The First Week with Newborn Puppies: Caring for Mom and Pups

​The first week with newborn puppies is all about laying the foundation for a healthy, thriving litter. During this crucial stage, the mother dog does most of the heavy lifting, but our job is to make sure all her needs are met so she can focus on her puppies.

​Caring for Mom

A happy and healthy mom means happy and healthy puppies. We prioritize mom's care by ensuring she gets:

• Nutritious Meals: Balanced, high-quality meals packed with the nutrients she needs to recover and produce milk.
• Sanitary Care: Frequent cleaning to ensure her and her whelping area stays hygienic and comfortable.
• Affection and Play: While she’s busy being a devoted mom, she still craves love and attention. Anyone who knows Remi, knows she is obsessed with catch. She appreciates a quick game in between caring for the puppies. 

​Monitoring the Puppies

While mom does most of the work at this stage, we keep a close eye on the puppies to ensure they’re thriving.

• Puppy Checks Every Two Hours: We observe them frequently to make sure they’re nursing, warm, and content.
• Daily Weight Checks: Gaining weight is one of the best indicators of a healthy puppy, so we weigh them several times a day to ensure steady progress. If someone falls behind we incorporate extra feedings to get them back on track. 
• Sleeping Nearby: I sleep right next to the whelping box each night to be available for mom and her pups, providing comfort, care, and an extra set of hands whenever needed.

​Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)

Starting on day three, we introduce Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), a proven program developed by the U.S. Military to enhance the development of working dogs. ENS lasts from day 3 to day 16 and involves:

1. Tactile Stimulation: Running a Q-tip between the puppy’s toes for five seconds.
2. Upright Position: Holding the puppy upright for five seconds.
3. Head-Down Position: Flipping the puppy upside down for five seconds.
4. Supine Position: Holding the puppy on its back for five seconds.
5. Thermal Stimulation: Placing the puppy on a cool, damp towel for five seconds.

The benefits of ENS include improved cardiovascular performance, stronger heart rates, better stress tolerance, enhanced immunity, and stronger adrenal glands.

​Early Scent Introduction (ESI)

Alongside ENS, we begin Early Scent Introduction (ESI). Each day, the puppies are exposed to a new scent, which helps develop their scenting abilities. This practice is especially important for puppies in our program that go on to become diabetic alert dogs. Studies have shown that ESI can also benefit dogs destined for search and rescue, hunting, scent detection, and other working roles.

​The Foundation of Success

​The first week is demanding but deeply rewarding. Watching mom and her puppies thrive is a joy like no other. With careful attention, love, and lots of coffee, we do our best to give these puppies the best start in life! 
Stay tuned for updates as these little ones continue to grow and reach exciting milestones!