How to Stop Your Momma Dog From Over Feeding Her Puppies

While it is incredible to welcome a new litter of pups into the world, caring for them and the mother can be pretty challenging. The mother requires optimal care, careful observation, regular check-ups and quality nutrition—right from the moment the pregnancy is detected to several weeks after she has given birth. If you are preparing for whelping at home, we recommend staying in constant contact with your veterinarian to monitor and assist with the procedure. And once every little puppy has made their way into the world, it is essential that you provide them and their mother with the best post-natal care possible. Given below are a few tips that will help you do just that.

#1 Keep the mum clean and well-groomed

It is normal for your dog to leak some amount of discharge for up to several weeks after birth, and even more, if she has had a C-section. It is also normal for it to appear green, black, brown or red. However, do not bathe your dog immediately after giving birth to avoid the possibility of her pups coming in contact with soap residue. Instead, use a warm, damp cloth and clean her gently. If she has long fur, give her a sanitary cut around her tail, hind legs and mammary glands. Make sure to keep these areas clean. Consult your veterinarian if you notice the discharge is thick, pale or grey and emits an odour.

#2 Monitor the mum's and the pups' health

Within the initial 24 to 48 hours, it is normal for the mum to experience a rise in temperature, a degree or two higher than the usual 101 to 102.5 degrees. Check her teats regularly. Look out for symptoms like redness, swelling, inflammation and discolouration. Her milk should appear white, and its consistency needs to be regular. If you notice excessive panting, muscle tremors, high temperatures, whining, dilated pupils, appetite loss and lethargy, speak to your veterinarian immediately. When it comes to the puppies, make sure they are breathing normally, nursing without assistance and gaining weight consistently. Keep an eye out for nasal or eye discharge, wheezing, issues with nursing or breathing, pale gums, and difficulties with passing stools.

#3 Supply fresh drinking water

After giving birth, your dog will be very dehydrated and exhausted. She will need plenty of water to heal and begin producing milk for her puppies. As a result, when she is breastfeeding, make sure she has access to fresh water at all times. Please note that young puppies meet their hydration requirements with their mother's milk. They will need fresh water supply when they are weaned at 6-8 weeks old, as they begin eating solid food at 3-4 weeks of age.

#4 Put them on a specialised diet

Pregnant and lactating dogs need to receive proper nutrition. The same goes for the puppies when they begin to eat solid food. Home-cooked meals, no matter how carefully prepared, lack the necessary nutrients required for energy, digestive health, development and growth. Therefore, in this delicate phase, it is vital to nourish the mum and her pups with good quality dog food that has been specially formulated for them, like the Pedigree Mother & Babydog Starter.

It is a balanced and wholesome meal for pregnant and lactating mothers and weaning puppies aged 3 to 12 weeks old. Made with high-quality ingredients like chicken, rice and milk, it contains all the essential nutrients needed by both the lactating mother and the pup. It is ideal for mums as it is more energy-dense than regular dog food. This gives them the energy they require to feed their pups. It also contains optimal amounts of fibre to ensure digestive health. Puppies at this stage have very delicate immune systems, which is why this dog food contains Vitamin E to support their natural defenses. It even contains protein to support their growth potential and DHA to support brain development.

Tip: Break down your pregnant dog's meals into smaller portions throughout the day as she might feel some discomfort with a large, heavy meal. Make sure to consult your veterinarian for recommended quantities.

#5 Manage their behaviour

In the start, your dog will be very protective of her puppies to the extent that she may not want to leave their side. She might even showcase bouts of protective aggression. While this is normal, you might have to persuade her to take short 5-10 minute breaks so she can relieve herself. However, if she is highly hesitant, it may be best to wait a little longer. As for the puppies, expect them to feed and sleep for the first two weeks. They only start functioning by the third week when they begin to see, hear and gain a little mobility. You can let them explore at this stage while introducing them to new sights, sounds, and textures.

While your pooch is capable of taking care of her pups from the moment they are born, you will need to step in to make sure she is healthy, nourished and cared for. With our expert-approved tips and routine consultations with your veterinarian, we're sure you will be well-equipped to handle post-natal care for your dog and her newborn puppies.

Note: In case you do not want your dog to breed again, consider spaying her.

Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of Pedigree by Times Internet's Spotlight team.

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Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/spotlight/5-tips-to-help-you-care-for-your-lactating-dog-and-her-pups/articleshow/84061719.cms

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