Daily Puppy Checklist

General tips, not vet advice. If a pet is in danger, call your vet or an emergency vet now. If a person is hurt or in danger, call 911.

Run through this once a day — morning is best.

Emergency signs (trouble breathing, collapse, pale or blue gums, a fall or crush injury, overheating, a swollen belly, possible poisoning): This can’t wait. Call your vet or an emergency vet now. If a person is hurt, call 911.

• Weigh every puppy. Write it down. Compare to yesterday.
• Ask your rescue whether they want you taking temperatures, and how.
• Gum check — pale or white, blue or purple gums can’t wait. Call your vet or an emergency vet now.
• Watch each puppy nurse/eat — verify they all get their share.
• Check eyes and nose for discharge.
• Check stool — formed, or getting loose? Any blood? Sickly-sweet smell? Blood in the stool, or vomiting with diarrhea: This can’t wait. Call your vet or an emergency vet now. If a person is hurt, call 911.
• Parvo check — is any puppy suddenly “quiet” + not eating? That combination: call your rescue’s foster contact or your vet now. Don’t wait for diarrhea.
• Count puppies. Yes, literally count them. A puppy can get wedged behind something.
• Check the heating setup — is half the box warm and half cool so they can choose?
• Clean bedding — damp or soiled bedding chills puppies fast.
• Text your rescue coordinator an update if anything is in the Monitor zone. They’d rather hear about it early.