New Puppy Care 0–7 Weeks 2025 : Vet Guide to Health & Feeding 🍼🐶

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Bringing home a litter or welcoming newborn puppies is a joyful challenge. In these first seven weeks, your pup transitions from fragile neonate to a curious social learner. Here, Dr Duncan Houston BVSc guides you through essential care: feeding, warmth, health checks, milestones, socialization, and vet-prep to set your puppy up for a confident, healthy life.

1. 🌡️ Neonatal Stage (0–2 Weeks): Survival & Sensory Development

• Warmth is critical: Keep whelping box at ~85‑90 °F week 1, gradually reduce to ~80 °F week 2. Use a lamp or heat pad placed carefully—never force puppies onto hot surfaces. Puppies’ temp is ~96–98 °F.
• Feeding: Nurse every ~2 hours for first 1–2 weeks. Foster or bottle-feeding should mimic mom’s milk and temperature.
• Weight checks: Twice daily using a kitchen scale—watch for steady gains. Weight loss signals trouble.
• Eyes & ears: Eyes open around day 10‑14; dogs start hearing by week 2.
• Handling: Minimal human contact—mom may remove stressed pups. Allow habituation over days.
• Veterinary exam: Within 48 hrs—check for cleft, hernias, issues. 🐾

2. 🍽️ Transitional Stage (3–4 Weeks): Weaning & First Learning

• Milk still essential: Mother’s milk remains immunity-rich. Begin adding soft gruel (puppy food + water)—feed ~4× daily.
• Early elimination: By week 3, pups can eliminate themselves—mom steps back.
• Developmental gains: Senses sharpen; pups take first steps, play by 3‑4 weeks.
• Teeth erupt: Deciduous (needle) teeth start around 3 weeks—offer safe chew items to soothe gums.
• Nutrition tip: Use puppy-formulated food; follow breeder or vet guidance based on weight and size.

3. 🧩 Socialization Period (4–7 Weeks): Learning Social Skills & Independence

• Weaning progresses: By ~6 weeks, pups spend ~4 hrs/day away from mom eating gruel/pups food. Fully weaned by 6‑8 weeks.
• Social learning: Puppies learn bite inhibition, discipline through play with littermates and mom.
• Exposure matters: Introduce safe stimuli—children, sounds—to build confidence and avoid future fears.
• Hygiene & potty training: Begin gentle housetraining with newspaper or pads from ~4 weeks.
• Health vigilance: Watch for fading puppy signs—weakness, low temp, weight loss. Seek vet help if concerns arise.

4. 💉 Health Protocols: Vaccination & Parasite Control

• Deworming: Start at 2 weeks, repeat every 2 weeks until ~8 weeks, then begin regular parasite prevention.
• Vaccines: DAPP core vaccines start ~6 weeks; given in intervals of 2–4 weeks. Bordetella may be given too.
• Vet visits: Regular checkups for weight, development, errors like cleft palate, rectal temps, and overall health.

5. 🏠 Mother Care & Environment

• Mother’s diet: High-quality puppy food—free-choice during lactation until ~8 weeks, then taper.
• Maternal checks: Inspect for mastitis, abnormal discharges postpartum—call vet for concerns.
• Quiet setup: Ensure a secluded, calm nesting area—low stress helps milk production and bonding.

6. 🐾 Milestones & Typical Behaviors by Stage

7. ⚠️ Signs to Watch & When to Call the Vet

• Poor weight gain or weight loss
• Hypothermia (<95 °F) or hyperthermia (>103 °F)
• Crying constantly, weak, fading puppy syndrome
• Abnormal discharge, mastitis, or refusal to feed by mom
• Signs of congenital conditions (cleft, hernias, limb issues)

8. 🛠️ Tools, Support & Prep for Puppy Parents

• Ask A Vet App: Instant vet support for feeding, developmental, or health questions
• Puppy-proof kit: whelping box, scale, neonatal formula, chew toys, heat source

9. ✅ Final Takeaways & Planner

• This neonatal-to-socialization window (0–7 weeks) is critical for health and lifelong behavior
• Ensure proper warmth, feeding, weight monitoring, and maternal health
• Begin weaning, start gentle housetraining, and expand social exposure
• Initiate deworming and core vaccines on schedule
• Stay alert—vets are essential within 48 hours and anytime concerns arise
• Set up your home and tools early for a smoother start