A puppy that isn’t growing normally or is a bit large for its age has been stunted. That is, it is unable to grow because something has stopped its growth from occurring normally or at a regular pace.
Various factors can trigger stunted growth in puppies, from intestinal worm infections to genetics. In this piece, we’ll address the top concerns related to stunting and the extent to which these issues are actually causing stunted growth for dogs.
Does Worm Infection Cause Stunting?
The primary reason puppy growth is slowed is that they’re afflicted by hookworms or roundworms. Intestinal worms in the United States can be found in puppies — they may contact them via their mother or environment. If a puppy suffers from an extensive worm problem, they can take sufficient energy from a puppy to slow their growth. The puppies with a significant infestation of worms typically appear untidy as they’ve got a drab haircoat, diarrhea, and huge stomach, as well as being small and slender with a frenzied appetite.
It’s a good thing that when a puppy becomes free of worms, its body is able to heal itself and regain normal growth and development.
To prevent the development of worms on your puppy, you must follow the deworming schedule set out by your breeder and/or vet. If your schedule is different, then follow the deworming program as prescribed by your veterinarian.
Does Malnutrition Cause Stunting?
The most common question that parents of puppies have is if their pup’s development can be hindered when they take him off puppies’ food too quickly. In short, there is no way to impede your puppy’s growth by moving him to adult foods too early or slightly underfeeding. The puppy food formula supports your puppy’s normal development and growth. However, it’s not a perfect choice; many thousands of puppies are perfectly content with a diet made for all stages of life and are safe for feeding to puppies.
However, it is possible to do more harm to your puppy’s joint health in the future when you feed too much or give supplements when the puppy is growing. As per research conducted by Purina Labrador Retrievers and their owners, Labrador Retrievers have a life expectancy of two years longer and suffer lower chronic illnesses if they maintain a slim figure throughout their lifespan. Consult your vet about the best body condition you should have for your pup and get tips on what to feed to keep your dog in optimal shape.
Like a human child, a puppy goes through growth spurts at the beginning of its life. Sometimes, it may require more than it will need as an adult. My 75-pound Goldendoodle, for instance, consumes 2 cups of dry dog food daily; however, when she was developing (about eight months old), she ate up to four cups of food per day. It is essential to be flexible with what you feed occasionally to help her grow and grow.
A common concern is whether malnutrition can result in the growth of your child to slow down. For sure, pups suffering from extreme conditions such as starvation could be at risk of reduced growth. The majority of puppies live living in loving, caring families with pet owners who know the right amount of food to give to their puppy and feed them food that can support bones muscles, bones, and various tissues that grow so they will not suffer from stunting due to malnutrition even though they are keeping their puppies thin.
Does Spaying or Neutering Cause Stunting?
Spaying or neutering before age 6 isn’t going to hinder your puppy’s growth rate, but it can cause joint problems for big-breed dogs. Research shows that an early spay or neuter can impact your growth plate, slowing its closing and causing dogs to become more prominent than they ought to. It can lead to joint issues later on.
This is an excellent issue to talk about with your vet. If you have small or medium-sized pets, the recommended practice is to spay/neuter pets between 6 and 8 months of age. If you have a large breed dog, it is recommended to delay the procedure until your dog has reached a certain age so that the likelihood of developing joint diseases. Females should be postponed until following the first heat cycle. For males, neutering should be scheduled for when your dog is two years old.
Request your vet for their recommendations regarding when you should spay or neuter your pet, and inquire about the reasons for their advice.
Does Strenuous Exercise Cause Stunting?
Involving vigorous exercise alongside your dog is not a problem for his development. However, the force caused by running could damage the growth plates of the long bones. This can cause their growth to be abnormal, which could lead your puppy to joint problems later on in life. It is also more of an issue for larger breeds because they weigh more.
Allowing your pet to run about until tired is okay, but do not allow her to run or jog until she has finished developing. If clients want their large or medium-breed dog to become their partner in jogging, I recommend waiting until 15 months in order to allow the bones to expand properly.
Are Certain Breeds at Risk for Stunting?
Do you know of a breed more susceptible to being stunted than others? It is a scarce condition known as pituitary dwarfism in German shepherds and some Labrador Retrievers, which has an element of genetics. However, this condition is uncommon and is not usually found among companion animals.
