How to Care for Mum and Puppies in Week Two: A Complete Guide

Welcoming a litter of puppies into your home is an exciting and joyful experience. However, caring for newborn puppies and their mother requires careful attention, especially during their second week of life. At this stage, puppies are growing rapidly, and the mother is still recovering from labour while providing constant care for her pups. To ensure the health and well-being of both mum and puppies, here’s everything you need to know about their care in week two.

Understanding Puppy Development in Week Two

During the second week, puppies are still in the neonatal stage. They are almost entirely dependent on their mother, as their senses are still developing. Their eyes and ears, which were closed at birth, typically begin to open during this period, although their vision and hearing remain limited. Puppies are also gaining strength and becoming more active as they start to wriggle and crawl. This developmental phase is critical, as it lays the foundation for their overall health and socialization in the coming weeks.

The Mother’s Role and Needs

The mother is the primary caregiver for the puppies at this stage. She feeds them, keeps them warm, and licks them to stimulate urination and defecation. While the puppies’ demands are high, it’s essential to prioritize the mother’s health to ensure she can care for her litter effectively.

Ensure the mother has access to high-quality, nutrient-dense food, as her caloric needs are significantly higher while nursing. Opt for a premium puppy or lactation-specific formula to provide the extra nutrients she needs. Offer her meals multiple times a day and ensure she has constant access to fresh water. Keep her living area clean and quiet to reduce stress, as stress can affect her milk production and overall well-being.

Feeding and Nutrition for Puppies

For the puppies, the mother’s milk is their sole source of nutrition during these early weeks. It provides the essential antibodies and nutrients they need for growth and immunity. Make sure the mother is able to nurse all her puppies, and monitor them to ensure each one is feeding properly. Puppies should appear plump and content after feeding. If a puppy seems weaker or is not gaining weight, it may need supplemental feeding. Consult your veterinarian about using a puppy milk replacer to ensure the runt of the litter or any underweight puppies receive adequate nutrition.

Avoid introducing solid foods at this stage, as their digestive systems are not ready for it. Week two is all about ensuring they continue to thrive on milk while gradually growing stronger and more active.

Monitoring Health and Weight Gain

Tracking the puppies’ weight is crucial during the second week. Use a kitchen scale to weigh each puppy daily at the same time. A healthy puppy should gain weight steadily, roughly 5–10% of its body weight per day. If you notice any puppy failing to gain weight or losing weight, consult a veterinarian immediately.

Look for signs of illness in both the puppies and the mother. Puppies should be warm, active, and quiet when sleeping. Any signs of lethargy, constant crying, or failure to feed warrant immediate veterinary attention. For the mother, watch for symptoms such as loss of appetite, fever, or abnormal discharge, which could indicate issues like mastitis or uterine infections.

Creating a Comfortable Environment

A comfortable, clean, and safe environment is essential for the mother and her puppies. The whelping area should remain warm, with the temperature maintained at around 75–80°F (24–27°C) to prevent the puppies from getting cold. Use a heating pad or heat lamp, but ensure there’s a cooler area so they can move away if they become too warm.

Clean the whelping box daily, replacing soiled bedding to keep the area hygienic. Puppies have weak immune systems at this stage, so cleanliness is critical to prevent infections. The whelping box should also be quiet and away from the hustle and bustle of the household to minimize stress for the mother and her litter.

Encouraging Gentle Socialization

Although the puppies are still very young, gentle socialization can begin during week two. Handle each puppy briefly and gently every day, making sure your hands are clean and warm. This helps them get used to human contact, which is vital for their social development. Avoid overstimulating the puppies, as they still spend most of their time sleeping and feeding.

Helping the Mother with Hygiene

The mother instinctively keeps her puppies clean by licking them. However, she may need help maintaining her own hygiene, especially if she has a large litter. Use a damp, warm cloth to gently clean her mammary area and remove any milk residue or discharge. Trim the puppies’ nails carefully with a nail file or small clippers to prevent them from scratching her while nursing.

Pay close attention to her mammary glands for any signs of redness, swelling, or heat, as these could indicate mastitis. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

While most mothers and puppies thrive during the second week, it’s important to be vigilant and prepared to seek veterinary care if needed. Contact your vet if:

• Puppies are not gaining weight or appear weak.
• The mother refuses to eat, shows signs of discomfort, or appears unwell.
• Puppies are constantly crying, which could indicate hunger or illness.
• You notice unusual discharge from the mother or any abnormalities in the puppies.

Regular veterinary check-ups during the neonatal period are essential to ensure the health of the entire litter.

Preparing for the Weeks Ahead

As this week progresses, you’ll notice significant changes in the puppies. Their eyes and ears begin to open, and they start exploring their surroundings. These milestones are exciting and signify that you’re moving closer to their next developmental phase.

Begin preparing for week three by planning their first deworming treatment, as recommended by your veterinarian. Start researching the gradual introduction of solid food, which typically begins around week three to four.

Common Challenges and How to Handle Them

Caring for mum and her babies can come with challenges, but being proactive can help you address them effectively. If the mother is reluctant to nurse, try gently placing the puppies near her and creating a calm environment. For overly crowded litters, consider rotating the puppies during feeding times to ensure everyone gets enough milk.

Another common challenge is managing the mother’s stress. Provide her with plenty of rest and avoid allowing too many visitors during this sensitive time. A happy and relaxed mother is more likely to care for her puppies effectively.

Conclusion: Ensuring a Healthy Start for Mum and Puppies

Caring for mum and puppies requires dedication and attention to detail, but it is an incredibly rewarding experience. By providing the mother with proper nutrition, ensuring a clean and safe environment, monitoring the puppies’ development, and seeking veterinary care when needed, you’ll set the stage for a thriving litter.

As their caretaker, your efforts play a vital role in shaping the health and happiness of these little lives. With patience and love, you’ll guide them through these crucial early weeks, building the foundation for their future growth and well-being.