Care of pup

CARE OF PUP

  • The pups will open their eyes by the second week. If the flooring, of the cage/room where the pups are kept is smooth, they may not get firm grip to walk.
  • Hence it is better to take them out to rough ground and help them to walk. This may be necessary for two or three days, or till they learn to walk properly.
  • Supplement vitamins, especially A, B, D, E and C and minerals (calcium and phosphorus) during the preweaning period itself.
  • If the litter size is large, feed them from a feeding bottle. Pups with full stomach, and not crying during the night, will be the indication that they had enough feed.
  • Docking and amputation of accessory digits are done simultaneously. Preferably during the first week. If performed late, the procedure become more tedious.
  • Newborn should spend the majority of their time sleeping and when they are awake, nursing.
  • They do not lie quietly or still when sleeping, but show activated sleep for about 75% of their sleeping hours.
  • This is characterized by continual twitching, jerking, stretching, and shifting of position.
  • Activated sleep is important for the development of the neuromuscular system and appears to be the mechanism by which newborn puppies develop muscle tone and begin to develop coordination.
  • The most important indication of puppy health during the first few days and weeks of life is the demonstration of regular and normal weight gain.
  • After the first day or two, puppies should steadily increase in weight and should double their birth weight by 7 to 10 days.
  • A general rule of thumb to determine normal weight gain during the first 3 to 4 weeks of life is to expect 1 to 1.25 gram of gain per day for every pound of expected adult weight.
  • Puppies typically are weaned at 6 and 8 weeks of age.
Last modified: Thursday, 7 June 2012, 9:37 AM