Immediate Actions:
1. Monitor Mom:
* Health: Ensure she's eating, drinking, and resting well. Watch for signs of infection (fever, lethargy, swelling) and contact your vet immediately if you see any.
* Puppies: Check on the puppies regularly. Make sure they're all nursing and have a good suckling reflex.
* Cleanliness: Keep the whelping area clean and sanitized.
2. Vet Check: Schedule an appointment for both mom and puppies within the first few days. The vet will:
* Check mom's health and make sure she's recovering well.
* Examine the puppies for health issues and give them any necessary treatments.
* Ensure all puppies are properly hydrated and gaining weight.
Ongoing Care for the Puppies:
3. Nutrition: The puppies need colostrum (first milk) from their mother as soon as possible. This provides vital antibodies.
* If mom's milk isn't enough, consult your vet about supplementing with formula.
* At around 3-4 weeks, start introducing puppy food.
4. Warmth and Comfort: Keep the puppies in a warm, safe environment with a heat lamp or a heated pad.
* Ensure proper ventilation to prevent overheating.
5. Stimulation: Gently handle the puppies every day, encouraging them to interact with people and other dogs.
* This helps them develop socially and learn bite inhibition.
6. Potty Training: Start potty training as soon as the puppies are able to move around freely (around 3 weeks).
7. Socialization: Once they're vaccinated, begin socializing the puppies by introducing them to other dogs, people, and different environments.
Planning for the Future:
8. Registration: If you plan to register your puppies, do so as soon as possible.
9. Finding Homes:
* Decide if you'll sell the puppies or place them in loving homes through adoption.
* Start advertising and looking for good homes early.
* Be prepared for the screening process to ensure the puppies are going to responsible owners.
10. Vaccination and Deworming: Work with your veterinarian to create a schedule for vaccinations and deworming.
11. Spay/Neuter: It's important to spay or neuter your puppies before they become sexually mature. This helps control the pet population and prevents unwanted litters.
Remember: Raising a litter of puppies is a big responsibility. Be prepared to invest significant time, effort, and money. Always consult with your veterinarian for any concerns or questions.