What do puppies need when they are first born?
Newborn puppies need warmth, proper nutrition from their mother's milk or a replacer, hygiene, gentle handling, regular weight checks, and veterinary care.
Essential Care for Newborn Puppies: What They Need After Birth
Caring for newborn puppies is a delicate process that demands attention, patience, and awareness. These first few weeks of life are critical to their development and long-term health. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your puppies receive the proper care they need.
1. Warmth and Temperature Control
- Newborn puppies cannot regulate their body temperature until they are about 3–4 weeks old.
- Maintain the whelping box temperature at 29–32°C (85–90°F) initially.
- Gradually reduce the heat each week until reaching room temperature by the fourth week.
- Provide a cooler area within the box so puppies can move if they become too warm.
- Acceptable heat sources include heat lamps and carefully monitored heating pads.
2. Nutrition and Feeding
- Mother’s milk, especially the colostrum produced in the first days, is vital for transferring antibodies and nutrients.
- Newborns should nurse about every two hours during the first week.
- If orphaned or if the mother cannot nurse, use a commercial puppy milk replacer (never cow’s milk).
3. Cleanliness and Stimulation
- The mother helps maintain hygiene by licking the puppies and cleaning the whelping area.
- Newborns cannot eliminate on their own; the mother’s licking stimulates urination and defecation.
- If the mother is absent, use a soft, moist cloth to gently rub the genital area after meals.
- Keep bedding clean and dry to avoid infections.
4. Minimal Handling and Early Monitoring
- Avoid excessive handling during the first few weeks to allow maternal bonding and reduce disease risk.
- Inspect puppies at birth for any physical defects like cleft palate.
- Weigh puppies at birth, 12 and 24 hours later, and daily for the first two weeks.
- Healthy puppies should steadily gain weight; by day 10, they generally double their birth weight.
5. Developmental Milestones
- Eyes open between 8–14 days after birth.
- Ears open around the third week.
- By 3–4 weeks, puppies begin walking, playing, and teething.
6. Weaning and Introduction to Solid Food
- Start weaning at 3–4 weeks using moistened puppy food with water or milk replacer.
- The transition to solid food completes around 6–8 weeks.
- Begin introducing water in shallow dishes from week 3.
7. Veterinary Care and Parasite Control
- Deworm puppies starting at 2 weeks, repeating every two weeks until they are 8 weeks old.
- The first veterinary checkup for mother and puppies should occur within 48 hours of birth.
- Begin vaccinations at approximately 6 weeks as advised by your vet.
8. Warning Signs to Watch For
- In the mother: abnormal discharge, swollen nipples, neglecting pups, or fever may require prompt veterinary attention.
- In puppies: poor nursing, coldness, weak response, diarrhea, or no weight gain signal a medical concern.
Conclusion
Providing the right environment and attentive care during a puppy’s first few weeks is critical for their lifelong wellbeing. Always consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure about a puppy's development or health. With proper warmth, food, hygiene, and monitoring, your puppies will be well on their way to becoming healthy, happy dogs.
