Puppies are fragile, so handling them excessively could pose an injury risk. Disturbing the litter unnecessarily could also stress out the mother. A healthy puppy’s weight should increase about 5 to 10% per day. Call the vet if a pup isn’t gaining weight, cries, or doesn’t huddle up with the rest of the litter. As for their first routine check-up, ask the vet if and when you should take the litter to the office. Puppies are prone to infections, so some vets advise keeping them at home for at least 2 to 4 weeks if there are no signs of trouble.
A whelping box is where the dam, or mother, gives birth and the pups spend the first few weeks of their lives.
If she excessively growls, barks, tries to bite, refuses to leave the litter, or shows other signs of aggression and you can’t calm her, give her space. If the litter appears healthy, just try again after a few hours or the next day. You can observe the litter from a distance to determine the puppies are latching well and if they cry when they are separated from the litter. If a puppy is not latching well, then you may need to intervene. Dams sometimes aggressively protect their litter, but they usually become calmer after a few days. Keep in mind maternal aggression may mean the whelping area needs to be calmer and quieter.
Most of the time, dams periodically leave the litter to stretch, eat, and go potty without hesitation. However, you might have to coax her away during the first few days after giving birth. When she potties, you may notice minor bleeding and a brown or greenish discharge, which are normal for the first week after giving birth. However, call the vet for excessive bleeding and discharge that persists, doesn’t become clearer over time, or smells foul. While the dam is away from the litter, you should also check the teats for redness, swelling, hardness, heat, or tenderness, which are signs of an infection.
At 2 to 3 weeks old, the puppies will start to crawl, stand, walk, and explore their surroundings. The dam will still want to stay nearby at this stage, but she’ll start leaving them alone to encourage them to become independent.
You can also mix water or dog milk formula with dry food to soften it.
Start by offering 1 meal to the puppies per day to wean them gradually.
Dams often instinctively start weaning by spending more time away from the litter and nursing the puppies less frequently. Follow her lead when you take her for extended breaks. If she wants to return to the litter, let her.
The right amount of food depends on the puppies’ breed, age, and adult weight, so check your product’s label for recommended serving sizes. Generally, smaller breeds need ½ to 1 cup (112 to 224 g) of food when they’re 2 to 3 months old. Larger breeds typically need around 1 to 2 cups (224 to 448 g).
Feeding the dam puppy food helps maintain her nutrient levels while she produces milk. Abruptly switching her back to normal dog food could make her sick, so it’s important to make the transition gradual.
Other family members and friends should also begin handling the puppies, but you should only introduce 1 or 2 new people at a time. Avoid letting small children handle the pups, as they can be too rough. While dams may be protective soon after delivery, they usually allow other people and animals around the litter by 3 to 5 weeks. [15] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
Offer plenty of pea-sized treats so the puppies associate new experiences with rewards. Be sure that the treats are tiny to help prevent unhealthy weight gain.
When you introduce dogs, leash them and allow them to circle each other and sniff. To avoid territorial behavior, it’s best to introduce dogs on neutral turf. Additionally, introduce your puppies to your cat, if you have one, or a loved one’s cat that tolerates being around dogs. When introducing a cats and dogs, a dog should be leashed, and a cat should have an avenue to escape if it feels threatened. If the mother is present when you expose the litter to new animals, make sure she’s leashed, and offer high-value treats to remind her the situation is positive.
When you introduce dogs, leash them and allow them to circle each other and sniff. To avoid territorial behavior, it’s best to introduce dogs on neutral turf. Additionally, introduce your puppies to your cat, if you have one, or a loved one’s cat that tolerates being around dogs. When introducing a cats and dogs, a dog should be leashed, and a cat should have an avenue to escape if it feels threatened. If the mother is present when you expose the litter to new animals, make sure she’s leashed, and offer high-value treats to remind her the situation is positive.
Keeping the puppies with their litter and mother for 8 weeks is a must. [20] X Expert Source Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBCCanine Behavior Consultant Expert Interview. 25 March 2022. Separating puppies prior to 8 weeks can lead to long-term behavioral issues.
Having a familiar object can make a puppy comfortable with its new surroundings. Artificial pheromones, which you can purchase online and at a vet’s office, are also helpful. These diffusers, sprays, and collars mimic the pheromones a mother dog produces, which can help soothe a puppy after it’s left the litter. [22] X Research source
