At what age should puppies typically be weaned from their mother?

Puppies are typically weaned from their mother around 4 to 5 weeks of age. At this stage, they begin to transition from relying solely on their mother's milk to consuming solid food. The gradual introduction of solid food during this period helps puppies develop their digestive systems and learn essential eating behaviors.

Weaning too early, for instance at 2 to 3 weeks, can negatively impact a puppy's health as they may not receive sufficient nutrients and antibodies from their mother's milk, which are crucial for their immune development. Waiting until 6 to 7 weeks or even 8 to 10 weeks can also be excessive, as by this time, puppies are usually ready to be fully independent from their mother and may benefit from being transitioned to new homes or environments, thus starting their new life experiences.

Therefore, 4 to 5 weeks is generally considered the ideal timeframe for weaning, allowing for a balance between nutritional needs and socialization in developing puppies.