A Puppy's First 72 Hours: Normal vs Urgent Behaviour

When you first welcome a puppy into your home, it is both an exciting and worrying time. Young puppies are fragile and prone to mischief, and it is not uncommon for them to become poorly when they first arrive, thanks to the stress and change in routine.

Recognising when a young puppy is unwell is critical, so they can be treated promptly. With very young dogs, it is best not to delay treatment as they can go downhill quickly.

Key takeaways

• Sleepiness, hiding, bursts of hyperactivity, crying at night, a hesitant appetite and a mild stomach upset are all normal in a puppy's first 72 hours at home, as they adjust to leaving their mum and littermates
• Set your puppy up well by keeping them on the food they were weaned onto, feeding at the times they are used to, offering toilet breaks roughly every hour, and booking their first vet visit and vaccinations from around 8 weeks of age
• Signs that are never just settling in include total food refusal, repeated vomiting, blood in the stool or vomit, pale gums, weakness or wobbliness, feeling cold to the touch, laboured breathing and a swallowed object or fall
• Puppies deteriorate faster than adult dogs because of their size and immature immune systems, so call an emergency vet the same day rather than waiting until morning, especially with small and toy breeds

What to Expect When Your Puppy First Comes Home

Your little bundle of fluff is likely to feel uneasy and emotional in the first few days of moving away from their mum and siblings. This can show up as a puppy who sleeps a lot, hides away, has episodes of hyperactivity and/or whines when left alone.

Day One: Normal vs Urgent

Everyone will be feeling a bit uneasy on day one, and it is sensible to try and keep things simple. Do not arrange for any visitors to come, and try to keep your puppy’s routine similar to what they are used to.

Normal on Day One

When your puppy first comes home, they may be quiet and cuddly or they might confidently explore their new territory. Some pups gobble up any food on offer, while others may be hesitant and require encouragement.

After travelling, especially if it was a long journey, you can expect some loose stools and perhaps a vomit. Your puppy should still be alert and active and happy to eat some food.

Urgent on Day One

When puppies are re-homed, they are still quite vulnerable. Many have parasite burdens, and they will not yet be fully vaccinated. Worrying signs to be on the lookout for would include:

• Persistent vomiting
• Total food refusal
• Weakness
• Wobbly walking
• Feeling cold to the touch
• Excessive sleepiness
  

Day Two: Normal vs Urgent

Day two is still a big adjustment period and your puppy may only now be realising that they are not going back to their old home. It is common to see more activity than the day before, as your pup starts to test their boundaries.

Normal on Day Two

Skipping a meal or having a reduced appetite is not uncommon. Similarly, it is often at this stage that we may see some bloating or loose poop, especially if the diet was changed abruptly.

Urgent on Day Two

See a vet if your new arrival has yet to eat anything or if they seem unusually sleepy or unresponsive. Excessive abdominal bloating and dry or pale gums are also red flags.

Day Three: Normal vs Urgent

Now that your pup has been with you for a few days, you’ll be getting to know their rhythm. You are likely to find they are coming out of their shell a bit more and experiencing more bursts of energetic play.

Normal on Day Three

Some normal things you may have noticed by now would include twitchiness and fast breathing while asleep. These normal signs can worry some new owners, but are just a sign that your little puppy is dreaming during their REM phase of sleep.

Your puppy should now be settling in and finishing their meals. They should also be starting to get into a routine with their toilet training.

Urgent on Day Three

Concerning signs on day three would include any blood in the stool or excessive diarrhoea. We would also worry about persistent vomiting or food refusal. It is best to contact a local emergency vet if your puppy does not seem to be coping well or is very quiet.

Puppy Behaviour in the First 72 Hours at a Glance

Every puppy is an individual and some will be subdued and observant while others will be energetic and confident. Most pups will take at least a few days to settle in and you may find that they are extra clingy and vocal in this stage.

Puppy Warning Signs That Are Never Just Settling In

There are some warning signs that should not be ignored and cannot be attributed to ‘settling in’.

Not Eating and Lethargic, Especially Small Breeds

Total food refusal is a worry. This is especially true in small breeds, who are more prone to dehydration and low blood sugar. If they are refusing the food they are familiar with, it can help to warm it up, mix it with a little warm water or to hand feed it.

Repeated Vomiting or Diarrhoea, Particularly With Blood

While one or two little vomits or loose poops are not unusual, ongoing stomach upset is more worrying. It is also a concern if the stool or vomit contains blood, and this is something to raise with a vet.

Pale Gums, Wobbliness or Collapse

Your puppy’s gums should be a salmon pink colour and moist to the touch. Pale gums can indicate anaemia, which can be seen in those with a heavy parasite burden, for example.

If your pup seems weak or wobbly, this is also a worry. It can indicate that blood sugar levels are low, their body temperature is too low, they are anaemic, or that they are very dehydrated.

Coughing, Laboured Breathing or Constant Sneezing

It is not expected for a puppy to have any sort of respiratory symptoms. If your pup develops a cough, a runny nose or laboured breathing, this warrants vet attention. They may have contracted an infection such as Kennel Cough.

A little sneezing is quite normal, particularly when a pup has their nose to the ground and is exploring their new home by sniffing deeply. However, if the sneezing is excessive or accompanied by other symptoms (such as a runny nose or a cough), have a word with your vet.

Swallowed Objects, Falls and Accidents in the Home

If you witness your puppy doing something silly, this may merit a vet check! A puppy who swallows a toy or a sock, or one who has a nasty fall or gets into a fight with another pet, is one who needs urgent vet attention.

Puppies in their first year of life are at high risk for choking events and gut obstructions, as they explore the world with their mouth.

Setting Your Puppy Up for a Calm First Week

There are lots of things that you can do to help your new arrival adjust to their home with confidence.

Food, Water and Toilet Routine

Where possible, offer the same food your pup has been weaned onto, and give it at the feeding times they are used to. Always have fresh water available. Hold off on new foods or treats as your puppy first settles in.

It is also a good idea to bring your pup outside for their toilet training at predictable times. In the first few weeks, this will be very regular: about every hour or so.

Sleep and Crying

Puppies are used to being surrounded by their family at night, so the first few nights alone can be unsettling. Many owners choose to sleep alongside their dog, as they get used to this big change.

It can also be useful to have a ‘heartbeat teddy’ that mimics mum, as well as a blanket that has been taken from their home, that smells familiar.

Many puppies cry during their first few nights, and consistency is key here. Be sure all of their food and toileting needs are met, and try to only go to them when they’re quiet. It also helps to tire them out during the day and to ensure they are getting enough naps.

Vaccinations, Worming and Your First Vet Visit

First vet visits are usually scheduled for about 8 weeks of age, and should include a full check over, parasite prevention and vaccinations against dangerous diseases like Parvovirus. At this time, your vet will also discuss things like pet insurance.

This is a good chance to discuss any concerns you have, including if your pup has been itchy, has had loose poops or is struggling to sleep at night.

When to Call an Emergency Vet for Your Puppy

Don’t hesitate to contact an emergency vet if you are concerned for your puppy, whatever the time. We know that things can change quickly in young dogs and are always happy to see your furry friend if you are concerned for them.

Get Emergency Veterinary Advice for Your Puppy

Emergency vets are available 24/7 to assist you and your puppy. They can let you know over the phone if your puppy should be seen immediately, or if they can safely wait until morning.

With regard to the emergency service provided, they can discuss if you should be seen in the veterinary clinic, or if a home visit would be more appropriate.

Puppy's First 72 Hours: FAQs

Is it normal for a puppy not to eat on the first day?

It is quite common for a puppy to skip a meal or two after a long journey or as they settle into new surroundings. Stress has a real impact on appetite. Stick to familiar food in a quiet space, and consider warming up the food to whet their appetite.

Why is my puppy crying at night and what should I do?

Puppies often feel lonely and stressed at night-time, and this can mean they cry a lot. It may help to sleep near them, at least for the first week or so. It is also a good idea to consider calming tools such as a pheromone plug-in and a familiar-smelling blanket.

How much should a new puppy sleep?

Puppies at 8 weeks of age will sleep for about 18-20 hours a day, though not all in a row! Expect lots of naps, and longer periods of sleep overnight.

Can a vet come to my home if my puppy is unwell at the weekend?

Absolutely, it is generally an option for your pup to be seen at home by a vet, any day of the week. Call your local emergency provider to discuss if this is an appropriate option for you.