Puppy Care

Puppies, or very young dogs, are lots of fun to watch and play with, but you should know that they need special attention to insure that they grow up healthy. Watching puppies, you will note that they seem to change a little every day, whether in appearance or behavior. When born, they are almost helpless and unable to see. Instinct and a warm mother take over at once to get them started with all the nutrition and protection they will need. The mother helps with the birthing and licks the puppy dry. The puppy nuzzles the mother and finds a teat to nurse. And that starts a seemingly endless cycle of nursing and sleeping that goes on for weeks until the next stages begin such as the opening of the eyes and the day the puppy gets up on his legs and begins to explore.

While the mother dog will tend to most of the work and do a great job, there are some things you can do as an owner to help insure the health of both of them. Keeping the bedding clean and providing plenty of water are essential. Observance of any signs of infection should be done daily. The puppy could develop infection around his navel. And, the mother dog sometimes gets an infection of the udder or milk glands. This can be detected by feeling of the udder daily and noticing any hardness or excessive heat. The temperature of the mother dog should be checked if so and antibiotics administered. Most mother dogs deliver their puppies and know what to do, but occasionally one doesn't. So, be prepared for just about anything and have your supplies on hand.