Are you the proud owner of newborn pups? If so read on. This article will explain the best things that you can do to help care for them!
Puppies are as adorable as kittens! They are so tiny, soft, and cuddly. They are also so small and vulnerable. Pets owners need to realize that caring for puppies is different than caring for adult dogs.
Newborn pups are generally cared for by their mother. A female dogs has remarkable instincts when it comes to caring for her babes, even if she is a younger dog herself. A female dog will select a spot when she is ready to give birth. She will dig at it and prepare it as a nest for her pups. She will then give birth in that spot.
Your job as a puppy owner starts at birth. When your female dog is ready to have her pups you should be there if possible. There really is not much that can be done to help her give birth, but you can and should make sure that she is licking them thoroughly enough. If not they will not get all of the fluid and slime out of them. Should your female dog not be licking her pups you should step in. Rub the vigorously but very gently with a soft cloth.
Another concern and thing for you to watch for is the mother dog rolling on her pups while still giving birth to more. Help to move them aside as she is delivering and watch to make sure that she does not accidentally crush one.
After birth the pups will primarily be cared for by the mother dog until they are four or so weeks old. However, it is very important for you to check on the pups daily, if not more often. Do this to make sure that they are all eating a sufficient amount and that they are all thriving. If not separate the smaller ones from the larger ones and let them nurse for a hour per day.
The mother dog will not really want anyone to handle her babies in the first few days. It is necessary to check on them though, and to look them over carefully. After the first week or so your job as a puppy care giver get’s fun! Once the pups are a week or so old it is time to start holding them and giving them some of your attention! How wonderful it is to cuddle a new puppy. Name them and treat them well. Spend time with them each day to get them used to you and being held. Puppies love lots of attention! Once they start to become playful, around four weeks, it is important to spend at least an hour a day interacting with them. This will help to develop them into wonderful, loyal, and gentle pet adult dogs. Thanks for reading and take care!
