How Long Do Newborn Puppies Nurse?

Raising a litter of puppies can be a daunting task for pet owners, especially those who do not know what to expect. Puppies require little attention from their owner, as their mother will provide them with all the care that is needed during the first few weeks of life. Pet owners do need to provide the mother dog with a safe and clean environment for its puppies, as well as proper nutrition while the puppies are nursing.

  1. Nursing

    • Puppies are completely dependent on their mother's milk for nourishment during the first few weeks of life. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says that puppies may begin weaning around 3 or 4 weeks of age, but will probably not be completely weaned until 7 to 8 weeks.

    Weaning

    • The ASPCA recommends separating the mother from her pups during weaning in order to keep her from overproducing milk. At this point, puppies should be introduced to moistened food in a shallow bowl.

    Overfeeding

    • The ASPCA cautions that puppies may need to have their food portions controlled in order to avoid overeating. Exact portion sizes depend on the size of the puppy and the breed of the dog.