After delivery the puppy may be limp and will be wet. After a few breaths the puppy will begin to pink up, perk up and start to get some muscle tone. Once dry the puppy will start to crawl around and crying, rooting around for something to eat. The puppy will have a strong suckling reflex and the instinctive behavior to root around for a nipple and will latch on and begin nursing. If you place the puppy on his/hers back she/he will right them self up immediately. You can also test the reflexes , tap very gently around the eyes and you should see a blink response even though the eyes are sealed.
A normal puppy will be twitchy and jerky almost all the time. The puppy should feel warm to the touch. The puppy will cry when hungry and will tire quickly and fall asleep after nursing. The puppy's birth weight should double in 8 to 10 days.
Normal Vital Signs:
Respiration rate on the day of birth: 8 - 18 irregular breaths per minute.
After the first day: 15 - 35 irregular breaths per minute.
Heart rate on day of birth: 120 - 150 beats per minute.
Heart rate first two weeks: 180 - 220 beats per minute.
Body temperature from 1 - 2 weeks 94 - 97 degrees(rectal).
If the mom dog is healthy and provides enough milk the most important thing you can do is change the bedding and check the pups. Some of the very small pups you may want to take their weight and keep a record to make sure they are putting on weight. Make sure the pups are warm and in a clean bed.
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