Week One Puppy Routine - NCIS Litter (Decker x Kodi)

Heading to the vet for dewclaw removal

For the first two weeks of life, a puppy is considered a neonate. Born with his eyes and ears closed, he enters the world blind, deaf, and neurologically underdeveloped. At this early stage, there is almost no difference in brain activity between the time he is sleeping and the time when he’s awake. Studies have shown that handling and other interaction experienced during the neonatal period can lead to a quicker maturation of the nervous system and an enhanced development of motor and problem-solving skills.

Kodi is very comfortable with us handling the puppies, so we touch and stroke the puppies throughout the day.  Last night, each pup had a snuggle session with Jan and I as we watched NCIS (of course).

Beginning today and continuing through Day 16, we will include Early Neurological Stimulation as part of their daily routine. 

 Here is a link that discusses more about ENS: https://tinyurl.com/39u2pjdc

Weigh In Time for Abby

We weigh the pups morning and night to make sure they are growing and that none of the puppies are struggling.  Pups should hopefully double their birth weight by the time they are 10 days old. 

 Pups got their dewclaws removed yesterday.  There is some debate about whether it is good to remove dewclaws or not.  We have not had any noticeable ill effects with our pups regardless of whether we opt to remove them or not and we prefer it for ease of nail trimming and to prevent possible dew claw tearing/injuries.  This week, the pups will have first of many nail trims while they are with us to ensure they don't scratch Miss Kodi's tender tummy.  If my math is correct, that will be 144 tiny nails to trim each time...

Jethro - 1st pup to reach 1 pound.

We are cleaning the whelping box area and change bedding as needed.  Kodi gets her tail and rear legs rinsed/washed each day since there is always a bit of discharge in the days after whelping.  She keeps the pups spotless and well fed and is very careful and agile in not laying on any of her babies when getting in and out of the whelping box for potty breaks or meals.

Since I (Suzanne) am away at work most of the day Monday through Thursday, Jan gets to be the primary puppy care provider those days and also sleeps in the puppy room to tend to Kodi and the newborns if needed.  Jan is also by FAR the better puppy whelper of the two of us and we could not have puppies without him!

Jac using Ziva as a pillow