As I have mentioned in previous articles, dogs are like children that never grow up, especially if they are newborns. Puppies, although tender, are very sensitive and delicate, and require special care during the first weeks of their lives, a process on which their later and optimal development will depend.
In many cases, from the moment they are born, the puppies will suck their mother's milk, but in cases of abandonment you will have to feed them yourself. Basically, the dynamics of care for newborn dogs is based on five key areas: observation, feeding, body temperature, development of social skills and veterinary care.
The most important thing is to have a lot of patience and carry out this whole process with a lot of love, in this way, everything will be easier and even gratifying. If your pet is about to have puppies or you are simply curious about the care for newborn dogs, continue reading this article on our site, we will give you all the answers, or at least the most important ones. The rest is up to you and mother nature. Good luck!
Puppy Check
Observation is the first phase, it starts from the moment the puppies leave their mother's womb until the first few months. You must observe the condition of each of the puppies, see if they move or not, if they breathe correctly or irregularly, how small or skinny they are to each other and very important to observe the relationship they have with the mother.
Puppies must be kept close to their mother, their natural care is crucial for the physical and psychological well-being of each animal. We should not separate them until around 3 months since their life and socialization depend on it.
On the other hand, if you observe signs of illness, such as vomiting, excessive crying, diarrhea or any physical abnormality, it is important that contact your veterinarian immediately.
Puppy feeding
At birth, the puppies feed on their mother's milk which will provide them with the colostrum they need to develop. Colostrum provides them with immunoglobulins, fats, carbohydrates, proteins and water. This food will offer them the defenses they need to avoid any disease.
If, on the other hand, you have adopted a dog and you do not have the presence of the mother, you will have to bottle feed it. If you want to know how to do it, visit our article on how to feed newborn puppies. Normally, for the first few days, newborns feed every two to three hours. This happens the first weeks, as they are developed, the interval increases. After a month they begin to make the transition from liquids, to soft and then solids.
Don't forget that nutrition is super important. Puppies that do not gain adequate weight during this stage may not survive. To do this, you must weigh them regularly and strictly monitor the weight of the puppies.
Puppy's temperature
Maintaining the body temperature of newborns is of crucial importance. The puppies inside their mother's belly are kept at an ideal temperature, when they come out, if you don't pay attention to this detail they could die Many puppies do not exceed the week born for this reason.
The mother and the puppies should have a special area prepared where they can be comfortable, warm and have some privacy I recommend you to have some mat, pillows and thick blankets. Cleaning is also necessary to maintain the he alth of babies, daily you must clean the space and change all the clothing.
On the contrary, your puppy does not have a parent to provide warmth or is rejected by the mother, you must give him special love and care. The ideal is that you place him in a cardboard box or carrier with the corresponding blankets. She will need a stable temperature between 20ºC and 22ºC.
Just below his "nest" we will put an electric mat wrapped in a blanket (so that he cannot have direct contact). This is an excellent tool for conserving heat.
Puppy socialization
If you want your puppies to grow up he althy and happy, you should pay attention to socialization. This phase is very important for them, on which their future interaction with others will be based dogs, with you and the outside world.
According to experts, it is positive that puppies, from the moment of birth, keep in contact with their mother and siblings until they are 3 months old. This will teach them to relate, to acquire the behaviors of dogs and later, to create the emotional confidence necessary to fend for themselves.
Sharing food, space and the owner's affection are things that are learned from when dogs are puppies. Body contact and the fact that they develop their sense of smell is essential to create good and he althy social skills, allowing puppies to interact with each other naturally.
Be aware of puppies that become isolated from the group and try to bring them closer, however, do not push too hard, each puppy has its character and personality
Specialist visit
It will be very important to go to the professional to ensure the good he alth of our puppies and start their vaccination schedule. It will also be essential to put a chip on all the puppies so that they can be located if they get lost in their adult stage. Sterilization is very convenient too.
