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 having any puppies.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 also includes getting x-rays done.
Step 2: There is a place for delivery.
Establish an area where your dog will give birth.The area should be out of the way of other dogs.It should be warm for the dog.A nested box is a low-sided box with towels or cushion inside.Set up the area about 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 or dispose of.It will need to be replaced after labor and delivery.
Step 3: Warming up the preemie is necessary.
The preemie can be warmed even further if you have a separate space.It is important that a preemie 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 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 purchased 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, you should 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.You should 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 large.
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 know if they are the same size and breathing on their own.Preemies may not have as much fur as 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 assistance.If one of the puppies is slightly smaller than the other puppies, you should keep an eye on its growth and development because it will likely get enough food and warmth.A small preemie that is failing or seems unwell is at risk of dying.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 feeding tube.
Step 7: If the preemie is being properly cared for, watch.
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 to grow stronger.If it is unable to nurse on its own or if it isn't 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.You should get instructions from your vet.The feeding 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 in order to digest its food.Preemies have a hard time keeping warm, so they will need some help.Their temperature can be checked every hour or so.The puppy's internal temperature should be 97F.
Step 10: Humidify the environment.
If you want the puppy to stay hydrated, you may need to increase the amount of water you give it.Dehydration can happen quickly when you are heating the area.There is a puppy near the humidifier.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 the preemie is gaining weight.Make sure it doesn't have any health issues by weighing it regularly.If the preemie is getting regular veterinary exams, your vet will weigh it and assess its health as well.You still have to keep an eye on the puppy's development and progression.A preemie should gain 10% of their birth weight every day after they are born.If it isn't gaining enough weight, you should make sure it is getting enough food.