By drh.Ivan Satriawan
Expecting the birth of pet dogs are usually very encouraging for owners, but many are not yet fully understand how to treat and handle the new-born chicks to sapih (independent). After going through the birth process that is sometimes very stressful owner, which is not less important is the treatment of newborn chicks (new born puppies) until the chicks are able to be independent.
The new puppies are born very dependent on its mother, from food, sanitation and heat from the parent body. Food newborn chicks fully only from the mother’s milk. This phase will last up to 3-4 weeks afterwards. In this phase, the most noteworthy is the nutritional adequacy of chicks from their parents and the surrounding temperature. When one of two things is not met then the chicks could die or could result in impaired growth. Mother dog will try to get the milk the child as much as possible, clean the urine and feces as well as keeping chicks warm.
Owner, at this stage, simply by considering the adequacy of food and nutrition, parent, and the cleanliness of the saplings (whelping box). Meal plus up to 50% of the normal portion of food quality and improved by adding foods that contain high protein. If there is something that causes the child can not get enough milk, the mother did not breast-feeding, the parent udder infection (mastitis) or even a parent’s death, things to do as soon as possible the owner is giving milk substitutes and chicks warm place to replace parent body heat. Replacement feeding must be right, that is milk that does not contain lactose (lactose free). There are several brands recommended by veterinarians, among others Esbilac (Pet-Ag), First Milk (Royal Canin), veta-Lac (Vet-A-Mix). Or the owner can prepare yourself with the following formulation:
- 120 ml cow’s milk or goat’s milk
- 120 ml boiled water
- 2 to 4 grains of yellow eggs
- 1 to 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1000 mg calcium carbonate (Ettinger, et al; 2000)
To provide heat can be done with incandescent or glass bottles containing hot water and wrapped in cloth that is placed in the whelping box, shall be maintained so as not too hot (35-37oC), which can cause seedling death. This is done until the mother recovers or until the child can be independent (in the parent state has mastitis or death)
After the past 4 weeks, puppies are active, can begin to eat, milk teeth started to grow. At this stage the most important is the provision of de-worming for puppies. Why is this important? Because the worm is transmitted through the mother’s milk will inhibit seedling growth and could even lead to malnutrition (malnutrition). Helminthic provided is Pyrantel (Combantrin, Stop worms, etc.) liquid. Doses or dose can be consulted with a veterinarian first. De-worming should be repeated 7-10 days later, or a maximum of 14 days.
Next is the stage for learning to eat. Chicks can learn to eat since the age of 4 weeks, even at the age of 3 weeks may also have given the mother’s milk substitutes. The food provided is easily digested foods and semi-liquid form (like porridge). The day they ate 3-4 times, the big dog can be up to 5 times. With the chicks get older and smarter eating alone, viscosity can be added to food finally solid foods and soft (dogfood soaked water / milk until soft). Usually at 5-6 weeks of age, chicks are able to eat solids themselves.
After 6 weeks of age and was given another worms drugs, chicks should receive the vaccine against parvo virus. It should be noted that the age of 6 weeks is the minimum age a puppy can be vaccinated and able to establish immunity. The vaccine should only be given when the puppies are in excellent health. Healthy signs include:
- Normal appetite
- There was no diarrhea or vomiting
- Body temperature in the range of norms
- Active
- Free from ekto-and endoparasit (lice and worms)
- Gums and lining of the lenders and pink eyes brimming with tears
If all requirements had been met and the vet said could be vaccinated chicks, the vaccine can be given. Only authorized veterinarian who can give the vaccine.
For approximately 7 days post-vaccination, chicks should be avoided from the stress (bath, sent out of town, to play until exhaustion and a sudden change of food) so that their immune perfectly formed.
Next is the routine maintenance for the daughter, where they will play and learn to socialize with the environment. Routine vaccination will protect them from diseases that kill. Regular consultation with a veterinarian to avoid handling errors.