Caring for Mum and Puppies in Week 8

At week 8, the journey of raising a litter of puppies is reaching an important milestone. This is a crucial week for both mum and her puppies as they prepare to transition to their forever homes. Proper care during this time ensures a smooth and healthy transition, reducing stress for both mum and pups while giving their new families the best possible start.

Supporting Mum in Week 8

By now, Mum has done an incredible job raising her puppies, and she is likely starting to wean them completely. Her nutritional needs are still important, but you may notice she is eating less now that she no longer has to produce as much milk. High-quality food should still be available to help her recover from the demands of nursing.

She may also start to distance herself from the puppies, which is a natural part of the weaning process. It’s essential to provide her with a quiet and comfortable space where she can rest. A cozy bed in a low-traffic area will give her some well-earned peace while she adjusts to the upcoming separation.

Mum should have a full health check before her puppies leave. This is the perfect time to ensure she has recovered from giving birth and that there are no lingering health issues. A vet visit for a postnatal check-up, including an evaluation of her weight, coat condition, and any signs of infection, is highly recommended.

Preparing Puppies for Their New Homes

By the time puppies reach week 8, they are legally ready to go to their new families. They should be fully weaned, eating solid food, and socialized enough to adjust to their next phase in life. However, their successful transition depends on how well they have been prepared. And it’s important to remember that not all puppies are ready to go to their new homes in week 8. It all depends on the individual puppy, their mother and how well they are eating.

Health Checks and Vet Notes

Every puppy should receive a thorough health check from a vet before leaving. This includes:

• A general physical examination to ensure they are in good health.
• Checking for any congenital conditions that should be noted.
• First vaccinations and records to pass on to the new owner.
• Microchipping if required by law.
• Deworming and flea treatments to keep them parasite-free.

A veterinary health certificate or written vet notes should accompany each puppy, outlining their medical history so far. This reassures new owners that they are taking home a healthy pup.

Food Preparation and Diet Advice

New owners must know what their puppy has been eating to ensure a smooth dietary transition. A sudden change in diet can upset their digestive system, causing unnecessary stress. Sending puppies home with a small bag of their current food is crucial.

By week 8, puppies should be on high-quality, nutritionally balanced puppy food. Whether they are eating kibble, wet food, or a raw diet, consistency is key. If the new owners plan to switch foods, they should do so gradually over a period of 7-10 days. Providing a feeding schedule helps new owners maintain a routine and prevent overfeeding.

Toys for Comfort and Stimulation

Toys play a significant role in a puppy’s development and help them adjust to their new home. Chew toys, soft plush toys, and interactive play items should be included in their going-home package.

• Chew Toys: Help with teething and prevent destructive chewing on furniture.
• Comfort Toys: A soft toy that smells like their littermates or mum can ease the transition.
• Interactive Toys: Puzzle toys or balls that encourage mental stimulation.

Toys are not only for fun but also for easing anxiety and keeping puppies entertained in their new environment.

Puppy Pads and House Training

At eight weeks, puppies are still learning about house training, and accidents will happen. Providing new owners with puppy pads helps maintain training consistency. Including a sheet with house-training tips, such as how often the puppy should be taken outside and how to reward good behaviour, is a great way to set them up for success.

Puppy pads can be placed near the door where the new owners plan to train their pup to go outside. This encourages them to use the pad when needed but also learn the right place to relieve themselves.

The Importance of a Comforting Transition

Leaving their littermates and mum is a big adjustment for puppies, so ensuring a smooth transition is essential. Each puppy should go home with a blanket or soft toy that carries the familiar scent of their mother and siblings. This provides comfort during the first few nights in their new home, reducing stress and helping them settle in.

A written guide covering their routine, feeding times, sleep schedule, and any behaviours they have been working on can be invaluable to new owners. Including a section on puppy-proofing the home ensures that their new environment is safe.

Final Checklist for New Puppy Owners

To make sure new owners have everything they need, prepare a take-home pack that includes:

• A small bag of the puppy’s current food to avoid digestive upset.
• A comfort blanket or toy with the scent of mum and littermates.
• Vet records and health certificates detailing vaccinations, deworming, and microchip information.
• A schedule for feeding, sleeping, and house training to ease the transition.
• A few puppy pads to continue toilet training.
• A chew toy to help with teething and provide stimulation.

Ensuring a Positive Experience for New Owners

Educating new owners about what to expect in the first few weeks is just as important as preparing the puppies. New puppy parents should be informed about:

• The importance of continued socialization: Puppies should be introduced to new experiences, people, and environments gradually.
• Training basics: Positive reinforcement training starts early and helps puppies learn good behaviour.
• Health and wellness: Regular vet visits, vaccinations, and parasite prevention are essential.

Providing a resource list with links to reputable training guides, local puppy classes, and vet clinics can be incredibly helpful. New owners should feel supported and well-prepared for their journey.

Week 8 is a major milestone for both mum and her puppies. While mum is regaining her independence, her puppies are preparing for a big change. With proper preparation, health checks, and thoughtful take-home packages, you can ensure each puppy transitions smoothly into their new home.

By equipping new owners with essential supplies, guidance, and knowledge, you set them up for success in raising happy, healthy puppies. Thoughtful preparation during this time will help each puppy adjust well to their new life, leading to a positive experience for both the new families and the growing pups.