Common weaning mistakes
Common sense disclaimer: As with everything that I write, it’s critical to seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian, preferably one that is board certified in theriogenology (reproductive science) for reproductive matters. This article and its contents are NOT designed nor intended to replace the need for a qualified veterinarian, but instead to help educate people to to work optimally with their veterinarians. All recommendations should be reviewed with qualified professionals, such as a board certified reproductive veterinarian, prior to implementation in a breeding program. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian.
Common weaning mistakes
Weaning puppies successfully is as much art as it is science. Weaning is a critical time for puppies and impacts their survival, their physical development, their behavioral development, and their cognitive development. Here are a few common weaning mistakes I hope you avoid.
Weaning is a process not an event. It can be a little challenging for puppies, more challenging for you, but it’s often hardest for the dam. She’s dealing with hormonal changes, conflicting desires, and sometimes uncomfortable physical changes
Weaning is a developmental marker and INCLUDES separation and independence from dam. It’s not just about food. The transition from relying on mother’s milk for hydration and nutrition to eating a solid diet and drinking water
Not giving water to your puppies.
If your puppies are old enough to wean, they are old enough to drink water and should be given access at all times to fresh, clean water. Use a dish they can’t drown in.
Weaning too early.
If you ask 10 breeders the age at which you should wean your puppies and you’ll get 20 different answers. And they are all right: there’s no single right answer. There aren’t even 10 correct answers. There’s only what is in the best interest of your puppies and dams. Generally speaking, your puppies need to be mature enough to eat on their own. This is breed dependent and can vary by litter. Most commonly that will be 3.5 to 5 weeks or when teeth erupt.
Not paying attention to the biological cues to wean.
If you force your dam to continue nursing after she’s ready to wean, this can be very uncomfortable to her. Many will let you know they are ready to wean by spending less time nursing or regurgitating their food. Regurgitation is a natural instinct to teach puppies food independence. Not all dams regurgitate, but it’s completely natural. You can let pups snack or you can clean it up. You need to determine if you should trust her instincts and begin weaning. Good weaning instincts vary by breed and individual dog. While it’s important to remember there are instinctive behaviors for a reason it’s also important to remember that domestication can interfere with the positive function of canine instincts. You have to use your own good judgement or rely on that of your mentors or reproductive vet if needed.
Not thinking enough about your dam.
We focus a lot in weaning on what to do for the puppies, but we also need to think about how to support our dams. Be aware of the cost to the dam to care for her litter.
The health and condition of your dam may require earlier weaning. Here are questions you can ask yourself:
Is she producing enough milk?
What is the cost to her to produce milk?
Is she maintaining adequate body condition?
How are her coat and skin?
How is her energy level?
If she is regurgitating, is that affecting her weight?
Does she enjoy it, or is it stressful or frantic?
Is she calm and nurturing, or is she setting bad examples?
Is she growling or snapping at the pups when they nurse because it hurts her?
Emotional conflict is real. An example of this is being frantic or jumping in and out of the pen. This is a clear sign that I should wean. In the wild she may have no choice. In my house, she does. And if her instincts and hormones are making her want to do something very badly but the physical discomfort is too much, it’s kinder to step in.
Removing your dam too abruptly if not necessary.
Unless there’s a medical or other situation to justify abrupt removal of the dam, you’ll want to do it gradually over at least 4 days, ideally closer to 7 or 8.
There are two components to removing the dam
Restricting her food to reduce milk production (go back to her normal amount unless she’s underweight).
Timed/restricted access to the puppies
Withholding water from your dam.
While reducing your dam’s food is fine for weaning, it’s never appropriate to withhold water from her.
Not being aware of the possibility of hypoglycemia.
Even if your puppies are getting great nutrition, hypoglycemia is a risk, especially in smaller dogs. Please be sure you know the signs and get to a vet asap if a little food or a drop or two of karo syrup on the tongue don't give results within a few minutes.
