***Collaborative post***
The birth of a puppy is an often eagerly awaited event but also a source of stress for owners, here are some tips on the first steps to be taken for newborns. Puppies should be born in a warm enough environment (around 25° C), because they are unable to raise their body temperature to fight against the cold. They must of course be protected from drafts of course if you are birthing them yourself at home. However, if not and you are collecting your pup, then you must be aware of the differences between breeds. Labrador puppies will be different from Havanese puppies for example.
Disease and health
Many female dogs are carriers of the Herpes virus, which they pass on to their young at birth. The puppies then easily develop the disease if the environmental conditions are not favorable: one observes a weakening of the puppies, with a delay of growth, or sudden mortalities. It is therefore necessary to ensure that the temperature of the room remains between 22 and 27°C during the first 10 days of life. It is important that puppies start suckling soon after they are born too as this aids their health. The first milk (colostrum) indeed provides essential elements for the defense of the puppy’s organism against microbes!
The sucking reflex, and therefore appetite is a sign of good health in the newborn puppy. Do not hesitate to help the puppy find the mother’s pacifier.
Toys
Choose toys that are very resistant, even almost indestructible. Try experimenting with different textures to see what your puppy (let’s call him Rex for example), will prefer and what will stimulate your pup the most. Don’t give him all the toys at the same time! Offer him a toy one week and another the following week! Try to remove toys from time to time so that he rediscovers it later and so that he does not get bored! Provide him with toys to pass his advice about chewing on everything in your house!
Little by little, teach your puppy to be alone
Be careful, it is very important to spend time with your puppy when it comes to your home. We even advise you to take a few days off so that you can familiarize yourself with each other and have the time to give them the basics of the education you expect or even introduce them to their new environment. However, in this context it is also important to prepare your dog to be alone. Gradually prepare your dog for your absence. It is best to get used to it as you go. Don’t leave it all alone all at once! If you don’t want him to mess around too much, leave him in a small space initially – maybe your kitchen will work best if it is warm. In any case, this space should be reassuring for him and he should be able to find his bowl and his toys there. Of course, provide toys to occupy him and allow him to think of something other than your absence!
