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A Guide to Rearing Orphaned Puppies - Weeks 2-8

Useful Tips for the Hand Rearing of Pups Beyond Their First Week

Apr 15, 2009 Roberta Goli

What to expect after the first week of an orphaned puppy's life. Tips and guidelines to make this demanding, but rewarding job a little bit easier.

Now that you have passed the first week of Rearing Orphaned Puppies, it is now the time to think about worming, introducing solid foods and vaccination. Here is a brief guide for what to expect from weeks 2 – 8 when rearing orphaned puppies.

Second Week

Worming should begin now and continue for the rest of the puppy's life. Pups should be wormed every 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age, then once a month until 6 months old, then every 3 months for life.

External ear canals open between 7-14 days after birth and should be completely opened by 17 days. The puppy's eyes will open at 10-14 days of age (in some cases as early as 5 days), however blink reflex may not be present until 3-4 weeks. Standing may be seen from 10 days after birth.

Third Week

At this stage of the puppy's life, lapping of semi-solids can be introduced. Encouraging sucking and licking of a finger and gradually placing the finger in contact with the solution do this. The solution could be a premium quality dry or canned puppy food made into a slurry by adding some warm water of milk. If using dry food, use 1 part food and 3 parts water, for canned, try 2 parts canned food to 1 part water.

Once the puppy is eating the slurry well, gradually reduce the amount of water until the puppy is eating only solid food. Puppies are usually fully weaned by 6 weeks old.

The puppy should be able to walk at 3 weeks and be urinating and defecating by itself. Blink reflex may now be present, and suck reflex will disappear.

Sixth Week

The puppy should be fully weaned by now. It is time to get the puppy vaccinated. A second vaccination is required at 10-12 weeks and a third at 16 weeks. Followed by a yearly booster, for the rest of the puppy's life.

Eighth Week

The optimal time to begin training puppies is between the ages of 8-14 weeks. You can begin toilet training and training your pup to come and sit and move onto to stay and heel. Puppies should not be walked outside of the property until they are fully vaccinated but socialization can begin at home. The puppy should mingle with people other then family members. Friends and relatives may bring their dogs to visit provided they are fully vaccinated and well socialized. Although training at home can be quite effective, most veterinary clinic offer puppy classes.

Once you get through the first 8 weeks, big congratulations are in order. This information is to be used as a guide. Consult your veterinarian for further advice and enjoy your dog.