How to Take Care of a 3-Day-Old Chihuahua

Newborn Chihuahuas need careful attention.

The best care for a newborn Chihuahua puppy is provided by its mother. If the mother cannot or will not take care of the puppy, the owner will need to simulate natural conditions as much as possible. Though newborn care takes a commitment of time and resources, you can help even a three-day-old Chihuahua survive without its mother's attention.

Things You'll Need

• Puppy bottles with nipples
• Puppy formula
• Towel or blanket
• Cotton ball
• Warm water
• Nutri-Cal or other brand sugar supplement, or corn syrup

Instructions

How to Care for a 3-Day Old Chihuahua puppy

1. 

   Maintain temperature in the Chihuahua's living space. "The temperature in the whelping box and surrounding area should be kept at 85-90 degrees for the first week," according to the "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook." Use a covered heating pad, a heat lamp, or a hot water bottle, and avoid drafts.

2. 

   Prepare the bottle according to the directions on the puppy formula package. The Chihuahua puppy needs to eat six to eight times per day. The "Dog Owner's Veterinary Handbook" cautions, "Always feed formula at room temperature." Space feedings as evenly as possible.

3. 

   Wrap the puppy in a small towel or blanket to protect its temperature and the environment from spills and spit up. Hold the puppy in a vertical position, supporting its neck and chest. Tilt the bottle at a 45-degree angle until the puppy loses interest or the recommended amount is consumed.

4. Burp the Chihuahua puppy by patting its back while resting it over your shoulder. Support its head and neck with your free hand.

5. Moisten a cotton ball with warm water. Stimulate the puppy's reflexes by patting or gently rubbing the pertinent its rump until it urinates and defecates.

Tips & Warnings

• Signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) include cold temperature, skin and gums discolored bluish-gray, weakness, confusion, poor coordination, or other strange behavior. Act quickly, because if left untreated, it can lead to a swift death.

• Have a tube of Nutri-Cal or other brand of hypoglycemia remedy available at all times, or use a few drops of corn syrup if you suspect low blood sugar. Then follow up with a formula feeding as soon as the puppy is able to swallow.

• Chihuahuas, with their high metabolism, are prone to hypoglycemia.

• Puppies are able to tolerate slightly lower temperatures in subsequent weeks.

• Do not allow too much time to elapse between feedings, and never let a newborn puppy become chilled. Both can lead to low blood sugar and potentially kill your puppy if untreated.

References

• "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook", James Giffin, MD and Liisa Carlson, DVM, Howell Book House, 2000
• "American Kennel Club Dog Care and Training," The American Kennel Club, Macmillan, 1991