At Spiegel Bird Dogs, we understand the critical importance of the first few weeks in a puppy's life. This delicate period from birth until the start of weaning can determine the health and vitality of each pup. As dedicated breeders of Brittany puppies, we are committed to doing everything possible to ensure the highest survival rates for our precious newborns.
One key to our success is our carefully arranged nursery setup. The whelping box is in our home's spare bedroom, where puppies are born and spend their early weeks. This room is meticulously prepared to provide a safe, warm, and quiet environment for both the dam and her puppies.
Since I work from home on my computer, I can dedicate an extraordinary amount of time to supervising the puppies. During the day, my desk is in the spare bedroom, allowing me to watch the puppies while I work. I sleep in the same room at night, ensuring I am always nearby to monitor their well-being. This setup allows for almost round-the-clock supervision, which is crucial in those first few weeks.
Maintaining the proper temperature is vital for newborn puppies who cannot regulate their own body heat. Hypothermia is a leading cause of neonatal distress and must be closely monitored. A precision room heater maintains the nursery room temperature at 73°F (plus or minus 2 degrees). The Kane Pet Heat Mat maintains the set temperature within 1 degree of the prescribed weekly temperature:
Week 1: 90-95°F
Week 2: 85-90°F
Week 3: 80-85°F
A Govee Wi-Fi thermometer constantly monitors the air temperature and sends alerts if it falls outside the preset parameters. At Spiegel Bird Dogs, we go to extreme lengths to avoid both hypothermia and hyperthermia, as overheating can also distress puppies.
An IP camera also monitors the whelping box. Through our phone app, we can monitor the puppies continuously, even if we are away from the nursery for a short while.
Constant supervision has proven lifesaving for our litters. One primary risk is the dam accidentally lying on a puppy, which can be fatal as the newborns are too weak to vocalize or move away. I can quickly intervene if a pup is in danger by performing frequent puppy counts and keeping a vigilant watch. Over the years, this diligence has saved puppies that would have otherwise been lost.
In addition to supervision, I weigh and chart each puppy's weight daily. Consistent weight gain is a positive sign the puppies are receiving adequate nourishment and developing healthily. Stagnant or decreasing weight can indicate potential health issues needing prompt attention. Daily weigh-ins also ensure each pup is nursing properly. I can provide supplemental feeding if a weaker puppy struggles to compete for milk.
After three weeks, a puppy's survival chances increase significantly. By this stage, they are stronger, more mobile, and exploring their environment with open eyes and ears. The risk of sudden health issues decreases as they begin weaning from the dam's milk to solid food—another transition we supervise closely.
Through our dedicated practices of constant supervision, meticulous health monitoring, and providing a nurturing environment, we have achieved an impressive zero puppy loss record at Spiegel Bird Dogs. This remarkable track record is a testament to our methods' effectiveness.
When you welcome a Spiegel Bird Dog Brittany puppy into your home, you can rest assured that the pup has received the utmost care and nurturing from birth. From their first moments in this world, our puppies benefit from exceptional monitoring standards and supportive conditions designed to give them the best possible start in life.
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