Hello just a quick question. We have put a deposit on a Bullmastiff puppy, The bitch had a caesarean a week earlier so effectively they are 1 week premature! Do we take the puppy home at 8 weeks! Being that really it should only be 7 weeks cos it was 1 wk premature (if that makes sense?) They are all eating very well and look happy and lively! Any advise would be great?
thank you pinky

I don't think it works that way, Pinky :)
Fetal development was a week behind. So I'd think that even though they have been out of the womb for 7 weeks, their bodies are still at the equivalent of six weeks of a normal birthed puppy. Of course, I could be wrong. Still, why the rush? It's not unhealthy for them to stay at mum and sibs a week longer. And might even help out in the long run :)

Another story problem for the doggy math quiz--- the mind boggles ;) :D

hi my litter was a week prem oct12,a litter of flatcoated retrievers,so they will be going at 8 week from they birth date the 12,like you say they will only be 7 seven week if born on the 18 which was the right date,all the new owners are happy for me to keep the puppies untill they are 8 week and they will get a health check from the vet before they go as well,hope this help,but i had a added problem mum went down with kennel cough a week aftre the puppie were born but finger cross they are doing well.
good luck wuth your new puppy.

Hello Briedog
Right now i am completely confused (late at night) Your puppies born on the 12 oct will be 8 weeks from there actual birthdate when they go to new homes. You are not counting them from the 18th oct which is when when they should have been born!
My puppy was born on the 8th of Sept and we should be collecting them on the 8th Nov at that time he would of been born into this would 8 weeks. So that would be acceptable for him to come home with us??? AHHHHHHHHH!!!
Thank you
pinky

It is like with people. The average gestation for a h8uman is 40 weeks, but a baby is full term from 37 weeks getation. puppies are considered fully cooked if born a week either side of their due date.

Real premature pups would just not survive!!!

Thank you brainless!!!!!! Now that has sunk in!! mind you it is earlier on in the day1 not late at night!!!!!
thank you again
Pinky