The miracle of birth is a profound experience, especially when it involves the arrival of newborn puppies. Witnessing the first moments of their lives is a joy, but it also comes with responsibility. Knowing what to do in those crucial initial hours can significantly impact the health and well-being of both the mother dog (the dam) and her litter. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the steps you should take and the observations you should make when puppies are first born.
Immediate Post-Birth Care: Supporting Mom and Pups
The first few hours after birth are critical for both the dam and her puppies. Your role is to observe, assist when necessary, and ensure a safe and comfortable environment.
Ensuring the Puppy’s Airway is Clear
A newborn puppy’s first breath is vital. Sometimes, puppies are born with amniotic fluid in their airways, which can obstruct their breathing. The dam will typically lick the puppy vigorously, which helps to clear the airways. If she doesn’t or if the puppy appears to be struggling to breathe, you need to intervene.
Carefully remove the amniotic sac from the puppy’s face. Gently rub the puppy’s chest and back with a clean, dry towel. You can also use a bulb syringe to gently suction any fluid from the puppy’s nose and mouth. Hold the puppy head-down to help drain any remaining fluid. Never swing the puppy around, as this can cause brain damage. If the puppy remains unresponsive, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Drying and Warming the Newborn
Newborn puppies are susceptible to hypothermia because they cannot regulate their own body temperature. After clearing the airway, it’s crucial to dry the puppy thoroughly with a clean, soft towel. This helps to stimulate circulation and prevent heat loss.
Once dry, place the puppy near the dam to benefit from her body heat. If the dam isn’t paying attention to the puppy, or if the whelping box is in a drafty area, consider using a heating pad specifically designed for pets. Never use a human heating pad, as it can get too hot and burn the puppies. Aim for a temperature of around 85-90°F (29-32°C) for the first few days, gradually decreasing it to 80°F (27°C) by the end of the first week, and then to 75°F (24°C) by the fourth week.
Ensuring the Puppy Nurses
Colostrum, the first milk produced by the dam, is rich in antibodies that provide essential immune protection to the newborn puppies. It’s crucial that puppies nurse within the first 12-24 hours of life to receive these antibodies.
Observe the puppies to ensure they are actively nursing. If a puppy appears weak or is having difficulty latching onto the nipple, gently guide the puppy to the nipple. You may need to express a small amount of milk to encourage the puppy to nurse. If the puppy still refuses to nurse or seems unable to suckle, consult your veterinarian immediately. A supplemental feeding plan may be required. Dehydration and malnutrition are critical concerns in newborn puppies.
Cutting the Umbilical Cord
The dam will usually chew through the umbilical cord herself. If she doesn’t, or if the cord is excessively long, you may need to intervene.
Using sterile scissors or hemostats, clamp the umbilical cord about 1-2 inches from the puppy’s abdomen. Cut the cord on the placental side of the clamp. Dip the cut end of the cord in iodine or a diluted chlorhexidine solution to prevent infection. Monitor the umbilical stump for any signs of redness, swelling, or discharge. If you notice any of these signs, consult your veterinarian.
Monitoring the Dam’s Health
The dam’s health is just as important as the puppies’. Monitor her closely for any signs of complications after giving birth.
Postpartum Discharge
It’s normal for the dam to have some vaginal discharge after giving birth. This discharge, called lochia, is usually dark green or reddish-brown in color and may last for several days. However, if the discharge is excessive, foul-smelling, or contains large amounts of blood, it could be a sign of infection or retained placenta. Consult your veterinarian immediately.
Mammary Gland Issues
Examine the dam’s mammary glands daily for any signs of mastitis, an infection of the mammary glands. Symptoms of mastitis include redness, swelling, pain, and heat in the mammary glands. The milk may also appear discolored or contain pus. If you suspect mastitis, consult your veterinarian immediately. Antibiotics are usually required to treat the infection.
Eclampsia (Milk Fever)
Eclampsia, also known as milk fever, is a condition caused by low calcium levels in the dam’s blood. It typically occurs within the first few weeks after giving birth. Symptoms of eclampsia include restlessness, panting, muscle tremors, seizures, and coma. Eclampsia is a life-threatening condition and requires immediate veterinary attention. Calcium supplementation is the primary treatment.
Retained Placenta
The dam should pass one placenta for each puppy. If you suspect that a placenta has been retained, consult your veterinarian. Retained placentas can lead to infection and other complications.
Appetite and Water Intake
Ensure the dam has access to plenty of fresh water and a high-quality food formulated for lactating dogs. She will need significantly more calories than usual to produce milk for her puppies. Monitor her appetite and water intake closely. If she is not eating or drinking well, consult your veterinarian.
Maintaining a Clean and Safe Whelping Environment
A clean and safe environment is crucial for the health of both the dam and her puppies.
The Whelping Box
The whelping box should be a safe, comfortable, and easily accessible space for the dam to give birth and care for her puppies. It should be large enough for the dam to lie down comfortably and nurse her puppies, but not so large that the puppies can wander too far away and get chilled.
Line the whelping box with clean, soft bedding, such as towels, blankets, or newspaper. Change the bedding frequently to keep it clean and dry.
Temperature and Humidity
Maintain a warm and humid environment in the whelping box. As mentioned earlier, the temperature should be around 85-90°F (29-32°C) for the first few days, gradually decreasing it to 75°F (24°C) by the fourth week. Humidity can be increased by placing a humidifier in the room or by hanging damp towels near the whelping box.
Hygiene
Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the puppies or the dam. Clean the whelping box regularly to prevent the spread of infection. Dispose of soiled bedding properly.
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)
Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) involves performing a series of gentle exercises on newborn puppies from days 3 to 16. These exercises are believed to stimulate the puppies’ nervous systems and improve their overall health and well-being.
Examples of ENS exercises include:
- Tactile stimulation: Gently touching the puppy’s paws with a cotton swab.
- Head held erect: Holding the puppy upright for a few seconds.
- Head pointed down: Holding the puppy head-down for a few seconds.
- Supine position: Placing the puppy on its back for a few seconds.
- Thermal stimulation: Placing the puppy on a cool, damp towel for a few seconds.
Each exercise should be performed for only 3-5 seconds per day. ENS is not a substitute for proper veterinary care, but it can be a valuable tool for improving the health and well-being of newborn puppies.
Observing Puppy Development
Monitoring the puppies’ development is essential to ensure they are thriving.
Weight Gain
Weigh the puppies daily for the first few weeks of life. Puppies should gain weight consistently. A healthy puppy will typically double its birth weight within the first week. If a puppy is not gaining weight or is losing weight, consult your veterinarian.
Activity Level
Observe the puppies’ activity level. Healthy puppies should be active and alert. They should be able to crawl around and nurse vigorously. If a puppy is lethargic or unresponsive, it could be a sign of illness.
Elimination
Newborn puppies cannot eliminate on their own. The dam will stimulate them to urinate and defecate by licking their anogenital area. After each feeding, gently stimulate the puppies’ anogenital area with a warm, damp cloth to help them eliminate. If a puppy is not eliminating regularly, consult your veterinarian.
Common Puppy Issues and Concerns
Be aware of potential problems that can affect newborn puppies.
- Fading Puppy Syndrome: This is a general term for puppies that fail to thrive. They may be weak, lethargic, and have difficulty nursing.
- Cleft Palate: A cleft palate is a birth defect in which there is an opening in the roof of the mouth. Puppies with cleft palates may have difficulty nursing and are prone to aspiration pneumonia.
- Swimmer Puppy Syndrome: This condition causes puppies to splay their legs out to the sides, making it difficult for them to stand or walk.
- Umbilical Hernia: An umbilical hernia is a protrusion of abdominal contents through the umbilical opening.
- Parasites: Puppies can be born with intestinal parasites, such as roundworms and hookworms.
If you notice any of these problems, consult your veterinarian immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the puppy’s chances of survival.
When to Contact Your Veterinarian
It’s always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to the health of newborn puppies and their mother. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe any of the following:
- Difficulty breathing in the puppies
- Excessive bleeding from the dam
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge from the dam
- Signs of mastitis in the dam
- Signs of eclampsia in the dam
- Retained placenta
- Puppies not gaining weight
- Lethargy or unresponsiveness in the puppies
- Difficulty nursing in the puppies
- Diarrhea or vomiting in the puppies
- Any other concerns about the health of the dam or her puppies
Providing the best possible care for newborn puppies and their mother requires diligence, observation, and a willingness to seek veterinary assistance when needed. By following the guidelines in this article, you can help ensure a healthy and happy start for these new lives.
What are the immediate steps to take after a puppy is born?
Immediately after a puppy is born, ensure it is breathing and free of membranes. If the mother hasn’t already done so, gently tear the amniotic sac with clean hands or blunt scissors. Then, use a clean towel to vigorously rub the puppy to stimulate breathing and drying. Next, clamp and cut the umbilical cord about one inch from the puppy’s abdomen using disinfected scissors or dental floss.
After the initial assessment, weigh each puppy and record their weight. Place the puppies near the mother’s teats to encourage nursing, which provides crucial colostrum (antibody-rich milk) during the first 24-48 hours. Make sure the whelping box is warm, draft-free, and comfortable for the mother and her newborns.
How do I ensure each puppy is getting enough milk?
Observe the puppies closely to make sure they are nursing regularly and appear content after feeding. You can gently weigh each puppy daily for the first week to monitor their weight gain. Puppies should steadily gain weight, indicating they are receiving sufficient milk. If a puppy cries excessively or seems weak, it may not be getting enough milk.
If a puppy is struggling to nurse, try gently guiding it to a teat. If the mother has a large litter, some puppies may need assistance in accessing the teats. In severe cases of inadequate milk production or orphaned puppies, supplemental feeding with a commercial puppy milk replacer may be necessary, administered via bottle or feeding tube, following veterinary advice.
What are signs that a newborn puppy might need veterinary attention?
Signs that a newborn puppy requires immediate veterinary attention include difficulty breathing, blue or pale gums (indicating oxygen deprivation), persistent crying or restlessness, failure to nurse, lethargy, and seizures. Also, watch for signs of infection, such as pus-like discharge from the umbilical cord or eyes, or unusual swelling.
Dehydration is another serious concern in newborn puppies. Signs of dehydration include sunken eyes, dry gums, and decreased skin elasticity (when gently pinched, the skin doesn’t quickly return to its normal position). If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately, as prompt intervention can be critical for survival.
How often should newborn puppies be feeding?
Newborn puppies typically need to nurse every 2-3 hours during the first week of life. Their stomachs are small, and they require frequent meals to meet their energy needs. The mother dog will usually instinctively care for her puppies and encourage them to nurse.
During the first few days, you should carefully monitor the puppies to ensure they are nursing regularly. If a puppy is not nursing, you may need to assist by gently guiding it to a teat. As the puppies grow, the frequency of feedings may gradually decrease, but they should still be nursing several times a day.
What temperature should the whelping box be kept at?
Maintaining the correct temperature in the whelping box is crucial for the survival of newborn puppies, as they cannot regulate their own body temperature during the first few weeks of life. During the first four days, the ideal temperature is between 85-90°F (29-32°C). After that, you can gradually decrease the temperature to around 80°F (27°C) by the end of the first week.
After the first week, the temperature can be further reduced to approximately 75°F (24°C) until the puppies are about four weeks old. Use a reliable thermometer to monitor the temperature in the whelping box. Provide a heat source, such as a heating pad placed under a blanket, or a heat lamp positioned safely above the puppies, taking care to avoid overheating or burns.
How do I stimulate newborn puppies to urinate and defecate?
Newborn puppies cannot eliminate on their own and require their mother’s stimulation. Typically, the mother will lick the puppies’ anal and genital areas, which stimulates urination and defecation. This is a natural and essential part of maternal care.
If the mother is unable or unwilling to perform this task (for example, if she’s a first-time mother or has had a Cesarean section), you will need to manually stimulate the puppies after each feeding. Gently massage the puppies’ anal and genital areas with a warm, damp cloth or cotton ball. Continue this stimulation until they urinate and defecate. This is crucial for their health and hygiene, and should be done until they are about three weeks old, when they can usually eliminate on their own.
When should I start handling the newborn puppies?
Gentle handling of newborn puppies can begin as early as a few days after birth. Short periods of handling can help socialize the puppies and get them accustomed to human touch. This early socialization can have positive long-term effects on their temperament and behavior.
However, it’s important to be cautious and respectful of the mother dog’s space and comfort level. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling the puppies to prevent the spread of germs. Start with short, gentle strokes and avoid disturbing them excessively, particularly while they are nursing or sleeping. Gradually increase the handling time as they grow and become more accustomed to human interaction.