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The timeline for feeding your new puppy changes rapidly over the first six months. Learn what and how you should feed your puppy based on the key development milestones she will experience.
Due to breed differences and animal individuality, it is impossible to predict exact dates for a puppy’s growth and development milestones. However, by using the following milestones as a guide for healthy growth, developmental problems can be spotted — and possibly prevented — early on. By knowing these milestones, you’ll also know when your puppy is ready to begin weaning.
| Age | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 7-10 days old | Puppies double their birth weight. Puppies begin to urinate and defecate on their own. |
| 10-18 days old | Puppies attempt to stand. Puppies’ eyes begin to open. Puppies’ ears begin to open. |
| 18-21 days old | Puppies hear and respond to noises. Puppies begin to walk. |
| 3 weeks old | Begin weaning process for orphaned puppies. Puppies begin responsive vocalization. Deciduous (baby) teeth will begin erupting. |
| 4 weeks old | Begin weaning process for mother-fed puppies. |
| 3–6 months old | Puppies’ adult teeth erupt. |
When your puppy is ready to begin weaning (at around 4 weeks for mother-fed puppies and 3 weeks for orphaned puppies), use this step-by-step process:
The entire process should take approximately three weeks.
Puppies bring abundant joy to our lives from the moment we bring them home and caring for them comes as second nature to us. ‘How to take care of puppies’ is one of the most frequently asked questions by new puppy owners. But taking care of puppies is quite easy with the right method. IAMS is here to help you every step of the way in raising your puppy. From having a varied dog food range to providing tips on dog nutrition, we have got you covered.
Puppies need healthy food and a safe environment as they’re vulnerable to various types of illnesses and diseases. Also, puppies have a natural tendency to chew on objects, so it’s important to ensure that they don’t end up swallowing dangerous objects. Make sure you offer toys to your puppy to satisfy its need to chew.
If you feed your puppy healthy food from the start, it will remain healthy even in its old age. Proper nutrition from the start ensures that your puppy does not fall sick or even suffer from fur loss. Making sure that your puppy remains active is very important. A sedentary lifestyle, even for dogs, is extremely harmful to their health in the long run. All these things are an essential part of taking care of your puppy that adds to its healthy and long life.
Here is a table that will help you understand your puppy’s growth and developmental stage better:
Growth stage | 0-7 weeks | 7-8 weeks | 8-10 weeks | 8-16 weeks | 4-6 months | 6-12 months | 12-18 months |
Character traits | Puppies learn social behaviour like when to bite, submission, paying attention and general interaction with other dogs. | This is the best period for puppies to bond with humans. | This is a very vulnerable stage for the puppy, and it is best if it has positive experiences during this stage. It is also called the ‘fear period’. | You can start training your puppy during this stage. And avoid incorporating punishment for this purpose. | Your puppy may appear more confident and independent during this stage. | This is the stage when your pup is high on energy. You must ensure it does not experience boredom during this stage. | By the time your pup reaches this stage, it should have reached emotional maturity as well. |
You may begin training them at this stage with basic simple manners. | It is important to make your puppy feel good if it’s sad. | Ensure you get your puppy spayed or neutered by the 6th month. | Provide many opportunities to your dog to play with different kinds of toys. | During this phase, your dog tends to assert its dominance and hope to improve its status in your house. |
Owning a puppy feels special, doesn’t it? You have to keep a few things in mind when you bring your puppy home. Here are some tips that may help you raise your dog with ease:
You can buy supplies for your pups like stainless steel, non-tip food and water bowls.
A personalized crate that has a pillow and a blanket for your pup.
Be patient with your dog as it is learning to get acquainted with its new surroundings.
Buy premium pet food for your new friend to get off to a good start.
Buy your pup a collar and write its name and your phone number on it.
