The Transitional Period
Millie’s puppies are now two weeks old and are entering the Transitional Period from day 14 – 21. Each litter is different and enters the next period, the Critical Socialization Period, when the puppies “first startle” at a sound.
Milestones
When raising puppies, we watch for Milestones to gauge their progress.
Weigh-In
The first milestone the puppies reached this week was doubling their birth weight. We are pleased to say that seven of Millie’s puppies have doubled their birth weight, and the rest are expected to reach this milestone within a day or two. Given the size of such a large litter, it is expected that this milestone would be reached later than with a smaller litter. We continue to supplement the puppies with puppy formula. Great job, Millie!
Eyes Opened
Another milestone was reached later in the week – Eyes Opening. Puppy’s eyes open between day 10 and day 14. On day 14, Today at weigh in, four puppies eyes had started to open. Seeing the puppies look back at me is always exciting – I think they look more “alive”!
Because Millie’s litter was born early, it is expected to take longer to reach this milestone.
Soon the rest of the puppies will be looking back at me too.
Daily Cleaning
As we mentioned earlier, newborn puppies are vulnerable to disease. Therefore, it is crucial to keep their area clean. We clean and disinfect their whelping box daily.
Vet Bedding
What is Vet Bedding? At first glance, you might think it is sheepskin. It is a synthetic version of sheepskin, made from artificial fibres, with two layers: first, a mesh base similar to the “skin” part of a sheepskin, and second, the comfortable, soft, springy artificial fleece attached on top. Puppies need proper grip while nursing, moving around the whelping box, and learning to walk, as this traction helps protect their developing joints. We change this bedding several times a day, which results in lots of laundry.
Time to Add a Panel
A couple of Millie’s puppies have escaped from the whelping box so, it is time to add a panel to the entrance of their whelping box to keep them safe.
ENS
ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) begins on day 3 and continues through day 16. Research shows that tiny struggles and stresses in small doses are good for puppies and will help them grow into strong, healthy well-adjusted adults. Benefits include greater tolerance to stress, greater resistance to disease, faster adrenal system, stronger heart rate and stronger heartbeat. This is a gift that a breeder can only give their puppies during the 3 – 16 day window.
Looking back at week two
Looking Ahead to Week Three
- ENS exercises will continue until day 16
- Puppies will continue to eat and sleep most of their day
- The rest of the puppies eyes will open and sight will become clearer
- Ears will open and they will begin to hear.
- Puppies will practice walking on all fours, strengthening their hind legs
- They will become more aware of their littermates and start to interact
- Puppies will start to vocalize
