HOW TO CARE FOR NEWBORN PUPPY AND 6 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Raising a newborn puppy from infancy to maturity can be just as fulfilling for some individuals as raising a child. You will become familiar with all their unique behaviors and playful expressions well before they are able to create chaos by tearing up toilet paper in the bathroom. Despite being fun and cute, puppies require the same level of attention and care as a newborn baby.
Understanding a puppy’s eating habits, proper care, and sleep patterns is crucial in order to be ready for their initial months of life and to ensure that they grow into a content and healthy dog. Let’s find out with Petlandlove.
How Do I Feed a Newborn Puppy?
Newborn puppies receive vital protection against germs from antibodies in their mother’s milk during the initial days of nursing. The milky substance produced by dog moms, known as colostrum, equips the puppies’ immune systems to combat infections.
It is crucial to allow puppies to nurse for as long as possible from their mother to obtain this substance. In case the mother is unavailable or rejects the puppies, it is important to consult a veterinarian to provide necessary supplements for the puppies’ survival.
If puppies are unable to nurse after the first few weeks, they can be hand-fed. Seek advice from your veterinarian on techniques to help the puppy nurse from a bottle or tube. If the puppy struggles with bottle feeding, immediate veterinary attention may be required, possibly involving tube feeding.
Ensure to use canine-specific formula and feed the puppies while lying on their stomach to prevent choking. Warm the milk to around 100 degrees Fahrenheit or body temperature, but avoid using a microwave for heating. Test the milk’s temperature by touching it to your skin before feeding. After feeding, gently pat the puppy’s back to assist in burping up any swallowed air.
How Often Should a Puppy Eat?
Newborn puppy typically need to be fed every 2 to 3 hours, similar to a human baby. If you are using formula, the instructions on the packaging will indicate the appropriate amount to feed them based on their weight. However, your puppy may require more or less than what is recommended on the packaging, so it’s important to keep track of how much you are feeding them.
Puppies need a warm environment to sleep and eat because they cannot regulate their body temperature effectively during the first few weeks of life. To provide warmth, place a heat source under a towel or blanket in their nesting area, ensuring there is a cooler spot nearby for them to move to if they get too hot.
Around 3 to 4 weeks old, puppies may start chewing on their bottle, indicating they are ready to try soft or semi-solid food. Mixing formula with canned dog food can help transition them to solid food. Consult your vet for advice when you observe this behavior.
By the time puppies reach 4 to 6 weeks of age, they should be able to eat solid food from a bowl independently. Follow the feeding recommendations on the food packaging for the appropriate amounts. Typically, puppies between 6 to 12 weeks old should be fed four times a day.
How Much Should a Newborn Puppy Weigh?
The ideal weight of your newborn puppy will vary depending on their breed, ranging from approximately 2.5 ounces to 2.25 pounds.
Although the weight range varies, the percentage of weight gain remains relatively consistent. It is recommended to weigh the puppies daily for the first two weeks, and then at least every three days during their first year. Keep track of their weight each time you weigh them, as they should be gaining around 10% of their body weight daily, depending on their breed.
Puppies typically experience rapid weight gain during their first year. If you observe any unusual weight loss, contact your veterinarian. Research indicates that puppies tend to lose some of their birth weight within the first week, then double it. Depending on the dog’s breed and size, a puppy can gain up to six times its birth weight within three weeks.
How Can I Help a Puppy to Go to the Bathroom?
When puppies are born, they are unable to go to the bathroom by themselves. The mother helps them by licking their genital and anal regions, which triggers the muscles and nerves and helps the puppies to pee and poop. It is crucial for their health and survival that they are able to eliminate waste properly.
If you have a puppy that is orphaned or whose mother is not around, you can mimic this action by using a warm, damp washcloth or cotton ball to gently stroke these areas and help the puppy to urinate and defecate.
When Should Puppies Have Their First Vet Checkup?
Most veterinarians recommend bringing your newborn puppy in for their first check-up at around 6 weeks old. This is because the antibodies from the mother start to decrease, making puppies more vulnerable to infections and diseases. During this initial examination, your vet will administer the first round of vaccinations and deworming treatment to your puppy.
The first set of vaccinations for a puppy at 6 weeks usually includes protection against distemper virus, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, and parvovirus.
Between 8 to 12 weeks, your puppy should receive additional shots such as Bordetella, Canine Influenza H3N2 and H3N8, first-year rabies, and Leptospirosis.
The physical exam allows the vet to check for any health issues that may need attention. They will also inquire about your puppy’s diet, care routine, and provide recommendations for ongoing care.
Planning for Newborn Puppy Care
When looking to buy a puppy from a breeder or store, it’s important to choose one that doesn’t separate the puppy from its mother too early. The ideal age for separation is typically between 7 and 8 weeks, as this allows the puppy to learn important behaviors from its mother.
Prepare for potty training by setting up designated areas and puppy-proofing your home to prevent any accidents or injuries. Have a clear training plan in place to ensure your puppy stays healthy and well-behaved.
Create a comfortable nesting area for your puppy with soft blankets and a warming pad, making sure there is a non-heated zone for them to cool off. If the puppy is still nursing, be ready with puppy formula and bottles. Have the appropriate food, bowls, and supplies based on your puppy’s size and breed.
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian for guidance on caring for your newborn puppy.
