Weaning Puppies Is Only Natural

Weaning puppies is a perfectly natural process. Mamma dogs have been doing it successfully for ages, so how hard can it be, right?

But humans, not being dogs, can sometimes forget the natural part, and get confused about it.

Fact is, weaning puppies is an easy, logical process.

When you're ready to begin weaning your new puppies, keep in mind that this should be done gradually, in small steps. You can't rush it, and you definitely don't want to begin when the puppies are too young.

Sometimes people get impatient and try to begin weaning puppies before they're three weeks old. That's too early. Their bodies need to develop the ability to handle solid food, and that takes time. Wait the three weeks -- it's not really so long.

The first step in the weaning process is to take the mother away from the puppies at least an hour before it's time for them to eat. This gives the puppies a chance to get good and hungry. They'll be more inclined to try the new, alternative food you offer them.

Remember, when it's time for the puppies to eat, the mother should be nowhere around.

The alternative food you offer them should be liquid or semi-liquid so it's easy for them to swallow and digest. Solid food won't work for them yet.

You can make a gruel of commercial dog food mixed with water or baby cereal thinned with water. Another option when weaning puppies is to use diluted strained baby food.

Put any of these mixtures in a small, shallow dish. Some of the puppies will have no problem eating. They'll catch on immediately. But there may be a few that just don't get it. So they'll need some encouragement. The easiest way is to put a little of the mixture on the tip of their nose or on their tongue.

When weaning puppies you'll also need to decrease the amount of food you're giving the mother. This causes her to produce less milk. At the same time, you can gradually begin increasing the amount of food you give the puppies, and over the next several days make it less soupy. As they grow and their digestion matures, their food should slowly become more solid, day by day.

Weaning puppies at this point becomes easier because, as the solid food grows more familiar to them, they learn to enjoy it more. Let them eat as much as they want as long as they don't become bloated.

If you approach weaning puppies like this, the process should be simple, painless and easy. Expect to see them completely weaned by the time they're six to eight weeks old.

Puppy-Toy-Tips.com
Learn great ways to use puppy toys for training and socializing your new pup. Make sure you're on the right track when training your dog. Also, be sure to get the free eBook of puppy coloring pages for your kids.

---

Must-Have Know-How On Your Dogs Meal-Times

One of the best parts of the day for any... Read More

Quickstart Guide to Making Your Own Pet Food at Home

As a pet owner, no doubt you want to give... Read More

Adopting A Dog

You know what it's like. You see a cute curly... Read More

Using Electrolytes to Avoid Equine Dehydration

For heat dissipation and body cooling, a horse trotting at... Read More

Parachromis Managuense

Parachromis managuense has a bad reputation, just like many of... Read More

Herbs for Pets

Let me begin by saying that I am not an... Read More

Why Cats Flip For Catnip

If you've ever watched as a cat "flipped" over fresh... Read More

Owning a Wild or Exotic Cat; Information, Laws, and Advice

Have you ever dreamed of living with a bobcat or... Read More

Beds for Smaller Dogs

All puppies are small dogs ? some, however, won't be... Read More

Buy Dog Supplements Online

Dog SupplementsA good nutritional program of dog supplements is just... Read More

Boston Terrier - Special Concerns For This Adorable Breed

Beautiful as they are, Boston Terriers have some genetic traits... Read More

Guinea Pigs Health

Guinea Pigs make great pets and are fairly easy to... Read More

Cold Weather Pet Care

As we find ourselves in the middle of winter, it's... Read More

Symptoms of Pain and Illness in Dogs

Dog owners, who recognize the early signs and symptoms of... Read More

Cats and Their Allure: What, When, Where and Why

Domesticated cats have been gaining in popularity in the United... Read More

How To Find Your Lost Dog

The first thing to do when searching for a lost... Read More

Mind Over Matter

Understanding where horses come from has been a long road... Read More

Horse Manure Management--What are Your Options?

You need a strategy for using or disposing of your... Read More

Media Influence on Public Perception of Exotic Cat Ownership

What makes something news? The fact that you take good... Read More

Decorative Bird Cages

Whether purely for looks or for a bird's home, bird... Read More

Natural Dog Shampoos are Good for Your Dogs Skin and Coat

A Healthy Skin and Coat for Your Dog ...Does your... Read More

Understanding Your Pets Chewing Issues

If you are beginning to feel like an endangered species... Read More

Essential Fatty Acids for Parrots

You may be hearing more talk these days about "Essential... Read More

Grieving Our Pets Death

Our pets give us so much. They entertain us, listen... Read More

The Gifts We Give Our Dogs

Whoever coined the phrase, "It's a Dog's Life" wasn't familiar... Read More

Tips For Dog Toys

Toys are fun both for our dogs and us. Lucky... Read More

Does Your Dog Miss You Too Much?

Your dog seems to be driving you up the wall... Read More

Probiotics - The Good Bacteria

PROBIOTICS - The Good Bacteria - Does your pet have... Read More

Dogs Get More Human Every Day

First pet stores began selling clothes for pets. Then kennels... Read More

Dog Behavior Problems: Help! My Dog is a Nuisance When he Misbehaves!

How many times have I hear fellow dog owners say,... Read More

Puppies, Kittens, Rabbits, Hamsters, Fish Tanks, Exotic Pets and Bird Houses!

Pet's, any kind of pet can be a welcome addition... Read More

What You Should Know About Your Dogs Sleeping Habits

It's important to understand your dog's sleeping habits and how... Read More

Goldfish Analysis

When goldfish swim up to the glass of the tank,... Read More