A Guide to Raising Healthy Puppies

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Disclaimer: This guide provides general information and standard practices for puppy care. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every puppy is an individual, and rescue puppies may have unique health or nutritional needs.

 

Always consult your veterinarian for specific medical care, feeding plans, vaccination schedules, and any supplement recommendations.

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1. Preparing a Safe Haven: The Puppy Den

​Newborn and young puppies need a secure, warm, clean, and draft-free environment.

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• The Space: A whelping box, sturdy crate, or designated puppy pen with solid, short sides (initially) works well. Ensure it's in a quiet area away from heavy household traffic but where you can easily monitor them.

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• Bedding: Use easily washable bedding like towels, blankets, or specialized whelping pads. Keep it clean and dry – frequent changes are necessary!

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• Temperature Control: Newborns (0-3 weeks) cannot regulate their body temperature. Maintain an ambient temperature around the puppies of approximately 30-32°C (86-90°F) for the first week, gradually decreasing by a few degrees each week towards room temperature (around 22-24°C or 72-75°F) by 4-5 weeks. Use safe heat sources like heat lamps (used cautiously at the correct height) or heat pads designed for pets (placed under part of the bedding so puppies can move away if too warm). Always monitor temperature closely and ensure puppies can move away from the heat source.

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• Safety: As puppies become mobile, ensure the area is puppy-proofed – no small objects they can swallow, no electrical cords within reach, and ensure the enclosure is secure.

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2. Early Development Stages: Weeks 1-4

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• Neonatal Period (Birth - 2 weeks): Puppies are blind, deaf, and completely dependent on their mother (or human caregiver if orphaned). Their main activities are sleeping (up to 90% of the time!) and nursing. Handle gently and minimally, mainly for necessary tasks like daily weight checks and keeping them clean. Consistent weight gain is a critical sign of health.

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• Transitional Period (2 - 4 weeks): This is an exciting time! Eyes and ears begin to open (usually 10-16 days). Puppies start to crawl, stand, and take wobbly steps. They become more aware of their littermates and surroundings. Gentle handling can increase, and introducing mild household sounds can begin.

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3. Crucial Socialization & Handling (Weeks 3-16+)

​This is arguably the most critical period for shaping your puppy’s future temperament and behaviour. Positive experiences now help prevent fear, anxiety, and aggression later.

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• Early Socialization (3-5 Weeks): Increase gentle handling. Introduce different textures underfoot (e.g., blankets, towels, vet bed). Expose them to normal household sights and sounds (TV, vacuum cleaner at a distance, talking) in short, positive sessions.

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• Peak Socialization Window (5-12 Weeks): Introduce your puppy safely and positively to:

  • New People: Different ages, appearances, genders (ensure gentle interactions).

  • Novel Objects: Safe toys, household items (cones, boxes – supervised).

  • Different Environments: Short visits to various rooms, a secure yard (once mobility allows).

  • Gentle Handling: Touch paws, ears, mouth gently to prepare for grooming and vet exams.

  • Appropriate Dogs: ONLY introduce to healthy, fully vaccinated, well-behaved adult dogs you know well, after your puppy has started their own vaccinations (consult your vet).

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• Continuing Socialization (12-16+ Weeks): Continue positive exposures. Enroll in a well-run puppy socialization class (once vaccinations are sufficiently protective – check with your vet and the class instructor). Start basic positive reinforcement training (name recognition, sit).

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• Safety First: All socialization experiences must be positive and controlled. Never force a puppy into a scary situation. Protect them from overwhelming or negative encounters. Avoid dog parks or areas with unknown dogs until fully vaccinated.

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4. Monitoring Health & Basic Care

• Daily Checks: Observe appetite, activity level, and elimination (urine/stool colour and consistency). Watch for any coughing, sneezing, or discharge from the eyes or nose. Lethargy or lack of appetite needs prompt veterinary attention.

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• Weight Gain: Especially vital for young puppies. Weigh them daily or twice daily initially, then regularly. Consistent gain is expected; consult your vet immediately if a puppy isn’t gaining, is losing weight, or seems weak.

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• Hygiene: Keep the puppy environment clean. Gently clean puppies if they get soiled (a warm damp cloth is usually sufficient; avoid full baths until older unless medically necessary). Introduce gentle nail trims early using appropriate puppy clippers.

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5. Nutrition & Weaning

Proper nutrition fuels growth and development.

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• Mother's Milk/Formula: For the first 3-4 weeks, mother’s milk provides complete nutrition. If orphaned, a high-quality commercial puppy milk replacer formulated specifically for dogs is essential – never use cow's milk. Follow mixing and feeding instructions carefully under veterinary guidance.

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• The Weaning Process (Starts ~3-4 Weeks): This is a gradual transition from milk to solid food.

  • Introducing Mush: Begin offering a semi-solid food 3-4 times a day in a shallow, stable dish. A common "mush" consists of a high-quality puppy food (formulated for their expected adult size) soaked in warm water or puppy milk replacer until it forms a soft gruel. We do not provide specific recipes; please discuss the best approach and food choice with your veterinarian.

  • Gradual Transition: Slowly decrease the amount of liquid used for soaking over several weeks. Puppies will likely continue nursing alongside eating mush. Ensure they have access to their mother (if present).

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• Eating Solid Food: By 6-8 weeks, most puppies should be eating moistened or dry puppy food well. Choose a high-quality food meeting AAFCO standards for growth.

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• Water: Provide constant access to fresh, clean water in a shallow, tip-proof bowl once puppies start eating solid food.

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• Veterinary Consultation is CRITICAL: The choice of food, feeding amounts, schedules, and the use of ANY supplements (including vitamins or colostrum) MUST be determined in consultation with your veterinarian. They can advise based on the puppy's specific health status, breed type, and age. Do not add supplements without veterinary approval.

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6. Essential Veterinary Care

Partnering with a veterinarian is non-negotiable for puppy health.

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• First Vet Visit: Puppies should have an initial check-up shortly after coming into foster care or your home. The vet will perform a physical exam, check for congenital issues, and discuss parasite control.

• Deworming: Puppies often inherit or acquire intestinal parasites. A regular deworming schedule prescribed by your vet, typically starting around 2 weeks of age, is essential.

• Vaccinations: Core vaccinations protect against serious diseases like Parvovirus, Distemper, and Adenovirus. The series usually starts around 6-8 weeks old, with boosters every 3-4 weeks until about 16-20 weeks old. Rabies vaccination is given typically around 12-16 weeks. Follow your veterinarian's recommended schedule precisely.

• Spay/Neuter: Discuss the appropriate timing for spaying or neutering with your veterinarian. Nebula Bullies Rescue requires all adopted animals to be altered; this is often done around 6 months of age but can vary.

• Microchipping: A microchip provides permanent identification and greatly increases the chance of being reunited if lost.

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7. Final Thoughts

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Raising puppies is an incredible experience, but it requires significant commitment, patience, and attention to detail. Thank you for opening your heart and home to these deserving young lives!

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Please reach out to Nebula Bullies Rescue if you have general questions or need support during your fostering or post-adoption period. However, always direct specific medical and dietary questions to your veterinarian. They are your primary partner in ensuring your puppy grows up healthy and strong.

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Contact Nebula Bullies Rescue: nebulabulliesrescue@gmail.com