During which stage are puppies born blind, deaf, and without teeth, unable to regulate body temperature?

• A. Neonatal Stage (0 to 2 weeks)
• B. Transitional Stage (2 to 4 weeks)
• C. Socialization Stage (3 to 12 weeks)
• D. First Fear Period (8 to 11 weeks)

Answer: (A)

During the neonatal stage, puppies are born blind, deaf, and without teeth, and they cannot regulate their body temperature. This period lasts roughly from birth to two weeks and is all about basic needs: nursing, staying warm, and growing. Eyes stay closed, ears are undeveloped, and tooth eruption hasn’t begun yet, so pups rely completely on their dam and littermates for warmth and nutrition. Sensory development starts after this stage—eyes typically open around 10 to 14 days, ears open a bit later, and teeth begin to erupt around 3 to 4 weeks. The transitional stage marks the start of some sensory function and mobility, the socialization stage involves learning from people and other dogs, and the first fear period occurs later as pups encounter new stimuli. The description in the question matches the neonatal stage because those capabilities are not present yet.