Introduction
You might wonder to know puppies need heat to regulate their body temperature. Puppies cannot regulate their body temperature in the first few weeks after birth.
They need a heat lamp or something that keeps them cozy and warm.
If the mother of your puppy does not stay with her newborn puppy all day or you have adopted a puppy. It is a problem to keep them warm.
A heat lamp is a good choice to heat up your puppy but it leads to many questions. The most asking question is:
How long do puppies need a heat lamp? Newborn puppies need a heat lamp up until the age of 7 weeks old. In the first two weeks of birth, puppies are unable to maintain their own body temperature.
You may need to know further about heat lamps for your puppy. Here’s a short answer that contained necessary details you should know.
How Long do Puppies Need a Heat Lamp?
Usually, the mother dog keeps her puppy with herself all the time. But if a newborn puppy likes you and wants to spend more time with you, you have to arrange something to keep your puppy warm.
Puppies need heat to keep their body warm. You can also give a whelping box that will keep the puppies contained, warm, and cozy. But a heat lamp is better choice.
A heat lamp helps to regulate the puppy’s body temperature for a specific period. Puppies are unable to control their body temperature at the age of 4 weeks. A heat lamp can be used till the age of 7 weeks.
Lower down the page you will find further essential details.
What Temperature is ok for Puppies?
Dog is a warm blooded animal. An adult dog’s body temperature is between 99.5°F to 102.5°F. Regulation of the body temperature for a puppy is not an easy task. They need help to keep them warm, cozy, and safe.
You cannot set any temperature for your puppy. You must consult your vet, vet’s advice is necessary for the first time.
Most veterinarians recommended a whelping box heating up to 85°F to 90°F.You can slowly lower the temperature from 85°F to 80°F by the 8th week. After this week, room temperature is safe for your dog.
Puppies are not allowed to go outside when it is cold. Because they cannot bear cold weather and need heat to warm their body. Due to cold temperatures, your puppy’s digestion system may be affected.
Proper warmth is important for newborn puppies as food and other necessary needs. After the 7th week, you can provide 78°F temperature in the summer and 69°F in the winter to your puppy.
You should also keep it in mind that in summer hot temperature may affect your puppy. The temperature between 101°F to 102.5°F is average for puppies.
Do New Born Puppies Need a Heat Lamp?
Newborn puppies cannot regulate their own body temperature for a week or two after birth. A heat lamp is essential for their health and well-being.
Young puppies stay close to their mother, the room temperature is not too critical. However, if the mother leaves her puppies alone or died, they need an external source of heat.
A temperature below 94°F can be life-threatening for newborn puppies. Always try to keep your puppy’s body warm.
Heat lamps are infrared bulbs housed within a lamp casing. Generally, they’re used for keeping a dog or puppy warm.
A whelping box bedded with warm blanket is not enough for newborn puppies. That’s why vets recommended a heat lamp for young puppies.
You can set up a heat lamp by yourself. The method is:
- You should set up a heat lamp at least five or six feet away from the box to protect your puppy.
- Avoid setting up a heat lamp near your puppy. A close setting of a heat lamp can cause death among newborn puppies.
Should I Leave a Heat Lamp on all Night for my Puppy?
Many dog owners won’t need a heat lamp for puppies in a house. But if you are living in a cold area or winter season is on peak, you need a heat lamp for your baby canine.
Puppies need heat when they are young. They need heat for day and night. You can fix and adjust a heat lamp for your puppy.
Once you get it that your puppy is comfortable with heat temperature of lamp. You can leave a heat lamp on all night for your puppy. But make sure heat lamp is secure and cannot fall on your puppy.
In case, if a lamp produces too much heat it is not safe for your puppy. But application of a heat lamp matters a lot.
Before setting up a heat lamp, test the temperature near your puppy. You should set a heat lamp six feet away from your puppy.
When do Puppies Regulate their Own Temperature?
Newborn puppies are cuddled up close to their mother as they are unable to maintain their body temperature. But this period is short till seven weeks.
Puppies are able to regulate their own heat after the 7th week of their birth. But they are still dependent on their mother.
Fortunately, their body temperature increases as their age. Puppies reach their adult temperature after the end of 8th week.
Average temperature according to dogs’ age is mentioned below.
Age Temperature
- Newborn puppy to one week old 95°F to 99°F
- Two weeks to 3 weeks old puppy 97°F to 100°F
- Four weeks old puppy to a dog 100°F to 102°F
A four weeks old puppy has the same body temperature as an adult dog. But it does not mean that an adult puppy can self regulate. Environmental heat also helps them in this matter.
Experienced dog owners know how peaceful it is when puppies start to regulate their body heat. Here, we have mentioned some indications belonging to puppies when they start to maintain their body’s temperature.
- They stay away from heaters
- They sleep away from their mothers
- They wander around without shivering
You can understand easily when your puppy will regulate his body temperature by reading this page.
How can I keep my Puppy Warm without a Heat Lamp?
Have you a little puppy? And you cannot afford a heat lamp for your puppy. No need to worry we have some suggestions for you to keep your puppy warm.
You can use the following things to keep your puppy warm without a heat lamp.
Heating Pad
Heating pads are basically made for humans but you can also use them for puppies. Heating pads require constant monitoring. Low temperature of pads can get increase to hot level.
Hot Water Bags or Bottles
You can use any water bottle or shampoo bottle. Fill the bottle with hot water and wrapped it with a towel or a warm cloth. Now you can place it near to your puppy. Make sure he can move away from the bottle.
Other Suggestion
If there is an emergency, take a heavy sock. Fill it with ½ cup of uncooked rice. Place it in the microwave for a minute. This rice can stay warm for 2 to 3 hours. Before giving it to your puppy, make sure the sock is not too hot.
Conclusion
Newborn puppies cannot generate heat by themselves. No matters, whatever heat source you provide to your little canine. Always make sure it is not too hot and overheated your puppy.
