Questions tagged [mother]
What are the signs of a uterine infection postpartum?
Category: Whelping
Uterine infections in dogs, also known as postpartum metritis or pyometra, are serious conditions that can occur after giving birth. Recognizing the signs early is crucial for the health and well-being of the mother dog. Below is a detailed explanation of the signs, causes, and steps to take if you ...
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 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 do I introduce supplemental feeding for puppies?
Category: Whelping
Introducing supplemental feeding for puppies is an important process that requires careful planning and execution to ensure the health and proper development of the puppies. Supplemental feeding is often necessary when the mother dog is unable to produce enough milk, when there are too many puppies ...
What type of milk replacer is safe for newborn puppies?
Category: Whelping
When caring for newborn puppies, it is crucial to provide them with proper nutrition, especially if they are orphaned or the mother is unable to nurse. The safest and most appropriate milk replacer for newborn puppies is a commercial puppy milk replacer specifically formulated for dogs. These produc...
How often should newborn puppies be fed?
Category: Whelping
Newborn puppies require frequent and consistent feeding to support their rapid growth and development. During the first few weeks of life, puppies are entirely dependent on their mother's milk or a suitable milk replacement formula if the mother is unable to nurse. Proper feeding is critical during ...
How do I handle a mother dog that is overly protective of her puppies?
Category: Whelping
Handling a mother dog that is overly protective of her puppies requires a careful and thoughtful approach to ensure the safety of both the mother and her puppies, as well as anyone interacting with them. This behavior, often referred to as maternal aggression, is a natural instinct for many dogs, bu...
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....
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...
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...