Weaning puppies is a perfectly natural process. Mamma dogs have been doing it successfully for ages, so how hard can it be, right?
But humans, not being dogs, can sometimes forget the natural part, and get confused about it.
Fact is, weaning puppies is an easy, logical process.
When you're ready to begin weaning your new puppies, keep in mind that this should be done gradually, in small steps. You can't rush it, and you definitely don't want to begin when the puppies are too young.
Sometimes people get impatient and try to begin weaning puppies before they're three weeks old. That's too early. Their bodies need to develop the ability to handle solid food, and that takes time. Wait the three weeks -- it's not really so long.
The first step in the weaning process is to take the mother away from the puppies at least an hour before it's time for them to eat. This gives the puppies a chance to get good and hungry. They'll be more inclined to try the new, alternative food you offer them.
Remember, when it's time for the puppies to eat, the mother should be nowhere around.
The alternative food you offer them should be liquid or semi-liquid so it's easy for them to swallow and digest. Solid food won't work for them yet.
You can make a gruel of commercial dog food mixed with water or baby cereal thinned with water. Another option when weaning puppies is to use diluted strained baby food.
Put any of these mixtures in a small, shallow dish. Some of the puppies will have no problem eating. They'll catch on immediately. But there may be a few that just don't get it. So they'll need some encouragement. The easiest way is to put a little of the mixture on the tip of their nose or on their tongue.
When weaning puppies you'll also need to decrease the amount of food you're giving the mother. This causes her to produce less milk. At the same time, you can gradually begin increasing the amount of food you give the puppies, and over the next several days make it less soupy. As they grow and their digestion matures, their food should slowly become more solid, day by day.
Weaning puppies at this point becomes easier because, as the solid food grows more familiar to them, they learn to enjoy it more. Let them eat as much as they want as long as they don't become bloated.
If you approach weaning puppies like this, the process should be simple, painless and easy. Expect to see them completely weaned by the time they're six to eight weeks old.
puppy-toy-tips.com
Learn great ways to use puppy toys for training and socializing your new pup. Make sure you're on the right track when training your dog. Also, be sure to get the free eBook of puppy coloring pages for your kids.
Some people are so attached to their pets that they... Read More
How many times have you seen this situation where a... Read More
Bringing home a Pug can change our life, but it... Read More
Pug puppies make wonderful pets. Pugs are very affectionate and... Read More
What is Canine Hip Dysplasia?Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a... Read More
Many dog owners find themselves frustrated, deeply concerned and even... Read More
Pets are many things in many ways but they are... Read More
Dog day care programs benefit the dogs of owner's who... Read More
Even if you haven't had a run-in involving your pet... Read More
Do you make a lot of trips to the vet's... Read More
Ok, so everyone who stays on top of the show... Read More
Making sure that accidents don't happen in the first place... Read More
The large animal organizations and the public money.It is said... Read More
When we talk about hypoallergenic dogs, we mean that they... Read More
Contributed with the help of Karen L Overall of the... Read More
As there are certain health issues that affect only the... Read More
Animal Communication, or telepathy with animals, is as common an... Read More
Many dogs today suffer from itchy skin caused by a... Read More
As overwhelming as picking out a pet bird can be,... Read More
Dog crate training is one of the most effective ways... Read More
The city I live in just increased its fees for... Read More
Having a boxer dog as a pet, although low-maintenance, require... Read More
Dogs, especially young dogs are very playful by nature.Play provides... Read More
Is your dog a gentleman or lady? If so, you... Read More
Horse owners who are history buffs may recognize the name... Read More
cleaning help near Bannockburn ..If you thought dog noses were just a source of... Read More
Guinea Pigs make great pets and are fairly easy to... Read More
It is Winter time again, a time of the year... Read More
Vaccinations play an important part in the preventive healthcare of... Read More
Dog TrainingSo, we've got a new best friend that needs... Read More
Did you know that your goldfish can live for over... Read More
Are you just starting to research the BARF diet for... Read More
"Doggy breath" ? that unpleasant odor emanating from the mouths... Read More
The benefits of feeding live food to fish in a... Read More
By Jeffrey Rolocopyright 2004 AlphaHorseIn the dating world many men... Read More
The real apistogramma's come from southern America, they all have... Read More
Find a vet, if possible, who specializes in small animals... Read More
"On Trust" & "Paid For" for are one of the... Read More
Pets can enjoy the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy as much... Read More
Over the past 30 years we have learned so much... Read More
West Highland White Terriers began their history as the undesirable... Read More
Hopefully no one is pulling the leash. The ideal situation... Read More
Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at... Read More
Dog training is definitely not rocket science and is easier... Read More
Herbology, basically, is the use of herbs in the treatment... Read More
You've probably had a day or two when you felt... Read More
The greatest benefits of ownership is knowing that your property... Read More
Perhaps the best way to train your westie pups not... Read More
Puppy training can and should begin the day you bring... Read More
Many different skin problems can arise in the aquarium. thankfully,... Read More
Pet |