Caring for newborn puppies
Taking on the challenge of newborn pups can be a daunting and stressful task at its worst. Between feeding, bathing and the non-stop crying, it’s somewhat similar to caring for a newborn baby. Many people take on the care of newborn puppies because their female dog became pregnant unexpectedly. If you are in this type of situation for whatever reason, I have a few pointers and tips that should relieve some anxiety you may be feeling.
Before delivery
Caring for these little pups starts even before they are born. Just like a newborn baby, this time in a puppy’s life is absolutely vital. When finding out the mother is pregnant, you want to immediately provide high protein and high fattening foods for the dog. This will help the mother lactate.
After delivery/whelping box
Nourishing the mother still doesn’t stop there. Because the mother is the primary caregiver, it is important that you continue feeding her high protein meals and fattening healthy foods as we have discussed earlier.
After the puppies are born, they will need a whelping box to help them stay safe. The box is guarded with rails and cushion so the mother can run off and not worry about her puppies wandering off into things that can potentially harm them.
Heating
Heating is also an important factor because puppies are not able to sustain heat as newborns on their own. They will need help during their first four weeks of life. You can do this by providing a light bulb near “but not in reach” of the puppies or the mother. If you would like, you can also use a simple heating pad because the light bulb may be too complicated. A heating pad can be placed in the whelping box with temperatures reaching up to 90 degrees with in the first five days of them being born. Between 5-10 days, you can gradually lower the temperature to 85 and a week later to 80. After you have reached the fourth week, the maximum temperature can be up to 75 degrees.
Feeding and nutrition
Puppies, for the first 3 1/2 weeks, should only be feeding from the mother’s milk. Owners have no need to interfere with feeding process unless you are feeding them through a bottle.
After 3 1/2 weeks, the puppies should start to be weaned off of the mother’s milk gradually and slowly. You can first start introducing them to a mildly watery dish mixed with the mother’s milk, water and mashed dog food. Gradually decrease the watery dish over time, and by the seventh week, introduce them to a more solid dog food.
Medical and health
To make sure these puppies are in excellent health, be sure to get them their shots for vaccinations and de-worming. During their second, fourth, sixth and eighth week, the puppies should be introduced to around-the-clock checkups and shots from their veterinarian. Also, be sure to weigh your puppies to see if they are gaining any weight, as they should be. This can simply be done at home on a daily basis with a regular scale.