How do you know if a puppy was weaned too early?

Question

I was given a pit pup, and he likes to play but he seems a lil young. The guy told me that he was 8 weeks, but his mannerisms tell me different. He is going to the vet next week, but until then what do you think?

Answer 1

The main thing is that he is eating(It is a shame that there are those who take pups from the mothers too early either do not care but just want to get rid of the pups or think they can be taken away because not educated enough on the ways of dogs) and getting the proper nutrition now. It is during these early years, the formative years(just like with humans)that anything significant missing from the pups nutrition will show up as a health problem or a weakness later. Petsmart , Petco and your Major Petfood stores now sell puppy formula that has actual Dog Mother's Milk-I would get some for if weaned too early it did not the full benefit of his mothers milk which beside food has in it nutrients that protect the pup from diseases and gives it the start it needs to grow into a healthy dog. Also remember to not feed the puppy food that says BY=Products in the Contents for it is the junk part of the animal.beaks,horns,hooves,feet and so forth that are ground up into meal and very little real meat which a dog needs. Authority is a top quality food for dogs(my dog who was skinny,half starved when I took him in as a stray eats nothing but it and is now very healthy,strong dog)and will give your puppy suprior nutrition and also has treats and such. Enjoy your new puppy-for puppies are so very adorable but keep in mind, just like babies they also need sleep/rest to grow up healthy.

Answer 2

This is complicated because generally as you know a pup should not be taken away from it's mom for any length of time until it is 5 weeks old. during the first 20 days a pup is learning how to co-ordinate muscles and such so mom is still helping them learn to poo and pee and 21-35 they learn behavior.. Not seeing what is happening it is very hard to judge but the fact that she has drawn blood is a very good indication she is not mother hood material or is very very stressed out. How old is the dog? Is this her first litter? These are questions you have to ask yourself. I wish I was a breeder and could give you more conrete advice but If it was my dog, I would continue to supplement and let mom have some time away for 1/2 hour or so at a time maybe 4 or 5 times a day if possible. And keep a close check as you have been, but they are two weeks old and I would wait it out as long as is possible..Your dog may not be good for breeding or not know how to handle things well..without knowing you or your dog it is hard to pin point the exact reason she is doing this to such an extent. Moms usually snip to train pups but it does sound extreme. If you cannot be in the room with her 24/7 i would place a baby monitor in with them to listen for any signs the babies are in trouble and in need of your help. You may have a friend or relative or someone or you may be able to pick one up cheap in the paper or at a garage sale.. Pups should not be weened before 5 weeks and should not be sold until 9 weeks because they need the interaction with the other litter mates.But you may have to..Oh and supplement mom too..you probably know this..She needs more so that she can feed all those pups! Good Luck to you all.

Answer 3

If you are worried about the truth of his age, just to be on the safe side, soak his dog food and mix it with boiled chicken and rice (no salt or seasoning). Make it into a mush consistency, and watch the amount you put down for the puppy to eat.
You will want to make sure he is eating. You may have to actually coax him to eat every 4 or 5 hours to ensure he is getting enough.
Make sure you have water down for him at all time, sweeten it with Karo syrup, honey or table sugar, anything to coax him to drink.
Feel inside his mouth, puppies cut their teeth at about 3 &1/2 to 4&1/2 weeks of age. That will let you know he is at least that old. Anything more accurate than that, you will have to have the vet check.
Between 5 and 6 weeks of age puppies are usually downright clumsy. They are a bit more cooridinated at 7 and 8 weeks of age. Puppies are usually a little more graceful on their feet at about 9 or 10 weeks of age.
You will just have to be very watchful and insure he eats and drinks as often as possible, their little bodies can not store any reserves when they are so young.
The responder that mentioned the Nutra Cal is correct. It looks like a tube of brown toothpaste and is VERY good for puppies, you can pick it up at most feed stores or vet office. I don't think the regular (grocery, Wal-mart)stores carry it.

Answer 4

A mom will usually start weaning a litter around five to six weeks old. Although they will still nurse between eating hard food. You can tell by the teeth of the pup to get a good idea how old he is.

It's good you already have an appointment to see the vet, this little guy needs a healthy start in life. Good luck!

Answer 5

He may be the runt of the litter, and you can try different foods with him, to get him to eat, stay within puppy foods though, he needs the added fat in puppy food for the 1st year. Something that I give my dogs when they aren't feeling well, which they seem to love is ...........Rice and cooked hamburger, and it helps weight gain too. You cook the ground meat and drain and rinse the grease off and mix with steamed rice. Good Luck.

Answer 6

Give him some Nutri-Cal if you think he's undernourished. Just make sure he gets a lot of rest.

Answer 7

how young is he acting?it could be just his personality,or he could be too young.if hes older than 4 wks. than youre okay.

Answer 8

i think lat him do what ev but be around him