How to Care for German Shepherd Pups With a Mother

Watching newly born German shepherd puppies interact with their mother is memorable. Keeping a thoughtful eye on their mother's health as they grow is equally as important. To ensure the health of the puppies and the mother is being provided, monitor their activity and food intake, as well as any medical emergencies that arise. Once the puppies are born, keep them near their mother; making sure they are warm and dry. Over time, the shepherd puppies gain independence from their mother and move onto puppy food and playing on their own.

Things You'll Need

  • Whelping box
  • Puppy food
  • Puppy milk formula
  • Hot water
  • Fresh water
  • Adult dog food
  • Blankets and towels
  • Heater
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep a whelping box ready before the puppies are born, ideally near the mother. Make the box dry and clean, even after the puppies arrive. Maintain a warm temperature in the room of approximately 86 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit, especially during the first week they use the box. Turn on a small heater, if necessary. Gradually bring the temperature down after this period to match the rest of the home.

    • 2

      After the puppies are born and nursing feed the German shepherd mother food and water in the whelping box. Remove the dishes after she is finished eating. Continue to offer her food and water every few hours. Take her outside so she can eliminate.

    • 3

      Increase the amount of food given to the mother a few days after she gives birth so that she maintains her weight. Give her a high-quality puppy food that is higher in protein, fat and minerals to fulfill her bigger appetite. Ask your vet about giving her a vitamin as well.

    • 4

      While keeping a watch on the mother's weight, also monitor the puppies' weight. They should nurse with the mother approximately every two hours, until their stomachs are round and they are not crying for food. The puppies' weight should double in the first week. Consult a veterinarian if they do not appear to gain weight or have trouble feeding.

    • 5

      Continue to monitor the puppies' weight to make sure they are growing. Weigh daily for the first couple of days, followed by weekly. If they are not gaining weight, consult a veterinarian.

    • 6

      Place a shallow water dish in the puppies' area when the puppies are around three weeks old. Secure the dish so it cannot be tipped over. Watch to see if the puppies begin to imitate their mom by drinking out of it. Allow the mother some time by herself, near the whelping area, but where the puppies cannot reach her.

    • 7

      Give the puppies solid puppy food after about three weeks. Do it in phases, however. Blend about 2 cups of food with 12 oz. of liquid puppy milk and enough hot water to fill the rest of the space in the blender. According to the Marian Grove German Shepherd Dogs kennel, this formula feeds about six to eight German shepherd puppies. Repeat this process three to four times a day. Allow the mother to finish whatever portion of the food the puppies do not eat.

    • 8

      As the puppies age, increase the puppy food in the mixture, while decreasing the milk and hot water. By seven weeks, feed the puppies dry food, and allow the mother to spend some more time away from the puppies. Place the mother back onto regular adult food after about four weeks so she is back to her regular diet and weaning the puppies off her milk.

    • 9

      Keep the puppies on a high-quality puppy food, when they are older. Feed them three times a day. Begin to house train the puppies, taking them outside to eliminate.

    • 10

      Begin other behavior training. Keep the puppies on a bathing and brushing schedule. Groom the shepherds to maintain their coats as they age.