Websters 3 month check up

[Heighway]

Took Webster to the vet today... wow!  He has grown.  He was 15 pounds when we got him at 7 weeks, 18 pounds at 8 weeks, and weighed in today at 27 pounds! (he was 11 weeks this past Tuesday).  Reviewed food plan with vet and he approved.  Said the dog is just very large boned!  He did suggest we neuter him a 4 months.  Said it was easier on the dog.  I thought that sounded a bit early.  I thought 6 months was the "usual".  Vet also says we will take him off the large breed puppy food at 5 months, to ease up on the rapid growth.  Does this sound right?  I know I've read all different theories and he has been my VET for almost 20 years, it just seems so new again.  Anyway, Webster is outside, I am going to take some pictures...... I love being off on Fridays!!

[lins_saving_grace]

I know vets will nueter/spay dogs around 4 months if it's necessary.  Mine wanted to do that with Grace if her hernia didn't go away before then.  It did and she was over 6 months when she got fixed.
The large breed food is something I've not heard of.  Lady and Grace are eating Puppy Chow Large Breed formula.  We wanted to have them on that since they were of course large breed.  My vet has never said anything about it not being a good idea.  Lady was large by nature...since her father was a monster.  Grace was bred to be smaller.   Their normal growth hasn't sped up or gotten out of control because of the food.  I wonder if you could call another vet and ask about the large breed formula food as a second opinion.
Your puppy is a cutie.  look forward to more pictures.

[Heighway]

Here are a few pics of my boys.  Innocent looking aren't they?

[Nina]

Hmm 5 months seems early to be taken off a puppy food, but I am not familiar with newfs and how they grow. Pyr mature very slowly, and my vet said to take him off puppy food at the 9 month/ yr mark.

For the neuter, I have heard of getting them doen early as they do hear faster/better, but that is up to you. It won't hurt to get him done early or later.


Nina

[Heighway]

I think the vet's  theory is that large breed puppy food is very high in calories.  If you switch to adult, sooner, rather than later, it slows down that really fast growing and is easier on the joints.  It doesn't stop him from reaching his full potential, it just spreads the growth out over more time.

[lins_saving_grace]

I agree.  It looks like he fell or tripped and just doesn't feel like getting back up yet?  That's a great picture.

[Heighway]

thanks everyone.  The goldie is named Riley.  He's a great dog.  He tolerates Webster's mischief, but does try to teach him a few lessons.  Webster goes and goes and goes, then will just plop down and be sound asleep.  It's really funny to watch.

[lins_saving_grace]

thanks everyone.  The goldie is named Riley.  He's a great dog.  He tolerates Webster's mischief, but does try to teach him a few lessons.  Webster goes and goes and goes, then will just plop down and be sound asleep.  It's really funny to watch.

Grace is like that...or was.  She's still pretty energetic, but I've noticed a big difference lately.  She's still an early riser...but not as hyper.  She was called a High-Energy puppy by the breeder and boy was she right.  Lady was such a mellow puppy.   Hence Grace's name...2 Fast Grace Paws of Fire.   You'll be happy when he calms down a bit.  It's cute when they are "hyper" though.  they get into all kinds of funny things.

[newflvr]

Have you asked your breeder for recommendation s on food?  I have just taken Chester off the large breed puppy food...he's now on Eagle Pack fish formula for giant breeds.  He's 8 months and 84 pounds of energy!  From what I've heard, as long as the protein number is low (under 22) in the food you are probably okay.  The critical thing is the relationship between energy (fats) and protein.  It's got to be balanced.  Newf (and most giants, as I understand it) can never have  a high protein number as puppies.  It makes them grow too fast which can cause all sorts of orthopedic problems.  I would think the best place to get info is from your breeder.  Most vets, I have found, are not too good with breed-specific information.  They are great on medical issues.  You could also call the Health and Longevity group at the Newfoundland Club of America.  They  have all sorts of good info. on Newfies.

[jabear]

Oh Heighway, your furbabies are so beautiful!!  Webster is sure growing up quickly!

[GR8DAME]

My dobies were on puppy food for a full year but for my dane I was advised to switch him at 6 months. Strider didn't make it that long, he was switched at 4 months because he was diagnosed with panosteoitis. All of them get a glucosimine/chondrotin suppliment. Luckily the pano has not reoccured and he is 10 months now.
 It depends who you talk to, but I agree that unless your vet is a giant breed specialist, you should research and talk to breeders. What little education the vets get in nutrition is quite often provided by the dog food companies that have a vested interest in hawking their products.
Stella