The thought of raising newborn pups can be daunting. Here's how to raise well-adjusted dogs.
Welcoming newborn puppies into your home is both rewarding and challenging. Whether you’re caring for your dog’s pups or a litter of orphans, here are some ways to give newborn puppies the best start for a healthy future.
Newborn puppies can’t regulate their body temperature and rely on their mother for warmth. Without her, they’re at risk of a weakened immune system and digestive issues. Maintain a warm environment, gradually increasing temperature as the puppies age.
Limit handling of newborn puppies to minimize stress on both mother and pups. Their immune systems are weak, and excessive handling can disrupt the mother’s care.
In the wild, mother dogs keep their babies safe in a secluded, dark, or sheltered spot. A box or crate covered with a blanket can create a similar environment in your home. Other tips to keep in mind:
If no mother is around to care for the pups, it’s up to you to set up a regular feeding schedule. To start, familiarize yourself with how frequently puppies need to eat:
Gather all necessary supplies beforehand to avoid interruptions during feedings. A commercial puppy milk formula, available in liquid or powder form, is the best replacement for mother’s milk. Many brands of bottles are available, and you may need to experiment to see which one your puppies like best.
📢 Before feeding puppies, make sure their body temperature is at least 89.6°F. Puppies lose the ability to suckle or digest food when they are too cold.
Print out these instructions from Maddie’s Fund for easier feeding.
📢 Puppies cannot afford to miss a meal. If they do not begin nursing soon, consult your vet immediately.
Newborn puppies cannot urinate or defecate on their own. Mimic the mother’s role by gently stimulating the anal and genital areas with a warm, damp cloth. If there’s no response, consult a vet immediately. For constipation, consider adding a small amount of pumpkin or Miralax to the puppy’s food after consulting a vet.
Young puppies require constant monitoring. Use a food or postal scale to weigh them twice daily for the first two weeks and daily thereafter to track weight gain. Consistent weight gain is essential. If a puppy is significantly smaller than their littermates, fails to gain weight, or lacks energy, seek veterinary advice.
Caring for a litter is demanding on a mother dog and sometimes leads to the development of health issues such as mastitis (Trusted Source) —an infection or blockage causing painful inflammation of the mammary glands. Symptoms include red, swollen, and hot teats, and the mother may be irritable toward puppies when they try to nurse.
Eclampsia, (Trusted Source) which is caused by low calcium levels, is another serious condition that may occur in mother dogs, usually in the first month after they give birth. Symptoms include restlessness, panting, fever, stiff gait, and muscle spasms.
📢 If you suspect either condition, seek immediate veterinary care. Do not allow puppies to nurse until instructed by the vet.
The crucial socialization period for puppies occurs between 3 and 12 weeks. During this time, their brains are sponges, absorbing information about the world around them. Ideally, the mother dog handles this process. However, if you’re responsible for raising an orphaned puppy, here’s how to introduce them to their environment:
📢 Avoid classes that use negative techniques or tools. Punitive handling and training methods may cause fear and anxiety, potentially damaging the human-animal bond.
Pay attention to early signs of behavioral issues (Trusted Source) during socialization and discontinue any outings that cause puppies to act fearful. Most unwanted puppy behaviors are age-related and resolve naturally. However, aggression or extreme fear (e.g., growling, biting, cowering) are abnormal and require immediate attention. Well-adjusted puppies should be curious and friendly.
While the initial weeks of life are critical for puppy development, socialization is an ongoing process. Many people mistakenly believe that once puppies reach a certain age, socialization is complete. However, continued exposure to new people, places, and experiences is essential for preventing fear and anxiety in adulthood. Aim for at least two or three socialization opportunities per week until your puppy is around 6 months old.
Raising newborn puppies is a demanding but rewarding experience. With dedication, patience, and expert guidance from your veterinarian, you can provide these young animals with the best possible start in life. Remember, the time and effort you invest now will pay dividends in the form of a well-adjusted, happy companion.
Avoid overhandling, exposure to extreme temperatures, or separation from their mother and siblings too early (before 8-10 weeks of age).
Yes, but monitor puppies and their mother regularly in a safe, temperature-controlled environment.
The first few weeks are vital for survival and development in newborn puppies.
Consult a vet immediately but in the meantime, keep the puppy warm, bottle-feed them with puppy formula, and stimulate them to urinate and defecate.
Newborns get all necessary hydration from their mother’s milk or formula. However, you can introduce water gradually as the pups start the weaning process.
