How to feed a puppy for the first 28 days in American Englis

Bringing a little puppy into your life is a heartwarming experience, and taking care of a newborn pup requires careful attention, especially during the first 28 days. During this period, known as the neonatal stage, the puppy is entirely dependent on you for survival. Here's how to nurture your little furball through these crucial weeks.

Feeding Your Puppy:

Newborn puppies need to be fed every two to three hours around the clock. Since they can't regulate their body temperature, they rely on their mother or you for warmth. If the puppy is orphaned or the mother is unable to nurse, you'll need to step in. Use a small, specialized puppy bottle or syringe to feed them. It's essential to use a milk replacement formula designed for puppies, as it contains the necessary nutrients they need at this stage.

Monitoring Milk Intake:

Puppies should consume approximately 1/4 to 1/2 ounce of formula per ounce of body weight per day. Weigh your puppy daily to adjust the feeding amounts accordingly. It's crucial to monitor their intake to ensure they're getting enough nutrition. A healthy puppy should gain weight steadily each day.

Stimulating Elimination:

Puppies are not able to eliminate waste on their own during the first few weeks. After each feeding, gently stimulate their genital and anal areas with a warm, damp cloth or a soft tissue to encourage them to urinate and defecate. This mimics the mother's natural licking behavior and is necessary for their hygiene and health.

Keeping Them Warm:

Puppies can't shiver to generate heat, so it's vital to keep them warm. Create a cozy environment with a soft blanket or a heating pad set on a low setting. The ideal temperature for newborn puppies is between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Always ensure that the heating pad is not too hot and that the puppy can move away from it if needed.

Socialization and Handling:

While the primary focus during this period is on survival, gentle handling and socialization are also important. Spend time each day holding and petting your puppy, but be gentle as they are fragile. This early handling helps them get used to human touch and can contribute to a well-adjusted adult dog.

Health Checkups:

It's important to schedule a vet appointment for your puppy. Puppies should have their first vet check-up around the age of one week. The vet will check the overall health of the puppy and provide further guidance on how to care for your little pup.

Transitioning to Solid Food:

By the age of three to four weeks, puppies will start showing an interest in solid food. You can start offering a small amount of wet puppy food to them. It should be the consistency of gruel, and you can mix it with the milk replacement formula to make the transition easier for the puppy.

Caring for a newborn puppy is a big responsibility, but it's also incredibly rewarding. With the right nutrition, warmth, and attention, you'll help your little pup grow into a healthy, happy dog. Remember, the effort you put in now will pay off in the future with a loyal, affectionate companion by your side.