Ways To Care For A Female Dog Post-Whelping

A female dog only requires a cool, calm and dark place to give birth to puppies. She gets weak and needs a lot of rest and strength to recover during the post-partum or postnatal period. This postnatal period is very crucial for the female dog as through this time the dog is most susceptible to procuring diseases. Further, we shall explain how to manage and attend to a female dog through its post-whelping phase

When your pet dog gives birth to puppies, make sure that you get the mother and her pups checked by a vet within 20 hours. This will ensure that no dead or unborn puppies are left inside the uterus. During the check-up, the vet will also make sure that the placenta is not left in the womb of the mother, and also that the puppies are devoid of any life threatening diseases.

The post-partum period witnesses a heavy shedding by the mother. To keep the shedding at minimal levels and to promote the growth of shiny and thick coats, do try a strawberry lemonade shampoo, like Pet Head De Shed Me Miracle Deshedding Dog Shampoo.

Maximum care has to be taken to keep the coat of the dog healthy. In case the dog developed bald patches over its body, then it is a serious issue and must be checked with the vet immediately.

The mother usually loses weight after giving birth to puppies. But if the mother is experiencing an extreme weight loss then it can be an alarming emergency.

It is essential to measure the female dog’s temperature for a minimum of two weeks, post-whelping. If the mother is frequently showing an extreme change of temperature or any signs of nervousness, then this is a signal that it needs medical attention.  Replenish the dog with lots of fluids and additional nutrients

During this phase, taking care of the puppies is equally essential. Feeding them with high proteins and fibers is very important. In this case, the product Drools Puppy Nutrition Real Chicken should perfectly fit in the requirements. This real chicken food product for puppies contains a real chicken & liver, eggs, DHA, organic minerals & Vitamins(Vit E, Vit A, Vit C, Vit D3, Vit B1, Vit B2, Vit B6, Choline and Folic acid.

Post-whelping, the food and water supply to the mother should be adequate. As the mother drinks and feeds herself a lot during this phase, she also relieves herself more than usual.

The puppies’ nails must be cut frequently to prevent scratches on the mothers’ mammary glands.

Ensure that the mother sleeps for longer hours post-whelping. The mother and the puppies get excited as a result of noises and extreme disturbances. This can lead to health issues, for both, the mother and her puppies. Also, the mammary glands of the mother must be closely examined for redness, swellings and unusual discharge.

The mother and her puppies should not be bathed immediately after the mother gives birth. If at all the mother has stains of blood, fluids or any kind of placental tissues over her body, then the owner can wipe it off with a wet cloth.

Post-whelping, the mother’s appetite increases incredibly, wherein she needs to be fed every three to four hours therefore make sure that the mother is provided with high proteins and nutrition rich food. Consult the vet for a detailed diet chart for the mother and puppies.

It is normal for the mother to refrain from eating for a few hours after giving birth.  If she still doesn’t eat after 24 hours, from giving birth to the last pup, then see a veterinarian.

Do check if the colour of the mother’s milk is white in colour. If the milk is green, yellow, pink or any other colour except white, then it’s a sign of serious bacterial infection called mastitis. This infection also makes the mother disinterested in feeding her puppies.

After a month from giving birth to her puppies, the mother develops calcium deficiency. A few symptoms of calcium deficiency are muscle tremors, continuous panting and seizures.

Although taking care of a mother in her post-whelping phase is messy and too much work, once you see those tiny little puppies playing and rolling over each other in your backyard, all your efforts will pay off.