Newborn puppy care is essential to ensure their survival and healthy development, especially when the mother is unable to nurse them. In such cases, you must take over feeding, temperature regulation, and hygiene.
Feeding puppies: milk replacer and bottle feeding
If the mother can’t nurse, use veterinary puppy formula.
Feeding schedule:
- Week 1: every 3 hours (including at night)
- Week 2: every 4 hours
- Week 3: every 5 hours
- Week 4: every 6 hours
⚠️ Always place the puppy on its belly when feeding to prevent aspiration.
Stimulating elimination
After each feeding, gently rub the genital and anal areas with a warm, damp cloth to stimulate urination and defecation.
Maintaining warmth for newborn puppies
Newborns can’t regulate their body temperature until 3 weeks old.
Ways to keep them warm:
- Heating lamp
- Covered hot water bottle
- Warm blankets
⚠️ Always check for overheating and protect against burns with thick covers.
Puppy weaning and maternal milk suppression
Start offering wet puppy food at 4 weeks. Begin weaning at 6 weeks by removing one puppy every 24–48 hours.
Drying up the mother’s milk:
- Day 1: no food or water
- Day 2: 1/3 of normal ration
- Day 3: 1/2 of normal ration
- Day 4: return to full ration
Monitor mammary glands and consult your vet if swelling persists.
Vaccination schedule
- 6–8 weeks: first vaccine
- 3 months: booster
- 4+ months: final core vaccine
Deworming schedule
- 2 weeks old: first dose
- Then at 4, 6, and 8 weeks
- Monthly until 6 months of age
With proper newborn puppy care: attention to feeding, hygiene, warmth, and medical care, newborn puppies can grow up strong and healthy—even without their mother’s help.
