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Newborn Puppy Care
During the first 4 weeks of life, a newborn puppy depends on it’s mother completely for warmth, nutrition, waste elimination, and hygiene. During this critical time, the owner must observe the newborn puppy carefully to detect problems. Immediate veterinary care is critical for any sick newborn puppy.
Warmth: During the first few weeks of life, a newborn puppy may easily become chilled. A room temperature of 70 F is recommended. If the bitch is ill or absent, then the temperature in the infant's immediate environment should be 80 to 85 F. The normal body temperature of the newborn puppy is 96 to 97 F, and reaches 100 F by 4 weeks of age. Indirect heat such as that provided by a heat lamp or warm water bottles may be used if needed. Care must be taken not to burn or overheat the puppies.
Body Weight: A newborn puppy should be weighed every day. A failure to gain weight or loss of weight requires immediate veterinary attention.
Nutrition: A well-fed newborn puppy sleeps contentedly after nursing and have full (not bloated) abdomens. Excessive crying or restlessness, especially after nursing, indicates a problem. If needed, supplemental feeding of a newborn puppy formula can be prescribed. Esophageal feeding tubes are often used in newborns who are weak or sick, and your veterinarian can instruct you how to perform this type of feeding.
Toilet Habits and Hygiene: During the first 3 to 4 weeks, the bitch stimulates elimination by licking her newborn puppy. If the mother is ill or absent, this can be performed with a warm moist cotten ball gently rubbed on the anal and genital area every 4 hours.
Eyes and Ears: The eyes open at 10 to 14 days of age. The ear canals open between 6 and 14 days of age.
Worms: Internal parasites are very common in a newborn puppy. A fecal sample should be taken from the litter when the infants are 4 to 6 weeks of age to be checked for parasites by your veterinarian.
Vaccines: The first vaccines are given at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age in puppies. After which booster shots are required (consult with your veterinarian).
Weaning: Introduction of a liquid or gruel diet may be done at 3 to 4 weeks of age. newborn puppy milk replacer is a good starter, followed by gruel made of newborn puppy food soaked in warm water. Weaning should be completed between 6 and 8 weeks of age.
Dog Obedience Training
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