Wellness Tips

Canine Neonatal Care

  1. Pups require colostrums ASAP
    1. 90% of passive immunity is via colostrums
    2. without it, pups will develop ‘fading puppy complex’
  2. Normal values
    1. Respiratory rate: 8-18 breaths/minute for the first 24 hours, then 15-35 breaths/minute until 5 weeks of age
    2. Heart rate: 120-150 beats/minutes for the first 24 hours, then up to 220 beats/minute through to 5 weeks of age.
    3. Temperature: 34.5-36°C first 2 weeks
      1. No shivering reflex for 6 days
      2. Environmental temperature should be kept at 21°C (70°F)
      3. Temperature between 2 and 4 weeks of age: 36-37°C
  3. Weigh daily for 2 weeks then every other day until 4 weeks of age
    1. Steady weight gain and normal stools are the best indicators of good health and adequacy of puppy’s diet
    2. Doubles birth weight at 7 to 10 days
    3. Weight increases by 6 to 10 times by weaning at 6 weeks
    4. 1 –2 grams/day/pound (2-4grams/day/kg) of anticipated adult weight. Example: If adult should weigh 40lbs., pup should gain 40 – 80 grams (1.5 to 2.5oz) per day during first 5 months.
  4. Puppies should be walking by 18 days of age.