Week 2 Newborn Puppy Development: What Changes to Expect | Neonate Puppy Care: the First Two Weeks
Week 2 Newborn Puppy Development
Learn what to expect during week 2 puppy development, including eyes opening, feeding, weight gain and behaviour changes.
Week 2 Newborn Puppy Development: What Changes to Expect
The second week of a puppy’s life is a period of rapid development and noticeable change. Puppies begin becoming more responsive to their environment, movement improves, and important developmental milestones start to appear.
While puppies are still fragile during this stage, week 2 is often when breeders begin seeing stronger feeding behaviour, increased activity and more consistent weight gain. If you’re caring for a newborn litter from birth, our Week 1 Newborn Puppy Care Guide covers the critical first days, including warmth, feeding and early monitoring.
Understanding what is normal during this period helps you monitor progress confidently and recognise early warning signs if something isn’t developing as expected.
What Happens During Week 2?
During week 2, puppies continue developing physically and neurologically.
Common changes include
- Eyes beginning to open
- Increased crawling strength and coordination
- More active searching for the mother
- Stronger nursing behaviour
- Continued rapid growth and weight gain
Even though puppies appear stronger, they still rely heavily on warmth, regular feeding and careful monitoring.
Eyes Begin Opening
One of the biggest milestones during week 2 is the opening of the eyes.Most puppies begin opening their eyes between 10 to 14 days of age
This process is gradual and does not happen all at once. One eye may open slightly before the other, and vision remains blurry at first. If you’d like to learn more about what’s normal during this stage, including cloudy eyes, delayed opening and when to be concerned, see our guide on when puppies open their eyes and what to expect during development.
It’s important not to force the eyes open, as this can damage delicate tissue.
Normal eye development:
- Eyes open slowly over several days
- Vision remains limited initially
- Puppies may become more responsive to light and movement
If eyes appear swollen, sticky or infected, veterinary advice should be sought promptly.
Feeding During Week 2
Nutrition remains critical throughout the second week.
Puppies should continue feeding regularly from their mother approximately every 2 to 3 hours. By this stage, feeding is usually stronger and more coordinated than in week 1.
Signs feeding is progressing well
- Puppies settle after feeding
- Strong suckling reflex
- Rounded but not bloated abdomens
- Steady daily weight gain
If supplementation is required, continue using appropriate neonate puppy nutrition and monitor intake carefully using a milk feeding calculation guide.
Puppies that become weak, fail to latch or stop gaining weight should be assessed quickly, as deterioration can still happen rapidly during this stage.
Weight Gain and Growth
Healthy puppies should continue gaining weight steadily every day.
While growth rates vary between breeds and litter sizes, week 2 puppies should
- Feel noticeably stronger
- Appear fuller and more developed
- Show improved muscle tone and movement
Daily weighing using digital scales remains one of the most important monitoring tools.
Lack of weight gain is often the first indication that something is wrong, even before visible symptoms appear.
Tracking weights daily also helps identify
- Puppies falling behind littermates
- Feeding competition issues
- Early illness or dehydration
- Temperature and Environment
Although puppies are becoming slightly more resilient, they still cannot regulate body temperature effectively during week 2.
The ideal environmental temperature is generally around 28 to 30°C
Signs puppies are too cold
- Huddling tightly together
- Weakness or lethargy
- Reduced feeding
Signs puppies may be too warm
- Spreading apart from the litter
- Restlessness
- Increased vocalisation
Using reliable heating & critical care equipment helps maintain a safe and stable environment.
If a puppy becomes chilled, warming should always occur before feeding. See our guide on how to warm a cold puppy safely for step-by-step support.
Behaviour Changes in Week 2
As neurological development continues, puppies begin showing more purposeful behaviour.
You may notice
- Stronger crawling and pushing movements
- Increased vocalisation
- More active searching for teats
- Better coordination within the litter
Puppies still spend most of their time sleeping, but wakeful periods gradually increase.
A healthy litter should appear settled between feeds and respond well to the mother.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Although puppies are stronger by week 2, problems can still develop quickly.
Watch for
- Failure to gain weight
- Weakness or reduced movement
- Constant crying
- Poor feeding or inability to latch
- Cool body temperature
- Swollen or infected eyes
These signs may indicate
- Dehydration
- Infection
- Feeding problems
- Fading puppy syndrome
See our guides on fading puppy syndrome and signs of dehydration in puppies for more detailed information on recognising and responding to these issues.
Supporting the Mother During Week 2
The mother’s health remains extremely important during this stage. She should
- Continue feeding puppies regularly
- Remain calm and attentive
- Eat and drink well
- Produce adequate milk
Monitor for
- Reduced interest in puppies
- Signs of pain or illness
- Red, swollen or painful mammary glands
Any sudden behavioural changes in the mother should be taken seriously, as they can quickly affect the entire litter.
Daily Week 2 Puppy Care Checklist
During week 2, continue
- Monitoring feeding
- Weighing puppies daily
- Checking warmth and environment
- Observing eye development
- Watching for signs of weakness or dehydration
Consistent daily monitoring is one of the best ways to identify problems early.
What Comes Next?
By the end of week 2, puppies are beginning to transition into a more active developmental stage.
Over the following weeks
- Eyes fully open
- Hearing begins developing
- Movement improves rapidly
- Social interaction increases
This is when puppy development becomes much more noticeable from day to day.
Final Thoughts
Week 2 is an exciting stage of puppy development, with stronger movement, improved feeding and the beginning of eye opening. While puppies are becoming more resilient, careful monitoring is still essential, as problems can progress quickly at this age.
If your puppy is still weak, not feeding well, or you’re unsure at any stage, it’s a good idea to check in with your veterinarian to make sure the right support is being provided.
For more newborn puppy survival and care tips, see our full guide: How to Care for Newborn Puppies.