The Importance of Incubator Care for Newborn Puppies at Hot Stuff Frenchie's

At Hot Stuff Frenchie's, we prioritize the health and survival of every puppy. From birth, all of our puppies are placed in an incubator. This ensures they remain warm and stable, giving them the best possible start in life.

Did you know that puppies don’t have a shiver reflex for at least the first three weeks? If they get cold, they cannot generate their own body heat, making an incubator essential for their survival.

Why We Use an Incubator for Every Puppy from Birth

Some puppies struggle to thrive immediately after birth due to several factors, including:

• Inability to regulate body temperature (until at least two weeks old)

• Higher risk of hypothermia, which can be fatal

• Prematurity or low birth weight

• Even healthy puppies need stable warmth and oxygen levels

  
  

At Hot Stuff Frenchie's, we transport every newborn puppy in a portable incubator from the vet to our home to prevent cold exposure. Once home, they are placed into our home-use Puppy Safe Incubator, ensuring constant warmth, oxygen, and humidity control.

Hot Stuff Frenchie's Incubator Schedule for Newborns

Birth to 2 Weeks: Intensive Incubator Use

• Puppies stay inside the incubator 24/7 except for nursing.

• In Week 1, we take them out every two hours to nurse and then place them back inside to prevent hypothermia.

• In Week 2, we transition to feeding every three hours instead of two.

• The incubator is set at 91°F for newborns. If puppies huddle together, they are cold, and we increase the temperature to 93°F.

  
  

Week 2-3: Gradual Transition & Heater Adjustments

• Puppies continue feeding every three hours.

• Around Week 2, we start to adjust the incubator heaters:

- P3 Setting: 80°F

- P4 Setting: 77°F

- P5 Setting: 75°F

• By Week 3, puppies start spending more time with their mother. However, they still sleep inside the incubator or use it when we step away.

  
  

Step 1: Oxygen & Humidity Levels in the Incubator

We use oxygen from birth to ensure strong respiratory function for all puppies.

• Use Level 3 oxygen for healthy puppies

• Use Level 2 oxygen for sick or weak puppies

  
  

Different models may require slightly different settings, so always monitor your puppies closely.

Humidity Control

Set humidity between 45-55% and maintain it until puppies are removed from the incubator. Proper humidity prevents dehydration and supports healthy lung function, contributing to the puppies' overall development.

Step 2: Nursing & Feeding Routine

Newborn puppies must be fed on a strict schedule to ensure proper growth. We follow this feeding routine:

• Week 1: Feed every two hours, then place puppies back in the incubator.

• Week 2: Transition to feeding every three hours.

• Week 3+: Puppies start spending more time with mom but still sleep in the incubator.

  
  

Temperature Adjustments

• Days 3-4: Reduce the incubator temperature by 2°F.

• Every 2-3 days: Lower the temperature gradually based on the puppies’ behavior.

• Week 2: Turn off the incubator heaters and use:

- P3: 80°F

- P4: 77°F

- P5: 75°F

Why Incubators Prevent Fading Puppy Syndrome

Placing puppies in an incubator reduces the risk of hypothermia, dehydration, and fading puppy syndrome. It provides:

• Consistent warmth to prevent deadly drops in body temperature.

• Stable humidity to maintain hydration.

• Oxygen support for weak or premature puppies.

  
  

At Hot Stuff Frenchie's, we believe every breeder should use a Puppy Safe Incubator for neonatal care.

Best Incubators for Newborn Puppies

At Puppy Safe Shop, we offer top-rated incubators for breeders and veterinarians. Our Puppy Safe Incubator features:

• Precise temperature and humidity control

• Built-in oxygen port for fading puppies

• An LED monitoring system for easy observation

• A spacious design for multiple puppies

  
  

Order Your Puppy Safe Incubator Here!

Explore Puppy Safe, your trusted store for premium puppy and breeder supplies, featuring a range of puppy incubators and essential products for breeders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What temperature should a puppy incubator be set at?

• Newborns: 91-93°F.

• Reduce gradually every 2-3 days after Day 3-4.

• Week 2: Turn off heaters and use P3 (80°F), P4 (77°F), P5 (75°F) settings.

  
  

2. Why do you use a portable incubator for vet transport?

• To prevent cold exposure. Newborns can’t regulate body temperature, so keeping them warm is critical.

  
  

3. Why is humidity control important for newborn puppies?

• Proper humidity prevents dehydration and respiratory issues. Puppies should be kept at 45-55% humidity until they are removed from the incubator.

  
  

4. Can I just use a heating pad instead of an incubator?

• No. A heating pad does not control humidity or oxygen, making it less effective than an incubator.

  
  

Final Thoughts

At Hot Stuff Frenchie's, we place every puppy in an incubator from birth to prevent hypothermia and ensure survival. By using an incubator, oxygen therapy, and proper feeding techniques, you can increase survival rates and ensure your puppies grow strong and healthy.

Be prepared for whelping emergencies! Order a Puppy Safe Incubator today!