Neapolitan Mastiff Puppy Care…The Basics You’ll Need
Neo puppies have different needs than other breeds. There’s a lot to know about raising a Neo, which is why we’ve put together this Neapolitan Mastiff puppy care guide. After reading this, you will be ready to bring home and raise a healthy Neapolitan Mastiff puppy. Read More Below…
Pro-tip: Ever try lifting a Neapolitan Mastiff? Their weight can hurt not only your back but their joints when they hop down from cars, sofas or even your bed. To protect your back and theirs check out the best Mastiff ramps on Amazon.com now.
Mastiff Puppy Growth: What to Expect
For the Neapolitan Mastiff, puppyhood lasts longer than other breeds. This breed won’t reach adulthood until sometime between 18 and 24 months. But don’t expect them to finish growing until they’re well past three years old.
Large breeds like the Neapolitan Mastiff need regulated growth while they are still puppies. Allowing your pup to grow too fast can put him at risk of health issues like hip dysplasia or arthritis when he’s older.
You can expect your Mastiff to grow rapidly in height during the first seven to eight months of his life. After the eighth month, he’ll stop growing as much height-wise.
Once he’s reached peak height, your pooch will start filling out in the body, gaining muscle and weight. Neos usually reach their full size between 14 to 16 months.
Neapolitan Mastiffs can be stubborn, especially in the puppy stage. If your Neo is not taught the proper obedience and socialization, she can turn out to be aggressive towards strangers, other animals, and even your family.
It would be best to socialize your Mastino with other animals as soon as they finish getting their immunizations. Start by taking your puppy to the park for daily walks where there will be other dogs.
Also, it would help if you considered enrolling your pooch in puppy obedience classes where they learn basic commands and how to get along with other dogs. Check for these classes at your local pet store.
Your Mastino needs to have frequent exposure to all different types of people and places. But always keep your pet on her leash when taking them for outings.
Learn More About Neapolitan Mastiff Puppy Care And What It’s Like To Live With This Breed…
Grooming is a crucial part of your Mastiff’s care that you don’t want to neglect. This breed of dog can get by with going extended periods without a bath – up to three months.
Is your Neo smelling foul, but it’s not the time for his bath? We love using this Natural Pet Cologne by Bodhi Dog. You can be sure your pooch smells good enough to cuddle with between bath times with eight scents to try. I frequently use it after my pup’s spent some time playing outdoors.
But in between the bathing, you’ll need to perform weekly cleanings of your pet’s many wrinkles and folds, especially around the face, to keep your pooch from getting skin irritations or infections. Using disposable wipes like these Deodorizing Hypoallergenic Pet Wipes by BIGA makes clean-ups a breeze.
Heres an article on this site that gives much more in depth grooming guidance.
Neapolitan Mastiffs have short bristly fur that goes through a shed once a year, usually in late spring or summer. The great thing about Mastinos is you’ll never have to worry about getting their hair trimmed or styled.
But you will want to do daily brushings, or at least a few times a week, to remove any dead hair, so you don’t have short bristly fur stuck all over the house. When a Mastino’s hair gets trapped inside the weaves of fabric, it can be a nightmare to remove.
Grooming a dog as big as the Mastino can be tiresome. There’s a lot of acreage to cover. Make things easy on yourself by purchasing a grooming mitt like the HandsOn Pet Grooming Gloves, which lets you brush your pet with your hand.
It’s a classic two birds, one stone situation. Your Mastiff is sure he’s just getting lots of attention and love, while you’re showing him some love and grooming him at the same time.
Need an actual brush instead of gloves? Look no further than our favorite Double Sided Pin & Bristle Brush by Home of Paws.
As for your pet’s feet, we recommend that you do weekly nail trimmings as Mastinos’ nails grow super quick. Many pet parents can do this chore at home using nail trimmers like the Boshel Dog Clippers, which has a safety guard, so you don’t cut short.
However, I’ve found the best success with trimming the nails of large breed dogs like the Mastino by using a grinder, which quickly files your pet’s nails down without putting your pet at risk of having his nails cut too short.
Our favorite for your Mastino is the Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder, which has different speeds and can work on a variety of pets.
If you want your Neapolitan Mastiff to have a full lifespan, you must provide the proper care as a puppy. Immunizations are a crucial part of your pet’s care that you cannot omit.
Without vaccinations, your pet will be vulnerable to multiple dangerous illnesses.
All dogs should get the same immunizations at the same age, just like humans. Your vet will help you keep up with these, so you never have to worry about your pooch missing a vaccination. However, if experienced, you can also administer these vaccines at home.
What shots does your Neapolitan Mastiff need, and when? We recommend you talk to your vet to learn which your Neo puppy needs and when. Heres more about the vaccinations your pooch will be needing.