How To Wean Puppies

For the first 4 weeks of life, puppies derive nutrition from their milk of their mother. Thus, during this time, the need for additional food or milk may not be needed especially if the mother is healthy and producing enough milk for all the pups in the litter. However, if the mother dog becomes ill or there is not enough milk produced during this period, or if the mother dog dies and leave her puppies orphaned, providing a commercial milk replacer for puppies may be necessary. 

After the fourth week, the puppies are weaned from their mother’s milk. Weaning should be a gradual process and should take place over a period of several weeks. This will provide adequate time for the drying up of the mother’s milk and for the puppies to learn important behaviors. It is also during this time that mother dogs start to curb undesirable behaviors shown by puppies such as nipping. Puppy food should be gradually introduced when puppies are around 3-4 weeks old. 

Be sure to contact your vet Hyattsville, MD before making any changes in your pet’s diet.