As animal lovers and pet owners, many of us understand the joy that comes from adding a new furry friend to the family. One of the most exciting times in a puppy’s life is when they are born and ready to be brought home. But how soon can you hold newborn puppies? That’s a question many prospective pet owners have, and for good reason. Puppies need special care right away, and it’s important to know what’s best for their health and safety. This blog post will provide a comprehensive overview of the timeline for bringing puppies home and the necessary considerations before you take your new family member home. We’ll discuss the ideal age at which it’s safe to hold a puppy, the importance of having the mother’s presence, and more.
If there were complications in delivery, what do I have to do to care for newborn puppies?
Even if the birth went smoothly, you still have a lot of work to do for the next two months! After the birthing process, clean up the mother as much as you can without upsetting her using warm water and a washcloth. When not directed to do so by your veterinarian, avoid using any soaps or disinfectants. Remove any soiled newspaper or bedding from her whelping box.
The new mother typically spends the majority of her time with the puppies. It might be challenging to convince her to leave the nest for the first few days, even to use the restroom. She must, nonetheless, continue to urinate and poop normally. If she won’t go outside on her own, don’t be afraid to put her on a collar and leash and take her outside for a short while. She will only want to leave for a short while, but in that time you can make the whelping box puppy-safe and tidy up the bed.
Check her nipples and vulva to make sure there are no issues, such as bleeding, foul-smelling discharges, or any other anomalies, before she returns to her puppies.
Is it bad to touch newborn puppies?
Although touching a young puppy is not always bad, there is no one solution that works for everyone. Many mothers will allow humans to touch their young puppies, especially if they are our pets. However, newborn puppies are delicate, just like all newborns, and it is simple to inadvertently hurt them. You can therefore touch a newborn puppy, but there are some things to take into account before picking one up. For example:
Do I have to check the puppies?
Checking on the puppies every few hours to make sure they are all sucking and are warm and content is advised, especially with a first-time mother. Place any crying or shivering puppies on the inguinal (hind) teats, and check on them frequently to make sure the other puppies aren’t pushing them away. Typically, the teats between the hind legs produce the most milk.