Breeding for Dog Owners: Caring for Mother and Puppies During and After Weaning

When should I place the puppies in their new homes?

You can place most puppies in their new homes at around eight to ten weeks, which allows for proper weaning and the start of social development. Puppies separated from their mother and littermates earlier than this may be more susceptible to behavioral problems later in life.

Should the puppies be treated for worms?

Yes, puppies should be treated for worms. Some common intestinal parasites are transmitted to puppies through the uterus before birth and through the mother's milk after birth. Puppies can be treated for worms starting at two weeks of age, but it is more common to treat them when they are three and six weeks of age. It is essential to weigh the puppies so that the proper dose of medication can be given.

Do puppies need to stay with their mother until they are fully vaccinated?

Not necessarily. Puppies may go to their new homes before they are fully vaccinated. Staying with their mother does not protect them from potentially fatal infections or extend the protection provided by maternal immunity. Precautions are still needed to reduce their exposure to infections while this protection decreases and their vaccination series is completed. Your veterinarian can advise you about vaccination and any precautions needed before the puppies go to their new homes.

How does maternal immunity affect vaccination?

Puppies usually receive some protective immunity from their mother before birth and through the colostrum (first milk) shortly after birth. This is particularly true if the mother is healthy and her vaccinations are up-to-date. During the first few weeks of life, maternal antibodies help protect puppies from diseases the mother is immune to. To help ensure the puppies receive adequate protection, the mother’s vaccinations should be up-to-date before mating.

Maternal antibodies only protect puppies for a few weeks. As this protection decreases, puppies become susceptible to disease. How long maternal antibodies last varies among puppies and depends on several factors.  For this reason, puppies need a series of vaccines, usually starting at six to eight weeks of age and ending when they are at least 16 weeks old.  This allows them to develop active immunity against common and potentially fatal infections. 

If the puppies cannot nurse during the first three days of life, they may not receive adequate protection from their mother's colostrum. Similarly, if the mother is not up-to-date on her vaccinations before giving birth, she may not pass adequate immunity to her puppies. In these situations, your veterinarian may recommend starting the vaccination series at six weeks and taking additional precautions to reduce the puppies’ exposure to disease. Quarantine procedures may also be recommended if puppies have inadequate maternal immunity or are otherwise at increased risk of infection. 

Do I have to do anything to dry up the mother’s milk supply?

Starting about three weeks after birth, the puppies will gradually feed less on the mother's milk as you start the weaning process. She will likely begin leaving the nest for longer periods and, depending on her breed, may enjoy increased periods of exercise and physical activity. During this time, her milk supply should diminish naturally, and you can gradually return her to her usual amount of food.

Medical intervention is rarely required to reduce a mother's milk supply. With gradual weaning and appropriate veterinary care, most mothers and puppies adjust well to this transition. Continue working with your veterinarian to plan parasite control, vaccinations, and the puppies’ move to their new homes.