Reproduction
Mating and Reproduction Information
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How many babies does a dog have?
A female dog usually has 10 teats, though this does not mean she can necessarily provide sufficient nutrition for 10 puppies in one litter. An average litter consists of about five to six puppies, though this number may vary widely based on the breed of dog. Size of the breed is correlated with litter size.
2. Gestation period :
58-68 days
3. How long the puppy should be with the mother
Length of Time
To ensure the emergence of happy, healthy and successful adult canines, puppies should remain alongside their mother dogs until they reach between 8 and 10 weeks old, advises ASPCA Professional. This time frame also applies to the littermates. Playtime with the siblings is key to proper puppy development.
Weaning
If puppies for any reason have been separated from their mothers before finishing weaning, then it is necessary for their new caretakers to immediately begin bottle-feeding them using puppy formula purchased from a pet supplies retailer. Puppies, for the most part, are ready to start eating solid foods on a full-time basis once they're around 7 weeks old, notes The Merck Veterinary Manual. It is important for puppies to stay with their mothers at least until they are all through with weaning. However, in certain situations, that may not be realistic -- such as in the event of the mother dog's illness.