It was about two AM, when beneath our bed new puppy we'd brought home from pound just a month earlier began screaming.

Not yipping or whining -- this was kind of agonized screams that'll stand your hair up on end. Our cute, playful new puppy was being eaten alive from inside.

He had worms, even though he'd received all right shots just a few weeks before.

Now he was dying, right there under our bed, and we weren't able to save him. The worms were just too advanced.

He had been a happy little guy, playful and filled with fun. So that night -- and those screams -- have stayed with me a very long time.

An experience like that will change your attitude fast. It sure changed mine. Up till then I'd been a bit cavalier about health care for my pets.

However, dog worms are serious business. They need to be treated as soon as possible. And even if you're not sure, get your dog tested anyway, just to be safe. Being safe is far better than listening helplessly to your dog die in night.

But humans, not being dogs, can sometimes forget natural part, and get confused about it.

Fact is, weaning puppies is an easy, logical process.

When you're ready to begin weaning your new puppies, keep in mind that this should be done gradually, in small steps. You can’t rush it, and you definitely don't want to begin when puppies are too young.

Sometimes people get impatient and try to begin weaning puppies before they're three weeks old. That's too early. Their bodies need to develop ability to handle solid food, and that takes time. Wait three weeks -- it's not really so long.

The first step in weaning process is to take mother away from puppies at least an hour before it’s time for them to eat. This gives puppies a chance to get good and hungry. They'll be more inclined to try new, alternative food you offer them.