Newborn Puppies
Each breeder has a different way of doing things. Having giant breed puppies for decades, this is the ideal way for us to manage and safely maintain the puppies. (and our sanity)
The first 24 hours we keep the puppies nursing around the clock, weighing them every 12 hours to be sure everyone is gaining well. Heat lamp is overhead to keep everyone comfortably warm.
We do not at any time leave the puppies unattended unless they are safely in a warming box.
The night following their birth momma is fed and put to bed in the whelping box. The puppies are put to bed safely in a warming box next to the whelping box so momma can see/smell them but the puppies are safe from being squished, and momma can comfortably eat then sleep in peace, and she will sleep hard!
We feed the puppies every 2 hours. The length of time they feed depends on how many puppies and how quickly her milk comes in. It can vary between 30 and 45 minutes. We continue this for the first 7 days.
Weigh once a day all week, recording weights.
We do not at any time leave the puppies unattended unless they are safely in a warming box.
The night following their birth momma is fed and put to bed in the whelping box. The puppies are put to bed safely in a warming box next to the whelping box so momma can see/smell them but the puppies are safe from being squished, and momma can comfortably eat then sleep in peace, and she will sleep hard!
We feed the puppies every 2 hours. The length of time they feed depends on how many puppies and how quickly her milk comes in. It can vary between 30 and 45 minutes. We continue this for the first 7 days.
Weigh once a day all week, recording weights.
1 Week - 7 days old
The puppies should all be gaining weight nicely. At this point momma is wanting to spend a little time away from her puppies. We leave it up to them during the day. At night the puppies are still in the warming box.
We feed the puppies every 3 hours starting at 7 days old. Length of feeds still depend on litter/milk.
Begin trimming nails. I use a dremel weekely.
The puppies should all be gaining weight nicely. At this point momma is wanting to spend a little time away from her puppies. We leave it up to them during the day. At night the puppies are still in the warming box.
We feed the puppies every 3 hours starting at 7 days old. Length of feeds still depend on litter/milk.
Begin trimming nails. I use a dremel weekely.
2 Weeks - 14 days old
Weigh the puppies once a week from here on out as long as there aren't any concerns with any.
Eyes will begin opening between 10 and 14 days old.
Puppies still sleeping in warming box but temperature is turned down some. They are beginning to regulate body temp.
Night feeds are every 4 hours.
Weigh the puppies once a week from here on out as long as there aren't any concerns with any.
Eyes will begin opening between 10 and 14 days old.
Puppies still sleeping in warming box but temperature is turned down some. They are beginning to regulate body temp.
Night feeds are every 4 hours.
3 Weeks - 21 days old