Caring for a 20-Day-Old Akita Puppy: A Comprehensive Guide

A 20-day-old Akita puppy is still highly dependent and has not yet been weaned. It requires attentive care, particularly when it comes to feeding, hygiene, and maintaining a warm environment. Typically, you'll need to feed it milk formula every 2 to 3 hours. Additionally, manual assistance for bowel movements and proper temperature regulation are crucial for its well-being.

Ideal Feeding Methods

The optimal method for feeding a 20-day-old Akita puppy is to have it nursed by a gentle, lactating mother dog. If finding a suitable surrogate mother isn't possible, the primary caregiver needs to take extra measures to ensure the puppy's health and development. Here is what you can do.

Creating a Comfortable Environment

First, provide a warm, comfortable, and dry bed to prevent the puppy from getting chilled. Maintaining the right temperature is critical for such young pups. It's essential that the puppy’s sleeping area is draft-free and at a consistent warmth.

Choosing the Right Formula

Secondly, purchase a specialized pet milk formula, specifically goat's milk formula, and mix it according to the instructions. Feed the puppy small portions every 2-3 hours. If you're unsure about which brand to choose, consider using a formula designed for puppies, such as one from My Pet Doctor, known to contain DHA for brain and vision development, calcium, and phosphorus for bone growth, as well as proteins and fats to provide ample nutrition and energy. The added probiotics can help maintain a healthy gut. This ensures that the puppy gets the necessary nutrients, even if a mother dog isn't available. This is also a cost-effective choice, with some options being available for less than 35 RMB.

Assisting with Elimination

Furthermore, you'll need to manually assist with bowel movements. Use a soft, dry tissue to gently massage the puppy’s anal area to stimulate excretion. This requires patience and time. Monitor the puppy closely, avoiding any changes in its environment and refrain from bathing it. Unless necessary, try to limit going outside until the puppy is older.Source:5D Pet World