This is Sheamus when he was little. German Shepherd puppies are just the cutest! Do you agree?
Thanks to Amy Stolzenburg Miller for sharing!
Taking Care of Newborn German Shepherd Puppies
Newborn German Shepherd puppies are blind, deaf and toothless. Although they have the instinct to suckle and crawl toward their body, you need to make sure that the newborn puppies indeed have everything they need.
- Provide a safe, warm bed. Make sure that the box is large enough for the mother and the puppies to move around. You can line the box with newspapers or if you prefer towels or blankets, make sure they are stretched tight so the babies won’t become tangled up in the cloth.
- Provide a heat source. Newborn German Shepherd puppies are yet to maintain their proper body temperature. It is recommended to mount a heat lamp at a safe distance above their bed.
- Keep track of the puppy’s growth. You can use a baby scale to weigh the puppies. Log their weight regularly. Healthy German shepherd puppies weigh about .08 to 1.3 pounds at birth. They tend to double their weight by the end of the first week.
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Watch for any problem. Healthy puppies sleep quietly, while German Shepherd pups that swallow air may seem well-fed, but will act unsatisfied. Check for signs of dehydration. Pinch the skin at the back of the neck to determine whether or not the puppy is dehydrated. Healthy skin bounces back quickly. And you should always check with your veterinarian if you notice any sign of health problem.
- Keep their bed clean. to maintain a dry and safe environment, it is best to change the bedding daily.