Why You Shouldn’t Pick Up Newborn Puppies: A Crucial Guide
The wellbeing of newborn puppies is paramount. You should absolutely minimize handling newborn puppies because doing so can disrupt bonding with their mother, increase their stress levels, and expose them to harmful pathogens, potentially jeopardizing their health and survival.
The Critical First Weeks: A Newborn Puppy’s Vulnerability
The first few weeks of a puppy’s life are incredibly delicate. Their immune systems are immature, and they rely entirely on their mother for warmth, nourishment, and crucial antibodies. Interfering with this critical period can have devastating consequences.
Maternal Bonding: The Unbreakable Connection
A mother dog, or dam, needs to establish a strong bond with her pups immediately after birth. This bond is forged through scent, sound, and physical contact. Excessive handling by humans can disrupt this process. The dam may become stressed, leading to:
- Rejection of the puppies
- Insufficient milk production
- Aggression towards those handling the pups
Scent is a vital component of this bonding process. The dam identifies her pups by their unique scent, and introducing foreign smells can confuse her and lead to rejection.
The Fragile Immune System: Avoiding Exposure
Newborn puppies lack a fully developed immune system and are extremely susceptible to infections. Their only source of antibodies during this period is colostrum, the antibody-rich milk produced by the dam in the first few days after birth.
Picking up puppies introduces them to a multitude of bacteria and viruses to which they have no immunity. This can lead to serious illnesses, such as:
- Parvovirus
- Kennel cough
- Umbilical infections
- Various bacterial infections
Hygiene is paramount. Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after any necessary interaction with the puppies.
Stress: A Silent Killer
Stress can severely impact a newborn puppy’s health and development. Handling, even with the best intentions, can be highly stressful for these fragile creatures. Stress can suppress their immune system, making them more vulnerable to illness. It can also interfere with their ability to nurse and gain weight properly. Why should you not pick up newborn puppies? Because the stress associated with handling can have long-term detrimental effects.
When Handling is Necessary: Minimizing Risk
While minimal handling is ideal, there are situations where it becomes necessary, such as:
- Weighing puppies to monitor their growth
- Checking for signs of illness or distress
- Moving a puppy if it’s in danger
- Supplemental feeding if the dam is unable to provide enough milk
When handling is unavoidable, follow these guidelines:
- Wear clean gloves.
- Handle the puppy gently and quickly.
- Minimize the duration of handling.
- Return the puppy to its mother immediately.
- Ensure the puppy is warm before returning it to the litter.
Growth Monitoring: A Balanced Approach
Regularly monitoring the puppies’ weight is essential to ensure they are thriving. However, avoid unnecessary handling. Establish a system for weighing the puppies efficiently and infrequently. Consider using a digital scale and recording the data in a chart like this:
| Puppy ID | Day 1 Weight (grams) | Day 3 Weight (grams) | Day 5 Weight (grams) | Day 7 Weight (grams) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| :——- | :——————- | :——————- | :——————- | :——————- | :——————– |
| Puppy A | 250 | 290 | 330 | 370 | Healthy weight gain |
| Puppy B | 240 | 270 | 300 | 330 | Slower weight gain |
| Puppy C | 260 | 300 | 340 | 380 | Healthy weight gain |
Pay close attention to any signs of illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or difficulty breathing, and consult a veterinarian immediately.
Why should you not pick up newborn puppies? Because their very lives depend on it. Prioritizing their well-being in these early stages sets the foundation for a healthy and happy life.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Many well-meaning individuals make mistakes that can harm newborn puppies. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Allowing children to handle the puppies unsupervised.
- Introducing the puppies to other pets too soon.
- Using harsh cleaning products near the puppies.
- Overcrowding the whelping box.
- Failing to provide adequate warmth.
- Ignoring signs of illness or distress.
Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment
Providing a clean, warm, and quiet environment is crucial for the dam and her puppies. Choose a secluded location away from high-traffic areas. Ensure the whelping box is large enough for the dam to move around comfortably and nurse her pups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I touch newborn puppies at all?
While minimizing handling is crucial, essential handling, such as weighing or checking for illness, is sometimes necessary. Always wear clean gloves, handle the puppy gently and quickly, and return it to its mother immediately.
What if the mother dog seems to be rejecting a puppy?
If you suspect the mother is rejecting a puppy, contact your veterinarian immediately. They can assess the situation and provide guidance on supplemental feeding or other interventions. Do not attempt to diagnose the problem yourself.
How often should I weigh newborn puppies?
Weighing the puppies every 1-2 days during the first week and then every 2-3 days for the next few weeks is generally sufficient. Focus on tracking weight trends rather than obsessing over daily fluctuations.
What are the signs of a healthy newborn puppy?
Healthy newborn puppies are active, alert, and nurse vigorously. They should also gain weight steadily and have a good suckling reflex. A quiet puppy is usually a content puppy.
What are the signs of illness in a newborn puppy?
Signs of illness in newborn puppies include lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and failure to gain weight. Seek veterinary care immediately if you observe any of these symptoms.
Can I introduce newborn puppies to my other dogs?
It is generally not recommended to introduce newborn puppies to other dogs until they are at least a few weeks old and have received their first vaccinations. Even then, introductions should be gradual and supervised.
How important is colostrum for newborn puppies?
Colostrum is absolutely vital for newborn puppies. It provides them with essential antibodies that protect them from disease during their first few weeks of life. Ensure the puppies nurse from their mother within the first 24 hours after birth to receive the full benefits of colostrum.
Is it safe to use heating pads or lamps to keep newborn puppies warm?
While heating pads and lamps can be helpful, exercise caution. Use them sparingly and ensure the puppies have the option to move away from the heat source if they get too warm.
What should I do if a puppy gets separated from its mother and becomes cold?
If a puppy gets separated from its mother and becomes cold, warm it up slowly using a warm towel or a heating pad set on low. Monitor its temperature closely and return it to its mother as soon as it is warmed up.
How can I ensure the whelping box is clean?
Clean the whelping box daily by removing soiled bedding and replacing it with fresh, clean bedding. Use a mild detergent and rinse thoroughly. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could irritate the puppies or the dam.
Why should you not pick up newborn puppies? Especially without washing your hands first? Because, simple hand washing dramatically reduces the risk of infection and contamination. Prioritize hygiene above all else.
When is it okay to start socializing newborn puppies with humans?
Once the puppies are a few weeks old and have received their first vaccinations, you can begin to gradually introduce them to human contact. Keep interactions brief and positive, and always supervise children. Focus on gentle handling and positive reinforcement.