I have 3 week old puppies and I am not sure what their needs are.?

Answer 1

FIRST, THEIR MOTHER!!!!!!

Second, to STAY with their Mother until SHE weans them(usually at least SIX weeks of age!)! Weaning too early causes BIG problems in adult life making bad pets that go to the pound to be put to sleep.

Third, while being weaned from mom provide FRESH water at ALL times along with either canned puppy food or dry puppy food soaked in a bit of the "orphan formula" that can be bought at pet stores or a bit of water just enough to soften it so they can start to learn to bite and chew.

Fourth, LOTs of GENTLE love and affection ( in short doses) by humans OLD ENOUGH to know NOT to hurt them!!! NO small children allowed! Baby humans and baby animals only get both hurt!

Fifth, veterinary checkups with advice from vet FOLLOWED at the age of six weeks.

Sixth, an owner who knows when to call the VET to ask IMPORTANT questions like this one!

Answer 2

What sort of pups are they, and what's your weather like? We had a Shepherd mix rescue here that raised her pups in a hole under sagebrush, and they were perfectly healthy. Then again, there was a sheltie that had her litter on a comforter next to my side of the bed! Just see that she has her own private space for them. At three weeks, it won't be long before they start exploring, so you want them to be safe.

Make sure the mom has plenty of water and good food available. If she starts pushing one away or seems to be rejecting one, there's normally a reason (an abnormality, a defect of some sort).

You can start feeding them in addition to mom's milk at about four weeks. They won't eat much , but they'll be new at it, you know... it's messy and so entertaining! They get the hang of it quickly...

PARVO KILLS! Start puppy shots at 5-6 weeks, and as you sell/give them away (whatever) be SURE to tell the people taking them the first couple shots normally are fighting against mom's immunities, so don't assume they are protected.

Socialize with them. Socialization is important, but don't let a million people in to see them for the first four weeks, especially if this is mom's first litter. It wouldn't hurt the pups, but may make her nervous or protective. I've known perfectly sweet dogs that would bite people or upset their milk flow due to stress.

Feel free to write if you feel I can help further. I'm sure I forgot something to say....

Answer 3

I would think the mother dog would know what their needs are. Puppies should never be taken away from the mother dog for a minimum of 6 weeks and I prefer at least 8 or 12 weeks.

Answer 4

I hope at 2 weeks you dewormed the dam and pups if not this should be done now for round and hookworms. At 3 weeks the pups can start on a high quality puppy food soaked down w/goatsmilk, or water. This is when you are starting to get them to eat the kibble but make sure they dont consume so much they arent nursing off of mom. What ever is left can be given to the dam. Also you should trim the pups nails so they dont scratch the dams teets and I believe this will prevent splayed feet.

Answer 5

Their mother is their only need. She will take care of them and between 4-5 weeks, wean them and then you supplement their food with puppy food softened with puppy formula (warmed) to make the puppy food mushy so they will lap it up. Make sure the bowl is shallow and big enough for all of them to eat and don't be surprised if they get messy. Keep a dry cloth handy to clean them up after they eat. They should eat every 4 hrs or so.

Answer 6

Their mother's milk is all right now. She should be on a high quality food at this point with free access to water. My vet has always had me put my female schnauzers on puppy food right after they have their litter. It is higher in nutrition and when you are ready to ween they pups off of her just put them right onto the food you are feeding her. It works great. She should not be kept on the puppy food after you ween the pups as she will get fat on it.

Answer 7

they need the love of there mama,and milk from there mama.and don't forget to put the mama on a special diet because she had puppy's.and don't worry about there poops,pi pi cause the mother take care of it.but for you just change her little bed frequently,and love her and the little puppy's.and you will see they grows fast. and good luck.

Answer 8

all dogs r different so what i would do is go to the library and check out some books about the dogs u have or u can check on the Internet if u have google

Answer 9

Ok the most thing they need is love so make sure you give them lots

Answer 10

There mother is their only need. But the mother needs plenty of food and water and her privacy.