Now that the litter has been whelped and everyone seems okay, you can take a well deserved rest. But, don't go far. You will need to sleep nearby for the first week in case of emergency. If you have been working along with your vet you will already be aware of some of the problems that might arise and what to look for. Your vet will want to see both the dam and her pups and will instruct you when to schedule their first appointment. If, for any reason you feel the dam might be in distress, you think you have miscounted the afterbirths or there may still be a puppy yet unborn, contact your vet immediately.
About a week before her due date, I like to switch her food over to all puppy chow and cottage cheese. I also trim the fur on her belly on long-haired dogs. (no need to shave, just be sure her nipples are easily reached) Also on long-haired dogs I will use vet wrap to wrap her tail when she goes into labor. It helps keep it out of the way and it is much easier to clean after the delivery.
The whelping box should be kept dry and warm. Heating pads kept on one side of the box will help, though in the winter a heat lamp may be needed. A chilled pup can be a dead pup within a very short time. The temperature around the heating pads should be kept at 85° and slightly cooler on the far side to give over heated pups a place to cool off and a place where mom can lay while nursing.
Be sure all puppies have nursed within the first six hours. Any puppy who seems to be having problems, cries a lot, does not stay with the litter or, when nursing, has bubbles coming from it's nose should see your vet ASAP.
Before and after every feeding the dams belly should be washed with mild soap and warm water. If you see any redness, a hard mammary, stiff nipple, or yellowish fluid contact your vet.
Each pup should be checked and weighed every day. Any who show signs of not keeping up with the rest of the group should be checked by your vet. Supplemental feedings may be needed.
You will find the dam's food intake will increase as the litter grows. Her food should now include puppy kibble, cooked and drained ground beef, raw egg yolks (do not give raw egg whites) or hard boiled whole eggs, Vitamins, di-calcium phosphate and cottage cheese. The first 24 hours she may not show too much interest in her food but that should change quickly once she starts nursing the litter. Meals should be given three to four times a day. Watch her while she eats. If she seems to keep looking for more after wolfing down a meal, increase the amounts for each meal by a small percentage. Keep adding until she seems satisfied. And always keep fresh water handy.
Go To Page: 1 2
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Pat Williams's Dogs Etc. topic, please visit the Discussions page.