Care of Newborn Puppies

Newborn puppies require adequate warmth and nutrition in order to survive their vulnerable first few weeks of life. Puppies are exceptionally prone to hypothermia if their shelter area is too cool, and will dehydrate or starve quickly, due to their small size, if unable to receive adequate fluids and nutrition through nursing. Proper newborn care increases the chances that a puppy born healthy will grow to be a healthy adult dog.

If possible, bring the puppies in to your veterinarian a few days after birth. There the puppies will be weighed, checked for general health and for physical abnormalities that may prevent the puppies from thriving.

Puppies should nurse and sleep much of the time during the first days of life. In some cases, the mother dog won't produce enough milk or a puppy will have difficulty suckling. You may need to supplement feedings using specially prepared puppy formula (available at pet supply stores or your veterinarian's clinic). If a puppy is not feeding due to physiological abnormalities, your veterinarian can discuss your options.

Newborn puppies must be kept warm or they may develop hypothermia and die. Ideally, their mother will provide this warmth; however, when choosing the whelping area in your home, keep temperature in mind. Soft blankets or pet beds should cover cold tile or other flooring in the area which may chill puppies who move away from the mother. During winter months, a heat lamp may be used (with caution) if the area cannot be kept at at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Just follow precautions to avoid accidental fires and make sure the area doesn't get overly hot (monitor this closely). Puppies should be warm (not hot) to the touch. If a puppy feels cold to the touch, he will need to be gradually re-warmed. According to Peteducation.com, a newborn puppy's rectal temperature should be at least 97 degrees Fahrenheit.

Newborn puppies should not be handled much except when necessary. Normally, no brushing or bathing is advised. However, you may need to clip their nails to prevent puppies scratching each other or their mother. The first few weeks of life are also a good time for basic care--such as dew claw removal. Cleaning newborn puppies is normally neither necessary nor advised. However, as a puppy's immune system is immature, the whelping area should be kept clean, with bedding changed frequently to keep things sanitary.

Weigh newborn puppies every day. A small food scale or a veterinary scale are both fine for this. Puppies should roughly double their weight in the first week or week and a half. Puppies that do not gain enough weight may have something wrong with them and should be seen by a veterinarian.