| The first 36 hours of a puppies life in the critical period nutritionally. Healthy puppies will nurse right away and then every few hours. The pups must nurse from their mother within 12 hours of birth to receive her antibodies against disease. After 12 hours, their stomachs will not absorb antibodies. After this first 12 hours, if the mother does not have enough milk, or if her litter is too large, then the pups' diet can be supplemented with goats milk, or commercial puppy milk replacer. cow's milk is nutritionally inadequate for puppies. Supplemental heat should only be used for orphans or if the room's temperature is too cold for the mother's comfort. A newborn pup can't generate body heat until it develops the shiver reflex, at about two and half weeks of age. Orphan pups need an environmental temperature of about 97 degrees F the first week, in the mid 80's the second week, then in the 70's. If the mother is there to keep the pups warm, high temperatures are unnecessary and will make her uncomfortable. Orphan puppies less than one week old must be stimulated to urinate and eliminate. This is accomplished by gental massage of the abdomen and genital area with a warm moist piece of cotton (dampened with warm water). Helpful Hints: Aspirate the pup's throat and nostrils at birth always pre-boil water and cool prior to using in formulas A healthy pup feels warm, and has a full belly of milk. He twitches and never lies perfectly still. (Activated sleep)--The muscles are getting stronger during activated sleep. NEVER FEED A CHILLED PUPPY!!! If a pup's temperature is below 94 degrees--they should not be nursing and you should NOT be tube feeding! There is always the danger of a pup inhaling milk into its lungs (aspirating) --then getting pneumonia. Make sure your nipple hole is not too large or too small--I use premie nipples for human babies. If puppies are having a difficult time breathing, or if they have aspirated--even from birth, they will make a "grunting" sound..almost like a weak cry. Keep the puppy warm, in an isolette if you have one, and keep the head higher than the rear...get the puppy to the Vet and do not force feed or tube feed! The pup may have little bubbles on the side of its lips, but the milk should not run out of the sides of the mouth. If the puppy is not nursing ..or cant..check the puppy for a cleft palate...by running your finger gently accross the roof of their mouth. |
| Newborn Puppies and Supplementaing Puppies |