Last week we brought home an adorable 8-week-old puppy. Since we lost our black Lab, Stetson, a little over a year ago, this is our first puppy. This time we got a female Labrador puppy. Exciting times ahead! .
This is not our first rodeo. We have actually raised a large number of puppies, primarily Labrador and Golden Retrievers.
But this is the first time we’ll provide a thorough explanation of what to anticipate from an 8-week-old puppy.
QUICK RECOMMENDATION: The Calmeroos Puppy Toy with Heartbeat and Heat Packs is our top pick for new dog owners. It mimics a puppy’s littermate, making your dog more at ease in her new home.
How many hours a day does a puppy sleep?
A 12-week-old puppy can sleep anywhere between 18 and 20 hours per day, whereas a newborn puppy can sleep up to 20 to 22 hours per day. Even at three months old, a puppy can still sleep for up to 15 hours every day. As a puppy gets older, he will sleep less.
8-Week-Old Puppies: What to Expect
Most puppies are only a small portion of their adult height, length, and weight at 8 weeks old. In general, between birth and six months of age, puppies grow quickly. Their breed and nutrition during their formative years will determine how much they grow.
Puppies will have all 28 of their baby teeth when they are 8 weeks old, and they may have even started to erupt their first adult teeth, the front incisors.
Puppies are more perceptive and interested in their surroundings at 8 weeks old. Despite being able to learn, they have a very limited attention span. Owners ought to keep a variety of straightforward toys for their puppies to explore. As they gradually learn to play independently, puppies will also engage in rough and tumble play with their littermates. To ensure successful socialization, it is crucial for puppies to interact with people and animals of different ages, sizes, and shapes at this stage. Puppies should be given the freedom to adapt to new situations, sights, sounds, and sensations as they see fit.
Most puppies are clumsy around this age. After all, most infants only learn to walk at three weeks and run at five weeks. Their growing gross motor abilities enable them to run, play, and “hunt.” â Their fine motor skills will come later. Puppies also learn to jump up at this stage. If the puppy continues to want to jump on everyone they meet as an adult, this natural behavior could develop into an unwanted one. By rewarding good behavior with treats and other forms of positive reinforcement, owners can start to reduce unwanted jumping.
Puppies that are 8 weeks old have a very fine, baby-type coat that sheds very little. The best way for puppies to become more accustomed to the experience of being groomed is with brief brushing sessions. At this age, puppies’ muzzles start to lengthen, and, in some breeds, their ears start to stand up.
Puppies that are 8 weeks old sleep 18 to 22 hours per day on average. They eat, play, and go potty for the remainder of the day.
Puppies that are 8 weeks old should have at least had their first round of vaccinations. The typical vaccine is a “combination” that guards against the four viruses that cause canine parvovirus, canine hepatitis, parainfluenza, and distemper (the four viruses are collectively referred to as DHPP). Numerous veterinarians also advise including protection from coronavirus (DHLPPC) and possibly leptospirosis (DHLPP) in this vaccination. In addition, depending on a pet’s environment and level of activity, a Lyme disease vaccination may be advised. Individual states may also have animal vaccination laws to consider.
Fecal examination is the microscopic inspection of stool for parasites, which can be done to determine which worms are present or to confirm whether there are any.
For puppies who are at risk, heartworm prevention is crucial, and it should typically begin before they are six months old.
Veterinarians may suggest a range of potential anti-pest treatments.
The majority of puppies wean between 6 and 8 weeks of age, at which point they stop nursing and start eating solid food. A 2-month-old puppy should consume four meals a day of premium puppy food designed for dogs of their size.
Puppies need almost twice as many calories as adult dogs do based on body weight. A 2-month-old puppy’s calorie requirements depend on their size, level of activity, and weight.
The following are the approximate calorie needs for the various breed sizes:
For advice on a puppy’s diet and nutrition, it’s also a good idea for new pet owners to speak with their veterinarian.
How much should I feed my 8 week old Labrador Retriever puppy?
Here is what and how much we feed Elsa, our Lab puppy who is eight weeks old:
Every puppy is unique, so you should feed them according to your judgment and what you believe is best for them.
You should give your puppy more food as it gets bigger. For more details, see this article: Feeding Your Labrador Puppy.
FAQ
How big should a puppy be at 8 weeks?
Number of WeeksApproximate Weight813-39 oz.121-3 lbs.161-4 lbs.181 Puppy Weight Chart Template for Toy Dogs 5-5 lbs.
What should I expect from my 8 week old puppy?
Puppies that are 8 weeks old have a very fine, baby-type coat that sheds very little. The best way for puppies to become more accustomed to the experience of being groomed is with brief brushing sessions. At this age, puppies’ muzzles start to lengthen, and in some breeds, ears start to stand up.
How big will a 10 pound 8 week old puppy get?
How Can I Tell if My Mixed Breed Puppy Is Small, Medium, or Large? AgeToy dog weight in ouncesMedium dog weight in pounds8 weeks11 – 39 oz4 – 8 lbs9 weeks12 – 42 oz4 – 12 lbs 5 – 9 lbs, 10 weeks, 13 – 45 oz, 5 – 10 lbs, 11 weeks, and 14 – 49 oz 5 – 11 lbs.
How can I estimate my dog’s size?
For instance, the Wisdom PanelTM veterinarians advise using the following formula: To estimate your dog’s adult weight, multiply their weight at four months of age by two. So, if your dog weighs 15 lb. At four months, they may weigh around 30 lb as adults. (give or take a few pounds).