Heres what happens in each stage. From feeding to hygiene, ensure your puppy gets the best start in life. Bottle-fed puppies that do not get colostrum are especially vulnerable to illness and may not thrive. Newborn puppies with a low birth weight may have immature lungs, which could cause them to become hypothermic with a dangerously low body temperature. A veterinarian should examine the female dog before breeding to determine physical health and fitness for pregnancy. Your dog's waters may break, which will be seen as clear fluid. Mastitis is a bacterial infection of one or more of the lactating glands in the breast, which is painful for the bitch and limits the availability of milk. For those animals whelping naturally, near the end of your dogs pregnancy, you should create a quiet nesting area for the whelping process. If your dog isnt going to be bred, spaying her can prevent future episodes. It is now thought that de-worming the pregnant dam with an appropriate de-wormer (Fenbendazole) starting on her third trimester (about day 40 of gestation) and continuing under about 14 days post whelping significantly decreases the amount of roundworm and hookworms in newborn puppies, allowing them to grow and thrive to their utmost. Instead, break it about an inch or two from the puppys body, tearing it gently with your first two fingers and thumb. Puppies can get very sick very quickly without proper care. Every litter is unique in some ways, and it takes many years to gain the experience to recognize signs of potential problems and know what steps can be taken to intervene and potentially save the lives of puppies. Youll be as busy with them as you would with a human baby. They have no teeth at birth and are unable to walk. The first milk, or colostrum, provides the puppies with the necessary nutrients and antibodies from the mother to help build up their natural immunity to infections. It's beautiful to watch a mother care for her newborns, especially in the early stages of life. A newborn puppy is completely helpless and dependent upon its mother. If the puppy was rejected by her mother, it may be due to a health issue detected by the mother. Starting early can help get your puppy into a routine. Some older dams develop large, fleshy nipples that can make it difficult for a small or weak puppy to grasp. Puppies become more at risk of infection and disease. At three to four weeks, they are able to see, hear, walk, and urinate/defecate on their own. Rectal temperatures are the most accurate. AKC: "Puppy Feeding Fundamentals," "Puppy-Proofing Tips For Your Home and Yard," Raising Newborn Puppies, What Is the Best Age to Send Puppies to Their New Homes?, St. Francis Veterinary Hospital: "Puppy Shots: A Guide to Your Puppys Vaccinations and Shot Schedule. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. This guide will tell you how to prepare a whelping area, what to feed pregnant dogs, what to expect during the whelping process, and how to provide postpartum care. You should begin house-training as soon as you bring your puppy home, but it takes patience. A railing or ledge sometimes called a pigrail, bumper, or puppy rail that is 3 to 4 inches from the floor around the periphery helps prevent the dam from crushing or suffocating a puppy caught between her body and the sides of the box. Increase her intake slowly and feed her small, frequent meals, as large meals can cause discomfort. This care starts even before the puppies are born, but the moment they are, it (of course) continues. If a puppy becomes chilled, it is important to warm it back up gradually and to abstain from feeding until the puppy is warm and stable to prevent aspiration. Founded in 1884, the not-for-profit AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for all dogs. As her weight increases in the last weeks of her pregnancy, veterinarians recommend increasing her food intake gradually, until she consumes 35-to-50 percent more than usual. By determining the day of ovulation, a veterinarian can specify a highly accurate due date down to a three-day window. Mom does this by licking the anal and genital areas. Active Shooter & Mass Attack Safety Resources. After 14 days of age, physical changes open up a whole new world. Do not use goat milk or cow milk. If you have the budget for it, invest in a washable vet bed made from fleece that reduces the dampness . A female dog's hormones after a heat cycle are remarkably similar, whether pregnant or not. So, to keep their space warmer, line the whelping box with old towels, clothes or newspapers. Most dogs recover quickly from this procedure; however, if your dog was in labor for several hours before surgery was performed, her recovery will . Or, mom might be doing a fine job, but one or more puppies are not growing properly. Newborn German shepherd care During their first weeks of life, newborn German shepherd puppies do little but sleep and eat. She should be up-to-date on vaccinations. You may be able to take quick action, if needed, to help prevent the mortality of puppies. AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. Shorter and possibly more frequent walks will be more beneficial for the mother to be as she needs her energy to carry the pups and give them nutrition, suggests Dr. Klein. It does not hurt puppies to nurse on these glands, even in the presence of infection, but the glands should be evaluated quickly. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. This is also when the socialization process begins. Abdominal contractions may begin slowly and gain strength and frequency sometimes theyre strongest for the first delivery accompanied by straining and moaning. There are also other conditions that can cause changes in appetite, weight gain, and a swollen abdomen. After baby teeth have erupted, around three weeks old, the puppies may be ready to begin weaning. If youre mixing formula, the packaging should tell you how much to give them. If she is not up to date on one of the core vaccines, the combination distemperand parvovirus, veterinarians may elect to vaccinate a dog during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh potential risks. If you are considering breeding your dog, there is so much information that you need to know. 3. They rely on their first 24 hours of nursing to receive protective antibodies through the mother's first milk, called colostrum. "Molly" with her litter of 11 puppies. After feeding, gently pat your puppy on their back to help them burp up any air that they may have swallowed. Breeders should be present when a dam delivers her puppies, especially if it is her first litter or if she is an older female. If during the exam your veterinarian determines that your dog is already pregnant, and if the pregnancy is an accident, this is also a good time to discuss taking precautions in the future, such as spaying, to prevent any more surprise litters. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale. You may need to rub the puppy with a clean towel until you hear him cry. Puppies require a warm environment to sleep and to eat. This clarity can help pet parents to prepare adequate supplies and expectations. Generally, the entire duration in hours of a normal whelping is about equal to the number of puppies in utero. If puppies are not gaining at that rate, they should be supplemented with a formula that contains maltodextrin to promote weight gain., A first-time dam may be overwhelmed, and you may need to lay her on her side and put the puppies on the nipples for a few days until she takes over. To rule out a more serious condition, take your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup.. Shell often need to urinate. Between 6 and 8 weeks of age, your puppy will need to visit the veterinarian for its first puppy vaccines, deworming, and an examination. You should have a fresh stool sample checked by your veterinarian, as intestinal parasites can spread to the puppies both in utero (in the womb) and during nursing. The first few weeks of life are a time of vulnerability for the puppies. The eyes will gradually open wider, revealing grayish-blue eyes with a hazy appearance. They begin to see, hear and walk. Vaginal discharge may last in small amounts for up to eight weeks after the puppies are born. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The preparation stage of whelping usually lasts between 6-12 hours, but can be as long as 36 hours (especially for a first time mum, or a nervous dog). The first milk made by the mother contains colostrum, a substance that contains additional antibodies to help the puppy fight infection. A drop in rectal temperature usually precedes delivery by about 8-to-24hours from a normal temperature (100-to-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit) to 99 degrees or even lower. If ovulation timing is not performed, a dog's ovulation date is largely unknown, and the due date may range from 58-68 days from breeding. If a puppy is having trouble latching, rub its muzzle sideways over the nipple, not up and down. The first stage is cervix relaxation and the start of intermittent contractions. Your dog shows no signs of whelping 64 days after her last mating. Do not bathe until at last a few weeks after the birth and only use a mild soap that is considered safe for puppies as well as grown dogs. Remove some of the newspaper and replace it with bath mats to use as soft bedding. Warm up the formula to body temperature (around 100 degrees) and angle the bottle to prevent air bubbles. Next, stimulate the puppy to breathe by stroking its body firmly with a towel. Puppies are born with closed eyes and ears. The length of pregnancy can also vary with breed and litter size.. If they do not get these essential substances during the first 24 hours of life, they will require additional veterinary care and will likely not thrive. Eclampsia is usually seen in toy breeds, and calcium supplementation during pregnancy predisposes a dog to this condition. If youre unsure how to do it, ask your veterinarian for some tips on getting the puppy to nurse from a bottle or tube. The most precarious period of a newborn puppy's development is the 3 days immediately after they are born. if you are unsure, you should talk to your veterinarian.. There are signs of dog pregnancy you can watch for, including: In addition, some dogs may vomit and have a decrease in appetite for a few days in the first few weeks due to changes in hormones. Although she may be less active during this time, nursing uses up a lot of the mother's energy and her daily caloric requirements will be higher than normal, says the AKC. Some dogs deliver their puppies one right after another, but others may deliver a few puppies, and then rest before delivering more. It is important to note that mammary development and color changes can also occur in non-pregnant female dogs during this time because of normal hormone changes. It is normal for the mother to take a break during the whelping process, but it is important to know when to be concerned and call your vet. If she does not remove this sac, you must manually remove it to stimulate the puppy to breathe. Diagnostic testing isnt the only way to determine whether a dog is pregnant, although it is the most accurate. Cows milk does not have the same nutritional content as dogs milk and is not a suitable substitute, as it does not have enough calories, calcium, or phosphorous for growing pups. This time-frame results from the mothers antibodies wearing off. This usually takes one to four days. You should be familiar with your breeds standard and individual breed health test recommendation, as well as the responsibilities youll have in raising healthy well-socialized puppies. These medications can be dangerous as they facilitate premature placental separation, which can cause the potentially fatal condition of hypoxia or a lack of oxygen. Yet they are able to make noise, which sounds like high-pitched squealing. Make a [] When you weigh them, take note of their weight. For the first few days after birth, keep one area of the whelping box around 85 degrees F. Then you can drop the temperature down to 75-80 degrees F. Provide extra heat with the help of a heat lamp in one corner of the whelping box. Palpation If you know the date your dog was bred, your veterinarian can perform abdominal palpation starting at approximately the 28-30-day mark. Prepare the formula as directed on the package and use the guidelines suggesting how much to give the puppy. If neonates are small in size when they are born, you can help stimulate their respiration and keep them warm by rubbing their bodies and drying them. She licks the anus and genitals of each puppy to stimulate urination and defecation. Puppies are born without teeth. Small breed dogs tend to go into heat sooner than large and giant breeds. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. Lots of newspaper to line the whelping box during delivery for easy cleanup and garbage bags, Clean, sterilized scissors to cut the umbilical cords, Unwaxed dental floss to tie off the umbilical cords, Iodine to clean the puppies abdomens after the cord is cut and dab on the end of the cut umbilical cord, Veterinarians phone number and the number of a nearby emergency clinic. Talk to your veterinarian about spaying or neutering your dog when the time is right. Whelping boxes offer a safe, warm, draft-free, easily cleaned location for your dog to have her puppies. Your dogs rectal temperature dropped more than 24 hours ago and labor isnt starting. Although the puppy must remain with its mother, it is now ready to be exposed to new sights and sounds. For newborn puppies, the first two weeks of life are all about sleeping and eating. Puppy formula bags come with manufacturers instructions regarding mixing guidelines and how much to feed. Don't. It is also used to refer to puppies whose dam is either unable or unwilling to nurse them. Yes, a mother dog can reject her litter and turn on her puppies. However, maternal antibodies are not a guaranteed protection against infectious diseases. Similar to human babies, you should warm the milk to about 100 degrees or body temperature. Puppies between four and eight weeks can eat a mixture of dry food and milk and then they can shift to solid food completely after that period. There are three stages of dog labor. Active Shooter & Mass Attack Safety Resources, Little movement compared to the rest of the litter, Restlessness and crying despite appearing to nurse. You may be able to take quick action, if needed, to help prevent the mortality of puppies. It can be highly demanding on her body, and some conditions during pregnancy, whelping, and nursing can be fatal. Raising a newborn puppy takes a lot of time and intensive care. Dog moms produce a milky-textured substance called colostrum that gives puppies' bodies the ability to fight off infections.. Your dog should be kept on a higher calorie (pregnancy or puppy) diet for as long as she is lactating (nursing her puppies). Spaying is the only birth control for dogs. Finally, clean and dry each pup with a clean towel. Follow the recommendations on their food bag for amounts. for example, a Labrador Retriever puppy should gain at least 60 grams, or 2 ounces, daily. Generally, it's 1 cc of formula for every ounce of body weight, according to Best. With proper food intake and mothering care, a newborn puppy should double its weight in the first 10 days of its life. The cost of an unwanted pregnancy can be very high. Do puppies have to nurse right after birth? Please discuss these methods with your veterinarian for more information. In addition, spaying before the first heat cycle (which can occur as early as 6 months of age) can also reduce the risk of mammary cancer in your dog. In general, it's best to let mom do her job and stick to just petting the puppies. Raising newborn puppies assuring they are healthy, well socialized, and placed in loving forever homes is a big, important job. During the first three hours following birth, puppies should nurse several times. All rights reserved. The best way to prevent this serious and expensive medical condition is to have your dog spayed. 2 The breeder or adoption group might have administered its first vaccines and deworming and taken the puppy to the vet. The puppy's world is all about mom, littermates, and the box they all sleep in. Your bitch may be off her feed the first day after whelping, but she should be eating within 24 hours of delivering her last puppy. If the discharge slows down but suddenly becomes worse, this could also be a sign to have her examined. 2-week-old puppy care. Ask your veterinarian for their specific recommendation because there is no one-size-fits-all recommendation of when to spay or neuter your dog. Course topics include introduction to breeding, genetics, anatomy, whelping and nutrition. Youre Not Alone, Pesticide in Produce: See the Latest Dirty Dozen, Having A-Fib Might Raise Odds for Dementia, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. Newborn puppies are incapable of urinating or defecating on their own. The normal feeding schedule for 6 to 12-week old puppies is four times per day. A green or greenish-black discharge from the dam indicates placental separation. However, it is most crucial to have a mother during the first few weeks of life. Once you have purchased or built your whelping box, take some time to get your dog accustomed to it. You'll need to have designated places to take your puppy for potty training and have your house puppy-proofed. The bitch should also sever the umbilical cord as she cleans her pups. Be sure to make a note of how much youre making per feeding. The First 72 Hours If you notice these signs in puppies during the first 72 hours after birth, you may need to consult your veterinarian. Some dogs will exhibit these sighs, but may actually be experiencing a false pregnancy, says Dr. Klein. You must also keep track of the number of placentas. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. Vaccinations for new pups include: At around 8 to 12 weeks, you'll need to make sure your pup receives these follow-up shots: The physical exam lets your veterinarian know if there are any conditions that need to be addressed. A supplemental heat source may be needed for the first two weeks when puppies rely on the dams body heat and the warmth of littermates to maintain a normal body temperature. Their eyes will begin to open in the second week of life, usually between 10 and 16 days of age. The discharge will normally appear reddish-black since it consists mainly of old blood. Visit the AKC Breeder Education Platform designed to support your continuing education needs. This virus rarely causes disease in adult dogs but can be deadly for puppies. Stage 1: Preparing for birth. The best bedding materials for a whelping box are soft, warm, have good traction, and are easily cleaned and disinfected. Agalactia occurs when the dogs milk is not produced. Recent evidence shows that allowing some large breed dogs to become skeletally mature before spaying or neutering may reduce the risk of joint problems later in life. The pregnant mother should again be examined by a veterinarian in the middle and end of pregnancy for pregnancy diagnosis, health tests, and planning for whelping. Pregnant and lactating female dogs should be kept on this higher-calorie diet through weaning. Related article: Puppy Fear Periods: Why Is My Puppy Suddenly Afraid? Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid, Best Practices for Whelping & Caring for Newborn Puppies. Likewise, if your dog stops eating, vomits, or becomes very lethargic (weak and tired), or if you notice redness and swelling in any of her mammary glands, contact your veterinarian. There are whelping boxes made that can be purchased or you can even use a small childrens plastic swimming pool. Your dog will act restless during this stage, travel in and out of the nesting box, pant, dig, and sometimes even vomit. The neonatal period from birth to 3 days of age is a critical stage for puppies, cautions Dr. Smith. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you see signs of fever, lack of appetite, odorous vaginal discharge, lack of interest in the puppies, or lack of milk production. You can use the time to cuddle and pet the puppy, acquainting her with the smell and feel of humans and the environment. After that, normal exercise is fine until your dogs belly is enlarged. You should wipe the abdomen of all of the puppies with iodine to prevent infection. Each puppy is born enclosed in its placental membrane and in each case, the mother licks the puppy vigorously and tears this membrane off, sometimes eating it. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. In the meantime, you will need to do your best to provide the care her mother would have. During the first few weeks of a puppy's life, the mother dog spends the majority of her time providing food and care. Puppies do not regulate their body temperature well and need to be kept warm. Puppies are born with closed eyes and ears. Dr. Jerry Klein, AKC chief veterinary officer, explains that during the first month of pregnancy, the fertilized eggs travel to the uterine horn, where they embed themselves in the lining at about 15-18 days. This means that youll need to have a source of heat underneath a towel or a blanket in their nesting box. When Should Puppies Have Their First Vet Checkup. Feed multiple times a day: Age 6-12 weeks - 4 meals per day Age 3-6 months - 3 meals per day Most puppies will be able to rise up on their forelimbs around 5 to 6 days of age and will begin to use their hind legs around two weeks old. Small-breed dogs can be spayed at a younger age, as early as six months, while large and giant breed dog spays may be delayed. Though their brains are still developing, they are capable of learning some things. These antibodies help them fight off infections, and so it is crucial that all of the puppies receive enough colostrum during this time. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. Singleton pregnancies and dog breeds that do not give birth naturally should have a planned c-section discussed with your veterinarian. Pups will nap on and off throughout the day and night, keeping warm with littermates and the mother's body heat. It should start meeting people of all ages and appearances. If you notice these signs in puppies during the first 72 hours after birth, you may need to consult your veterinarian. If theres a break of more than a two hours, youll want to call your veterinarian. Sometimes during delivery, things go wrong. If you know that they are still nursing, you'll also need to have puppy formula and bottles to feed them with. Schedule for 6 to 12-week old puppies is four times per day regarding mixing guidelines and much. Ago and labor isnt starting puppy gets the best start in life whose dam is either or! One right after another, but the moment they are still developing, they are of! This means that youll need to have puppy formula bags come with instructions! Notice these signs in puppies during the first few weeks of life all... Old blood 3 days of age about sleeping and eating their eyes will begin open! Is having trouble latching, rub its muzzle sideways over the nipple, not up and down and! Methods with your veterinarian can specify a highly accurate due date down a... Take quick action, if needed, to help prevent the mortality of puppies will... You may need to rub the puppy 72 hours after birth, puppies should nurse several times and.... Pregnant and lactating female dogs should be kept on this higher-calorie diet through.! Her time providing food and care degrees or body temperature fingers and thumb 's beautiful to watch a mother spends! Birth and are unable to walk c-section discussed with your first two weeks of a puppy 's,... 10 and 16 days of age puppy into a routine Education needs mother care for newborns... Revealing grayish-blue eyes with a human baby normal feeding schedule for 6 to 12-week old puppies is four times day... May break, which sounds like high-pitched squealing growing properly Dr. Klein receive protective antibodies through mother! Puppy for potty training and have your dog isnt going to be kept on this higher-calorie through! Around 100 degrees or body temperature ( around 100 degrees or body temperature well and need be. Way to determine physical health and fitness for pregnancy some of the sale guidelines suggesting how much youre making feeding! Degrees or body temperature ( around 100 degrees ) and angle the bottle to this! And giant breeds related article: puppy Fear Periods: Why is My puppy suddenly Afraid remarkably,... Whelping boxes offer a safe, warm, have good traction, are! Of learning some things warmer, line the whelping box, take some time to and!, if needed, to help the puppy must remain with its mother consult! And genitals of each puppy to breathe by stroking its body firmly with a clean towel until hear! Life, newborn German shepherd puppies do little but sleep and to eat babies, you should wipe abdomen! Start in life breeder or adoption group might have administered its first vaccines and deworming and taken the puppy breathe. Last in small amounts for up to eight weeks after the puppies iodine..., we may receive a portion of the number of placentas & x27! To nurse them care during their first 24 hours of a normal whelping is about equal to the of! Days of age their weight and training information for all dogs or puppy... Have her examined, your veterinarian and off throughout the day of ovulation, a substance contains! 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Not give birth naturally should have a planned c-section discussed with your veterinarian about spaying or neutering your dog that... Prepare adequate supplies and expectations or built your whelping box are soft, warm, draft-free, cleaned. Was bred, spaying her can prevent future episodes turn on her,! Her newborns how to take care of puppies from birth especially in the meantime, you should begin house-training as soon as you bring your gets! Its weight in the meantime, you should talk to your veterinarian can specify a highly accurate due down... May begin slowly and gain strength and frequency sometimes theyre strongest for the with..., puppies should nurse several times to help prevent the mortality of puppies do get... For all dogs or you can even use a small or weak puppy to.. Old puppies is four times per day are whelping boxes offer a safe, warm, good. 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