Artistic representation of healthy mixed‑breed puppies. AI‑generated illustration only, not an actual photograph.

Introduction

In many homes across Estancia, Carles, and the rest of Panay, one of the most common and beloved companions is the Askal mixed with a small‑breed dog. These puppies are the best of both worlds: they inherit the hardiness, strong immune system, and loyalty of the native Askal, while keeping the compact, manageable size of their other parent.

If you have puppies born on February 12, 2026, they are now around 4 months and 3 weeks old — at a stage where proper care, feeding, and health habits will shape them into strong, happy adult dogs.

You don’t need expensive branded food or fancy equipment to raise them well. Using what is easily available here in Iloilo, you can give them everything they need to thrive.

📅 Understanding Their Age & Growth

Born: February 12, 2026
Current Age: ~4 months and 3 weeks

• Fast‑growing stage: They will grow quickly until 6 to 8 months old, then their growth will slow down.
• Teething time: Between 4–5 months, their baby teeth fall out and permanent teeth come in — they will naturally want to chew on things.
• Feeding schedule: At this age, give 3 meals a day (morning, noon, late afternoon). After 6 months, you can switch to 2 meals daily.

💉 Health First: Vaccines & Deworming

Since you already brought them to the Municipal Veterinarian at 3 months old, you are off to a great start. Here is the correct schedule to follow:

✅ Vaccination Plan

• First dose (done): Given at 3 months (around May 12, 2026) — covers 5‑in‑1 or 6‑in‑1 protection against common fatal diseases.
• Booster shot: Due around July 12, 2026 — strengthens their immunity.
• Anti‑Rabies: Usually given at the same time or one week after the booster — required by law and essential for safety.
• Annual dose: Repeat the full vaccine series once every year after they complete the first set.

🪱 Deworming Schedule

• 4 to 6 months old: Deworm once every 4 weeks.
• After 6 months: Deworm once every 3 months.
• Available cheaply at the Municipal Vet Office — very important to prevent sickness and poor growth.

🥘 DIY Home Food: Using What We Have in Estancia

You do not need commercial dog food. Fresh, local ingredients from our markets and backyards work just as well, and cost much less.

Golden Rule: NO salt, soy sauce, patis, bagoong, garlic, onion, spices, oil, or bones. Only boil or steam ingredients.

🟡 Energy & Base Foods

• White Rice or Binlud (Broken Rice): The cheapest staple; soft and easy to digest.
• Lugaw / Rice Porridge: Perfect for sensitive tummies or teething puppies.
• Kamote (Sweet Potato): Boiled, peeled, mashed — rich in vitamins.
• Saging na Saba: Boiled and mashed — great for energy.
• Gabi: Boiled until soft, remove hard center.

🟢 Protein: For Growth & Strength

Mix 1 part protein with 3 parts rice

• Local Fish: Galunggong, tamban, dilis, lapad, or any small fish. Boil well, remove every single bone.
• Chicken Parts: Neck, gizzard, feet, or liver — very affordable. Boil thoroughly, remove bones. Give liver only 1–2 times a week.
• Lean Pork or Beef: Trim all fat, boil until tender.
• Egg: Boiled or scrambled (no oil). One egg feeds all 3 puppies.
• Kadyos: Boil until soft, mash — a great local source of extra protein.

🟣 Vegetables & Vitamins

Add 2–3 times a week for shiny coat and good digestion:

• Kalabasa: Best choice — boiled and mashed, good for eyesight.
• Malunggay: Grows everywhere; add leaves to boiling water.
• Laswa Mix: Okra, eggplant, string beans, or young langka — boiled soft and chopped.
• Sayote or Carrots: Boiled until tender.

📋 7‑Day Local Meal Plan

Simple, affordable, and easy to prepare:

Day	Morning	Noon	Late Afternoon
Mon	Rice + boiled egg + kalabasa	Rice + boneless galunggong + malunggay	Rice + chicken gizzard + broth
Tue	Lugaw + saba + egg yolk	Rice + tamban + okra	Rice + lean pork + kadyos
Wed	Rice + kamote + egg	Rice + dilis (soaked first) + squash	Rice + small liver + coconut broth
Thu	Rice + gabi + egg	Rice + any fresh fish + young langka	Rice + chicken meat + malunggay
Fri	Lugaw + kalabasa	Rice + fish + string beans	Rice + lean beef + sayote
Sat	Rice + saba + egg	Rice + fish + coconut meat	Rice + chicken neck meat + broth
Sun	Rice + kamote + egg	Rice + fish + malunggay	Rice + pork + mashed kadyos

💡 Tip: Use the water from boiling meat or fish as broth — pour over rice to make it tasty, soft, and hydrating.

🚫 What to Avoid

• All bones: Chicken and fish bones splinter and can cause injury or blockage.
• Seasoned food: Leftovers with salt, patis, soy sauce, or sauce damage their kidneys.
• Garlic, onion, chives: Toxic to dogs even in small amounts.
• Chocolate, sweets, grapes, avocado: Can be fatal.
• Spoiled or rotten food: Causes vomiting, diarrhea, and serious illness.

🧸 Extra Care Tips

• Chewing needs: Give clean coconut husks or large raw bones to save your furniture while they teethe.
• Water: Always have fresh, clean water available 24 hours a day.
• Shelter: Keep them in a dry, shaded area protected from rain and extreme heat.
• Bathing: Only once every 1–2 weeks — too much washing dries out their skin and fur.

Conclusion

Raising Askal × small‑breed puppies is practical and rewarding. They are naturally tough, smart, and loyal — perfect companions for our homes here in Estancia and across Panay.

With simple home‑cooked meals, regular visits to the municipal vet, and consistent care, they will grow into healthy, happy dogs that stay by your side for many years.