How to treat your newborn Boxers during their first 8 weeks
If you have a litter of a
newborn Boxer puppies you should prepare to be close to them at
least for 8 first weeks of their life. It is the crucial time
when you have to be ready for any situation, as it is the time
when the health of your puppy is shaped.
Day 1
During this day mother-dog will feed her babies with Colostrum.
This is a milky liquid that contains a lot of nutrients,
providing the puppies with vital antibodies. This day can be
called a " sleepy day", as the puppies will sleep almost all the
time when not drinking. If the puppies' bodies are warm, they
breathe naturally and make soft noises, they are full and fine.
On the first day the puppies cannot eliminate waists from their
organism themselves yet, so their mother will lick them to
stimulate this process.
Boxer puppies have their eyes still closed and it will stay this
way for 10-15 days. The umbilical cord still remains, as it is
rather damp and not ready to fall off.
Day 2
On this day your puppies can lose weight. Don't be afraid, it is
absolutely normal. However, take care that the larger puppies
don't push the weaker puppies off the nipple.
Day 3
If you decided to dock your puppies' tails, it is the best day
to do it. Consult with your vet and consider carefully your
decision. It is also the day when the cord is dry enough to fall
off. On this day you should remove the dewclaws, if you decided
to do so. Remember, that it should be done only by your
experienced veterinarian.
Week 1
During this week you should weigh your puppy each day. Take a
basket lined with a soft and clean towel and measure it first.
Then put the puppy into the basket. Thus, you will be able to
calculate accurate number. Each day your puppies must gain
weight. If there is no increase, contact your vet immediately.
The nails should be trimmed each day as they grow very quickly.
Please, do it very carefully for not to hurt your dog. You must
trim off only a small "hook" of the nail.
Week 2
It is the time when your small Boxers begin to open their eyes.
It is a slow process so be patient. The puppies still hold close
to their mom, but they already make their attempts to
communicate with you.
Week 3
It is a "chatting time". Now the puppies should fully open their
eyes. The ear canal is also should be fully formed so the small
Boxers start hearing their voices and barking.
Be ready that your little travelers will make an attempts to
leave their place. Now they have everything to learn the world
better! Although it is not desirable to allow them to run about
the house as they can harm themselves. Connect one or more boxes
together, thus, making a big "playing ground". This way, your
puppies will have enough place to communicate and play with each
other. And it will be a safe place!
Week 4
On the 4th week you may start feeding your puppies with solid
food. Make a mixture containing 14 of puppy dog food and 34 of
water. Begin with small amounts. You should habituate your
puppies to solid food gradually and slowly as their digestive
system cannot accept it at once.
You can also remove extra heating. The temperature in the room
must be 72 F ( 23 C).
Week 5
It is the time when you can give toys to your puppies. You still
have to check their weight, but not necessarily each day. Normal
weight should vary between 2 lbs. (0.9 kilograms) and 4 lbs.
(1.81 kilograms). Gradually make the food more solid by adding
more puppy dog food and less water.
Mother-dog is tired and exhausted so she would like to spend
less time with her children. It is a perfect time for your
interaction with the puppies. They will be very happy to play
with you.
Week 6
On the 6th week you may introduce your puppies a new world. Be
ready that your small Boxers will become more active and start
eating a lot. However, it is still too early for training. It is
better to involve them into outdoor walkings. Try to walk them
separately and beware of other dogs. Your puppies will be really
fascinated to feel the warmth of the sun and soft touch of the
grass!
Week 7
You Boxer puppies do not require nursing any more. It is a great
time when they grew up enough to involve you in their quite
active games. Outdoor walks must become a daily routine. You
should also take mother-dog with you as well. She will start
educating her children all necessary skills. This week is
perfect to pass to the usual routine of dog feeding, grooming,
exercise and playing.
Week 8
During this week the puppies should have their first
vaccinations. If you are not going to keep all the puppies, it
is a good time to find a new home for them. Make sure that you
give them to the kind and loving people, who will take care of
their small Boxers.
If you are going to keep all or some puppies, you can begin
training them as well as falling back into your normal dog care
schedule.
