The first few days of a newborn puppy's life are crucial to its physical and mental development. In this article, we will explain what happens to puppies from birth until their 8th week.

To begin with, puppies are usually born within 20 minutes of each other. However, sometimes it can take a little longer. If your dog is struggling, seems agitated, or if she pauses for more than two hours while giving birth, don't hesitate to contact a veterinarian.

The first few hours

At birth, puppies have no sense of smell. Their eyes are closed and they are practically deaf.

During the first few hours after a puppy is born, its mother provides it with colostrum, which is a form of milk that puppies drink. Colostrum is very rich in proteins and antibodies. It helps protect puppies from diseases.

Once the puppies have had their milk, the mother grooms them. During the first few days, puppies sleeps 90% of the time.

After two weeks

This is the beginning of the transition period. Puppies are blind at birth but start to open their eyes after two weeks. However, their eyesight is poor because the optic nerve and the retina are not yet fully developed. Their eyesight will not be fully developed until they are around 35 days old. They will have full developed hearing between the 13th and 18th day.

Between two and three weeks: the transition period

Puppies will gradually begin to respond to sounds and movements.

After three weeks

Puppies will start to discover the world around them through play.

During the fourth week

It's at this time that puppies start to wag their tails and feel comfortable. Their puppy teeth will start to grow. During this period, puppies will start to eat solid food because the mother will start to be bothered by her puppies' teeth when they want to suckle.

Between the 5th and 6th week

Puppies learn to bite and yelp when bitten by their littermates. In addition, during this period, puppies will begin to bond with the humans around them.

Between the 6th and 8th week

Puppies will stop drinking milk from their mother between the 6th and 8th week. They will eat around four to five small meals a day.

Although puppies stop drinking their mother's milk, the ideal age for a puppy to be adopted is between two and three months of age. This is because they still need their mother. For example, early weaning can lead to behavioral problems such as uncleanliness, fear of solitude, and aggression. Their mother teaches them, during these 12 weeks, to become autonomous. She is also there to play and feed them.

You might also like these articles: When to adopt a puppy and The first night with your new puppy

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    Patricia B @ geometry dash lite: I think we should make sure to speak to a veterinarian about parasite prevention and puppy shots/vaccines. Puppies are most vulnerable to parasites and illness at a young age, so it's important to stay on top of the necessary medical treatments for them.