Havanese Puppy Development

NEWBORN - Puppies are born with eyes and ear closed. They find their mothers teat by scent. This is a good time for breeders to allow their puppies to smell their breath. Days 3-16 give the opportunity for early neurological stimulation. You can click here to visit Breeding Better Dogs for article.

2 WEEKS - It is during this time that the eyes and ears open. This is a very important time for the pup to develop human bonding, when they can first see you. Eyes may appear blueish when they first open and lighting should be kept somewhat dim. This is the first time the puppies maybe wormed. Keep an eye on fast growing nails. :)

3 WEEKS - Puppies start to search a place to relieve themselves. The whelping box should be set up in a manner that it encourages this normal development. A puppy can now walk/wobble away from the bedding onto paper to start it's early housebreaking.

4 WEEKS - Puppies start eating food other than mothers milk. A gruel can be started of soaked puppy kibble. Royal Canin has a wonderful starter available. The puppies start to get coordination and eyes darken in color. The pup's personality is continuing to develop and play emerges. Puppies can be wormed again. The first bath will soon be necessary. :)

6 WEEKS - By 6 to 7 weeks of age puppies are eating half wet, half dry, puppy canned food can be given as well as small bite kibble. This is a stressful time for puppies, they need extra bonding from humans. Playing and interacting with littler-mates and humans continues. Puppies usually are using a pee pad to relive themselves.

8 WEEKS - Puppies are weaned to dry kibble and visit vet for their first vaccine. (No Corona, No Lepto). At this time if getting a health certificate the vet will examine them and also give Bordatella (intranasal) and worm them. No puppy should be released any earlier than this time.

10 WEEKS - Puppies are weighed. The weight can be doubled to determine approximate adult weight. Mom teaches bite inhibition during weeks 9 to 10.

12 WEEKS - Puppies get second shot (DHPP).

16 WEEKS - Third and last shot (DHPP) is given. Puppy will need this shot again in one year form this date. Rabies shot can be given at any time after 4 months. Heartworm medication (like Interceptor, or Heartguard Plus) should be started now as a monthly preventative. . Puppies go through several coat changes - puppy coat, adult coat at 12 months to 18 months, (this is the time you REALLY need to be brushing constantly as it can mat) and silkier at age 2 to 3 years and things get easier.

Things to do with your Developing Havanese "COMING SOON!"

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