Newborn Puppy Care Guide
A human may need to care for a newborn puppy if the mother dog has refused to care for it, the newborn has severe medical issues or the mother dog is gone or requires medical attention. Should you find yourself with the task of caring for a newborn puppy, remember that the first few days are the hardest. Newborn puppies mature much faster than infants mature and only need round the clock attention for the first few weeks if healthy.
Things You'll Need
- Puppy milk formula
- Bottle and nipples
- Small kennel
- Towels
- Blanket
- Puppy food
- Surgical gloves
- Paper towels
Instructions
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Care for a Newborn Puppy
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1
Wrap the newborn puppy in a clean towel and keep it warm while you call a licensed veterinarian and get specific instructions for care. Tell the veterinarian everything you know about the birth and the mother dog. Check for any ailments and inform the veterinarian.
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2
Purchase powdered puppy milk and a bottle with an extra small nipple. Mix the milk according to package directions. Offer formula every two hours for the first week. Feed as needed after the first week. Clean excess formula from the puppy's face and chest. Poke larger holes in the nipple if enough milk is not passing through. Switch to a smaller nipple if choking occurs.
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3
Manually stimulate a newborn puppy to encourage urination and defecation. Put on a rubber surgery glove and lightly brush the lower abdomen and anus. Repeat the process every time it wakes up and about 20 minutes after feeding. Use a paper towel to clean up. This stimulation is critical to the health of a newborn puppy.
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4
Purchase a small kennel to provide safe housing. Use an open-air kennel for easier viewing while the puppy is sleeping. Line the kennel with a clean, warm blanket. Keep the kennel in close proximity to the caregiver so distress is heard easily.
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5
Watch for signs of proper development in the newborn puppy. Ears open by 2 to 3 weeks and eyes open at 3 weeks of age. The small animal should be pulling itself along within hours of birth and standing in a day or two. Puppies become fully mobile by 3 to 4 weeks of age.
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6
Start a soft diet at 4 to 5 weeks old. Soak a quality dry puppy food in water until it is the consistency of oatmeal. Mash the soaked food with a fork so the pup can easily take small bites.
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7
Find a good home for the pup if you do not plan to keep it. Find a provider sooner if you cannot give the needed attention. Check local shelters for daycare services while you work.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Never feed a newborn puppy cow's milk (that humans drink). The milk we drink has too much fat and induces growth beyond the norm.
Handle and rub the newborn puppy often during feeding times; this is when the mother dog would groom and show affection.
A kennel will protect the pup from other family pets, small children and large feet. Dogs are den animals, so if it is warm and sleepy, it will be quite comfortable in a kennel.
Take a newborn puppy to a licensed veterinarian at the first sign of labored breathing or lack of response.
Do not take it out in cold weather unless a trip to the veterinarian is required. Wrap it up in a towel to keep it warm, but do not smother it.
Let the puppy sleep in its kennel and do not wake it. A mother dog does not stay with the litter 24 hours a day after the first couple of days and neither should you. Even a newborn puppy needs to learn to comfort itself.
Never use flea treatments on puppies under 12 weeks old. Consult a veterinarian for a flea problem.
Resources
- Photo Credit puppy image by Waseem Ghattas from Fotolia.com
