You will need to know how much weight your Mastiff puppy will gain during a healthy development before you buy it. Although the parent size and breed norms are important considerations, there are many other factors you might want to consider. We’ll discuss what weight you can expect for your mastiff puppy from birth to the first year.
Tibetan Mastiff Puppy Weight Development (Year 1)
Large breeds like TMs tend to grow quickly because they are, well… large dogs! It is important to realize that breeding large dogs is different from breeding other dogs. Raising a Mastiff is similar to raising a human newborn baby.
T Mastiff Puppy Paw Size - Future Body Size
A puppy’s feet that are not proportionately sized can often be used to determine his adult size. A puppy with bigger feet will be more likely to have higher future weight and height.
Remember that TM puppies will have large paws, since dogs with tall, heavy bodies need large feet to support them.
TM Mom And Litter Development
A mastiff mom and her litter are too big to be left alone. It can be difficult for her to find a comfortable place to lay down and the puppies may get squished. Unsupervised large breed litters can cause this more often than you might think.
Feeding A Tibetan Mastiff - Puppy Guidelines
Supplements should be added to litters that contain more than ten puppies to ensure their survival. It takes a lot of effort and you can start over again after the litter is finished.
A newborn Mastiff needs constant care and nourishment, just like a baby. This age group of puppies requires food at least once every two hours.
The dam will nurse the pups for a few days, then they may need more milk as they get older. A baby bottle that has a small hole in the nipple can be used. This will ensure that the puppy doesn’t aspirate. However, it is possible for the puppy to drink too much milk from its nose which can lead to pneumonia.
Bowel Movements And Weight Measurement
Allow your pups to eat as much as they want in the first few days. A good scale is essential to weigh them every day to maintain their birth weight. A bottle should only be used to supplement and aid dam, helping her to recognize how many littermates she has and continues to produce.
It is important that the dam stimulates the pups to encourage bowel movements and voiding, since this is something puppies can’t do on their own. To stimulate this process, she must lick them. You will have to manipulate this if she doesn’t.
This handling will help the pups develop great socialization skills, which is crucial for giant breed dogs like TMs.
Feeding T Mastiff Puppies (3-9 Weeks)
If they are playing more than they eat, it is a sign that they are still young. To discourage this behavior, TM puppies should be fed in their eating space, not the playroom or toilet area.
The dam will let you know when the Mastiffs are ready to start eating, by ingesting and then telling you. You might also consider adding a shallow water bowl to allow them to learn how to drink from a cup.
While weights will vary between Mastiff breeds, the average male Mastiff weighs in at 20 pounds (9 kilograms) and the female weighs in at 17 pounds (8 kilograms).
Tibetan Mastiff Puppy Feeding (6 Weeks)
For rapid muscle growth, a puppy needs more protein than a mature dog. A puppy’s diet should contain between around 25 percent protein and ten percent fat. Eating more than 25 percent proteins may develop hepatic and renal problems.
Your pup needs to be exercised every day. This can be done by taking a walk or playing with them. A Mastiff shouldn’t jump from high places as this could cause a shoulder injury. To prevent injury to the joints, you should avoid slippery surfaces.
Puppy Feeding (9 Weeks)
This is an important time for your pup. If any of these conditions are present, they will grow slower and less mature into adulthood.
- Growing up with little to eat
- Consuming food that is considered inferior
- They are still infested by various parasites if they haven’t been wormed.
Mastiff males tend to be larger than females due to their larger heads and bone. This means that they will weigh more than the female.
Breeders refer to bone size as the circumference of the leg’s bones. Some Mastiffs have spindly, reed-like legs while others have huge fence-post-sized legs. Because bone is heavier, the dog with the largest bone will be heavier.
Feed A Tibetan Puppy (10-12 Weeks)
Between weeks 10-12, you should give 4-6 cups per day, divided into 3-4 meals. The puppies are fast growing so it is important to be consistent with the food.
This hands-on test will allow you to determine if your dog is overweight. With your fingers extended, place one hand on the back and the thumb over the spine. Look for the following signs:
- A healthy weight is one that you feel your ribs and do not use pressure.
- Your dog will become obese if you apply pressure to feel his ribs.
- Visible ribs are a sign that your dog is underweight and they should eat more.
Adult Dog Food For Your TM Puppy (3 Months)
At three months, you can start to feed them adult dog food. You should ensure that all labels are checked for nutritional values.
Mastiffs this age need to be fed only two times per day: once in the morning and again at night. This will help prevent bloat, and aid digestion.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right food for your Mastiff.
- The top ingredients shall be made from animal protein (organic, if possible).
- Beef, chicken, lamb, and fish are the best protein sources. You can also choose meat meals that have been dried to remove moisture.
- Fish oils and chicken fat are good sources of healthy fats. Omega fatty acids are good for dogs, as they make their hair shiny and keep their skin healthy.
- Avoid eating foods that may cause an allergic reaction in your TM. These include caffeine, wheat, onions, dairy products, and chocolate.
- Avoid sweet treats that contain artificial colors, preservatives, or sweeteners.
Are you wondering what the best food choices are for your Mastiff? This large breed requires special diets to ensure proper bone and muscle growth.
T Mastiff Drinking And Drooling
TMs are among the thirstiest breeds and require frequent water. This is why they drool incessantly. They are also known to not drink water that has been contaminated by their own saliva. Make sure you change the water often.
Baby wipes can be used to remove dirt from the dog’s eyes. After that, dry the face of the puppy with a towel. If you don’t treat the gunk around your eyes, it can cause eye infections. Make sure to clean this area with baby wipes.
Tibetan Puppy Dental Care
Dental care is crucial for a TMs overall health. It also contributes to a healthy diet. Although it is recommended to brush your dog’s teeth every day, many prefer to do so only two to three times per week.
Use fluoride free toothpaste and a toothbrush that is appropriate for large dogs, to maintain healthy teeth and prevent tartar buildup.
Do not force your dog to brush its teeth. Instead, introduce them to toothpaste calmly. You can let them taste the toothpaste, then use your fingers to brush the teeth.
Feeding And Exercising (5 Months)
This is a time when you may be concerned about your dog’s size and feel the need for more exercise. Although they may be large, TMs usually do not require as much exercise as other dogs, but still need to be exercised regularly. They can become destructive and bored if they don’t get exercise.
A daily walk of at least half an hour can be used as exercise. You should keep an eye on your dog, wear a harness and ensure that there are no signs of fatigue or dehydration.
- You can start the mental exercise by playing fetch with your dog or giving your pup chew toys with treats.
- Mastiff puppies require their bones to develop properly before they can engage in any physical activity.
How much exercise should a Mastiff puppy get? It’s important to know this and the answer in our article will surprise you.
Tibetan Mastiff Puppy Weight (6 Months)
Your Tibetan Mastiff’s weight is likely to be increasing steadily. They gain an average of one kilo per week (or more) during their growth stages. Avoiding excessive weight gain is a must.
When exercising your Tibetan Mastiff, make sure to not exercise for at least an hour before and after eating. These times are a good time to avoid bloat, which can be a problem for deep-chested dogs.
This happens when gas from fermented foods is released into the stomach. It can cause stomach twisting. This can be very serious and even fatal.
Tibetan Mastiff Puppy Maintenance (6 Months)
Make sure your dog is well-fed and not overweight. Make sure your puppy gets enough mental stimulation and exercise. All that you have done up to this point will continue during the seventh month.
Remember that your pet may now be large, but it’s still a puppy and a baby. There are some do’s and don’ts for exercise and training
- Although this dog is large, do not put any weight on the back.
- Don’t tie your pup.
- If your TM doesn’t want to exercise, don’t force them to. Up to the age of one year, exercise isn’t a must.
- To avoid stomach twisting and bloating, allow for time between meals and exercise.
- Your Tibetan Mastiff puppy should not be allowed to jump on or off any object until they are at least one year old. This could cause serious injury and may void your breeder’s guarantee.
Play, Toys, and Treats - Dos and Don'ts
- Do not jump on others.
- Do not play with other TMs that are larger than your dog.
- It’s a great way to stimulate the brain and keep your pup entertained. The ball must be larger than the head of the pup.
- Mastiffs, and any other pup, should not be allowed to roam free. This is how tragedy happens.
- Avoid splintered bones, such as chicken bones.
- You should not use ‘Attack-type’ training with your mastiff. Positive reinforcement training is more sustainable. Yet, your TM will love you for being firm and disciplined.
Tibetan Mastiff Puppy Care (9 Months)
It is very important to continue socializing with your dog. The reason is that a TM may become anxious around other animals or people if they are not socialized properly. Your job is to help your dog adjust to everyday life.
- Allow them to tag along to food markets and other places where they can adjust to loud, sudden sounds.
- Be patient, calm, and praise their courage.
- Your Tibetan Dog should not be given too many treats. This can cause weight gain.
Be firm, but gentle when socializing. Participating in a quality training program will allow your pup to socialize with other dogs and people, which will help him develop basic social skills.
For many years, your TM will need to continue to get the exercise, nutrition, and mental stimulation it received in its early years. Your pal will soon be eating a lot. To make sure you’re feeding them right.
Adult Tibetan Mastiff Health Care
Unfortunately, the T Mastiff breed has a shorter life expectancy than many other breeds of dogs. The following are some of the health problems that Mastiffs may experience over their lifetime. Each issue will be followed with a tip to help you avoid it.
- Canine Cystinuria – This kidney disease is most commonly passed to Mastiffs by genetic predisposition. This can block the bladder passage and cause bladder stones. The vet should be notified immediately if your mastiff has difficulty urinating.
- Gastric torsion – Mastiffs often suffer from gastric torsion, which is also known as bloating. It is caused by an excess of gas in the stomach. Bloated pups are very thirsty and have abdominal swelling. They also drool more than usual. The pup will show signs of discomfort such as pacing or restlessness.
Bloating can be avoided by eating a balanced diet and spacing meals.
- Joint issues – Mastiffs can develop structural problems due to their large size. This breed is most likely to suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia. They can be prevented by eating a healthy diet and exercising less strenuously.
Mastiffs should not be subject to any pressure. Make sure your floors are not slippery.
See Your TM Puppy Growing Up
T Mastiff puppies that are well-fed, exercised, stimulated, trained, and socialized can grow up to be calm, protective, and loyal pets who will be amazing companions to their owners.
Although these pups are adaptable to most house situations, it is important to keep in mind that they will need a lot of space. As they grow, make sure they have plenty of space to be close to you, and they will show you love and companionship.
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