Questions tagged [health]
How often should I feed my puppy during the first few weeks?
Category: Puppy Care
Feeding a puppy during the first few weeks of life is a critical aspect of ensuring their healthy growth and development. Puppies have unique nutritional needs that differ significantly from adult dogs, and their feeding schedule must be carefully managed to support their rapid growth and high energ...
How can I tell if my dog is having difficulty during labor?
Category: Whelping
Recognizing signs of difficulty during labor in dogs, also known as dystocia, is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of both the mother and her puppies. Labor in dogs typically occurs in three stages, and understanding these stages can help you identify when something is wrong. Here’s a det...
What should I do if the mother dog is rejecting one of her puppies?
Category: Whelping
If a mother dog is rejecting one of her puppies, it is a situation that requires immediate attention and careful intervention. Maternal rejection can occur for various reasons, including health issues in the puppy, stress or inexperience in the mother, or even a natural instinct to prioritize strong...
How can I help the mother dog bond with her puppies?
Category: Whelping
Helping a mother dog bond with her puppies is a critical aspect of ensuring the health and well-being of both the mother and her litter. Bonding begins naturally in most cases, but there are steps you can take to support and strengthen this process. Below is a detailed guide on how to facilitate thi...
What should I do if the mother dog is too tired to care for her puppies?
Category: Whelping
If a mother dog is too tired to care for her puppies, it is essential to step in and provide the necessary support to ensure the health and survival of both the mother and her litter. This situation can arise due to various reasons, such as a large litter size, complications during birth, or the mot...
How do I monitor the puppies’ weight gain after birth?
Category: Whelping
Monitoring a puppy’s weight gain after birth is a critical aspect of ensuring their health and development. Puppies should gain weight steadily during their first few weeks of life, and tracking this growth can help identify potential health issues early. Below is a detailed guide on how to monito...
What should I do if the mother dog ignores her puppies?
Category: Whelping
If a mother dog ignores her puppies, it is a serious situation that requires immediate attention. This behavior can stem from various causes, including health issues, stress, lack of maternal instinct, or environmental factors. Below is a detailed guide on how to address this issue, including steps ...
What should I do if the mother dog is not producing enough milk?
Category: Whelping
If a mother dog is not producing enough milk, it is important to address the issue promptly to ensure the health and survival of her puppies. Here is a comprehensive guide on what to do, including background information, practical steps, and when to seek professional help. 1. Assess the situation F...
What should I do if a puppy is significantly smaller than the others?
Category: Whelping
If you notice that a puppy is significantly smaller than its littermates, it is important to take immediate action to ensure its health and well-being. Smaller puppies, often referred to as "runts," may face challenges that require careful monitoring and intervention. Here is a detailed guide on wha...
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...