posted 01-21-2003 05:21 PM           

I am a first time pet owner. Jack Daniel is a 3 month Shih-Poo. (Please no mutt bashing). I have had him for a month and he only weighs 6 pounds. I just wnated to know the following:

1. When is a puppy no longer consider a puppy?

2. When do you start feeding them once a day only? Jack gets two feedings now.

3. When its once a day is the full amount now giving in that one feeding?

4. When do his puppy teeth fall out? How long for his other teeth to come in?

I know these must be silly questions but he is my first. I am learning as I go along.

posted 01-21-2003 06:55 PM         

Generally around 1yr of age but small dogs tend to reach their full growth sooner (usually around 6 - 8 months of age) and very large dogs may not reach their full growth util 1 1/2 - 2 yrs of age.

>2. When do you start feeding them once a >day only? Jack gets two feedings now.

Around 6 months of age you can cut back to one meal for small dogs. I personally feel that all dogs should be fed twice per day if possible.

>3. When its once a day is the full amount >now giving in that one feeding?

Yes, but you will find as your puppy turns into an adult he/she will require less calories and will eat a smaller portion than he/she did in puppyhood. You will have to adjust the amount of food so that your dog maintains weight...but doesnt gain or lose weight.

>4. When do his puppy teeth fall out? How >long for his other teeth to come in?