Questions tagged [nursing]
What should I do if my dog is not producing milk?
Category: Whelping
If your dog is not producing milk, it is a serious concern, especially if she has recently given birth and is expected to nurse her puppies. This condition, known as agalactia, can have significant consequences for both the mother and her litter. Below is a detailed guide on what to do, including ca...
How do I handle a puppy that is not gaining weight despite nursing?
Category: Whelping
Handling a puppy that is not gaining weight despite nursing requires a thorough understanding of potential causes, immediate actions, and long-term care strategies. Puppies typically gain weight rapidly in their first few weeks of life, so failure to do so can indicate serious health or nutritional ...
How do I prepare a whelping box for my dog?
Category: Whelping
Preparing a whelping box for your dog is an essential step in ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for your dog to give birth and care for her puppies. A whelping box serves as a designated space where the mother can deliver her puppies and nurse them during their early weeks of life. Below i...
What should I feed my dog after she gives birth?
Category: Whelping
Feeding your dog after she gives birth is crucial to ensure she recovers well and can produce enough milk for her puppies. The nutritional demands on a nursing dog are significantly higher than usual, as she needs to replenish her own body and provide for her litter. Here’s a detailed guide on wha...
How do I know if a puppy is getting enough milk?
Category: Whelping
Determining whether a puppy is getting enough milk is crucial for their health and development, especially during the first few weeks of life when they rely entirely on their mother's milk or a suitable milk replacement formula. Here’s a detailed guide to help you assess this: 1. Observing the Pu...
What should I do if my dog has a sudden change in coat condition after giving birth?
Category: Pregnancy
A sudden change in your dog's coat condition after giving birth can be concerning, but it is often a result of hormonal fluctuations, nutritional deficiencies, or stress associated with pregnancy and nursing. Here is a detailed guide to help you address this issue effectively. 1. Understanding the ...
How do I handle a dog with a history of weight loss after giving birth?
Category: Pregnancy
Handling a dog with a history of weight loss after giving birth requires a careful and systematic approach to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and her puppies. Weight loss in a nursing dog, also known as a dam, can be concerning and may indicate underlying health issues, nutrition...
How do I ensure the puppies are nursing properly?
Category: Pregnancy
Ensuring that puppies are nursing properly is a critical aspect of their early development, as proper nutrition during the neonatal stage sets the foundation for their growth, immune system, and overall health. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you monitor and support proper nursing in puppies. ...
What are the signs of eclampsia in dogs?
Category: Pregnancy
Eclampsia, also known as puerperal tetany or milk fever, is a life-threatening condition that primarily affects nursing mother dogs, particularly small breeds, during the first few weeks after giving birth. It occurs due to a sudden drop in blood calcium levels, which is often caused by the high dem...
How do I monitor my dog’s weight during pregnancy?
Category: Pregnancy
Monitoring your dog’s weight during pregnancy is crucial to ensure the health of both the mother and her developing puppies. A healthy weight gain supports proper fetal development and prepares the mother for nursing. Here’s a detailed guide on how to monitor your dog’s weight during pregnancy...