Essential Care & Tips for Newborn Puppy Raising

Caring for a puppy requires attention to several key aspects.

First and foremost, it is essential to ensure warmth and protection against drafts. Puppies have limited ability to retain heat in the first week of life, so the room temperature should ideally be maintained between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. The temperature inside the womb is around 38.5 degrees, and although the mother's body temperature may decrease before giving birth, the puppies are still vulnerable when they are born wet and cold.

Newborn puppies are susceptible to colds, but they may not show any signs of a severe infection within the first 48 hours. Puppies, between seven to ten days old, are unable to raise their fur to form an effective protective layer, making their thermoregulation poor. Their body temperature often fluctuates with the surrounding environment.

After seven days, although they have some thermoregulation, it is not particularly effective until they are about four weeks old. Therefore, during this time, pet owners must provide a warm nest for the puppies and ensure they receive additional warmth. If a puppy is found to be away from its mother, it should be gently placed back. If a puppy is being crushed under the mother, it should be removed promptly.

Ensure the puppies receive enough colostrum.

Newborn puppies have only 29% of their immunity, but after absorbing the mother's colostrum, their immunity can increase to 77%. Especially in the first three days, the colostrum contains a high concentration of transferable antibodies, which can protect the puppies for up to 6 to 8 weeks, providing the best natural immunity to protect their health before vaccinations.

If a puppy cannot access colostrum or there is a strong competition for food, the puppies may not develop evenly, leading to higher mortality rates, especially among the weaker ones.

Ensure the puppies get enough sleep and rest.

After birth, puppies are either sleeping or nursing, with minimal activity in the beginning. It's not until the third week that they start to move around more, waddling and exploring. During the first three weeks, it's best to minimize interaction and avoid frequently removing the puppies from their mother's side.

Manage the weaning process effectively. A mother dog's milk production typically peaks around 21 days after giving birth and then gradually decreases. However, as the puppies grow rapidly, their milk supply may not meet their increasing nutritional needs. Starting from the 10th day of life, supplementation should be introduced. Both water and highquality feed should be provided to the puppies.

In addition, it is necessary to trim the puppies' nails. When puppies are nursing, they may inadvertently scratch the mother's abdomen due to the grasping reflex. It is crucial to use baby nail clippers to carefully trim the puppies' claws.