It’s So Hard Waiting, I Know, To Ween Your New Infant Pet Properly.
“Properly” is the key word. The ideal age to ween a puppy or kitten is still 12 weeks. Any younger than that, and you put its development at risk–no matter how careful you are. Newborns need Mama’s milk and her presence for those full 12 weeks to ensure their complete development. Mama’s milk builds the newborn’s immune system. Her presence makes him feel safe and secure, and she teaches him how to be a well-adjusted puppy or kitten, without any neuroses.
Before 12 weeks, the newborn is still too young to vaccinate. Without vaccinations yet, the newborn is dangerously susceptible to all manner of health hazards. The reasons to keep the baby with its Mama far outweigh any reason to separate him from her too early. (Obviously, in a rescue situation where Mama may no longer be in the picture, this discussion about weening doesn’t apply.)
Is It Okay To Take My Infant Pet Out In Public?
No No No!! If the little one is less than 12 weeks and hasn’t had its shots yet, you would be putting his tender life in danger by exposing to him to God-knows-what out there without the protection of even his first round of vaccinations. Catching a simple cold or intestinal parasite at his delicate age could literally put his life in danger. Even diarrhea can easily be fatal to a newborn pup or kitten.
For veterinary appointments during this period, KEEP BABY SEPARATED from other pets in the waiting room. They could be there for treatment of respiratory, intestinal, or any manner of infirmity that would be hazardous to your newborn.
Be the responsible and caring parent–Resist Resist Resist the urge to show the little one off until he’s physically ready. You can Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or text all the photos you want, but DON’T take him out in public until he’s old enough–12 weeks.
Can I Invite People To My Home To Meet The Newborn?
If you do invite folks to your home during baby’s first 12 weeks, be sure they don’t bring their own pets along, and limit people handling him. If you decide to allow someone to handle the newborn, ask them to wash their hands first, and definitely keep it brief. Over-handling the newborn can exhaust him and run his delicate immune system down, making it very easy for him to get sick.
Ideally, no introductions to anyone but family for those first 12 weeks. Sounds like overkill, but much better safe than sorry. You need to put the newborn’s development and his wellbeing first to give him the best start for his little life. Don’t put him at risk just because you’re antsy to show him off. That happy time will come soon enough. 🙂
What To Do If The Infant Starts To Fail.
If you’ve just brought an infant pet into your family, or are preparing for its arrival, here are some important supplies to stock up on: unflavored Pedialyte, Hills Prescription A/D canned food, eye dropper, sub-q fluids, and Vaseline. The A/D is a prescription food–you’ll need to request it from your veterinarian. Same for the sub-q fluids. And your veterinarian can show you how to administer sub-q fluids if you’ve not done it before. The Vaseline is for baby’s little bottom–to prevent chafing if he does get diarrhea.
Watch your newborn very very closely, 24/7, just as you would a human newborn. Stay alert for any signs he might not be feeling well. At the FIRST sign of loose stools or diarrhea, start giving him the unflavored Pedialyte through an eye dropper. This will ensure he stays hydrated, which is critical. If he feels poorly enough that he’s not eating, mix some of the A/D with Pedialyte to make it a bit runny, and hand-feed it to the little one using the eye dropper. This will keep him nourished as he works through the ailment. BE VERY GENTLE feeding him with the eye dropper so that you don’t force food or liquid down his throat wrong.
To ensure baby feels safe and secure and stays comfortably warm, tuck him inside your shirt where he can draw from your body heat, and feel your heartbeat, which will make him feel he’s in his Mama’s protective arms.
Call your veterinarian sooner than later to report the symptoms and get his or her guidance.
Enjoy Your New Infant Pet In Happiness and Good Health!
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God Bless and Happy Pet Parenting!
With love and good wishes,
jeannie. ?
About jeannie: I’ve been pro-actively involved in pet rescue all of my life. I founded Milagro Senior Pet Refuge© (Phoenix) in 1998, and BareFootPets (TM) in 2008. Animal welfare has always been and will always be my heart’s work. If my only legacy is that I save a handful of precious souls that would not survive otherwise, I’m good with that.