Newborn puppies are pretty much helpless and delicate, and very sensitive to temperature in the first few weeks of life because their bodies do not possess the capability to regulate temperature. This makes them prone to cold; hypothermia is one of the perilous threats to newborn puppies. Hence, a dose of warmth and a stable environment is the key to their survival and future growth, and above all, whether you are a breeder, a pet owner, or merely caring for that neglected litter, it is imperative to know all the tricks on how to keep puppies warm.
Why is warmth important?
Naturally, puppies are born with very little body fat and quite inefficient shivering mechanisms that they later use as a basis to maintain their temperature. For those first three weeks of life, they depend entirely on heat from an outside source: mother, littermates, or other puppies. They can become easily chilled outside of a mother's presence or very cool surroundings and slow their metabolism, digestion, immune system, and possibly death.
Signs That Your Puppy Is Too Cold
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Constant whining or fussing
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Snuggling with other puppies
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Cold skin, particularly around their bellies and feet
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Lethargy or weakness
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Not nursing
If you notice any of these signs, it is time to act fast.
How to Keep Newborn Puppies Warm?
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Make whelping boxes.
A defined spot for mothers and puppies is a whelping box. This contains the puppies and offers a safe, controlled environment. They should have sides high enough to keep them in and protect them from drafts. The box can be lined with towels or soft blankets, but avoid anything that tiny limbs could become tangled in.
Tip: Change and keep the bedding dry regularly, otherwise it can dampen the puppies.
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Heating Pads or Lamps.
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External source of heat: Heating pad on one side of the whelping box. (if not too warm) leave away from the heating pad. Make sure that it is covered with a towel to avoid direct burns.
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Heating lamps: Install a heat lamp above the box at a safe distance. Use a red bulb to see less disturbing things during sleeping time. Check the temperature always.
Important: Do not keep the heat source too close to the puppies. Do not heat part of the space so that it can self-regulate.
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Keep Monitoring Room Temperature
The temperature of the surrounding air goes a long way in providing warmth to puppies. It can be useful for general guidelines on ideal temperatures for rooms:
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1 Week: 85-90 degrees F (29-32 degrees C)
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2 Weeks: 80 to 85°F (26 to 29°C).
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3 Weeks: 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit (24-26°C).
After 3 to 4 weeks, puppies start to manage their body heat better and can tolerate room temperatures of about 70°F or 21°C.
A room thermometer should be there to withstand the excessive temperature difference. Avoid drafts, windows, fans, and doors.
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Keep the Puppies Close Together
If the litter isn't that big or if the mother isn't around, allow the puppies to sleep close together. Puppies usually tend to huddle closely together to keep warm, helping each other with body heat to keep them very warm and comfortable. However, if you are the one who's caring for a single orphan puppy, perhaps getting a small stuffed animal or soft blanket might help it feel a little more comforted and warmer.
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Intrusive Care for Orphaned Puppies
The absence of a mother to provide warmth and milk to the puppies is an indication that your efforts toward caring for them have to be increased. You have to not only heat them but also:
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Feed every 2–3 hours with a puppy milk replacer.
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Stimulate them to urinate and defecate by extremely careful methods.
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Check their weight and growth.
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All cold puppies will refuse to eat, so remember to warm them before nursing.
Safety Tips
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Never use electric blankets because they can overheat or burn.
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Heat lamps should always be watched in an open setting to prevent the hazards of fire.
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The puppies should have enough space to move away from the heat source when needed.
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Use only pet-safe, low-voltage heating pads when possible.
Conclusion
Keeping newborn puppies warm is the most important step in early care. With safe heating, a safe space above, and constant monitoring, these puppies can be given one of the best beginnings in life. Life, or loss, can come from an environment that's warm-almost for those raising a litter or taking care of an orphaned newborn. Create that safe, cozy space: your puppies' lives depend on it.
