If your family dog gave birth to a litter of puppies, her maternal instincts will kick in immediately. However, there are a few ways you can help your pet during the first six weeks.

A nursing mother will take care of many hygienic factors for her puppies. This includes feeding, cleaning and taking care of waste for the puppies through licking.

Create a warm bed using a crate and towels so that both the mother and puppies are comfortable while nursing. Nursing provides antibodies to the puppies to fight off infections.

During the first few weeks, the newborns grow rapidly. In the beginning, they mostly sleep, eat and look adorable. About 10 to 14 days after birth, the newborn’s eyes will open.

The puppies cannot regulate their body temperature, so it is important to keep the room slightly warmer. In addition, they receive most of the heat from their mother, but supplemental heating can be used if needed.

After about four weeks, the body temperature will regulate to the normal temperature of an adult dog, and the puppies will begin to discover the world around them.

Allow their curiosity to roam while keeping the litter together. The puppies learn about discipline and interaction during this time so that they will get along with other animals in the future.

Six weeks after the new puppies arrive, they have a full set of teeth, can be weaned on to solid food and will have energy to play. Enjoy the time you have while the puppies are still small and easier to handle.