Understanding Puppies: Key Characteristics of Weaning S
As puppies grow at an accelerated pace, their nutritional requirements skyrocket. The mother dog's milk supply begins to wane from its peak, no longer sufficient to meet the nutritional demands of the growing pups. Meanwhile, the puppies' gastrointestinal functions are strengthening, enabling them to adapt to digestible substances other than milk, such as thin porridge and puppy food.
There is also an enhancement in their mobility, thermoregulation, and defecation functions, as well as their exploratory behaviors. However, they are still not capable of taking care of themselves.
The immune antibodies absorbed from the colostrum start to decline, reaching their lowest point at around 40 days of age, making the puppies more susceptible to diseases such as parvovirus, canine distemper, and kennel cough.
Weaning is a significant stressor for puppies, leading to a fundamental change in their diet and a transition to independent living. However, during this period, their digestive systems are still immature, and the maternal antibodies are rapidly decreasing. Poor management can lead to illness or even death in the puppies.
Care and Management:
Supplemental Feeding: Begin around 2528 days, following the principle of gradual increase, with fewer but more frequent meals to adapt to other substances besides milk.
Daily Care: Strengthen the care, as the puppies' enhanced thermoregulation, defecation, and exploratory abilities still require assistance.
Grooming: Regularly comb the coat, pay attention to the anal area for hair and feces粘连, and clean around the eyes, ears, and abdominal urine stains. In some cases, a fullbody wash may be necessary to prevent skin diseases and fleas.
Deworming and Vaccination:
Deworming: At 28 days, both mother and puppies should be dewormed (using Baytril).
Deworming: At 48 days, puppies should receive a comprehensive deworming (using Baytril).
Vaccination Schedule:
35 days: Intervet's twoinone vaccine.
50 days: Intervet's fourinone vaccine.
70 days: Intervet's fourinone vaccine.
Weaning Process: Continue feeding and living in the same pen and cage, removing the mother while keeping the puppies. Gradually increase the amount of food and reduce the frequency of nursing. Feed on a regular schedule to prevent hypoglycemia due to prolonged intervals.
