Caring for Newborn Mini Golden doodle Puppies
Caring for newborn Mini Golden doodle puppies requires a thoughtful balance of warmth, nutrition, hygiene, and monitoring. These early days are critical for their development, health, and future temperament. Whether you’re a breeder or a first-time caregiver, providing a safe and nurturing environment is key.
1. Warmth and Environment:
Newborn puppies cannot regulate their body temperature, so maintaining a warm, draft-free whelping area is essential. The room temperature should be around 85-90°F for the first week, gradually decreasing to about 75°F by week four. Use a heat lamp or heating pad (always covered and away from direct contact) to maintain warmth, but provide an area where the puppies can move away from the heat if needed. Clean, soft bedding should be replaced regularly to keep the area dry and sanitary.
2. Nursing and Nutrition:
During the first few weeks, puppies should nurse from their mother every two hours. Colostrum (the first milk) is crucial, providing essential antibodies. Monitor each puppy to ensure they are nursing well and gaining weight steadily. If the mother is unable to nurse or if there’s a large litter, bottle-feeding with a vet-approved puppy formula may be necessary. Never give cow’s milk, as it can upset their digestion.
3. Hygiene and Stimulation:
The mother will typically clean her puppies, stimulating them to urinate and defecate. If she does not, you must gently rub each puppy’s belly and genital area with a warm, damp cloth after each feeding to encourage elimination. Keep the whelping area clean by removing soiled bedding and disinfecting surfaces (using pet-safe products) without disturbing the puppies’ environment too much.
4. Monitoring Health:
Keep a close eye on the puppies for signs of distress, weakness, or illness. Healthy puppies are warm, active, and quiet after feeding. Daily weighing is a good way to monitor growth. Any puppy that fails to gain weight or shows signs of lethargy, constant crying, or labored breathing should be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately.
5. Socialization and Handling:
While it’s important to minimize stress early on, gentle handling for short periods starting at about 7–10 days old (after their eyes begin to open) helps with socialization. Speak softly and handle them with clean, warm hands to get them used to human contact. Gradual desensitization to everyday sounds and smells will begin around week three.
6. Deworming and Vet Care:
Deworming typically starts at two weeks of age and is repeated every two weeks until around eight weeks. A veterinarian should examine the puppies within their first few days to check for congenital issues and offer guidance on a vaccination schedule, which usually begins at six to eight weeks old.
By providing the right environment, attentive care, and early socialization, you lay the foundation for healthy, happy Mini Golden doodle puppies ready for their forever homes.
