Care Of The Bitch After Whelping

General Information

Pregnancy and nursing puppies constitute a severe strain on the mother's health. Though most mothers handle the task admirably, the wise owner can take certain precautions to protect the health of both mother and puppies.

Important Points in Postnatal Care

Physical examination: Within 48 hours after birth, the mother and puppies should be examined by a veterinarian.

Diet: The mother will require approximately twice as much food as normal.  A puppy diet fed to the mother will adequately sustain her.

Fluids: Provide clean, fresh water at all times.

Activity: Ordinarily the mother will spend most of the first 3 weeks with her puppies. Allow her as much exercise as she desires.

Bowel Movements: Due to increased food consumption and the enlarged uterus, your pet may have to relieve herself more frequently. The stools may be soft for the first few days. If diarrhea or straining develop, call the doctor.

Mammary gland care: Check the nipples daily and clean with warm water if dried milk begins to accumulate. Inform the doctor of any discoloration of the skin, swelling, tenderness or sores. Trim the puppies' nails if they are scratching the mammary glands.

Vaginal discharge: A reddish vaginal discharge, with clotted blood, is normal for the first few days. This may occur intermittently for several weeks.

Behavior: Call the doctor if the nursing mother appears nervous, restless or uncomfortable, or refuses to nurse the puppies.

General effects: Normally the mother experiences heavy coat shedding during the nursing period. Brush her regularly, and call the doctor if any bald spots develop. A slight weight loss is normal, but consult the doctor if the mother appears overly thin.

Estrus (heat period): Pregnancy should have no effect on the next heat period. This period should occur within 6 months after birth of the puppies.