Special Care for Your Puppies

puppy playing with a toy

Special Care for Your Puppies

It is very important that every puppy gets colostrum milk as soon as possible. Make sure every puppy is latched on for at least 20-30 min and if it is a large litter remove the larger puppies for a few hours to allow the smaller puppies to nurse. Consider giving the smaller puppies a pea size amount of A.S.A.P. paste or recovery gel.

 Exercise the female to make sure no puppies are stuck in the birth canal. Movement can dislodge a stuck puppy which otherwise would lead to the female’s death.

  If puppies are uneasy and squeaking, they are either cold, hungry, or the female’s milk is acidic.  If puppies are pushed out of the nest and laying to the side give them immediate attention. There is a large chance that they are dehydrated already and their chance of survival is very slim. Immediately get them to a warm area that is at least 95 degrees and get fluid in them. Goat milk or puppy milk replacer can help but injecting fluids under the skin (lactating ringers is an option, consult with your vet) is beneficial and gives the puppy a better chance at survival. 

  For large litters you should switch the puppies out every 3 hours. If one of the puppies is smaller, you should keep him with the female all the time.

When the pups are four weeks of age you can start feeding puppy food soaked in hot water. That will get them started on solid food.  Mixing in canned dog food and Dyne can help add calories and boost their energy.

  Weaning around 5-7 weeks is recommended depending on breeds. Large breeds can be weaned earlier than small breeds. Toy and teacup breeds may take longer. If there are smaller puppies in the litter remove the larger ones first and let the smaller ones with the female for a few more days.  A word of caution, when weaning puppies, switch them back and forth a few times in twelve hour intervals. This will help slow the milk production and help prevent mastitis in the female. 

Deworming Schedule

At 14 days of age start with Pyrantel, this primarily treats for round worms.  Repeat at 28 days of age

At 5 weeks of age treat with liquid safeguard wormer (10% suspension) goat wormer for 5 days in a row.

Vaccine Schedule** 

5-6 weeks give either a Neopar or 5 way distemper

7-8 weeks  Repeat with another 5 way distemper

12 weeks repeat with a 5 way distemper.

Consider vaccinating mom at the same time with the same vaccines. Also update the moms rabies vaccination when your vet checks the puppies.

**This is just a suggestion. We are not prescribing any vaccines, merely laying out what a vaccines schedule could look like, ask your veterinarian for his recommendation.

PAWS

PAWS

PAWS (Pennsylvania Animal Welfare and Safety) is a group of pet breeders who are dedicated to
helping the industry by providing guidance in areas such as pet safety, marketing, public relations,
and legal requirements. We believe that pets should be treated humanely and with respect. We
work to provide our members and the industry with tools and education so they can meet and
exceed state and federal standards.

Search Here

Categories

Our Newsletter

Become a PAWS Member

PAWS is using your funds to help educate pet breeders and owners by:

• Hosting trade shows, seminars, and various educational meetings
• Giving the community updates on kennel management practices & new laws
• Working with new & existing breeders to help them be compliant

PAWS (PA-Animal Welfare & Safety) is dedicated to educating pet breeders and bringing awareness
to the changes that are due to come. Your membership will help us continue to improve
the education and understanding of the importance of compliance.

Thank you for your support!

APPLICATION FOR ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP – PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE ANY CREDIT CARD INFORMATION ON THIS FORM
Membership fee is $45.00 and is due every 3rd week in August.