Understanding Neonatal Puppy Reflexes: What They Tell You About Health

Neonatal Puppy Reflexes: Health Insights

Learn about neonatal puppy reflexes, what they indicate about health, and how breeders can safely monitor them.

Newborn puppies may seem helpless at first glance, but they are born with a set of innate reflexes that are essential for survival. Observing these reflexes gives breeders valuable insight into each pup’s health, neurological development, and overall vitality.

Key Neonatal Reflexes

1. Rooting Reflex

This instinct drives a puppy to turn its head and search for the teat.

What it indicates: A strong rooting reflex usually means the puppy is neurologically normal and ready to feed.

Concern signs:  Weak or absent rooting may indicate prematurity, weakness, or neurological issues.

2. Suckling Reflex

Puppies instinctively suckle once they find a teat.

What it indicates: A vigorous suckling reflex ensures effective feeding and growth.

Concern signs: Weak suckling may require syringe, bottle or tube feeding to ensure adequate nutrition.

3. Righting Reflex

This is the ability to turn over when placed on the back.

What it indicates: Helps assess motor development and muscle strength.

Concern signs: Delays may indicate developmental or neurological problems.

4. Withdrawal/Pain Reflex

Puppies respond to gentle stimulation, such as a pinch or tickle, by moving away.

What it indicates: Healthy nervous system function and sensitivity.

Concern signs: No response or exaggerated reaction may require veterinary attention.

5. Anal and Urinary Reflexes

Stimulating the anal or genital area should prompt defecation and urination. 

Concerning Signs: The absence of this suggests the puppy cannot properly manage its bodily functions, which is essential for survival. 

6. Flexor Dominance

In the first few days of life, healthy puppies have dominant flexor muscles. This innate reflex helps them curl their bodies when handled. After about four days, this shifts to extensor dominance, where their limbs extend in a more relaxed posture when handled. 

Concerning Signs:  The absence of Flexor dominance is a sign of delayed neurological development. 

7. Activated Sleep

Twitching and slight movements while sleeping are normal for neonates and contribute to healthy neurological development.

Observing this twitching is a sign that the puppy's nervous system is developing properly and that they are healthy. 

How to Safely Test Reflexes

Perform tests gently and briefly. Never force a puppy into positions that cause stress.

Observe each reflex during routine handling, weighing, or feeding sessions.

Record observations in your puppy logbook for future reference and to track progress.

Why Monitoring Reflexes Matters

• Helps identify weak or compromised puppies early, so you can intervene with warming, supplemental feeding, or veterinary care.
• Provides reassurance that pups are developing normally.
• Offers valuable information to new owners about their puppy’s early health.

Final Thoughts

Neonatal reflexes are more than just instinctive behaviours — they’re windows into a puppy’s health and development. By learning what these reflexes should look like and monitoring them regularly, breeders can quickly spot if something isn’t quite right.