Questions tagged [antibodies]
How soon after birth should puppies start nursing?
Category: Whelping
Puppies should begin nursing as soon as possible after birth, ideally within the first one to two hours. This early nursing is critical for their survival and development. The first milk produced by the mother, known as colostrum, is rich in antibodies and essential nutrients that provide passive im...
What is the role of colostrum in newborn puppies?
Category: Reproduction and Breeding
Colostrum plays a critical role in the health and development of newborn puppies. It is the first milk produced by the mother dog, also known as the dam, immediately after giving birth. This nutrient-rich fluid is essential for providing puppies with vital antibodies, nutrients, and growth factors t...
How can you prevent infections in newborn puppies?
Category: Reproduction and Breeding
Preventing infections in newborn puppies is a critical aspect of ensuring their health and survival during the first few weeks of life. Newborn puppies are highly vulnerable to infections due to their underdeveloped immune systems, which rely heavily on maternal antibodies passed through the mother'...
What is the purpose of a titer test, and should my dog get one?
Category: Veterinary Care
A titer test is a blood test that measures the level of antibodies in your dog's immune system against specific diseases, such as parvovirus, distemper, or rabies. The purpose of a titer test is to determine whether your dog has sufficient immunity to these diseases, either from previous vaccination...
What should I do if my dog is not nursing her puppies?
Category: Whelping
If your dog is not nursing her puppies, it is a serious situation that requires immediate attention. Puppies rely entirely on their mother's milk for the first few weeks of life, as it provides essential nutrients and antibodies crucial for their survival and development. Here is a detailed guide on...
How do I know if my dog is producing enough colostrum?
Category: Whelping
Colostrum is the first milk produced by a mother dog (bitch) after giving birth, and it is crucial for the health and survival of newborn puppies. It is rich in antibodies, nutrients, and growth factors that help protect the puppies from infections and support their early development. Determining wh...
What should I do if my dog is not producing enough colostrum?
Category: Whelping
If your dog is not producing enough colostrum, it is important to act quickly and thoughtfully, as colostrum is critical for the health and survival of newborn puppies. Colostrum is the first milk produced by the mother dog (dam) after giving birth, and it is rich in antibodies, nutrients, and immun...
What is the importance of colostrum for newborn puppies?
Category: Reproduction and Breeding
Colostrum is critically important for newborn puppies as it provides essential nutrients, antibodies, and immune support during the first few days of life. This thick, yellowish fluid is produced by the mother dog (dam) in the first 24 to 48 hours after giving birth and serves as the puppies' first ...
How often should newborn puppies nurse?
Category: Reproduction and Breeding
Newborn puppies should nurse frequently, typically every 2 to 3 hours during their first few weeks of life. This frequent nursing is essential for their growth, development, and overall health. Puppies are born with very little energy reserves and rely entirely on their mother's milk for nutrition a...