Caring for newborn puppies

Welcoming newborn puppies into your home is both rewarding and challenging. Whether you’re caring for your dog’s pups or a litter of orphans, here are some ways to give newborn puppies the best start for a healthy future.

Newborn puppies can’t regulate their body temperature and rely on their mother for warmth. Without her, they’re at risk of a weakened immune system and digestive issues. Maintain a warm environment, gradually increasing temperature as the puppies age.

• Newborn to 7 days. The environmental temperature should be 86°F while their rectal temperature should stay between 95-97°F.
• Week 2. Gradually decrease room temp to 82°F, keeping the puppy’s internal temp between 97.7-98.6°F.
• Weeks 3-4. Continue lowering room temperature to 77°F; the puppies should have a temperature between 98.6-100°F at this point.
• Weeks 5-6. By now, the room should be at a comfortable 70°F, and the puppies should have a body temperature between 100-101°F.

Limit handling of newborn puppies to minimize stress on both mother and pups. Their immune systems are weak, and excessive handling can disrupt the mother’s care.

In the wild, mother dogs keep their babies safe in a secluded, dark, or sheltered spot. A box or crate covered with a blanket can create a similar environment in your home. Other tips to keep in mind:

• Choose a quiet location. Select a peaceful area away from household commotion. Consider using a fan or white noise machine to mask disruptive sounds.
• Create a cozy space. Provide soft blankets and toys to make the area inviting.
• Prioritize safety. Remove potential hazards like power cords and plants.
• Feed in the safe space: Feed the mother and puppies in this area to create positive associations. Use spill-proof water bowls to maintain a clean, dry environment.
• Positive reinforcement: Reward the puppies for using the space.

If no mother is around to care for the pups, it’s up to you to set up a regular feeding schedule. To start, familiarize yourself with how frequently puppies need to eat:

• First 2 weeks. Bottle-feed the pups at least every two hours for the first 14 days. Stretch the feeding times to every 3-4 hours as long as they are gaining weight.
• Three to 4 weeks old. Begin the weaning process by offering canned food or high-quality dry food moistened with water.
• Five to 6 weeks of age. Pups can be transitioned completely to solid food.

Prepare your supplies

Gather all necessary supplies beforehand to avoid interruptions during feedings. A commercial puppy milk formula, available in liquid or powder form, is the best replacement for mother’s milk. Many brands of bottles are available, and you may need to experiment to see which one your puppies like best.

📢 Before feeding puppies, make sure their body temperature is at least 89.6°F. Puppies lose the ability to suckle or digest food when they are too cold. 

Follow these steps when feeding

1. Select the appropriate bottle and nipple for the puppy’s size.
2. Measure out the needed amount for one feeding. Mix powdered formula with clean water.
3. Warm the formula to 95-100°F using a warm water bath.
4. Hold the puppy in a sternal position (feet down, head and neck extended) to mimic nursing.
5. Angle the bottle to prevent air bubbles.
6. Gently encourage latching by placing a drop of formula on the puppy’s tongue.
7. Prevent the puppy from chewing the nipple to avoid choking hazards.
8. Allow the puppy to nurse at their own pace, but avoid overfeeding.
9. Burp the puppy during and after feedings by gently rubbing or patting their back.
10. Refrigerate unused formula in a clean container, discarding it after 24 hours. Sterilize bottles and nipples after each use.
11. Begin with half the recommended feeding amount to allow the puppy’s digestive system to adjust to bottle feeding.

Print out these instructions from Maddie’s Fund for easier feeding.

📢 Puppies cannot afford to miss a meal. If they do not begin nursing soon, consult your vet immediately.

Assist with elimination

Newborn puppies cannot urinate or defecate on their own. Mimic the mother’s role by gently stimulating the anal and genital areas with a warm, damp cloth. If there’s no response, consult a vet immediately. For constipation, consider adding a small amount of pumpkin or Miralax to the puppy’s food after consulting a vet.

Young puppies require constant monitoring. Use a food or postal scale to weigh them twice daily for the first two weeks and daily thereafter to track weight gain. Consistent weight gain is essential. If a puppy is significantly smaller than their littermates, fails to gain weight, or lacks energy, seek veterinary advice.

Keep an eye on mom’s health, too

Caring for a litter is demanding on a mother dog and sometimes leads to the development of health issues such as mastitis Trusted Source This is an approved Trusted Source for betterpet. Learn more about Trusted Sources —an infection or blockage causing painful inflammation of the mammary glands. Symptoms include red, swollen, and hot teats, and the mother may be irritable toward puppies when they try to nurse.

Eclampsia, Trusted Source This is an approved Trusted Source for betterpet. Learn more about Trusted Sources which is caused by low calcium levels, is another serious condition that may occur in mother dogs, usually in the first month after they give birth. Symptoms include restlessness, panting, fever, stiff gait, and muscle spasms.

📢 If you suspect either condition, seek immediate veterinary care. Do not allow puppies to nurse until instructed by the vet.

The crucial socialization period for puppies occurs between 3 and 12 weeks. During this time, their brains are sponges, absorbing information about the world around them. Ideally, the mother dog handles this process. However, if you’re responsible for raising an orphaned puppy, here’s how to introduce them to their environment:

• Explore the world. Take short walks to different locations and expose the puppy to various sights, sounds, and smells.
• Vary the terrain. Introduce the puppy to different surfaces like grass, concrete, and carpet to help them become comfortable in different environments.
• Prioritize health. Avoid crowded areas like dog parks until your puppy is fully vaccinated (usually around 16 weeks) to protect their health.
• Arrange playdates. Set up meet and greets with healthy, vaccinated puppies to facilitate socialization.
• Enroll in puppy classes. Once your puppy is dewormed, vaccinated, and free from parasites, enroll them in a socialization class. These classes offer valuable training and interaction opportunities.

📢 Avoid classes that use negative techniques or tools. Punitive handling and training methods may cause fear and anxiety, potentially damaging the human-animal bond.

While the initial weeks of life are critical for puppy development, socialization is an ongoing process. Many people mistakenly believe that once puppies reach a certain age, socialization is complete. However, continued exposure to new people, places, and experiences is essential for preventing fear and anxiety in adulthood. Aim for at least two or three socialization opportunities per week until your puppy is around 6 months old.

Raising newborn puppies is a demanding but rewarding experience. With dedication, patience, and expert guidance from your veterinarian, you can provide these young animals with the best possible start in life. Remember, the time and effort you invest now will pay dividends in the form of a well-adjusted, happy companion.