How to Care For Newborn Puppies Without a Mother

How to Care For Newborn Puppies Without a Mother. Raising orphaned puppies is a challenging task that requires round-the-clock care. Newborn pups must be fed, kept warm and carefully monitored for health issues. Take care of their basic needs while they are very young, and consult a veterinarian for additional advice as they grow.

Things Needed

• puppy formula

Step 1

Buy milk replacer and bottles to feed the newborn pups. Mix the formula according to the manufacturer's directions, fill the bottles and warm them to room temperature before feeding. Puppies at this stage must be fed every two to three hours.

Step 2

Keep the puppies warm. Place them in a box or basket filled with blankets. Use a warm water bottle or heating pad on low to provide constant warmth. Handle newborn puppies only when necessary, and don't let small children handle pups under three weeks of age. Newborn puppies spend most of the time sleeping.

Step 3

Help the puppies urinate and defecate. Mothers typically lick their puppies to stimulate was elimination. In the absence of a mother, use a damp washcloth to massage the anal and urinary areas. Puppies are able to pass waste on their own at about three to four weeks of age.

References

• ASPCA: Newborn Puppy Care
• Humane Society Otter Tail County: Foster Care Handbook