Puppy Care Guide
Week 3 – The Growth Spurt
It Has Been Three Weeks Since the Puppies Were Born!
The days of the puppies just lying still are coming to an end. Rapid growth and significant developmental changes are starting right now! Let's continue this rearing journey together.
Features of Week 3
- Senses and Mobility — The puppies' sight and hearing are rapidly developing, and they are beginning to take their first wobbly steps. At this stage, they are starting to track moving objects and can judge the relative distance of objects around them. They are moving from crawling to walking!
- Independent Elimination — Puppies are now at the stage where they can eliminate (urinate and defecate) on their own. This is a major developmental milestone, as they no longer rely completely on the mother's stimulation.
- Worming/Deworming — Because the puppies may have become infected with parasites from the mother dog before or shortly after birth, it is essential to administer a dewormer during this period. Consult your veterinarian for the appropriate type and dose of deworming medication.
Essential Care for Week 3
- Claw Care for Nursing Safety — If a puppy's claws are sharp, they can injure the mother dog's teats while nursing, potentially causing mastitis or preventing the mother from letting them feed.
- Gentle Nail Trimming — To prevent this, if the puppies' claws are sharp, gently trim only the very tips of their nails. Use specialized puppy nail clippers or human nail clippers, and be extremely careful to avoid the quick (the pink part of the nail) to prevent pain and bleeding. It is often safest to just blunt the sharp tips rather than attempt a full trim.
Continuing Care and Socialization
As the puppies begin to walk and their senses awaken, they are also entering the crucial window for early socialization. While they are still primarily focused on their mother and littermates, gentle human interaction is important.
- Handling — Continue to handle the puppies gently and frequently. This helps them become comfortable with human contact, making them well-adjusted pets in the future.
- Whelping Box Prep — Ensure the whelping box is large enough to allow the puppies to move around and explore their newfound walking abilities safely. Keeping it clean is vital, as they are now eliminating more independently.
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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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