General Care

In the first few weeks of life, puppies and kittens are helpless and vulnerable. They are still developing their reflexes, their hearing and vision aren't fully developed, and they can not control their body temperature. They should be kept within a "nursery area", closely monitored, and provided with a heat source. 

During the first 3-4 weeks of their life, they do not urinate or deficate on their own. Moms help their babies eliminate, but when the mom isn't around fosters have to do it! After feeding, gently rub a warm cloth or baby wipe around the kitten or puppy's genital area and anus. This is called "stimulation". 

Keeping neonates clean is also a job Mom normally takes care of, which you'll have to manange. Messes from food and feces in fur can be detrimental to their health. Make sure to keep neonates clean with a damp cloth or baby wipe. Never submurge a neonate for a bath!

For tips on general neonate care, visit http://www.kittenlady.org/kitten-care to learn more

Supplies (provided by Brother Wolf)

• Milk Replacement (Puppy Milk Replacement or Kitten Milk Replacement)

  • These are NOT interchangable, make sure you have species-specific milk!

• Bottles and nipples

• Karo Syrup

• Toothbrush

• Baby wipes (fragrance-free)

• SnuggleSafe Disc or other heat source

• Comfort toys, Heartbeat Bear

Annie Box

Brother Wolf will send you home with an Annie Box to keep your neonates warm, safe, and clean while you foster them. An Annie Box is a portable incubator with temperature regulation and an air nebulizer. We will show you how to use it when you pick up! To learn more about our Annie Boxes, you can view the YouTube video below. 

What to watch out for

Neonates are our most at-risk population. They need the most help, and are suseptible to sudden death for a variety of reasons. It is not uncommon to lose a puppy or a kitten within weeks of their birth. They can fade quickly, and when that happens, there is not much we can do. Here are some key things to look out for in your neonates:

Temperature

Neonates can not successfully regulate their temperature until they are about 4 weeks of age. Mom and siblings will typically serve as a heat source for the young ones, so without them, you have to help regulate their temperature. Make sure they stay warm and cozy, but have the ability to get off the heat source when they get too warm. 

You can most easily tell their temperature by their gums. Are their gums white? They are possibly hypothermic and need to be warmed up. Are their gums dark red? This could be a sign of hyperthermia, or fever. Call the emergency medical line at (828) 820-2115.

*Change in gum color could also indicate anemia (if white) or sepsis (if red). Call the emergency medical line with concerns of gum color. 

Eyes

Neonates can have closed eyes up to 2 weeks. After they've opened their eyes, watch out for any discharge or eye swelling. 

Behavior and temperament

Be sure to familiarize yourself with development-appropriate movements and sleep patterns, and those specific to your foster animals. If a neonate is uncharacteristically lethargic, vocal, or otherwise displaying behaviors of discomfort, call the emergency medical line. 

Timeline

Neonatal puppies and kittens typically begin to wean from their bottles when their teeth come in (around 5-6 weeks of age). Once you notice their teeth showing through their gums, you should offer them gruel (formula mixed with wet food). 

They will be ready for Spay/Neuter surgery when they are 2 months of age and 2.5lbs. 

Additional Resources

Determining Kitten Age

Neonatal Feeding Tips

Neonates and Fleas

Neonatal Stool Chart