NEWBORN.  Puppies are born with eyes and ears closed.  They have a long tail and dew claws.  Dew claws are removed and one-third of the tail is docked.

2 WEEKS.  Eyes and ears open at this time.  This is a very important time for the pup to develop human bonding, when they can first see you.  Eyes appear blue when they first open.

4 WEEKS.  Puppies start eating solid food between 3 and 4 weeks of age.  They start to get coordination and their eyes darken in color.  The pup's personality is continuing to develop.

6 WEEKS.  Time to wean puppies from mother at 6 to 7 weeks of age, a very stressful time for puppies, they need extra bonding from humans.  Playing and interacting with litter-mates and humans continues.  One teaspoon of yogurt is given daily at weaning time for 2 weeks to help their appetite and control any possible bacteria or Coccidia.  Use yogurt with "live cultures" and no artificial sweeteners. 

8 WEEKS.  First shot is given, one-half dose of "The Puppy Shot" by Fort Dodge (DURAMUNE Max 5).  Puppies can be adopted out at this time, we choose to keep them until older.

10 WEEKS.  Puppies are weighed.  The weight is doubled with one-half pound added to determine approximate adult weight.

12 WEEKS.  Puppies weighed again and weight is doubled to determine approximate adult weight.  Second shot is given, one-half dose of "The Puppy Shot" by Fort Dodge (DURAMUNE Max 5).

cindy@cindyspoodles.com

Last Updated: 

Friday, January 11, 2008

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