How to Save a Newborn Puppy with an Incubator – Hot Stuff Frenchie's Breeding Protocol
- Ibrahim Emmanuel
- Mar 16
- 3 min read
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 to ensure they remain warm, stable, and receive the best possible start in life.
Did you know? Puppies don’t have a shiver reflex for at least the first 3 weeks of life. This means if they get cold, they cannot generate their own body heat, making an incubator critical for their survival.
Why We Use an Incubator for Every Puppy from Birth
Some puppies struggle to thrive immediately after birth due to:
Inability to regulate body temperature (until at least 2 weeks old)
Higher risk of hypothermia, which can be fatal
Prematurity or low birth weight
Ensuring even healthy puppies maintain stable warmth & 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 for 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.
Week 1: We take them out every 2 hours to nurse, then place them back inside to prevent hypothermia.
Week 2: We transition to feeding every 3 hours instead of every 2 hours.
The incubator is set at 91°F for newborns. If puppies huddle together, they are cold, so we increase the temperature to 93°F.
Week 2-3: Gradual Transition & Heater Adjustments
Puppies continue feeding every 3 hours.
Around Week 2, the incubator heaters should be turned off, and the following settings should be used:
P3 Setting: 80°F
P4 Setting: 77°F
P5 Setting: 75°F
By Week 3, puppies start spending longer periods with their mother, but still sleep inside the incubator or use it if we need to step away.
Step 1: Oxygen & Humidity Levels in the Incubator
We use oxygen from birth to ensure strong respiratory function.
Level 3 oxygen for healthy puppies
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.
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 2 hours, then place puppies back in the incubator.
Week 2: Transition to feeding every 3 hours.
Week 3+: Puppies start spending more time with mom but still sleep in the incubator.
Temperature Adjustments:
Days 3-4: Reduce incubator temperature by 2°F.
Every 2-3 days: Lower temperature gradually based on the puppies’ behavior.
Week 2: Turn off 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 by providing:
Consistent warmth to prevent deadly body temperature drops.
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 provide top-rated incubators for breeders and veterinarians. Our Puppy Safe Incubator features:
Precise temperature & humidity control
Built-in oxygen port for fading puppies
LED monitoring system for easy observation
Spacious design for multiple puppies
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. 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!
Comentarios