Puppies first week

Having newborn puppies is wonderful! Although very tiring ensuring all there needs are met. Caring for newborn puppies requires attentive and gentle care to ensure their health and well-being.

• Did you know puppies need a warm, draft-free area with a consistent temperature of around 85-90°F (29-32°C) during the first week., Using heat pads or heat lamps. They cannot regulate their body temperature yet. They rely on the mother and each other for warmth.

• The mother’s milk provides all necessary nutrients and antibodies, we must make sure she is well-fed and hydrated. A bitch can need up to 3-4 times more than the normal amount of food.

• Part of our daily routine is Regularly changing bedding to prevent infections. Keeping the area dry, clean, and quiet to reduce stress. Although Shay loves everyone seeing her babies, for some dogs this can be very stressful .

• We are constantly checking that each puppy is nursing properly and gaining weight, especially with such a big litter of 12, puppies feed every 2-3 hrs, smaller puppies can be pushed out, this must be monitored and if necessary a milk supplement may need to be given. Each puppy is weighed to ensure they are gaining weight.

• Caring for newborn puppies is a delicate process, constant monitoring of both mother and puppies, sleepless nights ensuring no puppy is accidentally laid on , excessive amounts of coffee consumed and bags under our eyes but wLOVE IT!