New Puppy Care: 0-7 Weeks

Caring for a newborn puppy is an exciting adventure filled with many changes. In their first weeks, puppies start experiencing and interacting with the world around them. They spend most of their time with their mother and siblings, which is crucial for their early development.

This period is not just about physical growth but also about learning important social skills. This journey of puppyhood extends beyond these early stages and can last up to 18 months.

Setting Up Your Home for a New Puppy

Bringing a new puppy home requires careful preparation. It involves creating a safe space, choosing appropriate toys, and starting house training. These steps help ensure the puppy feels comfortable and secure in their new environment.

Safe Spaces and Bedding

A safe space is essential for a new puppy. This area should be quiet and away from household traffic. Use a crate or puppy pen to establish boundaries, providing them with a sense of security. Ensure the space is free of small objects that could be swallowed.

Soft bedding is important for comfort. Choose materials that are easy to wash and durable since puppies often chew. Keep their sleeping area clean to promote good health.

Selecting the Right Toys

Toys are vital for a puppy’s development and entertainment. Select toys made from safe, non-toxic materials. Chew toys help with teething and prevent puppies from gnawing on furniture or shoes.

Interactive toys can stimulate their mind and keep them engaged. Rotate toys regularly to keep them interested. Avoid toys with small parts that could pose choking hazards.

Preparing for House Training

House training requires patience and consistency. Begin by setting a fixed schedule for bathroom breaks. Take the puppy outside often, especially after eating or waking up. Use positive reinforcement, like treats or praise, to reward success.

Choose a specific spot outside for bathroom trips to build a routine. Accidents are common, so be prepared with cleaning supplies. Using a consistent command during training can help your puppy learn more quickly.

The Newborn Phase (First Two Weeks)

In the neonatal stage, puppies are utterly dependent on their mothers. Their senses are not fully developed. Puppies spend most of their time eating and sleeping to support rapid growth.

Growth and Changes

During the first two weeks of life, puppies undergo critical developmental changes. Upon birth, puppies should be checked for birth defects like a cleft palate. It’s important to monitor weight gain as it helps identify potential problems with health or the lactation process.

Too little weight can indicate health issues like hypoglycemia or potentially dangerous conditions like sepsis. The umbilical cord typically dries and falls off after about three days. It’s essential to check this area daily for infection signs, as infections can lead to severe complications like sepsis.

Puppies tend to rely on their mother and littermates to stay warm, since they can’t maintain their body temperature independently. They can manage to raise their body temperature only slightly above room temperature during this early period. It’s crucial to keep them warm enough to promote regular feeding and avoid dangerous conditions like hypothermia.

Actions and Reactions

Newborn puppies spend the majority of their time asleep, entering a restful state that aids muscle development, enabling them to support their weight. They naturally begin to react to their environment by righting themselves, retracting from stimuli, and responding to nudges to start feeding.

The instinctive sucking and searching motions help them locate a feeding source like their mother’s nipple. These reflexes are crucial in assuring they get the nutrition they need to grow.

Eating and Nutritional Needs

The mother’s milk is the ideal source of nutrition for newborn puppies. It not only offers nourishment but also boosts their immune system. Initially, the colostrum, a thick and nutrient-rich form of milk, provides most of the immunity to the puppies during the first day of life but soon changes to milk that supports their continued growth.

Puppies are encouraged to nurse shortly after birth, often feeding about 8 to 10 times daily in the beginning, then gradually less frequently as they grow. Difficulties in feeding might arise if the mother rejects the puppies, falls ill, or has too little milk.

In such cases, they might need milk replacement solutions, which can offer the necessary nutrients. Sometimes, assistance is needed to ensure smaller puppies get adequate nutrition, especially if they are being pushed aside by larger siblings, which could lead to malnutrition.

Common Health Issues

Newborn puppies might face health challenges like hypothermia or dehydration if they fail to nurse properly. Puppies missing out on colostrum during the initial hours may confront higher risks for illnesses such as sepsis or gastrointestinal issues. Keeping their environment adequately warm and ensuring regular feeding help mitigate some risks.

Some breeds, especially toy breeds, might have an open fontanelle in their skulls, which might remain as they grow but generally don’t cause health issues. Their digestive systems initially are free of bacteria but become populated soon after birth. They pass meconium shortly after birth, marking the start of regular digestive functions.

Transitional Period (2-4 Weeks)

This stage marks significant changes as puppies begin to open their eyes and ears. Their senses start developing rapidly. They begin to crawl, explore their surroundings, and interact with littermates.

Growth

During this phase, puppies experience significant changes. By the end of the second week, puppies often double in size. It’s crucial to keep track of their weight every day or every other day during the initial month to ensure they are growing correctly.

Around three weeks, puppies should begin to control their urine better, and their heart rate should start to regulate as they approach four weeks old. As puppies reach 18-21 days, they will usually start trying to walk, which might appear clumsy at first.

Puppies begin their active learning around week three. Eyes typically open between the 10th and 14th days, though their corneas might appear cloudy initially. The iris can have a blue-gray tint during this time. In the first few weeks, puppies do not see well, and hearing is quite poor, with ear canals opening around 10-14 days.

Actions and Interactions

The time for socialization is critical. Starting at three weeks, puppies need exposure to different environments to prevent future fearfulness. Engaging with them carefully and positively is essential to ensure they do not develop issues with new people or places. Harmful encounters, like rapid separation from their mother or littermates, can have lasting negative impacts.

Nourishment

Feeding reduces to approximately four sessions daily during this stage. The mother may limit the nursing time gradually. Until they are about four weeks old, puppies should be on a liquid diet.

As they start weaning, brief separations from their mother, a few times a day, assist in this transition. A diet high in protein—between 25% and 30%—blended with water to make a porridge can be offered before nursing to shorten nursing durations.

Preventive Care

Vaccinations are usually not administered at this stage. However, starting a deworming routine might be beneficial. Deworming every two weeks, as advised by a veterinarian, can help reduce parasite loads until the puppy is ready to begin regular preventive treatments for pests like fleas and ticks.

Socialization Phase (4-7 Weeks)

During these weeks, socialization becomes vital. Puppies develop attachments and learn to communicate with others, including humans. Their brain is rapidly developing, making learning experiences crucial.

Growth and Development

By 4 weeks, puppies have matured beyond the neonatal phase. Around this time, male puppies typically experience the descent of their testicles. The leakage of glucose and protein in urine stops by the 6-week mark. Puppies become more aware of their surroundings and begin to use their senses of hearing and sight more effectively.

They are in a phase of rapid growth, steadily gaining weight. This is crucial for them to reach about half of their adult body weight by the age of 4 months.

Shaping Behavior

During this time, puppies develop important social and behavioral skills. They learn how to play, gain discipline, and regulate biting. These lessons are primarily acquired through interactions with their littermates and mother. Positive interactions with humans should also begin now, as these can help puppies avoid developing fearful behaviors.

Puppies with difficulties in the newborn period, such as low birth weight or illness, may show issues like aggression or anxiety. Consultation with a veterinarian is advised to address these challenges.

Since puppies can be messy during this stage, it may be inconvenient for owners. Despite this, it is advisable not to isolate them too much, as this could lead to increased fear and learning difficulties.

Eating Habits

At this stage, a puppy’s diet should provide about three times the calories needed for its resting energy needs. Transitioning from their mother’s milk, puppies are introduced to solid food in the form of a high-protein porridge.

Gradually increasing the time they spend away from their mom is crucial. By 6 weeks, they should spend approximately 4 hours daily apart from her. Full weaning typically occurs between 6 to 8 weeks of age.

Puppy Shots

Puppies aged between 6 and 8 weeks may be prone to diseases like parvovirus, distemper, and other ailments if they didn’t receive maternal antibodies. In case of any concerning symptoms, it is essential to seek veterinary advice promptly.

Around 6 weeks is when puppies can start getting their first set of vaccinations, such as the DAPP shot, which covers several important diseases. The Bordetella vaccine is also usually introduced in this period. Depending on the specific vaccine type, a booster may be needed in two to four weeks.

All immunizations must be administered by a veterinarian to ensure they are stored and given properly. The vet can help maintain an effective vaccination routine, which also includes deworming at intervals of two weeks. Preventive measures against fleas, ticks, and heartworms should also be noted, ensuring any product used is formulated specifically for young dogs.

Nutritional Needs for Puppies

Newborn puppies need a specific diet during their early weeks. Proper nutrition supports their growth, energy needs, and overall health.

Choosing the Right Puppy Food

Selecting the right food is essential for a puppy’s health. Puppies require food that is high in protein and fat to support their rapid growth. Look for foods labeled as suitable for “growth” or “all life stages.”

Kibble can be nutritionally good, but it should be small and easy for them to chew. Owners may also explore wet food options, which are softer and might be more appealing to some puppies.

When browsing for puppy food, check the ingredients. The first ingredient should always be high-quality animal protein, like chicken or lamb. Avoid foods with artificial preservatives, colors, and excessive fillers.

Feeding Schedule and Amounts

A regular feeding schedule helps puppies establish healthy habits. Newborn pups should nurse every few hours, but by the time they reach about four weeks, they start transitioning to solid food. Initially, they’ll need 4-5 small meals daily.

At around six weeks, phase down to three meals a day. Keep portions small to prevent overeating. Puppies need much less food than adults, and too much can lead to health problems like obesity and bone damage.

Supplements and Treats

While good quality puppy food usually meets most nutritional requirements, some supplements can be beneficial. Calcium and phosphorus are important for developing bones and teeth. Discuss with a vet before introducing supplements to ensure proper dosages.

Treats should be nutritious and given in moderation. They can be useful for training but should not make up more than 10% of their daily caloric intake. Look for treats made with simple, natural ingredients without added sugars or excessive fat.

Healthcare Essentials

Caring for a new puppy involves ensuring it receives proper healthcare. This includes scheduling vet visits, setting up a vaccination plan, and preventing parasites.

First Veterinary Visit

A puppy’s first trip to the vet is crucial. This visit usually happens at 6 to 8 weeks old. The vet will check the puppy’s overall health, including checking their eyes, ears, and listening to their heart. Weight will be measured to ensure the puppy is growing properly.

During this visit, the vet might also discuss feeding schedules, proper nutrition, and ask about any observed behavior. This appointment is a good time to discuss any concerns or questions.

Puppies may need a deworming treatment, which the vet will advise if needed. Deworming helps prevent issues like roundworms and hookworms. Regular vet visits set the stage for a healthy life.

Vaccination Schedule

Puppies need a series of vaccinations to protect against diseases. The first set typically begins at 6 to 8 weeks of age. It’s important to follow a schedule for the shots to be effective.

Vaccines might trigger mild side effects like lethargy or a slight fever, which usually disappear in a day. Always monitor the puppy after each injection.

Parasite Prevention

Parasite prevention is key for puppies. Fleas, ticks, and worms can cause serious health problems. Start using a vet-recommended flea and tick prevention when your puppy is 8 weeks old.

Heartworms are also a concern. Puppies should start heartworm prevention at around 12 weeks, with monthly doses thereafter. Check with the vet for the best prevention plan.

Keep the puppy’s environment clean. Wash bedding regularly and clean up waste promptly. This helps reduce the chance of infestations. By maintaining a strict prevention schedule, puppies stay healthier and more comfortable.

Grooming and Hygiene

Grooming a new puppy is essential for keeping them healthy and comfortable. It involves regular bathing, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care. Each of these tasks supports your puppy’s overall wellbeing.

Bathing and Brushing

Bathing a puppy should be gentle, as their skin is sensitive. Use a puppy-specific shampoo and warm water. Puppies don’t need frequent baths, typically once every four weeks or so. Overbathing can dry out their skin. Towels should be soft for drying them.

Brushing helps remove loose hair and prevents tangles. Use a brush suitable for their coat type; puppies with short hair need a soft-bristle brush, while long-haired breeds require a slicker brush. Regular brushing helps keep their coat shiny and reduces shedding.

Nail Trimming

Nail trimming is a vital part of puppy grooming. Long nails can cause discomfort and affect their feet. Start trimming when the puppy is young to get them used to the process.

Use clippers designed for pets, trimming a small bit of nail at a time. Avoid cutting too close to the quick, a sensitive area containing nerves and blood vessels. If unsure, use a nail grinder instead, as it’s safer and reduces the risk of injury.

If the puppy’s nail gets cut too short and bleeds, apply styptic powder to stop it. Trim nails every 3-4 weeks or as needed.

Ear and Dental Care

Keeping a puppy’s ears clean helps prevent infections. Look inside the ears weekly for redness or bad odor. Use a gentle ear cleaner designed for puppies. Soak a cotton ball with the cleaner, then gently wipe the inside of the ear.

Dental care starts with early tooth brushing using a special puppy toothbrush and toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled brush, and never use human toothpaste, as it can be harmful. Introduce brushing slowly to make the puppy comfortable. Regular brushing prevents plaque buildup and promotes healthy gums.

Routine checkups with a vet can ensure that the ears and teeth remain in good condition.

Behavioral Training Basics

Training your new puppy in its early weeks sets the foundation for a well-behaved dog. It’s important to focus on crate training, socialization, and bite inhibition to help your puppy grow into a well-adjusted adult.

Crate Training

Crate training helps puppies learn independence and creates a safe space for them. Start by choosing a crate that is large enough for the puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Introduce the crate by placing it in a familiar area and using treats or toys to encourage the puppy to explore it voluntarily.

Keep the crate feeling welcoming and comfortable. Place a soft blanket inside, and make it a place associated with positivity. Short, frequent sessions in the crate are best in the beginning. Gradually extend the amount of time the puppy spends inside. Avoid using the crate for punishment to build a positive association.

Puppy Socialization

Socialization is key to ensuring that your puppy becomes friendly and confident around people and other animals. During the first few weeks, it’s important to introduce a variety of experiences, sounds, and environments. This can include meeting people of different ages, going for car rides, or hearing common household noises.

Make these introductions at a pace that is comfortable for the puppy. Always offer positive reinforcement, like treats or praise, during these experiences. Exposure to different situations can help reduce fear and anxiety. Keep watch for signs of stress, such as cowering or barking, and adjust the pace if needed.

Bite Inhibition

Bite inhibition training teaches puppies how to control the force of their bite. It’s crucial for puppies to learn this to prevent them from hurting others accidentally. When a puppy bites too hard during play, let out a short yelp to mimic how their littermates would react. Stop playing momentarily to signal that biting stops the fun.

Over time, the puppy will learn to be gentler. Consistently reward with treats or praise when they play without biting. Encourage play using appropriate toys to keep them engaged and prevent them from using people or furniture as chew objects.

Signs of Good Health vs. Warning Signs

It’s important to know the signs of a healthy puppy and recognize when something might be wrong. This helps ensure their well-being during these early weeks.

Normal Puppy Behavior and Vital Signs

A healthy puppy is active, playful, and curious. They should have bright eyes and a shiny coat. Puppies usually sleep a lot, but during awake times, they interact with their environment.

Vital signs to check include temperature, a normal range for puppies is between 99.5°F and 102.5°F. The heart rate of a healthy puppy should be about 160-200 beats per minute. Healthy respiration is about 15-40 breaths per minute, depending on activity level. Observing these signs regularly will help ensure that the puppy is thriving.

Recognizing Illness Symptoms

Look for signs of illness like vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or a lack of appetite. These can point to health issues needing attention. Changes in energy levels, such as being unusually tired or sleeping much more than usual, may also indicate problems.

Check for physical symptoms such as swelling, discoloration, or discharge from the eyes or nose. Weight loss or failure to gain weight can also be a warning sign. Always consult a vet if you notice any unusual symptoms.

Bonding with Your Puppy

Forming a strong bond with a new puppy is essential for a healthy and happy relationship. Spending quality time, handling with care, and building trust are key steps in creating a lasting connection with your puppy.

Handling and Gentle Touch

Newborn puppies are very delicate. It is important to handle them with care. Gentle touch helps them feel safe and loved. Handle puppies with smooth movements and soft hands. This not only makes them comfortable but also gets them used to being touched.

Frequent handling by different people can help puppies become more sociable. It’s best to let them approach you first. Keep interactions calm and positive. When handling puppies, support their bodies fully to avoid discomfort. This mindful practice encourages bonding.

Quality Time and Play

Quality time is crucial for bonding. Spending time playing with puppies makes them feel happy and secure. Use toys and interactive games that are safe for their age. These activities help create fun memories and teach them new skills.

Short play sessions work best as puppies have limited energy at this age. Use different types of toys to keep them interested. This variety also encourages exploration and development. Quality time isn’t just about quantity but how you engage with them.

Building a Trusting Relationship

Trust is vital in any relationship, especially with a young puppy. They learn to trust through consistent, caring interactions. Responding to their needs promptly helps them feel secure. Establishing routines provides predictability, which builds trust.

Positive experiences during this early stage create a strong foundation. It helps if you use kind words and rewards for good behavior. Trust develops when a puppy feels safe and valued. These connections pave the way for a lasting, loving bond.

Accident Prevention and Safety

Keeping a puppy safe involves making your home secure and watching over them carefully. Learning about potential hazards and taking the right measures can prevent accidents.

Puppy-Proofing Your Home

Puppies are naturally curious, so it’s important to remove dangers from their environment. Cover electrical outlets and tuck away cords to prevent chewing. Use baby gates to block off stairways or rooms with fragile items. Store cleaning supplies, medications, and any plants that are toxic to dogs out of reach or in cabinets with childproof locks.

In addition to securing harmful items, consider installing cabinet locks and securing trash bins. Puppies can easily knock over open trash cans, creating a mess or ingesting something harmful. Remove any objects small enough to be swallowed.

Supervision and Containment Strategies

Supervision is key to preventing accidents with puppies. Never leave a puppy unsupervised in a space where they can get into trouble. When not able to supervise, consider using a crate or playpen. These can provide safe spaces, creating boundaries and reducing the risk of accidents.

Consider indoor gates for larger areas, allowing puppies to explore without accessing dangerous zones. This setup also helps in training puppies to understand limits. Make sure they always have a comfortable space with toys to keep them entertained and safe. Regularly check these areas for anything potentially harmful, ensuring a secure environment.