weaning

Question
QUESTION: Hi, my golden had 9 puppies on 4/26 and they all saw the vet yesterday..they have been eating  soaked canidae since 3 weeks and then Holli (the mother) will nurse them after for a few minutes. The vet sugg since theyre 6 weeks to keep mom away from pups now so that she'll dry up. I feel so bad it seems the pups still want to nurse and its hard to keep Holli away from them. She did however have a rabies shot at the same visit as pups. Should I continue to let her nurse them til 8 wks and wait for her to stop or  keep her away from them. I really feel that they miss her but when they are together all they want to do is nurse on her..What to do??   Thx Kathy

ANSWER: Hi Kathy,

Thank you for writing to me about your Golden's litter.  Weening usually takes place between four to six weeks of ag.  It is crucial that the puppies are weaned gradually and not suddent separated from their mother.

There are a number of mixtures that are used to wean puppies such as baby foods and milk replacers, but most experts agree that puppies should be weaned on a blend that contains high-quality puppy food. The puppy food may either be placed in a pan of water so it will become mushy, or it can be mixed with puppy milk replacers or baby foods and then blended in a food processor.

The weaning transition should take about three weeks.  You don't want either the mom or puppies to be traumatized.

Puppies will instinctively begin to try food that their mother is interested in, and overtime they will begin to learn how to eat. During the weaning process food should never be forced upon puppies; instead, the puppies should be allowed to explore and eat the food at their own pace.

If you do this gently then there should be no problems.

Please be aware that for every heat that a female dog goes through, the changes for female related cancer grows dramatically.  Also, for every puppy born there is one less home for a dog on death row, including Goldens.  Please consider spaying your dog.

Best of luck with your new family.

Shelley Davis



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello thx again for taking time to answer  my questions...The puppies have been eating softened  high quality Canidae all stages food since 3 wks of age followed by nursing with the mother.I have been trying to lessen the times the mother nurses them but they still want to nurse. I want them to be weaned totally before they leave to be with there new families.They will be 7 weeks this tues..is it ok  if they nurse on the mother til 8 wks  or longer or should I keep them separated or just wait til mother dog  does it naturally? All the puppies are healthy  and weigh about 7 lbs each and  are eating soft and crunchy food along w  drinking water(when theyre not playing in it). I am also going to have  Holli spayed when she is finished with this litter...not to worry.

Answer
Hi Kathy,

I'm glad you are being very particular and careful.  I would slowly wean until the 8 week mark and not abruptly remove the pups from their mom.  Leaving their litter mates and mom is enough of a dramatic change for them without having them suddenly give up their nursing.  Make sure they are fully weamed before they leave the litter.  Also do a lot of handling, socializing...get them to experience different things and people so that they are able to adapt to their new homes.

Best of luck.
Shelley

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