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Puppy Care Guide

Week 2 – Growth and Stimulation

Welcome to Week 2!

The puppies are growing rapidly and will soon start to interact with the world around them.

Features of Week 2

  1. Rapid Weight Gain — After the first week of life, a puppy's body weight will have doubled from its birth weight! This rapid growth is a sign of healthy development.
  2. Tail Wags Begin — Around two weeks of age, puppies will start to wag their tails! This is a wonderful early milestone of their physical and social development.
  3. Limited Response to Stimuli — At this stage, puppies cannot yet react to external stimuli. Their eyes are just beginning to open (if they haven't already), and their hearing is still developing.

Hygiene and Elimination Management

Keep your puppies growing strong and healthy with the help of 'Meongnang Bogam' (Dog-Sitter's Wisdom - the service name)!

Wiping Down with a Towel

  • Cleaning the Fur — After about six days of life, urine and feces may start to stick to the puppies' fur.
  • How to Clean — Dampen a towel with warm water and gently wipe the puppies clean. This prevents irritation and keeps their environment hygienic.

Methods for Stimulating Elimination

Newborn puppies cannot urinate or defecate on their own!

The mother dog typically helps her puppies eliminate, but in special circumstances where the mother dog is not stimulating them, or if the mother dog is exhausted from rearing the litter, the guardian must step in to help.

Stimulating Elimination

  • When to Stimulate — Stimulate elimination after every feeding or when the puppy starts crying (which can indicate a full bladder or bowel).
  • The Method — Use a cotton ball, soft tissue, or a clean cloth (a small piece of towel) moistened with lukewarm water. Gently massage or lightly rub the puppy's genital and anal area until they eliminate.

This manual stimulation is crucial to their health in these early weeks, ensuring their bladder and bowels are emptied regularly.

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Continue with PetGo's Puppy Care Guide

This is a precious and sensitive time that calls for warmth, patience, and attentive care. From pregnancy through caring for newborn puppies, PetGo will be by your side every step of the way.

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