warm<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n <\/p>\n
Warmth is one of the primary conditions for the well-being and survival of newborn puppies.<\/p>\n
<\/h3>\n\ud83c\udf21\ufe0f Nest Temperature<\/h3>\n
Nest temperature plays a crucial role during the first few weeks of life.<\/p>\n
Recommended guidelines:<\/p>\n
First few days: 30\u00b0C (86\u00b0F)<\/p>\n
Gradually decrease to around 28\u00b0C (82\u00b0F)<\/p>\n
Second week: from 28\u00b0C (82\u00b0F) to 25\u00b0C (77\u00b0F)<\/p>\n
Third week: Gradually decrease<\/p>\n
Fourth week: around 20\u00b0C (68\u00b0F)<\/p>\n
This decrease should always be gradual, while observing the puppies’ behavior.<\/p>\n
<\/h3>\n\ud83c\udf21\ufe0f Inability to Thermoregulate<\/h3>\n
From birth until about 3 weeks of age, puppies are unable to regulate their internal temperature on their own.<\/p>\n
Their body temperature is approximately 3\u00b0C (9\u00b0F) lower than it will be at around 5 weeks. It is unstable and directly dependent on the ambient temperature.<\/p>\n
They are therefore particularly sensitive to cold.<\/p>\n
Too low a temperature can lead to:<\/p>\n
Hypothermia<\/p>\n
Stopping of the suckling reflex<\/p>\n
Rapid weakening<\/p>\n
Possible rejection by the mother<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udd25 Heating Methods<\/h3>\n
Several devices can be used:<\/p>\n
Infrared lamp, set at the correct height<\/p>\n
Heating mat<\/p>\n
Hot water bottle<\/p>\n
\u26a0\ufe0f Mats and hot water bottles require close supervision due to the risk of burns.<\/p>\n
A simple indicator:<\/p>\n
If the puppies are gathered calmly under the lamp \u2192 the temperature is suitable.<\/p>\n
If they scatter to the corners of the crate \u2192 the temperature is unsuitable (too hot or unevenly distributed).<\/p>\n
If they consistently move away from the heated area \u2192 the temperature is too high.<\/p>\n
It is essential to provide a cooler area in the nest so that the mother and puppies can move around as needed.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\ud83c\udfaf Objective<\/h3>\n
Maintain the puppy’s body temperature above 36\u00b0C (97\u00b0F).<\/p>\n
\u26a0\ufe0f Crucial point: Weak puppy or puppy not nursing
\nIf a puppy:<\/p>\n
is not nursing,<\/p>\n
appears weak,<\/p>\n
is rejected by its mother,<\/p>\n
\u27a1\ufe0f The first thing to do is check its rectal temperature.<\/p>\n
Below 34\u00b0C (93\u00b0F), a puppy can no longer digest food.<\/p>\n
Therefore, do not nurse or bottle-feed it until it has been gradually warmed.<\/p>\n
Warming must be gentle and gradual to avoid thermal shock.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”5rem”][vc_row_inner el_class=”bg-color-1″ el_id=”section-hydratationchiot”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_empty_space height=”3rem”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Hydration<\/span> <\/span><\/h2>\n <\/p>\n
In newborn puppies, hydration is naturally ensured through nursing.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\ud83c\udf7c The Essential Role of Colostrum<\/h3>\n
It is essential to put puppies to the breast as early and as often as possible, when they are not yet able to nurse spontaneously.<\/p>\n
Colostrum plays two fundamental roles:<\/p>\n
It provides maternal antibodies, essential for the newborn’s immunity.<\/p>\n
It helps prevent dehydration.<\/p>\n
A puppy’s body contains approximately 80% water, and its skin lacks a protective stratum corneum. Therefore, it can dehydrate very quickly.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u26a0\ufe0f What to do if a puppy doesn’t nurse?<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n
If a puppy doesn’t nurse during the first few hours of life, it will need to be artificially hydrated:<\/p>\n
with sugar water,<\/p>\n
or puppy formula,<\/p>\n
using a small syringe (without a needle).<\/p>\n
\u26a0\ufe0f Before feeding, ensure your puppy’s body temperature is correct (above 36\u00b0C). A hypothermic puppy cannot digest food.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\ud83c\udf2b\ufe0f Importance of Humidity<\/h3>\n
Humidity refers to the level of moisture in the air.<\/p>\n
In the whelping box, it should not fall below 55%, ideally around 65%.<\/p>\n
It is recommended to place a hygrometer near the whelping box to adjust the ambient humidity with humidifiers if necessary.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccc Beware of Excesses<\/h3>\n
An atmosphere that is too dry (below 35%) promotes dehydration.<\/p>\n
An atmosphere that is too humid (above 80%) promotes bacterial growth and can hinder the puppies’ breathing.<\/p>\n
Therefore, maintaining balance is essential to preserving the health of newborn puppies.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”3rem”][vc_single_image image=”7585″ img_size=”600*600″ alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space height=”3rem”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_empty_space height=”3rem”][vc_single_image image=”7704″ img_size=”600*600″][vc_empty_space height=”3rem”][vc_single_image image=”7702″ img_size=”600*600″][vc_empty_space height=”3rem”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner el_class=”bg-color-2″ el_id=”section-energiechiot”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_empty_space height=”3rem”][vc_single_image image=”7067″ img_size=”500*500″][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_empty_space height=”3rem”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n