Having newborn puppies at home, whether they are dogs or cats, is always a great expectation, joy, but also many doubts. We see them so fragile that we need to be sure that they receive the best care.
In this article, we will review what attention these little ones require to get ahead successfully and we will answer the question that a good number of caregivers ask themselves about whether it is wrong to hold newborn puppies.
Can I catch the newborn puppies?
Whether it is bad to catch newborn puppies or not, you have no single answer. Catching newborn puppies is not bad, but there are nuances. For example:
- Unknown bitch: it is not a good idea to try to catch the little ones from an unknown bitch. She, as a mother who protects her young, will try to prevent us from doing so and, furthermore, we will be causing unnecessary stress to both her and her litter.
- Is it necessary to do it? : On the other hand, the principle that should always govern us is that of animal welfare. No dog is a toy, but even less so are newborn puppies. They are so vulnerable that any mishandling can lead to death in a matter of hours. Therefore, rather than wondering whether or not we can catch newborns, the question is why and for what.
- If at that time they are with the mother: the puppies that are with a mother should not be held. These little ones are unable to regulate their temperature and acquire that of the place where they are. Taking them out of the heat provided by their mother and siblings can lead to a worrying chill. There will be time, when with about three weeks they begin to move alone, to interact with them.
Thus, no matter how adorable they are, we only have to manipulate them if we see that one of them is not right or, of course, if they are orphans. And even in this case you have to follow some care guidelines.
How can you touch newborn puppies?
Although it is not bad to take newborn puppies in certain conditions, we cannot do it in any way either. The first thing to keep in mind is that our hands cannot be cold. Afterwards, we can hold the newborns by opening the hand and circling their body with the thumb on one side, between the front and back legs, and the rest of the fingers on the opposite side. This manipulation is the most used to move the puppies, if necessary. For example, to put them in a box or carrier.
On the other hand, to support them, it is more common to pass your hand under its belly, with one or two fingers between its front legs. It is in this position that orphaned newborns are given the bottle.
If we only want to caress them, we must also ask ourselves for what or why. If we need to control the child’s condition, we can put a hand on it to notice its temperature. If we doubt, even if they are small, it is possible to put them, with great care, a thermometer, lubricating the tip and inserting it into the anus. These maneuvers, as well as any other, are best done without taking the puppy away from its mother, unless she becomes very nervous and it is essential to examine her baby.
Newborn puppy care
Although it is not bad to catch newborn puppies, it is essential to follow some guidelines for their correct care. In the event that they meet their mother, we must do nothing more than observe that they all eat and grow. We will limit ourselves to looking at the family and providing them with a clean and warm place, in addition to offering the mother adequate food for this stage of high requirements and water freely available
How to care for orphaned newborn puppies?
When newborns are orphans, it is essential for their survival to feed them frequently with milk formulated specifically for puppies. It is also vital to provide them with heat. These little ones need us to stimulate them to urinate and defecate. We will do this by passing a gauze or moistened cotton over the genital area just after each feeding. In this way we simulate his mother’s tongue, which is the one in charge of this cleaning.
It is necessary to monitor the navel, which falls towards the week of life, to avoid infections. Also the eyes, which will be closed for 7-8 days. An inflammation in them, when they are not yet open, may indicate an eye infection and will need veterinary treatment. This professional will be in charge of solving all doubts and we must go to him if a problem arises.
When to separate the puppies from the mother?
Lastly, the puppies should be kept together for a minimum of eight weeks. The first stage of your life is a very sensitive period and it is important that you socialize with your peers to prevent behavior problems in the future.
