Level of Care Given to Each Puppy

Each litter is carefully planned and pre-matched. Dam’s heat cycles are logged into a calendar which will generally last 21 days. If a mating will not occur then the dam is placed in quarantine. If a mating occurs, the sire is chosen based on their DNA compatability and experience together and puppies they may have already produced.  Then that is logged into the calendar and 65 days are added for a possible birth. At day 55 the Dam is taken to the Vet for an X-Ray puppy count so I know how many puppies to expect and I’m not blind sighted. 

Since I am here constantly I watch for signs from the female which generally includes digging and nesting. I stay with Dam until all puppies are born. I use the EZ Whelp system which has an over head heater and also use a large heating pad to keep puppies warm. Keeping the puppies warm is a priority especially right after birth. I make sure puppies nurse right away. I make sure Mom has plenty of water and bathe her shortly after. 

Making sure Mom has a good diet and getting bathroom breaks is a priority during this time. Mom’s do a good job of keeping their puppies clean and fed. Color coded collars are given to the puppies. 

Puppies receive their first round of deworming at 2 weeks. They usually have their eyes open at 3 weeks and by 4 weeks are able to hold their heads up and move around. At 4 weeks they receive another round of deworming. 

At 4 weeks puppies are introduced to mashed up puppy food. A pee pad is also added to the whelping pen which they learn fast. At 6 weeks they receive another round of deworming. 

At 7 weeks puppies are eating dry puppy food kibble and are drinking water from a bowl. Their first vet visit is at 7 weeks where they get a head to tail vet inspection and first shots. At 8 weeks puppies can go to their forever homes.