Newborn puppies require a lot of work. They need to be fed, socialized, kept clean and warm and have preventative health care. The skin of a newborn puppy is delicate and subject to mange or warts.
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Dandruff
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Per Doctors Foster and Smith Pet Education website, "in most puppies, especially those less than four months of age, the normal lubricating glands (sebaceous glands) of the skin tend to be underactive." When puppies shed dander, dry dead skin, without moisture on the skin, it comes off the dog as white flakes. The recommended treatment of dandruff is oatmeal shampoo and a moisturizing rinse to help keep the oils in the skin.
Juvenile Cellulitis (Puppy Strangles)
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This is a condition that causes the face, nose, eyelids or lips to swell and sometimes form ulcers. The ulcers or abscesses can break open, drain and cause a secondary bacterial infection. Per Doctors Foster and Smith, treatment is 3-4 weeks consisting of high doses of corticosteroid.
Viral Papillomas (Warts)
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Young puppies are susceptible to small round skin growths or tumors due to an immature immune system. The wart is typically found in or around the mouth and eyes and commonly occurs in groups. According to the Mar Vista Pet Web Library, most of the time the warts will go away on their own and occasionally the warts will be removed.
Mange
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According to the Dog Owner's Guide website, "the demodex mite is commonly present in the pores of puppy skin." This does not mean that demodectic mange will exist. But with some puppies whose immune system is weakened, the mite may lead to mange. Treatment is both an insecticide to kill the mites along with using a medicated shampoo in bathing.
Impetigo
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Another skin condition is a bacterial infection that causes pus filled blisters that can be treated with a topical solution. They are most commonly seen on the abdomen and may break and crust over. Rarely the infection may spread.
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