Care for the Newborn Pups

Pups are fragile and can fall sick if the bitch is not attentive or experienced. If the litter is too big or if it is the bitch's first pregnancy, she will need your help. It is important to know the following facts, before the pregnancy:

The mother dog secretes a milky fluid called Cholestrum. This contains antibodies that protect the pups against infections. It also contains minerals like calcium and salts like magnesium that are imperative for the growth and development of the pup. It is therefore important to help the newly born pup to find and suck at a teat.

The pups may need an additional feed if its mother is not secreting enough milk or when the litter is too big. In these circumstances, you can mix two cups of milk with some boiled water, a little sugar syrup and the yolks of two eggs and feed the pups. This should be made in large quantity. You can use either a child's milk bottle or a dropper depending on the age of the pup. Ideally, the pup needs a minimum of 6 feeds a day at a regular interval of 4 hours.

The pups need to be kept warm. In cold weather, use a heater placed at a higher level than the pups.

The Pups' eyes are closed at the time of birth. They only open them after approximately 10 days. During this time they shouldn't be exposed to direct sunlight.

Pups' stool is semi-sold or watery. This is normal. The mother keeps the area clean by sometimes eating the pups' feces. Do not worry, this is normal.

Line the floor with newspapers to make it easier to clean.

Do not use chemical disinfectants to clean the floor.

Do not bathe the puppies till they are at least 2 months old. The mother keeps them clean by licking them.

When the pups are 4 weeks old, the mother's milk alone, is no longer sufficient. Pups should be weaned onto solid food along with mother's milk. Introduce new items gradually. All food should be mashed or pureed. The meals should be given at 4-hour intervals and can consist of porridge, mashed potatoes, stewed fruit, vegetable broth, rice, and curd, scrambled egg and so on. Give a calcium supplement.

You may need to massage the pup with cod-liver oil if its skin looks dry. It helps in increasing blood circulation.

In case of diarrhea or dehydration use a diluted mixture of oral dehydration solution-a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of sugar per glass of boiled water.

As the nails of the pup start to grow, ask the vet to trim them slightly as they can hurt the mother dog.

Check for external parasites like ticks and fleas. Do not use any pesticides. Remove manually. 

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