About Raising & Taking Care of Baby Puppies

Considerations

• The process of raising and taking care of small puppies differs, depending on whether the puppies have a mother. If the puppies have a mother, she will take care of tasks such as feeding and bathing. Orphaned puppies have the same needs, but unfortunately no mother to provide them with what they need.

Feeding

• For the first three weeks, newborn puppies survive on their mother's milk. Formula can be bought or made for orphaned puppies. Veterinarians can advise owners on the best formula for the orphaned puppies. Sherry Woodard of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary states that the weaning age for puppies is approximately three weeks.

Eliminating

• According to Gayle Kaye from Chelsea Collies, newborn puppies require stimulation in order to eliminate. This is naturally provided by the mother, who licks their genitals to persuade the puppy to eliminate. For orphaned puppies, rubbing the abdominal and anal area with a warm, moist cotton ball has the same effect.

Health Care

• One major part of taking care of small puppies, whether or not they have a mother, is protecting them from disease. According to Woodard, owners should disinfect their hands and shoes before entering the room where the pups are kept. The puppies should see a vet at around three weeks for a checkup and can be spayed or neutered as early as eight weeks, provided they weigh at least two pounds. Vaccinations protect the puppies against preventable diseases as babies and as adults.

Warning

• Orphaned puppies have a greater risk of dehydration, according to Dr. Ron Hines, a veterinarian. Orphaned puppies become dehydrated due to an inability to nurse. It is up to the owner to take the place of the mother and ensure the puppies remain hydrated. Woodard states that orphaned puppies are also at higher risk for hypoglycemia.