Oh, a month went by already! So fast! The pups are roaming around the family room like they have never been newborns. This "herd" of fluffy teddy bears is so cute, I can't imagine how we will let them all go very soon! :)

Well, let's sum up this month's achievements, so to speak:

Appropriate Physical Development

All puppies are in good shape, of good weight and height. No one has had any injuries or accidents (except for those of peeing nature). They opened their eyes on time, pigmentation on noses and paws is developing, nails have started turning black. Navels healed nicely as did the spots after dewclaws. No inflammations or infections. The coats are thick with good undercoat, clean, the color is evening out. White spots on foreheads are fading and are almost invisible. They climb out of the whelping box when they want to, receive and eat a mix of dry and moist Innova food, and still nurse from Leia (not much at all), drink water on their own. Bark and make puppy noises. Stable walking, running, no more wobbly walks. Play with each other, other animals, people, and toys.

The dog days of summer can be uncomfortable enough for us humans. But imagine how your poor dog feels. With normal body temperatures that run warmer than ours, and a built-in fur coat, August can be downright unbearable for our canine companions. Using common sense can go a long way to keeping your dog cool and comfortable.

Warm Weather Safety Tips for Your Dog:

Groom him for summer. A shorter summer clip is fine but resist the urge to give your dog a buzz cut. A dog's fur is part of his natural insulation system that keeps warm air in during winter and hot air out during summer. Also, shaving your dog's coat too short can put him at risk for sunburn.

Show him the shade. If your dog lives outside or spends a lot of time there, teach him to do a "down/stay" in a cool spot. It may also stop him from digging under bushes.