5 Days Old: Puppy Info
Monday, May 22, 2017 at 8:52AM 
Puppies are born without hearing or eyes open but they usually open up about the same time from a week on they say but our normal is usually around 2 to 3 weeks.
Puppies depend on their littermates and mom for warmth. They can't filly self regulate their body temperatures at this stage. We have a thermometer in the whelping box. That is the red flashing white device where we can have the station tell us what the temps are at all times. If it gets too high or too low it sends out an alert. We also have a heat lamp that we turn on if it gets too hot. You can also put the heat lamp on just a small section of the whelping box so they can crawl in and out of warmth depending on the temperature. This is the best solution. Pups can dehydrate from too much heat and this allows them to crawl in and out of heat depending on their needs. They can also die from an environment that is too cold. Pups will cry loudly with either extreme for mom to help them. During the day, most times it is not on as this room stays warm without air conditioning on. They will not self regulate their body temps fully till closer to 2-3 weeks. This usually occurs around the same time the eyes and ears open.
It is essential that puppies consume colostrum in the mother’s milk within the first 24 hours after birth, as this contains antibodies and other immune substances that help protect newborn puppies from disease. At about 3 to 4 weeks this passive immunity stage wanes a bit but it is so critical for pups to eat from mom that first 24 hours. They are more vulnerable when this does not occur.
Once eyes and ears open their activity increases. I will keep you aware of each stage.
Pups are gaining. They are doing well and they have solid output. Their bodies are working. They are very relaxed and trusting now in your hands with no squirming unless they want momma's milk bar.
They are beautiful boys and it will be fun getting them outside, playing and enjoying.
I find myself looking for blue or boy colours for these pups and found a ton of pink ones. I went to the baby consignment shop here locally but not a single crib comforter. Oh well, we will deal with what we have. Does it matter if I sometimes use pink? heh
Also looking for playmats - the ones you put together. I think they call them interlocking foam mats. If you know anyone selling - even used on Craigs etc, please let me know. I am told that they are wonderful with leg strengthening. I would like to try and see if their legs get stronger quicker. Not needed as we do other things but maybe a good tool. We shall see. Always looking for new things to help them along.
Be sure to look at the videos that I keep uploading throughout the day.
Reader Comments (5)
I think pink is nice even for male pups, my favorite colour. Great videos. I wish we had kept the playmats that we had in Huntsville. They are great. I have a nice soft quilt that I will bring over in two weeks, pale green. My mom has had it for years and it's still beautiful. I think the pups will like it 🐾❤️
It is a sad fact that the choices for male babies is so limited. You can usually find two or three aisles of female clothing as opposed to male babies. Too bad..
Any colour is great to show off Roxie's beautiful babies.
I agree all colours are beautiful. I will see if my friends have the interlocking puzzle. Their grandchildren are bigger now.
Will buy if they are selling!