new born pups

Question
My Mia jack Russell just had a litter of two.  I have mother and puppies in a box.  However, the mother is always trying to pull towels from corners of the box to kind of swaddle the puppies. Is this normal or can the puppies suffocate.

Answer
Hi Isabel,
Warmth is THE MOST IMPORTANT factor for newborn puppies, the box should be VERY warm for the first few weeks. They can not regulate their own body temperature and need to stay warm and near Mia.
You could try a heating lamp or heating pad that is specifically designed for puppies, but be very very careful not to over heat them; make sure they are able to move to another area of the box to cool off if necessary. After they can regulate their own body temperatures you won't need the heat lamp anymore - but warmth is crucial, as is nursing.
Sometimes the new mothers are careless with the newborn puppies and can lay on them and suffocate them (with their bodies, or blankets) so you should keep a close eye on them in the beginning.
Congratulations on the new pups, good luck with them.