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Originally Posted by bjh  The weaning process should be slow. By allowing the pups to start eating solid food around 4 weeks it takes some of the burden off the mom, especially if it is a big litter. The mom will slowly dry up as the puppies eat more solid food. I always allow my females to nurse as long as they want. Some of mine start snapping at their pups at 6 weeks when the pups try to nurse and other moms might let them nurse for 8 or 9 weeks even though they have very little milk by then. Momma dogs in the wild start weaning their pups by regurgitating food for them when they are very young. Some of my Yorkie moms will also do that for their babies. |
I agree, a longer slower weaning process makes healthier puppies. The mothers antibodies are protecting the puppy until the immune system develops and takes over. A shorter weaning period, coupled with the first DHPP can be a shock for the puppy. I file the razor sharp tips on the puppies nails, so as they nurse they don't scratch moms stomach. If the puppies are really small at four weeks I add a little warm goats milk to the dry ground puppy food.