Caring for a Young Puppy

How do Poodles do after being taken away from their mom at 4 1/2 weeks old? I guess the breeder was sick and can't take care of them. Will the puppies be compromised health wise? We just lost our 19 month old Standard Poodle to a neuter gone wrong and couldn't stand to lose another one young.

Sheri

By Sherri from Loveland, CO

Answers: Caring for a Young Puppy

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By 01/02/2010

The reason puppies should stay with their mom longer is to be weaned properly and to learn proper behavior. Puppies learn how to socialize from their mom so a pup who doesn't have that will be dependant on humans to teach them. Make sure you socialize this pup with other dogs as soon as it has had it's shots, begin training early and the pup should balance out. Address bad behaviors immediately, just as the mother would, don't let cuteness get in the way.

As far as nutrition, feed 1/2 tsp whole plain yogurt, 1/2 tsp cottage cheese and one raw egg mixed with canned food. Add canned pumpkin, Libbys has real pumpkin, not pumpkin filling. Start with 1/2 teaspoon, this will keep the digestive tract flowing, add less if you notice diarrhea. Do this until the pup is 4 months old. This can also be continued as it adds nutrition to the food. Feed a puppy 4 times a day until 6 months old, then 3 times a day until 1 year old, then 2 times a day through adulthood to avoid digestive upset.

By 12/28/2009

Pet stores have puppy formula, just like for babies. That works. My Pug?Boston (Bug) was sold at 5 weeks. She needed food often, and softened. But the formula is good too. That dog will want to be warm, and near your heart, so get ready! The bond never breaks-he/she will be one for life-a long life!

By 12/27/2009

You said the breeder was ill and not the dam? I would never try to wean a pup that young. It is going to put the pup behind the eightball physically.

If the breeder is too ill and wants to move the pup at 4 weeks, I would ask to bring the dam home with me until the pup is weaned.

By 12/26/2009

My chi puppy was eating on it's own and quite robust at 4 weeks. She did remain with her mother until 6 weeks but would have been fine at 4 1/2 weeks.

By 12/26/2009

I'm sorry that she passed. When the puppy grows up and is able to do more things like bark and growl the puppy will begin to become very demanding like if you try to pick it up it will growl and nip at your hand. If it does,you pinch it's neck lightly and make a sssttttt. noise, that is like their mom [AKA dog] nipping then on the neck teaching them how to grow up.

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Caring for a Young Puppy

I have noticed at Christmas that too many people in my area are giving away puppies. I think this is sad and wrong. It is the wrong time of year to give away puppies. Driving home from work my boyfriend came across the cutest puppy just laying on the side of the road. When he picked her up he recognized her from the puppies someone was trying to give away at the grocery store. That means that this poor lil pup has just turned 5 weeks old today.

She is healthy, but I want to make her feel better about being ripped from her mama and thrown into a home where she is loved, but not getting the nutrition that she needs from her mama's milk. If anyone has advice for this poor lil pup, she and I would love the help.

January from RENO, NV

RE: Caring for a Young Puppy

Try baby's formula, when she gets a little older start mixing puppy chow in just enough to get mushy then slowly work her up to all puppy chow. If she's lapping out of the bowl you should be alright, but if not try one of the Playtex nurser bottles. Hope this helps. (12/25/2005)

By emilar

RE: Caring for a Young Puppy

I found an interesting website that has good, specific advise and information. If you'd like to check it out go to leerburg.com
Good luck and Merry Christmas! (12/25/2005)

By Grandma Margie

RE: Caring for a Young Puppy

My pup was 4 weeks old when I got him. I soaked Purina Puppy Chow in water til it was soft enough for him to eat and I used warm water to soak it with. We fed it to him with a throw away plastic spoon. Sometimes any form of milk will give them loose stools. He's will be 2 in March, so it worked. (12/25/2005)

By seamstress

RE: Caring for a Young Puppy

Wrap an alarm clock in a towel and put it beside them when they go to sleep at night, it will help them fall asleep. (12/26/2005)

By RR

RE: Caring for a Young Puppy

You can also use evaporated milk, this is used in weaning puppies. We had 2 litters at one time total 24 pups. Start by putting a small amount in shallow bowl and dilute with a little bit of water, you may have to dip your finger in it and let her lick it. When she gets to drinking start diluting with water a little more at a time. It won't be long till she's drinking water and eating good. You can also pour over puppy chow or canned food to get her to eat it. Trust me it works. (12/28/2005)

By Pam

RE: Caring for a Young Puppy

Talk to a reputable vet about getting some milk replacement formula for puppies. It will give her the same nutrition she needs. Other than that, just treat her like the baby she is. Love her a lot and give her lots of attention. Also, have the vet check her over to make sure she is truly healthy. (12/29/2005)

By Robin

RE: Caring for a Young Puppy

Huge bravos to you. I've been there. My vet gave me a homemade formula for pup food and they hugely thrived on it. They were just born from my stray rescue when I put them on it. They were big super healthy babies. I also bathed them with a warm washcloth and the vet said they were the cleanest pups he'd ever seen. (12/30/2005)

By Vic