Your breeding was successful, and Luna has given birth to a healthy litter of six adorable puppies. Now that these golden retrievers have entered the world, it's time to start caring for them. While their mother will handle most of the work initially, there will come a time when the puppies need to be weaned and screened for regular health check-ups to get a health certificate.
Highland Pet Hospital, a trusted name in animal reproductive services, is here to support breeders in Duval County and Metro JAX, regardless of their experience level. With our expertise, we provide essential training and guidance to ensure the well-being of your puppies.
When to Wean Newborn Puppies
One of the caregivers' most frequently asked questions is: When can my puppy start eating solid food? Dr. Barstow at Highland Pet Hospital states, "Puppies can begin the transition to solid food, a process known as weaning, at approximately 4 weeks of age.”
For the initial introduction to solid food, we suggest using Royal Canin puppy mousse due to its easy texture, which helps puppies get used to eating something other than their mother's milk. Alternatively, you can give them dry kibble softened into a thick gruel by soaking it in warm water.
When Puppies Need to See the Doctor
Regular veterinary visits are a key part of responsible puppy care. These visits, scheduled at several key stages, are not just for routine care and health checks, but also to ensure your puppy's well-being when they are sick.
Dewclaw and Tail Removal
Certain breeds, such as Yorkies, Poodles, and Dobermans, typically require dewclaw and/or tail removals between 3 and 4 days old.
Neonatal Puppy Care
Tube feeding puppies requires careful technique to ensure safe and effective delivery of nutrition.
- Always ensure the puppy is warm before feeding, as a cold puppy cannot digest food properly.
- Never force the tube if you feel resistance.
- Confirming tube placement before feeding is critical to avoid aspirating fluid into the lungs.
Contact a veterinarian immediately if you encounter difficulties. Tube feeding carries risks and should ideally be taught by a veterinary professional.
Puppy Emergencies: Why Is Milk Coming Out of My Puppy’s Nose?
According to Dr. Webster at Highland Pet Hospital, seeing milk come out of a puppy's nose during feeding, especially when attempting tube feeding, is a sign that the puppy may have accidentally inhaled fluid into its lungs. This neonatal emergency can be a frightening experience for the caregiver, leading to concerns about the puppy.
Dr. Webster explains that tube feeding can be challenging, and it's not uncommon for fluid to enter the lungs accidentally. Signs of this include white fluid coming from the nose, sneezing, and coughing.
Remember, Highland Pet Hospital is just a call away in case of any puppy emergency. Our experienced team, including Dr. Barstow, Dr. Webster, and Dr. Gosnell, is well-equipped to handle neonatal emergencies in puppies. We’re here to help.
Puppy Urgent Care in Jacksonville, FL
Welcoming a litter of adorable newborn puppies into the world is an exciting and rewarding experience. Dr. Carla Barstow is a diplomate of the American College of Theriogenology and a board-certified animal reproductive specialist at Highland Pet Hospital. Our facility provides urgent and emergency care for puppies in the Metro Jacksonville community, including Baldwin, Atlantic Beach, Palm Valley, Fruit Cove, and Nocatee. Call to schedule a veterinarian appointment today! We deliver personalized pet care for life!