Questions tagged [care]
How do I care for a puppy with a cleft lip?
Category: Whelping
Caring for a puppy with a cleft lip requires special attention and understanding of the condition. A cleft lip is a congenital defect where the upper lip does not fully form, leaving a gap or split. This can sometimes extend into the palate, causing a cleft palate, which is more severe and can affec...
How do I clean the mother dog’s teats to prevent infection?
Category: Whelping
Cleaning a mother dog’s teats is an essential part of postpartum care to prevent infections such as mastitis, which can be painful and dangerous for both the mother and her puppies. Proper hygiene and regular monitoring are key to ensuring the health of the nursing dog and her litter. Below is a d...
How do I handle a mother dog that is excessively licking her puppies?
Category: Whelping
Excessive licking by a mother dog, also known as a dam, is a behavior that can have both positive and negative implications for her puppies. While licking is a natural and essential part of maternal care, excessive licking can sometimes indicate underlying issues or lead to problems for the puppies....
What should I do if a puppy is born prematurely?
Category: Whelping
If a puppy is born prematurely, it requires immediate and specialized care to increase its chances of survival. Premature puppies are typically born before 58 days of gestation and are underdeveloped, making them highly vulnerable. Here is a detailed guide on what to do if you find yourself in this ...
How do I care for a mother dog after a cesarean section?
Category: Whelping
Caring for a mother dog after a cesarean section (C-section) requires careful attention to her physical recovery, emotional well-being, and the needs of her newborn puppies. A C-section is a major surgical procedure, and proper post-operative care is essential to ensure the mother heals well and can...
How do I stimulate a puppy to urinate and defecate?
Category: Whelping
Stimulating a puppy to urinate and defecate is a critical aspect of caring for very young puppies, especially those under four weeks of age. At this stage, puppies are not yet able to eliminate waste on their own and rely on their mother or a caregiver to help them. This process mimics the natural b...
How do I care for a puppy with a congenital eye condition?
Category: Whelping
Caring for a puppy with a congenital eye condition requires a combination of veterinary guidance, attentive home care, and proactive management to ensure the puppy's comfort and quality of life. Congenital eye conditions are present from birth and can range from mild to severe, including issues like...
How do I care for a puppy with a congenital defect?
Category: Whelping
Caring for a puppy with a congenital defect requires a thoughtful, informed, and compassionate approach. Congenital defects are conditions present at birth, which can range from mild to severe and may affect a puppy's physical health, mobility, or overall quality of life. Below is a detailed guide t...
How do I care for a puppy with a weak immune system?
Category: Whelping
Caring for a puppy with a weak immune system requires a thoughtful and proactive approach to ensure their health and well-being. A weak immune system can make a puppy more susceptible to infections, illnesses, and other health challenges. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you provide the best c...
What are the signs of a healthy nursing dog?
Category: Pregnancy
A healthy nursing dog, also known as a lactating dam, will exhibit several physical, behavioral, and physiological signs that indicate she is in good condition and capable of caring for her puppies. Monitoring these signs is crucial to ensure the well-being of both the mother and her litter. Below i...