What should be noted about the pups in the first week after birth?

In the first week after birth, it is essential to monitor the weight and size of the pups. This period is critical for assessing their overall health and development. Measuring weight is particularly important because it provides a direct indication of the pup’s nutritional status and can signal potential issues such as malnutrition or failure to thrive if the pups are not gaining weight appropriately. In this early stage of life, pups are highly dependent on their mother's ability to nurse them effectively.

While color, social interactions, and other factors may be of interest, they are not as crucial as tracking weight and size in the immediate postpartum period. Weight gain specifically is a key indicator of health during the first week, highlighting the importance of monitoring these metrics for the well-being of the pups. Regularly checking them helps ensure that any problems are identified early, allowing for timely intervention if necessary.