How to Tell if Newborn Puppies Are Getting Milk

1. Weight gain: Newborn puppies should gain weight steadily. A healthy puppy will gain about 10% of its birth weight each day for the first week. After the first week, the weight gain will slow down to about 5% per day.

2. Stomach appearance: A puppy that is getting enough milk will have a firm, rounded stomach. A puppy that is not getting enough milk will have a sunken, concave stomach.

3. Skin elasticity: Gently pinch the puppy's skin on its back. The skin should quickly snap back into place. If the skin remains pinched, the puppy may be dehydrated.

4. Activity level: Puppies that are getting enough milk will be active and playful. Puppies that are not getting enough milk will be lethargic and may not want to play.

5. Urination and defecation: Puppies that are getting enough milk will urinate and defecate frequently. A puppy that is not getting enough milk will urinate and defecate less frequently or not at all.

6. Vocalization: Puppies that are getting enough milk will be content and will not cry excessively. Puppies that are not getting enough milk will cry frequently or may cry for long periods of time.

7. Color of the poop: The poop of the puppies should be dark, yellow-green in color by day 10 of age.

8. Mother's behavior: A mother who is producing enough milk will be content and satisfied. A mother who is not producing enough milk may be restless and may try to nurse her puppies for long periods of time.

If you are concerned that your newborn puppies are not getting enough milk, take them to the vet immediately.