Q&A for How to Care for an 8 Week Old Puppy

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  • Question
    My 8-week old, who is a rescue, has terrible dandruff and itching. Any ideas on what we can use? (He's vaccinated but not as much as he will be over the next couple of weeks.)
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    I would get the vet to check the puppy for cheyletiella, (a mite with the nickname "walking dandruff".) This mite looks like dandruff and causes extreme itchiness.
  • Question
    Should I use one puppy pad for my puppy so that it's a dedicated spot for it to go?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Ideally take the puppy outside to a toilet spot if this is where you want him to go. However, if you are in an apartment and going outside is difficult, then a puppy pad is fine.
  • Question
    What should an 8 week old puppy eat?
    Jason.Kelly
    Community Answer
    Puppy food that is high in protein. Depending on the breed, you can soften it in puppy milk. You should ask your veterinarian for specifics.
  • Question
    I've got an 8-week-old pup and all he wants is my attention. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Give him attention but also sit next to other people. Let the puppy sniff the other person and let him or her pet him.
  • Question
    Can you collapse a part of their neck if you accidentally pull too hard on the collar?
    Community Answer
    With an 8 week old, it's definitely a hazard! Don't do it! It hurts the dog, and it isnt a proper way of grabbing a pet anyway.
  • Question
    Do dogs understand their names?
    Community Answer
    Yes, they should if you train them well enough. Be sure to be rewarding with their training. Use their name when giving out commands, such as, "Buster, come here," as well as using hand motions if your dog is more stubborn.
  • Question
    Can you suggest any brands?
    Community Answer
    Blue Buffalo Dry Food for Puppies, CANIDAE All Life Stages Formula, Nature's Balance.
  • Question
    My 8-week-old puppy still has loose stools. Is there anything I can give him to help his stools start to form?
    Community Answer
    You can give him pumpkin puree. if that doesn't work, take him to the vet.
  • Question
    I'm planning on getting a Maltese puppy. How old should it be before I separate it from the mother?
    RAEGAN SCANLAN
    Community Answer
    Before taking a puppy away from its mother, it should be at least 8 weeks old.
  • Question
    Can an 8 week old puppy be given a left over cooked t bone to chew on?
    Community Answer
    No. Avoid giving the puppy table food. This will lead to begging when the puppy is older, and the bone can also be a choking hazard to the puppy if it splinters.
  • Question
    What should I do while im at school?
    Community Answer
    Ask a friend or family member to stop by to feed, let out, and play with your puppy. Puppies at this age have to go to the bathroom at least every 3 hours and they need 4 feedings per day, so you cannot leave a puppy alone for more than a few hours at a time.
  • Question
    My eight-week-old puppy is still nursing, and the mother hasn't weaned him. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    Wrap the mother's midsection in a blanket or towel, or put some pet clothes on her, so the puppy can't get to the nipples. Also, make sure he is getting enough to eat without the mother's milk.
  • Question
    How do I help my puppy to grow if it has not been growing?
    Community Answer
    If you suspect your puppy is not growing at a normal rate, take him/her to the vet. They will be able to diagnose any potential medical problems and advise you on what to do next, i.e. change its diet, give it supplements, etc.
  • Question
    Is an 8 week old German shepherd as playful as an adult one?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the individual puppy, but generally, younger dogs actually have more energy than adult dogs, so puppies can often be more playful.
  • Question
    How can I treat sneezing in my ten day old puppy?
    Community Answer
    Take the puppy to see a veterinarian to find out why it is sneezing. If the puppy is sick, it will need veterinary care to get better.
  • Question
    Can I bathe my 8-week-old puppy?
    Community Answer
    It is safe to give your 8-week-old puppy a bath, just remember to use puppy shampoo and make sure the water isn't too hot or cold.
  • Question
    I have a Boston terrier and a pug. The Boston terrier is feisty around other dogs if he doesn’t know them. We just got our 8 week old Maltese. How do we introduce the Maltese to the other two dogs?
    Community Answer
    First, introduce the puppy to the dog that is less aggressive (in this case, the pug) in a room separate from the other dog. Then, once the dog accepts the puppy and the puppy accepts the dog, introduce the Boston terrier to puppy with the less aggressive dog by its side.
  • Question
    First time dog owner––are there any tips to help a 8 week pup for the first week in a new home? How long does it take for him to be okay to sleep on his own at night?
    Smartie0310
    Community Answer
    It will take quite a while for a puppy to adjust, but you can put your puppy in a tight crate or a cozy play pen. Most people think that this is a punishment for puppies, but actually it makes them feel safe and comfortable.
  • Question
    Can I bathe my puppy at 8 weeks?
    Smartie0310
    Community Answer
    Try to hold it off until they are at least 4 months old. At a young age, their skin and ears are extremely vulnerable to water and they can get infections. But on the other hand, you don't want your puppy to get fleas, so if you have an messy puppy, make sure to be very careful while bathing it.
  • Question
    What do I do if my puppy won't eat sometimes and I have to push the food down?
    Community Answer
    Do not push the food down. A healthy puppy will eat when it’s hungry, may not be when you want it too. Have fresh water available and softened puppy food.
  • Question
    I work 8 hours a day. Will my 8 week puppy be okay?
    Community Answer
    No, as puppies cannot be left alone for 8 hours. The most is 2-3 hours tops. Have someone dogsit during the hours you're not there; maybe drop it off at another family member's house.
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