When Do Puppies Start Walking and When Can They Be Rehomed?

Puppies typically start walking around 21 days after birth, although they may be wobbly at first. By about one month old, most puppies can walk quite steadily. It's generally best to rehome puppies after they are 30 to 45 days old. At this age, they are usually weaned, which makes caring for them significantly easier than for unweaned puppies.

While puppies may start attempting to walk around 21 days, their gait isn't very stable at this early stage. Their bones and muscles are still developing and not yet strong enough for consistent balance and coordination. Puppies generally open their eyes around 15 days of age. Before this, many of their bodily systems are still developing, so they rely solely on their mother's milk and attentive care from their humans. Providing warmth is crucial during this early period to support their healthy development.

At this early stage, it's beneficial to consider supplementing the puppy's diet with calcium to prevent potential bone issues. However, extra precaution needs to be taken to keep them safe as a fall from any height can be dangerous. After about one month, puppies can walk much more steadily. At this age, owners should continue to be vigilant about their skeletal development and seek veterinary advice if they notice any unusual movements or behaviors. This close monitoring will help ensure the puppy grows up strong and healthy.

When Can Puppies Leave Their Mother and Be Rehomed?

Generally, puppies can leave their mother's care around 30 days of age, assuming they are eating solid food and no longer rely on their mother’s milk for nutrition. Some puppies, particularly those with weaker immune systems or who are reluctant to eat solid food, might need to remain with their mothers for closer to 40 days before rehoming. It is not advisable to prolong the puppy’s access to the mother’s milk for an extended period, as this may deplete the mother dog’s calcium levels and nutritional stores. Ensuring a smooth weaning process and appropriate timing for rehoming is crucial for both the puppies' and the mother's well-being. A puppy that is fully weaned and eating solid food is healthier and easier to care for.Free access here:Pet Grooming