Postnatal Care for Puppies: A Comprehensive Guide11

Welcoming a litter of puppies is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with significant responsibilities. Proper postnatal care is essential to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and her newborns. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to care for puppies after birth:

Immediate Care

1. Umbilical Cord
After the puppies are born, the mother will typically chew through the umbilical cords. If she does not, gently tear them by hand, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the puppy's abdomen. Tie a sterile thread or use a hemostat to clamp the cord for a few minutes to stop bleeding.

2. Cleaning
Puppies are born covered in a membrane. Use a soft, clean cloth to gently rub and remove any remaining fluid or membrane. This will help them breathe and regulate their body temperature.

3. Colostrum
Colostrum is the first milk produced by the mother after giving birth. It is rich in antibodies that provide essential immunity to the puppies. Encourage the puppies to suckle as soon as possible after birth, as colostrum is only available for the first 24 hours.

Monitoring the Puppies

1. Weight Gain
Puppies should be weighed daily to ensure they are gaining weight. They should gain 10-20% of their birth weight per day for the first week. If a puppy is not gaining weight, consult a veterinarian immediately.

2. Elimination
Puppies should start eliminating urine and feces within the first 24 hours. If a puppy is not eliminating, consult a veterinarian.

3. Rectal Temperature
Puppies should have a rectal temperature between 95-100°F (35-38°C). Use a rectal thermometer to check the puppies' temperatures daily for the first two weeks.

Feeding the Puppies

Puppies should be allowed to nurse from their mother for at least 6-8 weeks. If the mother is unable to nurse, or there are too many puppies for her to feed, you will need to bottle-feed them. Use a puppy-specific formula and follow the directions on the package.

Feed the puppies every 2-3 hours for the first week, gradually increasing the intervals as they get older. By the time they are 4 weeks old, they should be able to eat 4-6 times a day.

Weaning the Puppies

Weaning is the process of transitioning puppies from milk to solid food. Start introducing solid food around 3-4 weeks of age. Offer them a puppy-specific mush made with puppy food soaked in water. Gradually reduce the amount of water until they are eating dry kibble at 6-8 weeks old.

Additional Care Tips

1. Bedding
Provide a warm, clean, and comfortable bedding area for the mother and puppies. Line the bed with blankets or towels that can be easily changed when soiled.

2. Hygiene
Keep the whelping area clean and disinfect frequently. Wash your hands before handling the puppies to prevent the spread of infection.

3. Exercise
Puppies need mental and physical stimulation. Once they are old enough to walk (around 3 weeks), provide a safe outdoor area where they can play and explore.

4. Veterinary Check-ups
Puppies should have regular veterinary check-ups to ensure their health and development. The veterinarian will perform a physical exam, administer vaccinations, and provide advice on nutrition and care.

Postnatal care for puppies can be demanding, but it is essential for their health and well-being. By following these guidelines, you can provide your puppies with the best possible start in life.

2025-02-08

Previous：How to Care for a Dog Experiencing Bloat

Next：Identifying Dog Breeds Based on Visual Characteristics