How to Care for Your Dog and Newborn Puppies in the First Week

Bringing newborn puppies into the world is an exciting and rewarding experience for any dog owner. The first week of a puppy’s life is crucial for their growth and development, and as a pet parent, it is your responsibility to ensure both the mother dog and her newborn pups are properly cared for. This blog post provides comprehensive guidance on how to care for your dog and newborn puppies during the first week, with a focus on ensuring their health, comfort, and well-being. This post is designed to help you navigate the essential steps you need to take.

1. Preparing a Safe Space for the Dog and Puppies

The first step in caring for your dog and her newborn puppies is to provide a safe, clean, and quiet space for the birth. It’s important to have a whelping box or a designated area where the mother can feel secure and comfortable. A whelping box is a simple yet effective way to contain the puppies and prevent any accidents. Make sure the box is large enough for the mother to move around but small enough to keep the puppies close to her for warmth and bonding.

Ensure the area is free from any drafts or disturbing noises. The first week is an incredibly vulnerable time for the puppies, so the environment must be peaceful and controlled. You should avoid placing the whelping box in high-traffic areas of the house.

2. Ensuring the Mother Dog’s Comfort

During the first week, the mother dog will be busy nursing and caring for her puppies. Ensure she has a comfortable bed to lie on that is easily accessible to the whelping box. This will give her a place to rest and recuperate, as the birth process can be tiring. The mother will also need a consistent supply of food and water to support her milk production, so ensure she has access to fresh food and water at all times. Many UK vets recommend feeding the mother a high-quality, nutrient-rich food specifically formulated for lactating dogs to help her maintain energy and health during this critical time.

In terms of health care, it is vital to keep an eye on the mother’s physical condition. If she shows signs of discomfort, infection, or difficulty nursing the puppies, it is important to seek immediate veterinary advice. Some dog owners prefer to consult a vet prior to the birth to ensure they are prepared for any complications.

3. Monitoring the Puppies’ Health

The first week of a puppy’s life is essential for their growth. Newborn puppies are incredibly dependent on their mother for nourishment, warmth, and comfort. The puppies will spend most of their time sleeping and nursing, which helps them grow and develop rapidly. However, it’s crucial to keep a close eye on them for any signs of distress or ill health. In the UK, many breeders and veterinarians advise checking the puppies several times a day to ensure they are nursing well and gaining weight.

Newborn puppies are born blind and deaf, so they rely entirely on their sense of touch and smell to find their mother’s teats. The puppies will instinctively cluster around their mother and latch on for feeding. Each puppy should be nursing every couple of hours, and it’s important to check that all puppies are feeding and getting enough milk. If any puppy seems weak or is not nursing, consult your veterinarian immediately.

If the mother is unable to nurse or if she has complications, you may need to step in and feed the puppies with a specially formulated puppy milk replacement. Make sure the formula is suitable for puppies, as regular cow’s milk can cause digestive upset. Your vet can help you choose the best milk replacement and feeding schedule.

4. Keeping the Puppies Warm

Newborn puppies cannot regulate their body temperature properly during the first week of life. Therefore, it is essential to ensure they are kept warm at all times. The mother dog provides warmth through her body heat, but you may need to help if the puppies become separated from her or if the environment is too cold. In the UK, where the weather can be unpredictable, it’s a good idea to use heat pads or warm blankets in the whelping area to ensure the puppies stay at the right temperature, usually between 28 and 30°C (82-86°F) in the first few days. Make sure the heat source is not too close to the puppies, as overheating can be just as dangerous as being too cold.

A heat lamp can also work well in maintaining the right warmth, but always use caution to avoid burns or overheating. Regularly check the puppies to ensure they are not too hot or too cold.

5. Ensuring Proper Hygiene for the Dog and Puppies

Hygiene is essential for both the mother and her newborn puppies. After birth, the mother dog will instinctively lick her puppies to clean them, which also stimulates circulation and promotes bonding. However, it is important to clean the whelping area to maintain a sanitary environment regularly. In the UK, it is recommended that you clean the box with a mild disinfectant to prevent the spread of bacteria, but be sure to avoid harsh chemicals that could harm the puppies or the mother.

Change bedding regularly to keep the area clean and dry. Be sure that the puppies’ bedding is soft and non-irritating to their delicate skin. Keep in mind that the puppies will be sensitive to strong smells, so it’s essential to maintain a neutral and calm environment to prevent stress on the mother and puppies.

6. Handling and Socialising the Puppies

During the first week, it is generally best to avoid excessive handling of the puppies. They are still very fragile, and too much human interaction can cause unnecessary stress for both the puppies and the mother. However, it’s important to gently handle the puppies when necessary, such as when weighing them, to monitor their health and development. When you do handle the puppies, always ensure that you do so with clean hands to reduce the risk of infections.

As the puppies grow, begin handling them more frequently to help them get accustomed to human touch. This early socialisation is key for developing well-rounded, confident dogs. At this stage, they are still too young for active socialisation with other dogs or environments, so keep human interaction gentle and loving.

7. Veterinary Care and Check-Ups

The first week is a critical period for both the mother and the puppies, and regular veterinary check-ups are vital. Within the first few days after birth, take the mother and puppies to the vet for a general check-up. The vet will ensure that the puppies are healthy and that the mother is recovering well from the birth process. If there are any concerns, the vet will be able to offer advice or medical intervention to ensure the well-being of both the mother and her puppies.

Vaccinations and deworming treatments are generally not administered during the first week, but it’s essential to schedule these treatments as the puppies grow. Your vet will guide you through this process.

In conclusion, the first week of life for newborn puppies is a crucial time for their development and survival. By ensuring a clean, safe, and warm environment for both the mother and her puppies, and by providing proper care and attention, you will give them the best start in life. Regular veterinary check-ups, proper feeding, and monitoring are key to ensuring their health. If you follow these essential steps, you’ll help ensure that your puppies grow into happy, healthy dogs.