Puppy Care Guide: Week by Week
Post Date:
July 18, 2024
(Date Last Modified: November 13, 2025)
Week-by-week notes on routine puppy care, development, health checks, and behavior milestones to support safe growth and learning.
Weeks 0–2: Birth & Neonatal Care
Newborn puppies typically need an ambient temperature of about 85–90°F (29–32°C) during the first week and around 80°F (27°C) by the second week to maintain normal body heat[1].
Keep bedding dry and clean and minimize handling during the first 48 hours except for necessary maternal support, with caregivers observing nursing frequency and warm, unobstructed access to the dam[1].
If puppies are not nursing, provide warmed puppy formula using the manufacturer’s directions, and offer small volumes frequently rather than large single feedings to reduce aspiration risk[1].
Warning signs that require immediate attention include persistent crying, failure to gain weight, cool extremities or labored breathing, and a lack of coordinated suckling; any of these findings warrant veterinary evaluation[1].
Weeks 3–4: Sensory Development & Early Handling
Puppy eyes typically open between about 10–14 days and ears begin to function around 14–21 days, marking the start of visual and auditory learning windows[2].
During this period, short, gentle handling sessions of 1–2 minutes several times per day help habituate puppies to touch without overstimulating them[2].
Encouraging supervised littermate play in a safe space supports motor skill development and bite inhibition, with caregivers intervening to stop overly rough behavior while allowing self‑directed social learning[2].
Weeks 5–6: Weaning & Introduction to Solid Food
Begin a gradual weaning schedule at about 4–6 weeks by offering a gruel made from puppy food moistened with warm water or formula and transitioning texture over 7–10 days[3].
Offer three to four small meals per day during active weaning to meet energy needs while the gastrointestinal tract adapts, monitoring stool consistency and appetite[3].
Track body weight daily or every other day during weaning and consult a veterinarian if a puppy is not gaining weight steadily or develops persistent diarrhea[3].
Weeks 7–8: Home Transition, First Vet Visit & Preventive Care Start
Most adoption placements occur around 7–8 weeks, at which point a first veterinary exam should confirm general health, vaccination status, and deworming needs[4].
Initial core vaccinations commonly start at 6–8 weeks with follow-up boosters at intervals recommended by the veterinarian based on local disease risk and vaccine type[4].
Begin crate introduction with short, positive sessions and use the crate for naps and overnight sleeping; start with 15–30 minute comfortable periods and gradually increase duration to promote calm settling[4].
Microchipping at the first vet visit provides permanent identification and should be recorded in the adoption paperwork and local registries as applicable[4].
Weeks 9–12: Intensive Socialization & Early Training Foundations
The socialization window from about 7–12 weeks is a high‑priority period for controlled exposure to varied people, surfaces, sounds, and friendly, vaccinated animals to reduce later fearfulness[5].
Short, positive reinforcement training sessions of 3–5 minutes multiple times daily introduce cues such as name recognition, sit, and gentle handling for grooming[5].
Safe puppy classes that require proof of appropriate vaccination timing and that emphasize reward‑based methods are recommended for supervised social play and skill building[5].
Weeks 13–16: House-training, Crate Work & Basic Obedience
Establish a consistent potty schedule with trips outside immediately after waking, after play, and after meals, aiming for 30–60 minute intervals by day as control improves[6].
Handle accidents calmly with prompt cleanup and continued reinforcement of outdoor elimination; expect variable progress and celebrate clear successes to shape behavior[6].
Practice short training blocks of 5–10 minutes for cues such as sit, come, and leave it, using high‑value treats or praise and gradually increasing distractions[6].
Weeks 17–24: Teething, Nutrition Changes & Exercise Guidelines
Teething typically begins around 3–4 months and peaks near 5–6 months, so provide durable chew toys and frozen textured chews to reduce oral discomfort and destructive chewing[1].
Transition to adult or growth‑phase diets between about 6–12 months depending on breed size and growth rate, with portion adjustments based on regular weight checks and body condition scoring[1].
Limit repetitive high‑impact exercise for large‑breed puppies and follow age‑and-size–appropriate guidelines such as short walks and play sessions rather than long runs until growth plates close[1].
Weeks 25–36: Adolescence, Behavior Shifts & Advanced Socialization
Adolescence commonly begins around 6 months and can extend to 18 months or longer in larger breeds, and owners should expect testing of boundaries and occasional regression in obedience during this phase[2].
Maintain consistent rules, reinforce impulse control with games like “wait” and “leave it,” and continue supervised social exposures to prevent fear or reactivity from developing[2].
Discuss the optimal timing for spay/neuter with your veterinarian, considering breed, size, and individual health factors rather than a single universal age[2].
Health Monitoring & Preventive Care Timeline
Core puppy vaccine series often start at 6–8 weeks with boosters every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks, followed by a 1‑year booster and subsequent intervals guided by risk and product labeling[7].
A standard deworming schedule commonly treats puppies at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age and then as advised by the veterinarian based on fecal results and exposure risk[7].
For fluid dosing in illness, a maintenance guideline often used in practice is approximately 60–80 mL/kg/day for healthy puppies, with adjustments made by a clinician based on hydration and clinical status[7].
| Age (weeks) | Vaccine action | Deworming | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6–8 | Begin core vaccine series | Initial deworm | Exam and microchip recommended |
| 10–12 | Booster vaccine | Repeat deworm | Begin socialization classes as allowed |
| 14–16 | Final puppy vaccine series booster | As directed by vet | Pre-adult vaccine scheduling and spay/neuter discussion |
Grooming, Safety & Home Preparation
Start gentle grooming routines early by handling paws, ears, and mouth briefly for 1–2 minutes daily to build tolerance for future nail trims and ear checks[6].
Keep bath frequency low for very young puppies and use lukewarm water around 90–100°F (32–38°C) and a mild, puppy‑formulated cleanser only when needed to avoid skin dryness[6].
- Recommended essentials: appropriately sized crate, non‑restrictive harness, a variety of safe chew toys, food and water bowls, and a comfortable bed[6].
Troubleshooting Common Issues & When to Seek Help
Separation anxiety signs include prolonged whining, destructive behavior, or elimination when left alone and often respond to gradual desensitization and counterconditioning with professional support as needed[5].
Persistent vomiting, bloody diarrhea, sudden lethargy, or rapid breathing are red flags that require immediate veterinary attention rather than home remedies[1].
If housetraining stalls despite consistent routines, consult a certified trainer or behaviorist for an individualized plan rather than increasing punishment, which can worsen problems[5].
Sources
- merckvetmanual.com — Merck Veterinary Manual. merckvetmanual.com
- wsava.org — World Small Animal Veterinary Association. wsava.org
- aaha.org — American Animal Hospital Association clinical resources. aaha.org
- avma.org — American Veterinary Medical Association. avma.org
- aspca.org — American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals behavior resources. aspca.org
- vcahospitals.com — VCA Hospitals pet health resources. vcahospitals.com
- cdc.gov — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, zoonotic and parasite guidance. cdc.gov
