Care of Newborn Puppies and Kittens

During the first 4 weeks of life, puppies and kittens depend on their mother completely for warmth, nutrition, waste elimination, and hygiene.  During this critical time, the owner must observe the puppies or kittens carefully to detect problems.  Immediate veterinary care is critical for any sick puppy or kitten.

Warmth:

During the first few weeks of life, puppies and kittens may easily become chilled.  A room temperature of 70 F is recommended.  If the mother is ill or absent, then the temperature in the infant's immediate environment should be 80 to 85 F.  The normal body temperature of the newborn is 96 to 97 F, and reaches 100 F by 4 weeks of age.  Indirect heat such as that provided by a heat lamp or warm water bottles may be used if needed.  Care must be taken not to burn or overheat the babies.  

Body Weight:

Puppies and kittens should be weighed every day.  A failure to gain weight or loss of weight requires immediate veterinary attention. 

 Nutrition:

]Well-fed puppies and kittens sleep contentedly after nursing and have full (not bloated) abdomens. Excessive crying or restlessness, especially after nursing, indicates a problem.  If needed, supplemental feeding of a puppy or kitten formula can be prescribed.  Esophageal feeding tubes are often used in newborns who are weak or sick, and your veterinarian can instruct you how to perform this type of feeding.  

 Hygiene:

During the first 3 to 4 weeks, the mother stimulates elimination by licking her puppies or kittens.  If the mother is ill or absent, this can be performed with a warm moist cotton ball gently rubbed on the anal and genital area every 4 hours.  The puppies or kittens will need to be cleaned gently with a warm, damp cloth following bowel movements and/or urination. 

Eyes and Ears:

The eyes open at 10 to 14 days of age.  The ear canals open between 6 and 14 days of age. 

Worms:

Internal parasites are very common in kittens and puppies.  A fecal sample should be taken from the litter when the infants are 4 to 6 weeks of age to be checked for parasites by your veterinarian.  

 Vaccines:

The first vaccines are given at 6 to 8 weeks of age in puppies, and then monthly after that until 5 months of age.  Kitten vaccinations are begun at and at 6 to 8 weeks and repeated every 3 to 4 weeks thereafter until 14 weeks of age.  Booster vaccinations are required annually (dogs and cats). 

 Weaning:

Introduction of a liquid or gruel diet may be done at 3 to 4 weeks of age.  Puppy or kitten milk replacer is a good starter, followed by gruel made of puppy or kitten food soaked in warm water.  Weaning should be completed between 6 and 8 weeks of age.