Questions tagged [mother]
How do I clean and dry newborn puppies?
Category: Whelping
Cleaning and drying newborn puppies is a critical task, especially if the mother dog is unable to do so herself. Newborn puppies are highly vulnerable during their first few weeks of life, and proper hygiene is essential to their health and survival. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to clean an...
What should I do if a puppy isn’t latching onto the mother?
Category: Whelping
If a puppy isn’t latching onto the mother, it is a critical situation that requires immediate attention. Puppies rely on their mother’s milk for essential nutrients, antibodies, and hydration, especially during the first few days of life. Failure to latch can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, a...
How can I ensure the mother dog is producing enough milk?
Category: Whelping
Ensuring that a mother dog, also known as a dam, is producing enough milk for her puppies is critical for their health and development. Milk production, or lactation, is influenced by several factors, including the dam's health, nutrition, stress levels, and overall environment. Below is a detailed ...
How can I prevent infection in the mother after whelping?
Category: Whelping
Preventing infection in a mother dog after whelping is crucial for her health and the well-being of her puppies. Postpartum infections, such as metritis (uterine infection) or mastitis (mammary gland infection), can be serious and even life-threatening if not addressed promptly. Below is a comprehen...
What should I feed a nursing mother dog?
Category: Whelping
Feeding a nursing mother dog requires careful attention to her nutritional needs, as she has significantly higher energy and nutrient demands during this period. A lactating dog needs to produce milk for her puppies, which can deplete her body of essential nutrients if her diet is not properly balan...
How do I handle a mother dog that is overly aggressive with her puppies?
Category: Whelping
Handling a mother dog that is overly aggressive with her puppies requires a careful and thoughtful approach. Maternal aggression in dogs, while not uncommon, can pose risks to both the puppies and the humans involved. Below is a detailed guide to help you address this issue effectively. 1. Understa...
How can I keep the whelping area clean and sanitary?
Category: Whelping
Keeping the whelping area clean and sanitary is crucial for the health and well-being of both the mother dog and her puppies. A clean environment helps prevent infections, reduces stress, and ensures the puppies have a safe start to life. Below is a detailed guide on how to maintain cleanliness and ...
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...
What should I do if the mother dog has a retained placenta?
Category: Whelping
A retained placenta in a mother dog, also known as a retained afterbirth, is a condition where one or more of the placental membranes are not expelled from the uterus after the delivery of puppies. This is a serious condition that requires prompt attention, as it can lead to life-threatening complic...
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...