Ideal Temperatures for Puppies from Birth to 12 Weeks
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Puppy Temperature Guide: Birth to 12 Weeks
Discover the ideal room and body temperatures for puppies at every stage from birth to 12 weeks. Keep your litter safe and thriving.
Newborn puppies are incredibly sensitive to temperature. Unlike adult dogs, they can’t regulate their own body heat during the first few weeks of life. For breeders, rescue carers, and new puppy owners, maintaining a warm, stable environment is critical to survival and development.
This guide covers the ideal environmental and body temperatures for puppies from birth through 12 weeks, so you can provide the best care every step of the way.
Why Temperature Control Matters
For the first 2–3 weeks, puppies rely entirely on external heat sources — like mum, littermates, or heating equipment — to stay warm. Chilling is one of the most common causes of weakness, poor feeding, and even death in neonates.
Hypothermia in young puppies can lead to:
- Poor digestion
- Low blood sugar
- Fading puppy syndrome
- Weakened immunity
- Organ failure
Providing the right temperature is non-negotiable for survival.
Ideal Room Temperatures by Age
These are ambient temperatures you should maintain in the whelping or puppy area:
Puppy Age Ideal Room Temp
0–7 days 30–32°C
8–14 days 28–30°C
15–21 days 26–28°C
3–4 weeks 24–26°C
5–8 weeks 22–24°C
9–12 weeks 20–22°C (room temp)
Adjust heating gradually as puppies grow, and always allow for a cool zone in the area so puppies can move away from heat if needed.
Normal Puppy Body Temperature
Puppies are born with a lower-than-normal body temperature, which gradually increases over time.
Puppy Age Normal Body Temp
Birth–7 days 35.5–36.5°C
1–2 weeks 36.5–37.2°C
3–4 weeks 37.2–37.8°C
5+ weeks 37.8–38.5°C
Adult dogs 38.3–39.2°C
If a puppy’s rectal temperature drops below 35°C, immediate warming is required before feeding or handling.
Heating Options for Puppies
There are several safe ways to provide heat:
- Heat lamps: Great for even warmth over a whelping box
- Heat pads: Ideal for use in conjunction with other heat sources or travel crates
- Heat Discs: Great for travel as well as use in the whelping box. Ideal for use in conjunction with other heat sources.
Always use a digital thermometer hygrometer to monitor the environment — not just guess. Avoid direct contact with heating elements to prevent burns.
Tips for Safe Temperature Management
Use a digital thermometer hygrometer in the box to monitor surface and ambient temps. A Thermometer Hygrometer with probe is ideal for this.
- Check puppies’ body temperatures daily, especially if they seem weak or restless
- Ensure bedding is dry and the whelping area is draft-free
- Never feed a cold puppy — always warm them first
- Provide space for pups to move away from heat if needed
When to Worry
If you notice any of the following, check temperature immediately:
- Cold skin or paws
- Crying or restless pups
- Weak suckling
- Huddling too tightly or separating from littermates
Prompt warming, ideally using gradual rewarming techniques, can save lives.
Final Thoughts
Keeping puppies warm in those early weeks is one of the most important parts of breeding. With the right tools and temperature monitoring, you’ll reduce the risk of illness and give each pup a strong, healthy start.
As puppies grow, their ability to regulate temperature improves — but early support is critical to their long-term success.