppy. The kennel club says at 6 months old, is this correct? Would I need a walker/sitter? I dislike the fact of someone coming in my house while I’m not there.

6 months is the norm. In fact Harri transitioned from 3 to 2 very easily at that age and he was a greedy little pup.

In theory you could get around the lunch problem by using an automatic feeder ( unless Olive would get there first) but how will you manage the toilet training and the socialisation trips if there is no one there all day? Doris needs to meet a wide variety of people, other dogs and lots of different situations before she is 16 weeks old or you are likely to have problems with her behaviour around other dogs and she is likely to be fearful of strange situations which can show as aggression. Spending her days with her mother is no substitute for a proper socialisation programme.

 

[Violet Turner]

6 months is the norm. In fact Harri transitioned from 3 to 2 very easily at that age and he was a greedy little pup.

In theory you could get around the lunch problem by using an automatic feeder ( unless Olive would get there first) but how will you manage the toilet training and the socialisation trips if there is no one there all day? Doris needs to meet a wide variety of people, other dogs and lots of different situations before she is 16 weeks old or you are likely to have problems with her behaviour around other dogs and she is likely to be fearful of strange situations which can show as aggression. Spending her days with her mother is no substitute for a proper socialisation programme.

i might invest in an automatic feeder. I could ask my friend to come in each lunch time? (she wont mind)