How to Take Care of Newborn Puppies Immediately

Newborn basenji puppies

Newborn puppies are cute and cuddly, but they can be demanding too. Just like a newborn baby, puppies require a lot of care and attention---especially during their first few weeks of life.
A good mother dog will take care of the birthing and nursing of her pups, but sometimes human intervention will be necessary. Once the puppies are born, you must observe them carefully and provide adequate food and water for their mother. Consult your veterinarian immediately if you become concerned for a puppy's health.

Things You'll Need

• Large box
• Clean towels
• Newspaper or disposable diapers
• Heating pad
• Dental floss
• Iodine

Instructions

1. Create a warm space for the puppies' birth. A large box or animal carrier will work well for this purpose. The box should be large enough for the mother dog and her brood. The sides of the box need to be high enough so the puppies can't crawl out.

2. Line the box with newspapers or disposable diapers (absorbent side facing upwards) to absorb the birth fluids. Place clean towels on top of these to create a soft bed for the dogs.

3. Place a heating pad underneath the box for added warmth. You may also use a heat lamp or space heater.

4. If the mother dog doesn't take the initiative, remove the amniotic sac from the puppies. Clean their faces with a soft cloth.

5. If the umbilical cord is still attached to a puppy, tie it off with dental floss 1 inch from the puppy's body. Add a drop of iodine at the end of the cord to avoid infection.

6. Make sure the puppies stay warm. Newborn puppies cannot maintain their own body temperatures so you must keep their box around 85 degrees F for the first 2 to 3 days.

7. Clean the box linings twice a week. Replace dirty newspapers or diapers and towels with fresh ones.

8. Clean the puppies once a week. Use a wash cloth rinsed in lukewarm water and wipe each puppy. Soap isn't necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• When your dog becomes pregnant, take her to the veterinarian for regular check-ups and exams. Take the mother dog and puppies to the vet within a week of the birth. Puppies should stay indoors for the first 2 weeks of their lives.

Resources

• Care of Mother Dogs and Puppies