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.

Weaning puppies

By the time he is four to five weeks of age, the animal should be off the bottle and handling the weaning formula fine. Now it's time to start introducing puppy  food, which should be soaked in milk replacer or water to form a gruel. As the animal gets used to eating this food, gradually decrease the amount of weaning formula as you slowly increase the amount of puppy food. By five to six weeks of age, he or she should be on moistened puppy food. At this point, begin to leave out small amounts of dry food and fresh water for the animal to eat at all times. By six to eight weeks, puppies should be on dry or canned food.

Please Keep in Mind

• These are only guidelines. There will always be exceptions to the rule. Behavior and learning will depend on the individual as well as the animal's health, attitude and breed.
• Do not rush the weaning process! While it may seem slow and messy, this is an essential part of learning for the animal, and he is doing the best that he can. Don't give up, and don't get upset!
• Use a soft, moist cloth to wipe any formula off the animal's face and feet after each feeding. Gently towel him dry and keep in a warm area free of drafts until he's completely dry.
• Canine caretakers, please take note: While it's fine to leave dry food available at all times for small-to medium-sized dogs, you'll need to control portions for large-and giant-breed pups. If given too much food too quickly, they can develop bone and joint problems during this critical growth period.