Emergency — phone the vet now
Within hours
Newborn puppy not feeding or fading
A weak, cold, or non-feeding newborn puppy can die within hours — warm gradually and phone the vet immediately.
Recognise the signs
- Cold to touch
- Limp, weak, not crying for milk
- Poor weight gain or weight loss
- Not latching
- Pushed away by mother
First aid steps
- Warm gradually — body heat (against your skin) is best, or a warm wrapped hot water bottle in the whelping box.
- Drop a small amount of glucose gel or honey on the gums for hypoglycaemia.
- Phone the vet immediately.
- Bring the puppy and mother.
Do NOT
- Do not pour sugar water down the throat — risk of inhalation.
- Do not give cold milk.
- Do not warm aggressively (no hot water bottles directly on skin).
While transporting to the vet
- Keep warm against skin or wrapped.
- Phone ahead.
When to phone the vet immediately
- Any cold, weak, or fading newborn
Common causes
- Hypothermia (newborns can't regulate temperature)
- Hypoglycaemia (rapid in newborns)
- Infection
- Birth defects
- Inadequate maternal milk
- Maternal rejection
What the vet will need to know
- Age in days/hours
- Litter size and other puppy condition
- Mother's condition
- When last fed
Aftercare
- Supportive care, fluids, possibly tube feeding.
- Some puppies cannot be saved despite intervention.
- Other puppies may need monitoring.
Prevention
- Whelping plan with vet.
- Adequate warmth in whelping box (29-32°C first week).
- Weigh puppies daily.
- Watch for fading puppy syndrome early.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should the whelping box be?
29-32°C in the first week, dropping to 26-29°C in week 2, then 22-26°C from week 3.
How often should puppies feed?
Every 2-3 hours in the first week. Healthy puppies are vigorous and gain weight daily.
Can I save a fading puppy at home?
Sometimes with prompt warming, sugar, and feeding — but vet input gives the best chance. Don't delay calling.