My Puppy Sleeps a lot and hasn't pooped since I got him

by Damaris
(Louisville, KY)

I just a puppy yesterday and he's only 5 weeks old. The mother stopped feeding her puppies milk so the owners changed their diet to water and dry food.

When I got it yesterday I went to a pet supermarket and asked what I could feed a 5 week old puppy. They said to feed it with a puppy formula in a bottle made for puppies. I have been feeding it both the puppy formula and I have wet the dry food to make it easier for him to eat.

Today he's been sleeping a lot and he hasn't pooped. Could you please help me to see what I can do to help him get better.

Thank you.



Hi Damaris
At 5 weeks old, your puppy is able to eat dry puppy food (soaking it in warm water as you're doing can make it more appetizing) and lap water. You really don't need to be feeding him formula, or using a bottle.

Although he's old enough to be weaned, he shouldn't have left his momma until he was at least 8 weeks old, as he's still a very young baby. Puppies learn a lot of their 'social skills' during the time they're with their canine families, and behavior issues such as fearfulness and excessive nipping can often be seen in pups taken from their mom's too early.

If it's possible to let him spend a few more weeks with his momma and siblings, I would recommend that. If that's not possible though, you just need to realize that he's very young, and will need extra love and care.

Young puppies sleep A LOT, they're like human babies and need lots of naps. It usually goes something like this - wake up, potty break, eat, nap, potty break, play, nap, potty break, eat, play, nap..... you get the picture!

As long as your puppy seems happy, has period of playful activity, and is eating and drinking without suffering from repeated diarrhea or vomiting, I wouldn't worry about the sleeping. It's normal. It's often worse in the first week after a puppy comes to their new home, it's a reaction to the stress of the move and homesickness.

It's also not unusual for a puppy to 'hold' his elimination (this is reflexive and due to stress, not a conscious decision on his part), for a while. Again it's just a reaction to the move. When his anxiety lessens, you'll see his true personality show up and he will sleep less, and likely eliminate a lot more!

A young puppy like this is very susceptible to infection or disease so make sure he gets his vaccinations as soon as possible - usually the first ones are given at around 7 weeks of age.

As you're a new puppy owner, you will probably find my New Puppy Care page helpful. It has tons of tips and advice on caring for a new puppy.

Best of luck!