newborn puppies - help

[simplymisty]

I'm a new "foster mom". Dorothy arrived last Saturday and gave birth Wednesday night.

How do I care for the new born puppies? How do I care for the mom?

When do I start giving them food and what do I do to the food for them to be able to eat it?

What do I need to do daily/weekly for the puppies/mom?

Again, this is a "foster" dog, not my personal dog. My dogs are all fixed!

I just want to make sure I give her and her puppies the best care and life while they're with me. Thanks for your help!

[TopShelfPets]

I know you're supposed to increase the mom's food. I don't think puppies can eat for a week or three. Make sure the mom can't crush the puppies...

i'm sure someone will come along with better advice. And you can probably find a lot of helpful information if you do a search of the forum.

[Zoom]

Mom needs to be put on a high-quality puppy food so she gets enough protein. Feed her up to 3x the amount suggested on the bag. She should have a whelping box, or at least a quiet, out of the way place that she can stay in to avoid getting overly stressed, as well as have a small rail installed around the perimeter to help her avoid accidently crushing the puppies.

She should also take a quick trip to the vet to make sure that all the pups and the placenta made it out ok. Otherwise it will turn toxic and kill her. The pups should be checked over as well to make sure they're all healthy, no cleft palates, heart issues, etc.

The pups should nurse steadily for about 3 weeks, then they can start being introduced to a mash, basically puppy food all ground up with some water added to it.

There are more experienced people who will see this thread later, but that should give you a start anyway.

What kind of dog is she?

[bubbatd]

^^^ agree ! And PLEASE get the book " How To Raise A Puppy You Can Live With " Rutherford and Neil ....through Amazon . It will give you a week by week outline as to what to do . Good luck !!!

[RedyreRottweilers]

Some helpful links for you:

http://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/care-of-and-feeding-the-bitch-with-pups-part-1-Page1.htm

http://www.akc.org/breeders/resp_breeding/Articles/careandfeeding2.cfm

http://members.tripod.com/chihuahuavillage/feedingpregnantandlactating.htm

http://www.seefido.com/html/bitch_nutrition_while_nursing.htm

http://www.actca.asn.au/Web/New_Folder/newcentres/feeding_dogs_during_gestation_an.htm

[simplymisty]

Thanks so much!!! They've told me that she's a lab mix but she's not very big.

The foster said I can only take her to the vet if an emergency and they don't see it as an emergency. Which is the hard thing about being a new foster.

My dog had puppies 3 years ago and I was able back then to find a day by day and week by week guide on what to do with the new puppies but I've spent over a week searching online and I haven't had much luck. Like how old do you start cutting their nails, etc.

I have her and puppies in a pool with blankets in a spare room where my dogs can't get in.

Do you know how long it will take if I order the book from Amazon? I just want to make sure I get it in time if there is anything I need to know with them getting close to being 1 week old.

Thanks so much for the replys, I'm really glad I found this site!!!

[bubbatd]

Two to three days .... order !!