PetsCareLab

Raising a newborn puppy is an exhilarating journey filled with remarkable developmental milestones. In their first few weeks of life, puppies embark on an incredible adventure of discovery, beginning to understand and interact with the world around them.

Typically, a puppy’s earliest social experiences revolve around their siblings and their mother. Alongside crucial physical growth, this early period is when puppies start developing important social skills. Here’s a detailed look at what to expect during the first seven weeks of your puppy’s life. Remember, though, that puppyhood is an evolving process that can extend up to 18 months.

Development

The neonatal period usually spans around four weeks but is often segmented into two-week intervals to better capture the many rapid changes occurring. Upon birth, it’s essential to examine each puppy for any abnormalities, like a cleft palate. If premature birth is suspected, look for signs such as hairless patches on the tops of their feet.

During this stage, puppies should gain weight consistently each day. This weight gain not only reflects proper nourishment but also signals that the mother is producing enough milk and that the puppy is free from illness. Puppies born with low birth weights face a higher risk of serious conditions such as sepsis or hypoglycemia, increasing their vulnerability.

The umbilical cord stump should dry and separate within about three days. It’s important to inspect this area daily for any redness, swelling, or signs of infection since an umbilical infection can lead to severe sepsis. During vet checkups, the abdomen will also be examined for potential umbilical or inguinal hernias.

Newborn puppies are unable to regulate their body temperature independently and rely heavily on their mother and littermates to stay warm. They can only raise their body temperature roughly 12 degrees above the ambient temperature due to a lack of insulating fat. A healthy newborn pup’s rectal temperature should be between 95-99° F, rising to approximately 97-100° F in the second week.

If a pup becomes too cold, hypothermia can cause a decrease in feeding, which risks plunging blood sugar levels and can even be fatal. Correcting body temperature is vital to encourage regular feeding behavior. Notably, neonatal puppies cannot shiver or undergo peripheral vasoconstriction—the body’s natural method of preserving core heat by restricting blood flow to the extremities—until about the end of their first week.

Certain breeds, especially tiny ones like Chihuahuas and Miniature Dachshunds, may have a small opening called an open fontanelle in their skull. This is normal and typically doesn’t cause health problems later in life.

At birth, puppies have a sterile gastrointestinal tract, which quickly begins populating with bacteria. In the first 48 hours, the blackish meconium stool is passed. Normal neonatal stools are soft, yellow, or tan, and any variation might signal a problem:

• Overfed puppies might have green or yellow watery stools.
• White stool can suggest lactose intolerance.
• Foamy yellow stool may indicate infection with canine herpes virus.
• Blood-tinged stool could be a sign of sepsis or coccidiosis.

If a newborn puppy goes without feeding for more than 24 hours, its blood glucose will start to drop dangerously, leading to hypoglycemia. Dehydration is another significant concern since neonates contain less than 80% water, and underdeveloped kidneys mean they urinate more frequently—two to three times as much as adults.

Newborns show lower blood pressure and a much faster heart rate than adults—about 200 beats per minute is typical. At birth, they breathe 10-18 times per minute, stabilizing to roughly 30 breaths per minute after their first day.

By days five to six, puppies should start lifting themselves on their front legs, and between 14-16 days, they begin to support themselves on their hind legs.

Behavior

Neonatal puppies spend about 90% of their time sleeping. Their sleep is predominantly “activated sleep,” which helps strengthen muscles necessary for standing. At birth, puppies can right themselves when turned over, respond to stimuli by withdrawal, and reflexively release urine and feces when stimulated—functions often assisted by the mother’s licking.

The sucking and rooting reflexes, which allow them to find the nipple and nurse, appear now and can be observed as head bobbing or gentle nudging.

Feeding

Mother’s milk—or milk from a foster mom—is the absolute best nourishment during this early phase due to its vital role in immunity. It not only helps protect against harmful bacteria but also promotes growth of beneficial gut flora that aids nutrient absorption. The milk supplies essential hormones and energy essential to survival and thriving.

Initially, the dam produces colostrum—a thick, sticky type of milk packed with immune factors. Colostrum delivers about 95% of a neonate’s passive immunity within the first 24 hours of nursing. After this period, the milk gradually transforms over the first week into a composition suited for ongoing nourishment.

Newborn puppies should be encouraged to nurse within a few hours after birth, typically nursing 8 to 10 times daily during the first week. Afterward, the frequency slightly decreases.

Some puppies might face obstacles like rejection, weakness, or being orphaned. If a cleft palate is present, nursing may be difficult and could require surgical repair. For small or fragile pups struggling with thick colostrum, feeding via bottle might be necessary.

Nursing troubles often arise from complications with the mother, such as illness, rejection, or insufficient milk supply. In such cases, puppies may be fostered by another lactating dog with a litter around the same age. Without foster options, high-quality commercial or homemade puppy milk replacers are recommended.

If a puppy misses out on colostrum entirely, immunity can sometimes be conferred by an injection of sterile serum from a fully vaccinated dog. Smaller or weaker pups may be shoved aside by their more vigorous siblings, leading to malnourishment, restlessness, excessive crying, and swollen bellies.

To combat this, allow smaller pups to feed first and ensure they receive enough milk. Supplementing mom’s milk with a good puppy formula can help maintain adequate nutrition when her supply is low.

If puppies lack their mother entirely—as often seen in shelters or abandoned litters—commercial milk replacers designed specifically for puppies are essential. Underfeeding is safer than overfeeding since overfeeding can cause diarrhea and dehydration. Avoid cow or goat milk because they lack the proper nutrients puppies need. Always consult a veterinarian before starting a milk replacer to determine the correct feeding amounts.

Health Conditions

Puppies who nurse successfully benefit from their mother’s immunity—assuming she is fully vaccinated and that they received colostrum within the first 16 hours. Puppies facing nursing difficulties or physical abnormalities may be prone to hypothermia, dehydration, and sepsis. Those without colostrum face higher risks of gastrointestinal infections caused by various bacteria, and without proper immune support, they may also be more vulnerable to viruses.

Vaccinations

No vaccines are necessary during this early neonatal stage.

Development

By around 10 days for nursing puppies and 14 days for formula-fed pups, their birth size should have doubled. Weighing puppies daily—or at least every other day—during these initial four weeks is crucial to catch any growth delays or health concerns early.

Around three weeks old, puppies begin to concentrate their urine, which may appear darker yellow and be passed less often. Their previously rapid heart rate starts to slow to normal rates by about four weeks of age. Between days 18 and 21, puppies begin attempts at walking, often resulting in amusingly uncoordinated wobbles as their limbs work together to move forward—a normal developmental stage.

Significant active learning starts when puppies reach around three weeks, though the suckling reflex continues. Their eyes typically open fully between 10 and 14 days, although the cornea may look cloudy initially before clearing. The iris often retains a blue-gray hue during this time. Vision remains limited for the first three weeks. Hearing is also underdeveloped during the first two weeks since the external ear canals open between days 10 and 14.

Behavior

Three weeks marks the critical opening of the socialization window, which closes by 12-14 weeks. This time frame is pivotal for shaping a puppy’s comfort with people, new places, and experiences. Positive, gentle human interactions during this phase build confident, well-adjusted dogs.

Negative events such as abrupt weaning or sudden separation from littermates can cause lasting behavioral issues, including fearfulness or anxiety. Thoughtful, mindful socialization is vital now to prevent such lifelong challenges.

Feeding

Feeding sessions reduce to about four times daily. As puppies approach 3-4 weeks, their diet remains liquid-only until weaning begins. During weaning, the puppies should be separated from their mother for short periods a few times daily.

Introduce a high-protein diet—about 25-30% protein—softened with water to create a porridge-like consistency. Offering this meal before nursing sessions helps decrease the time spent suckling.

Health Conditions

During the transitional stage, puppies still benefit from maternal immunity, but environmental issues can pose dangers. Common concerns include:

• Sepsis
• Hypothermia
• Dehydration
• Hypoglycemia

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are not recommended at this early stage. However, deworming with a veterinarian-approved general dewormer at two-week intervals can help reduce parasite loads. Once puppies are older, they may begin flea, tick, and parasite prevention as advised by a vet.

Development

At 4 weeks, puppies graduate from the neonatal phase. Urinary leakage of glucose and protein ends by around 6 weeks. Normal male puppies’ testicles usually descend between 4 and 7 weeks. By now, puppies are fully engaging with their senses, exploring sights and sounds.

Rapid weight gain continues to help puppies reach roughly 50% of their adult weight by around 4 months.

Behavior

This stage is full of learning social cues, discipline, and playful behaviors such as bite inhibition. Interaction with siblings and mom teaches puppies how to play nicely and respect boundaries.

Introducing positive, gentle experiences with people is essential now, as lack of socialization can cause fearful behaviors. Puppies who experienced early life challenges—like low birth weight or illness—may face behavioral difficulties such as aggression or separation anxiety. Discussing these concerns with a veterinarian can help you support your puppy’s development.

Puppies can be quite messy during feeding and prone to bathroom accidents. While the frustration may tempt you to isolate them in crates, keeping puppies involved in positive family interactions is far better. Isolation can lead to fearfulness and hinder social learning.

Feeding

During this period, puppies require approximately three times the calories needed for resting energy expenditure. Weaning begins with a high-protein, softened porridge made from puppy food mixed with liquid.

Separation from mom should increase gradually, with pups spending around four hours away from her by six weeks. Full weaning generally occurs between 6 and 8 weeks.

Health Conditions

By 6 to 8 weeks, puppies that missed colostrum or serum may be susceptible to diseases typically prevented by vaccination: parvovirus, distemper, kennel cough, adenovirus, leptospirosis, and intestinal parasites.

If your puppy shows signs of illness or distress, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Vaccinations

Vaccination schedules typically commence at 6 weeks with the DAPP vaccine (Protecting against Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza). From this age onward, puppies receive booster shots every 2 to 4 weeks.

Bordetella vaccination can also begin around this time. Injectable versions require two doses spaced 2-4 weeks apart, whereas intranasal or oral vaccines often do not require immediate boosters but are recommended every six months for lasting protection.

All vaccinations should be administered by a veterinarian to ensure proper storage, handling, and timing. Your veterinarian will guide you through this critical immunization schedule.

In addition to vaccines, deworming every two weeks continues, and you may begin flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives specifically formulated and dosed for puppies. Never use products meant for adult dogs or incorrect weight ranges without veterinary guidance.