Beagle Puppies

Raising Beagle Puppies

Beagle puppies can be a lot of fun to raise. From birth the time of weaning a lot of things are happening as their bodies develop quickly.

Beagles are usually born about 2 to 14 puppies to a litter. Where is what to expect the first several weeks of a beagles life.

Week 1:

Beagle puppies spend most of their time sleeping and only about 10% of their time eating. During their first week of life their bodies are still rapidly developing. Most of this happens in the nervous system. It is very important that they are kept warm and their mother provides milk when they desire it.

Week 2:

Eyes open: 8-14 days (depends a lot on the breed)

Ears open: 13-18 days (again depends on breed)

Puppies are continuing to develop and still spend most of their time sleeping. At this point continue to make sure they stay warm.

Week 3:

During week three the teeth should start to erupt and they should be standing up and walking. They are more aware of their environment and start to explore. Their sense of smell starts to develop at this time.

Week 4:

Puppies should start to eat food and drink on their own. Their coordination is really developed now and they continue to explore their environment.

Week 5:

Dominance and pack order should develop now as their growth really starts to accelerate and they are becoming more social. Group activities are increasing. At this time you should start to wean them off by offering more and more food and water or milk replacer.

Week 6:

They are greatly developed socially as they being to enter adolescence. Also soon they should be weaned if they arenÕt already.

The series of puppy shots should be started now under your veterinarians discretion.

The puppy shot is called DHPP, it stands for Distemper, hepatitis, parvo, and parainfluenza. The puppies will need these shots repeated every 3 to 4 weeks until they are 4 months old.

Week 8:

Now is the time to sell the puppies if you are going to, or buying them. If you buy or sell puppies too early you are asking for problems. Puppies should be fully weaned and given the first set of vaccinations before being transferred.

Month 4:

Now is the time to get vaccinated for rabies. Only a veterinarian is allowed to give the rabies vaccination. Also it is required by law to have your dog vaccinated.

By following this time line for beagle puppies you and know what to expect when raising puppies.

Learn more about Training Beagle Puppies.