Weaning

Dog - weaning puppies

Weaning pen puppies or orphaned animals

In an ideal world, puppies stay with their mothers and siblings for eight weeks. This is just the right amount of time for them to learn all the skills they'll need as adults, including the transition from nursing to drinking fluids and eating solid food. But let's say you've found a very young pup abandoned at the side of the road, and have been bottle-feeding the little guy on a regular schedule. Should you find yourself in the position of "substitute Mom," the following helpful tips can help facilitate the weaning process.

Cat - weaning kittens

In an ideal world, kittens stay with their mothers and siblings for eight weeks. This is just the right amount of time for them to learn all the skills they'll need as adults, including the transition from nursing to drinking fluids and eating solid food. But perhaps you volunteer at your local shelter and you've been asked to foster a three-week-old feline orphan. Should you find yourself in the position of "substitute Mom," the following helpful tips can help facilitate the weaning process.