How to Take Care of a Newborn Chihuahua

Weaning begins between three and four weeks of age.

Occasionally, mother dogs (of all breeds) become ill after giving birth and cannot feed their puppies or simply don't produce enough milk for them. When this occurs, or when a weak puppy is born that can't fight the litter for access to food, it becomes necessary for owners to hand-raise and bottle-feed.

Newborn Chihuahua puppies are fragile and tiny, usually weighing between 2 1/2 ounces and 5 1/2 ounces. Hand-raising a pup is exacting and time-consuming. It involves setting up a regular feeding schedule, helping the puppy to eliminate and keeping him warm and dry.

Things You'll Need

• Incubator
• Bedding
• Heating pad
• Formula
• Face cloths

Instructions

Housing

1. Put the puppy in a warm, safe, draft-free room and place him in an "incubator," either a small plastic animal crate or sturdy box. Line it with small, flat towels, paper towel or newspaper. According to Cameo Chihuahuas, breeders located in Florida, "the primary cause of death in newborn puppies is dampness and chilling," therefore the importance of keeping them warm cannot be overstated.

2. Provide the newborn puppy with a heat source for the first two weeks or so, until he's able to regulate his own body temperature. A heating pad set to "low" is best because it's constant. It must be placed underneath half the incubator so the pup can crawl away from heat if he gets too warm.

3. Check on the puppy frequently. He shouldn't be too hot or cold and should be resting comfortably between feedings.

Feeding

1. Warm the formula to room temperature, so that it tests lukewarm when sipped or dribbled onto your wrist. Use a high-quality commercially prepared formula and feed the pup 6 to 8 times per 24-hour period during the first two weeks of life.

2. Hold the puppy on your lap or a tabletop so he's on his stomach at about a 45 degree angle. Feeding him upright may cause him to choke. Feed him amounts corresponding to formula directions concerning his body weight and age. Pups will overeat if allowed, but this can be fatal. Use a store-bought baby animal bottle, medicine dropper or small syringe, depending on the puppy's preference.

3. Burp the pup as you would a human baby. Place him against your shoulder and gently pat or massage his back.

4. Facilitate his urination and defecation. Newborn dogs (of any breed) are unable to eliminate without the mother's licking stimulation. Rub a warmly moistened cotton swab or face cloth against his genital areas until he goes to the bathroom.

5. Gently clean the puppy with a fresh, warmly moistened cloth, making sure to remove any formula around his mouth and face. Dry the puppy off well before putting him down to nap.

Tips & Warnings

• Feeding instructions on the formula's label are only guidelines. The pup's tummy is full when it is extended, but it should never appear bloated or feel "tight."

• Nutritional paste supplements are available for puppies having difficulty feeding and not getting enough food. Speak to a veterinarian prior to use.

• Contact a veterinarian at the first sign of problems. Healthy puppies are warm and plump. Although they sleep almost constantly, they should squirm vigorously, looking for their bottle, when picked up at feeding time.

• Never allow the pup to eat too quickly or "guzzle" formula. He could take fluid into his lungs, causing aspiration pneumonia, which can be fatal.

References

• Cameo Chihuahuas: Caring For Newborns
• The Puppy Dog Place: Caring For New Born Puppies
• Pet Chi Dog: How To Bottle Feed A Chihuahua

Resources

• Picasso Chihuahuas: How To Hand-Raise Puppies