Knowing the Growth Points of Puppies
Raising a puppy is a challenging yet rewarding experience. It’s important to equip yourself with the right knowledge on how to properly care for the pup, and that includes learning about their growth and development. Knowing the important aspects around puppy growth can help you make sure your pup is healthy and happy.
It can be difficult to gauge all the needs of a pup as they go through their growing phases, but understanding what lies ahead and anticipating changes can greatly improve your pup’s life. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on puppy growth and its associated points.
Puppy Developmental Stages
A puppy’s life starts with birth and it is considered to be at “zero” weeks old once it does. Knowing the age of your pup is important because it can determine what the pup is capable of and what kind of care it needs. Generally, puppies develop in three stages during the first year of life:
- Neonatal (0 – 14 days)
- Transitional (14 – 21 days)
- Socialization (3 – 12 weeks)
Neonatal Stage (0-14 days)
The neonatal stage is the beginning of a pup’s life, and its care during this stage can have a major impact on the development of its overall personality. During this period, puppies are still reliant on their mother’s milk and adults should not take on the role of the dam and attempt to feed the pup. The pup should also remain in the company of its siblings until it is 8-weeks-old.
This stage is also the most important one because it is the time when a pup is developing its senses—especially hearing, smell, and sight—and learning a sense of direction and how to express itself. During this period, the pup is most vulnerable and prone to negative influences.
Transitional Stage (14-21 days)
The pup enters the transitional stage at around two weeks old when it starts to focus on finding food, at which point it will begin to take solids. Adult wolves provide puppies with solid food in this stage and it can help the pup to gain important oral skills in the process.
At this stage, the pup’s eyes should open and it should be able to recognize the faces of its dam and siblings. Pups should also be able to recognize their caretaker and home at this point in development. Puppies should also be able to start walking and investigating the environment around them.
Socialization Stage (3-12 weeks)
The socialization stage for puppies is widely said to be the most important stage of their life. This is the time when puppies learn how to interact properly with humans and other animals. Pups should be exposed to stimuli and taught how to socialize in a healthy way.
Vaccination is a key part of the pup’s development during this period, and vaccinations should be given in accordance with the suggestions of your veterinarian. Vaccinations can help protect the pup against many diseases and infections.
General Growth and Development of Puppies
Knowing what growth points to look out for in puppies can help you better anticipate and understand the changes that come with the different developmental stages. Here are some of the key growth points to consider:
- Weight: Puppies normally double their birth weight by the age of two weeks, and triple it by three weeks. At four months old, a puppy should weigh anywhere from four to five times its birth weight.
- Eask: Puppies’ ears will open when it’s around two weeks old, and it should become very active after around five weeks.
- Hearing: By four weeks of age, a pup should be able to hear and respond to sound.
- Eye color: Puppies will start to change eye color between the ages of six and eight weeks, but the color may not become fully visible until three months old.
- Coat: Most puppies will develop their adult coat color by six months old.
- Movement: At four weeks of age, a pup should be able to crawl, stand, and walk on its own.
- Teething: Normally around the age of four weeks, puppies will begin to lose their baby teeth and grow their adult teeth.
- Behavior:Puppies should start responding to their environment, such as identifying its caretaker, by around five weeks old.
If you notice any strong behavioral changes or physical issues in a puppy, take the pup to a qualified veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.
Health Needs of Puppies
Besides general growth points, there are also certain health needs of puppies at different stages of development. As the pup grows, it is important to monitor its diet and make sure it is receiving the necessary nutrition for its age. Puppies also require regular exercise for their mental and physical health, and need to be given access to clean water at all times.
It’s recommended that puppies receive flea and tick treatments and regular checkups with a veterinarian. Also, keep in mind that puppies are more vulnerable to diseases and viruses, as their immune system is still developing.
Growth Points on Puppies and Sources of Information
We hope this guide offers you enough information to make sure your pup is happy and healthy. If you have any questions or need more information, it is important to consult a qualified veterinarian before making any decisions.
Knowing the growth points of puppies is essential for providing proper care to your pup. Keeping track of these key points can help you make sure your puppy is getting the nutrition and care it needs to enjoy a long, happy life. With proper care and attention, your pup will lead a happy and healthy life from day one.
