Premature puppies need special care when they are born.They need special attention because they are smaller and weaker than their siblings.If a puppy is smaller than its siblings, you will not need to care for the mother dog.If a puppy is small and weak, you may need to give it a lot of care to keep it alive.
Step 1: Get an x-ray of the pregnant dog.
If you have the mother dog's x-rays done, you can see if she is pregnant.She is having a lot of puppies.Sometimes a preemie puppy can't be identified with an x-ray or an ultrasound.There is a chance that he or she will.Comprehensive prenatal care includes getting x-rays done.
Step 2: There is a place for delivery.
There is an area where your dog will give birth.The area should be isolated from other dogs.It should be warm for the dog.A nested box is a low-sided box with towels or padding inside.Set up the area a week before you think the dog will give birth.Show it to her a few days in advance.She will have time to make her own space and feel safe before she delivers.The padding inside the box should be easy to clean and dispose of.During labor and delivery, it will need to be replaced.
Step 3: There is a warming space for the preemie.
The preemie can be warmed even further in a separate space.It is important that a puppy be kept very warm because it will not digest food if it is not warm.The shoe box can be warmed from the bottom and top.A hot water bottle covered with towels can be used to warm the preemie.A heat lamp or light can be used to warm the top.The heating pads and heated blankets may burn the puppies, so be careful with them.The puppy should be kept at around 90F (30C) in this space.
Step 4: Puppy formula can be bought ahead of time.
Newborn puppies need to be fed every two to four hours.Preemie puppies are prone to malnutrition, so you may need to give them more food.If the puppies have a hard time nursing, have the formula ready.The puppy may not have the strength to nurse.You will need to give it all its nutrition if this is the case.Puppy formula can be found in most pet stores and online.It's important to get the right nipple for the bottle.The preemie won't be strong enough to get the formula out if the hole is too small.The puppy could aspirate if the hole is too big.
Step 5: Pick any preemie puppies.
The puppies should be assessed when the mother dog is giving birth.You don't need to physically touch them as long as you can see if they are the same size and breathing on their own.Preemies may have less fur than full-sized puppies.
Step 6: Decide if you need to intervene.
If a preemie is born, you need to assess whether it needs your assistance or if it can get enough warmth and nutrition from its mother.If a preemie is smaller than its siblings, it will need help.If one of the puppies is slightly smaller than the other puppies, it will likely get enough food and warmth, but you should keep an eye on its growth and development.A small preemie is at risk of dying if it seems unwell or failing.You should get it veterinary care immediately.Let your vet know you're on your way by calling.A vet will be able to give it life-saving treatment, such as feeding it with a tube.
Step 7: If the preemie is being properly cared for, you should watch it.
Even if you allow the mother to care for the preemie puppy, you should still keep an eye on it.You might need to help the mother care for the baby.Preemies can have a hard time getting their mother's milk if they have larger siblings.If the preemie suckles so that it gets enough to eat, you may need to keep the other puppies away.
Step 8: The preemie should be fed every two to four hours.
A preemie puppy needs food every couple hours in order to grow stronger.If it is unable to nurse on its own or is not getting enough milk from its mother, you may need to hand feed it.Preemies need to be tube fed.You have to shoot the formula into the puppy's stomach via a tube if you want to tube feed.Discuss the health of the preemie with your doctor.Your vet should give you instructions about this process.It needs to happen throughout the night.A lot of work is involved in caring for a preemie.
Step 9: The temperature should be checked frequently.
A puppy needs to be warm to digest its food.Preemies have a hard time keeping warm, so they will need some help.Every hour or so, check their temperature.The puppy's internal temperature should be around 97F.
Step 10: Humidify the environment.
If you want to keep the puppy hydrated, you may need to increase the amount of water in it.Dehydration can happen very quickly when you are heating the area.There is a puppy.It will be able to avoid getting dehydrated.Bringing boiling water into the room, placing the puppy in the bathroom with the shower running, or putting a damp towel on a heat vent are all ways to introduce humidity if you don't have a humidifier.You need to be careful not to create a safety hazard by using these methods.
Step 11: Track the growth of the preemie.
You want to make sure that the preemie is gaining weight.Make sure it doesn't have any health issues.If the preemie is getting regular veterinary exams, your vet will check its health as well.You have to keep an eye on the puppy's development as well.A preemie should gain 10 percent of their birth weight every day after they are born.If it isn't getting enough food, then you should intervene.