Care of Newborn Puppies

By Shannon Wakeland

Instructions

Whelping Box

Step 1:
Purchase a whelping box for the mother and her newborn puppies. The box will keep the puppies warm and may prevent any illnesses from occurring. This will also keep the mother close to her puppies when she is needed, which will be often in the first few days. Although most puppies will wiggle close to the mother for warmth, a whelping box equipped with electric bulbs set at 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, will add even further protection against becoming chilled. Once the puppies reach five to 10 days old, the temperature can be reduced to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. At four weeks of age, a comfortable temperature is 75 degree Fahrenheit.

Cleanliness

Step 1:
Clean the whelping box daily. Use fresh towels, blankets or newspapers for easy cleanup. Newspapers may be easier to work with. Prepare ahead of time and save old newspapers, or ask friends and family members to store any newspapers they may acquire. Although the mother will take care of the elimination needs of the newborn puppies, the environment in the box should be attended to and cleaned as often as possible. Once the box is cleaned, use a warm towel or cloth to wipe the puppies down. Most mothers do a great job of bathing their babies, however a large litter is sometimes difficult to manage, especially once the puppies are older and moving around more.

Monitor the Puppies

Step 1:
Monitor the newborn puppies. Weigh the puppies each day and make sure they are gaining weight. The puppies may double or even triple their birth weight within the first few weeks. The puppies should be nursing every two hours during the first week. The intervals between feedings will increase as the puppies get older. During the first couple of weeks, the puppies should not be held too often as this may upset the mother. Once the mother has adjusted to motherhood, and the puppies are thriving, holding and loving on the puppies is acceptable. Contact the veterinarian immediately if the newborn puppies are not eating, whining excessively, lethargic or experience vomiting and diarrhea.

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