Caring for newborn puppies requires special attention and care, whether you breed dogs, or your furry friend had a surprise litter. These tiny creatures are vulnerable and delicate, so taking extra precautions to ensure their safety and well-being is crucial. Below, we share four ways to keep newborn puppies safe and cared for to ensure the young dogs thrive.
Invest in Care Essentials
Just like human babies, newborn puppies require certain essentials to stay healthy. These include a warm and clean bed, food and water bowls, and safe toys for mental stimulation.
Depending on the situation, you may need additional supplies such as puppy formula if the mother cannot nurse her pups. Likewise, you’ll need a puppy incubator to keep pre-mature puppies warm and safe; an animal incubator provides a warm and controlled environment.
Pro Tip
Make sure you know the best practices for using a puppy incubator before placing dogs inside. You must set it to a specific temperature, humidity, and oxygen level depending on the puppies’ stage of development.
Understand Key Life Stages
Puppies experience various life stages, such as weaning, teething, and socialization. Understanding each stage will help you anticipate specific needs and provide adequate care. Moreover, puppies can eat solid food at three to four weeks of age; you should introduce solid foods alongside their mother’s milk to help them gradually switch over to only solid foods.
They will begin teething at six to eight weeks old and require safe toys to chew on. Socialization is also crucial during this period—make sure you expose the puppies to different sounds, smells, and people to help them develop into confident dogs.
Know the Signs of Illness
Newborn puppies are extremely vulnerable to illness, and early detection is key to ensuring their survival. Familiarize yourself with the signs of common health issues in puppies, including dehydration, hypoglycemia, and infection.
Additionally, watch for symptoms of illness such as lethargy, refusal to eat, excessive crying, vomiting and/or diarrhea, and a noticeable decrease in weight. Bring your puppies to the vet as soon as you notice any of these symptoms to determine the cause and administer treatment.
Pro Tip
Keep your puppies and the mother dog isolated from other dogs and animals to prevent the spread of potential illnesses.
Vaccinate Them When They’re Old Enough
Getting them vaccinated when they’re old enough is the final way to keep newborn puppies safe and cared for. Typically, puppies can receive their first vaccinations at six to eight weeks of age and require boosters every few weeks until they are about four months old.
Ensure the puppies receive life-saving vaccinations, such as:
- Rabies
- Parvo
- Distemper
During these veterinary visits, your puppies will also undergo a physical examination to detect potential health issues and provide necessary treatments. Always address any questions or concerns with your veterinarian to ensure the best care for your puppies.
