Puppy Care Schedule for Bloodlines Kennel Club Breeders

Age-Based Timeline

Birth to 2 Weeks (Neonatal Period)

·         Feeding: Mother's milk only, every 2 hours. Bottle feed orphaned pups with milk replacer (every 2–3 hours).

·         Temperature: Keep whelping box at 85-90°F first week, then gradually lower.

·         Housekeeping: Change bedding daily. Clean pups gently with a damp cloth if soiled.

·         Handling: Minimal. Touch only for weighing (daily) and health checks.

·         Health:

o        Monitor for birth defects.

o        Dewclaw removal (if desired): Day 2–5.

·         Recordkeeping: Start individual puppy charts (weight, milestones, health notes).

2 to 4 Weeks (Transitional Period)

·         Feeding: Begin weaning around week 3 with gruel (puppy food + milk replacer). Nurse as needed.

·         Housekeeping: Introduce a separate potty area using pee pads or litter.

·         Socialization: Begin gentle handling, introduce mild sounds (radio, clapping).

·         Health:

o        Deworming #1: 2 weeks (Pyrantel pamoate or similar).

o        Monitor for worms, diarrhea, and signs of fading puppy syndrome.

4 to 6 Weeks

·         Feeding: Solid food 4 times daily. Continue reducing nursing.

·         Vaccines:

o        DA2P (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus) – First dose at 6 weeks.

·         Deworming #2: 4 weeks.

·         Housekeeping: Clean up after every feeding. Introduce outdoor potty if weather permits.

·         Socialization: Introduce toys, crate time (short), sounds (vacuum, TV), other stable dogs.

·         Identification: Consider microchipping or collar tagging for larger litters.

·         Vet Visit: First health check if not done at birth.

6 to 8 Weeks

·         Feeding: 3–4 meals per day (high-quality puppy kibble or raw with vet guidance).

·         Vaccines:

o        DA2P #2 at 8 weeks. (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus)

·         Deworming #3: 6 weeks.

·         Housekeeping: Begin crate training and consistent outdoor potty schedule.

·         Socialization:

o        Short car rides.

o        Exposure to various textures, people, sounds.

·         Temperament testing: Begin evaluations for placement.

8 to 10 Weeks

·         Feeding: 3 meals/day.

·         Vaccines:

o        Bordetella (optional, for boarding/travel).

·         Deworming #4: 8 weeks.

·         Health:

o        Vet health check required before sending pups to homes.

o        Issue health certificates and first vaccination record.

·         Placement:

o        BKC registration paperwork prepared for new owners.

o        Puppy contract and return policy provided.

o        Suggested age for release: After 8 weeks, ideal around 9–10 weeks for social development.

10 to 12 Weeks

·         Feeding: 3 meals/day.

·         Vaccines:

o        DA2P #3  (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus)

o        Leptospirosis (first dose) – if recommended in your area.

·         Socialization: Begin puppy kindergarten, if vaccinated enough.

·         Training: Sit, leash walking, crate, and name recognition.

12 to 16 Weeks

·         Feeding: 2–3 meals/day.

·         Vaccines:

o        Rabies: 12–16 weeks (legal requirement).

o        Leptospirosis #2 if first given at 10–12 weeks.(Check with your Vet.)

·         Housekeeping:

o        Begin reducing potty breaks as bladder strengthens.

·         Registration: Encourage owners to complete kennel club registration and schedule neuter/spay consults if desired.

·         Behavior: Monitor for fear periods and reinforce positive training.

 Housekeeping Routine for Kennel Breeders

·         Daily:

o        Clean bedding and feeding bowls.

o        Disinfect potty areas.

o        Check pups for injuries, parasites, and hygiene.

·         Weekly:

o        Sanitize whelping box and common play areas.

o        Wash toys and rotate.

o        Weigh and record each pup.

·         Monthly:

o        Deep-clean kennels, change HVAC filters (if indoor).

 BKC Paperwork & Best Practices

·         Maintain:

o        Pedigree records (3–5 generation minimum).

o        Health clearances of sire/dam (OFA, CERF, etc.).

o        Individual puppy files (weight, vaccines, deworming, microchip).

·         Issue:

o        Limited or full BKC registration papers with sale.

o        Puppy take-home pack (food sample, toy, vaccination record, contract).

·         Follow ethical guidelines for breeding: no earlier than 2 years old for sires/dams, no more than 1 litter/year recommended for dams.