Welcome to the third edition of our Puppy Survival Guide series! In this article, we will provide you with all the essential tips and information you need to navigate the awkward and ornery adolescent months of your puppy's life. From health and wellness to training and behavior, we've got you covered. So, grab a cup of coffee and get ready to dive into the world of puppy parenting!
What Should You Already Be Doing Before Your Puppy Hits 5 Months?
If you missed the first two chapters of our Puppy Survival series, don't worry! We've got you covered. But before we jump into the details of raising a puppy between 5-6 months old, let's quickly recap some essential tasks that should be started or completed by the time your puppy hits 5 months old:
- Make sure your puppy is fully vaccinated with core vaccines (DA2PP/DAP + rabies) and dewormed.
- Your puppy should have lost all their puppy teeth.
- Start puppy classes for socialization.
- Establish a regular tooth-brushing and nail clipping routine.
- Ensure your puppy has been well-socialized with introductions to at least 90 different new experiences.
- Puppy-proof your home and vehicle.
- Make progress with potty training, crate training, and teaching bite inhibition.
- Teach your puppy basic commands like sit and down.
- Work on recall, stay, and drop it commands.
- Teach your puppy good manners, such as no biting, no jumping on people, and walking nicely on a leash.
- Provide monthly flea/tick/heartworm treatment.
Physical Growth & Development
During months 5 and 6, your puppy will go through significant physical growth and development. Let's take a closer look at what you can expect during this stage.
Physical Appearance & Changes
At around 5 months old, female puppies may begin their first heat cycle. Adult canine, premolar, and molar eruption typically occur between 5-6 months old. Your puppy may also experience their first “coat blow” during this time, which is the shedding of their puppy coat. By 6 months old, all of your puppy's adult teeth should have erupted or be visibly coming in above the gum line. They will also be able to hold their bladder and bowels for 5-7 hours and have completed house-training. Additionally, your puppy should have a visible waistline to help determine their ideal body weight. Larger dogs may enter their lanky-legged, awkward teenage months at around 6 months old.
Adult Teeth
By the end of month 6, your puppy should have lost all of their baby teeth and have their adult teeth fully erupted or at least partially erupted.
Growing Bones
At 5-6 months old, your puppy's bones are still growing, and their growth plates are not yet closed. This means that their bones are not completely hardened yet. It's important to avoid forced exercise and rough play with older dogs during this time to prevent joint damage later in life. Keep play and exercise restricted to the yard or small areas, take short and leisurely walks, and supervise play with other dogs until your puppy's growth plates have closed around 12-18 months.
Puppy Puberty
Both male and female puppies typically begin reaching sexual maturity around 6 months old. Some pups may reach sexual maturity as early as 5 months. It's important to note that allowing dogs to become pregnant at such a young age is not only unethical but also dangerous for both the mother and potential puppies. If you think your puppy wants to experience motherhood before she's spayed, she does not care! It's best to take steps to avoid accidental pregnancy, such as keeping your puppy away from intact dogs and separating them during a female's heat cycle.
Behavior & Personality
By now, your puppy should be well-socialized and have had plenty of experiences meeting new people, exploring new places, and interacting with different objects. It's normal for them to still have some fears or anxieties, but continue working with them to conquer these fears.
Fear Impact Period
During this stage, your puppy may still be easily spooked by new or unusual things. Take baby steps when introducing them to new experiences and always provide reassurance and treats to help them overcome their fears.
Puppy Adolescence
Around the 6-month mark, your puppy will enter a teenage stage characterized by raging hormones, puppy puberty, and a newfound sense of independence. During this time, your puppy may test boundaries, ignore commands they previously learned, and exhibit some attitude. It's important to remember that this is just a phase and it will pass. Stay calm, go back to basics, stay consistent with training, and consider seeking guidance from a professional trainer if needed.
Health & Wellness
By now, your puppy should have completed their full set of core puppy vaccines, be dewormed, and started on flea/tick and heartworm prevention. During month 6, it's a good idea to schedule a vet appointment to discuss important topics such as spay/neuter options and timing, gastropexy surgery for large and giant breed dogs, microchipping, and dental check-ups.
Spay/Neuter
Spaying or neutering your puppy is an important decision that helps control pet overpopulation. While the best time to spay or neuter dogs is still debated among veterinarians, it's generally recommended to wait until your dog is at least 6 months old. However, it's best to discuss the options with your vet and allow them to guide you based on your puppy's specific needs.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) & Gastropexy
GDV, also known as canine bloat, is a life-threatening condition that can occur in large and giant breed dogs. It's important to take preventive measures to avoid GDV, such as considering gastropexy surgery for your puppy. This surgery involves tethering the stomach to the body wall to prevent it from flipping. Additionally, using a slow feeder bowl and being aware of genetic factors can help reduce the risk of GDV.
Microchipping
Microchipping your puppy is a simple and effective way to ensure their identification. It involves injecting a microchip under their skin, which contains important information about your dog. This information can be used to reunite you with your dog if they ever get lost. Microchipping can be done as early as 8 weeks old, and it's a good idea to discuss this with your vet.
Dental Check
During your puppy's 6-month vet visit, your vet should thoroughly check for dental abnormalities that are common at this age. This includes checking for unerupted teeth, malocclusion (misalignment of teeth), dental crowding, and deformed teeth. Early detection of these issues can help prevent further dental problems in the future.
Nutrition & Exercise
As your puppy grows older, their eating, sleeping, and exercise routines will become more manageable. By 6 months old, you should start to see a distinguished waistline, indicating your puppy's ideal weight. It's important to choose the right food for your puppy and provide them with a balanced diet. Additionally, you should gradually increase their exercise as they grow older, following guidelines based on their breed size.
Training
By the end of month 5, your puppy should have mastered basic commands like sit and down. They should also be getting the hang of recall, stay, and drop it commands. During this stage, it's important to keep practicing these commands and gradually introduce more advanced commands. Basic obedience training should continue, and you can start teaching your puppy fun tricks like shaking paws or rolling over.
Puppy Safety
At this stage, your puppy is becoming more confident and independent, but they may also be prone to getting into trouble. Here are some steps you can take to keep your puppy safe:
- Reinforce fences to prevent escape.
- Always close doors behind you to prevent your puppy from slipping out.
- Consider using a GPS collar or tag to track your puppy's location.
- If your puppy is exposed to water, such as a lake or pool, consider getting a life vest for their safety.
- Use reflective gear or LED lights for night walks to ensure your puppy is visible to others.
Puppy Products To Consider
Here are some additional products or memberships that you may find useful for your 5-6 month old puppy:
- Doggie diapers for females in heat (prior to spay)
- Pet insurance
- Microchip
- GPS collar or tag
- Puppy life vest
- Reflective gear or LED lights for night walks
- Puppy training classes
- Training treats
- Toys for mental stimulation and play
- Dental care products for maintaining good oral hygiene
Emergency Resources
It's always important to be prepared for emergencies. Here are some emergency resources you should keep in mind:
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: If your puppy ingests something toxic, call the animal control poison center at (888) 426-4435.
- Emergency Vets: Find a 24/7 emergency vet near you by searching online or calling (855)-778-6815.
- Lost Pet: Report lost pets to the national hotline at 1 (800) 486-2631.
- Dog CPR and Choking Maneuver: Familiarize yourself with dog CPR and the Heimlich maneuver by watching training videos or taking a course.
Keys to Take Away:
- Puppyhood is a crucial stage for socialization, training, and establishing routines.
- Physical growth and development occur during months 5-6, including the eruption of adult teeth.
- Puppy adolescence brings hormonal changes and increased independence.
- Prioritize your puppy's health and wellness through regular vet check-ups and preventive measures.
- Proper nutrition, exercise, and training are essential for your puppy's well-being.
- Take steps to ensure your puppy's safety, both at home and during outdoor activities.
- Consider using helpful products and memberships to make puppy parenting easier.
- Be prepared for emergencies with important resources and knowledge.
Remember, raising a puppy is a journey filled with joy, challenges, and lots of love. Enjoy every moment and cherish the memories you create with your furry friend. For more information on pet care and tips, visit HowPetCare.