exposing newborn puppies to people?

Question

when is it okay to handle newborn puppies?

Answer 1

You need to be careful about exposing the newborn pups to people just yet. The dam can get pretty upset if too many hands are touching her pups. Parvo can be carried in on shoes and wipe out everyone of them.

Answer 2

Newborn pups don't have an established immune system, and therefore cannot fight off even the most innocuous of illnesses. They should only be handled by their owner, handled only for brief periods, and handled only after you have santized your hands.

It's true that human diseases are not transferrable to the pups, but all forms of bacteria, protozoans (like giardia and coccidia) and germs/viruses you may carry in on your skin or clothing from handling other dogs CAN affect them.

Keep pups away from other dogs, away from children, and away from strangers until they are at least 6 weeks old and have received their first vaccination.

Answer 3

Bring all the dogs and the heatlamp inside. Newborn pups, like newborn babies, don't have adequate temperature control. They need to be inside and you'll need to keep a close eye on them, especially since the mother will be under the weather since her surgery.

Answer 4

I was the only one that handled the new babies. I wouldn't let any one else. This way only mom and I would be allowed. If too many people handle the puppies mom won't feed them anymore because her scent is gone from them
I waited until the pups where weaned and then said just for a few minutes.After they where 5 months, then the kids could play with them, mom got use to that just fine...
It is up to you anyway.

Answer 5

You can start with just yourself in the beginning. After their eyes open, you can slowly start introducing family members. After their first shots, you can bring other people in.

Newborn pups are like infants....suseptible to illness/disease very easily. You don't want someone unknowinly bringing Parvo into your home and losing all the pups!

Answer 6

You can handle them the day they are born as long as it doesn't bother the mother too much. Just be sure to wash your hands with hot soapy water before you hold them to help lower the risk of exposing them to something that could hurt them.

Answer 7

a lil bit everyday from the time they are born as long as its ok with momma..if youre going to keep one and you have children I would suggest putting something with the childs scent in there with them and mom so they are getting used to the smell and slowing start playing recordings of an infant crying or older children playing so they get used to that too.

Answer 8

People don't give animals illnesses, animals give people illnesses. As long as you've washed up (especially if you've been in contact with other dogs) and the Mama doesn't mind, you may handle them.