Caring for a very young Pitbull puppy can be quite daunting.
Perhaps you’ve rescued a Pitbull puppy that’s been abandoned, or your female Pit has had a littler.
In either instance, you’ll need to be vigilant about their care and nutrition.
Learn what you need to know to care for your pitbull pup!
How to Care for a Young Pitbull Puppy
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I can say from personal experience that caring for a very young puppy is terrifying. You’re not sure what to feed them. You’re not sure how to handle them. You’re not sure of anything. It’s scary. My dog Odie is 15 years old, but there was a time when I bathed him and his sister, as well as fed them and made them go to the bathroom. Their mom wasn’t mother of the year material, so it fell on me.
Talk to Your Vet
Very first thing’s first: Talk to your vet. Do not try to care for a young Pitbull puppy without a vet’s supervision. They’re trained in the healthcare of animals throughout every stage of their lives, so it makes sense to utilize their knowledge to make sure you’re doing everything correctly.
Nutrition
If your Pitbull puppy is very young, you may have to give it a milk replacement formula. There are companies out there that make formula for puppies just like there are companies that make it for babies. Ask your vet which formula they prefer. Most big name pet food and supply chains carry puppy formula. Feeding frequency and amount is generally listed on the packaging, but it’s a good idea to double check with your vet as well.
Going Potty
Here’s something you may not know. Puppies have to be stimulated to go potty. If you’re caring for a young Pitbull puppy with no mommy, you’re going to have to get your pup to go potty. Have you ever noticed how much a mother dog licks her puppies’ private area? She’s doing more than cleaning. She stimulating their potty reflex.
To get your Pitbull puppy to go potty, you’ll need to rub both part of its private areas. This will stimulate its body to urinate and defecate. Yes, it’s not the least gross thing you’ll ever do, but without it, your very young puppy won’t be able to go potty.
General Care
If you’re caring for a very young Pitbull puppy, there are some general care guidelines to follow in addition to nutrition and potty time. You’ll need to bathe them regularly. When puppies go potty, their mom usually consumes the waste as it’s made. Since you obviously won’t be doing this, your puppy is going to get dirty. Wash it gently in a tub of warm water with just a dab of aloe and oatmeal soap. Remember to rinse thoroughly to get all soap residue off of your puppy’s delicate skin.
In addition to gentle bathing, you’ll need a safe place for your Pitbull puppy to be while you’re doing other things. A cardboard box with sides large enough to keep your puppy from escaping should work. Line the bottom of the box with a nice, soft blanket so it can be comfortable and put in a stuffed animal that is about the same size as your Pitbull puppy. That way it won’t feel alone.
Caring for a very young Pitbull puppy – or any pup, for that matter – is not ideal, and it should be avoided at all costs. However, if you find yourself in a parent role for a little guy or girl at this young age, make sure to use these tips as a solid base for caring for your Pitbull puppy. If you follow these suggestions – especially consulting your vet – you should do just fine.
Have you ever cared for a young pitbull puppy? What was the biggest challenge for you?
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