Choose an area that is secluded, such as in a separate room, so that she can have privacy and quiet.
Your dog should eat puppy food in the final 1/3 of her pregnancy, and then until the puppies are weaned. [2] X Research source Nursing mother dogs require more calories to make enough milk to feed their puppies. [3] X Research source
In many cases, puppies are born in the middle of the night when you are sleeping. Make it a habit to check on your dog as soon as you wake up as she approaches her due date.
If necessary, you can carefully tie off the umbilical cord about an inch from the puppy and cut it with clean scissors.
If the puppy absolutely will not nurse, or your dog won’t let the puppy nurse, there may be something wrong with the puppy, like a cleft palate. Open the puppy’s mouth and look at the roof of the mouth. It should be a solid surface without any holes into the sinuses. Consult your veterinarian if there are any concerns. You may need to tube feed or bottle feed the puppy with puppy formula if they are not able to nurse and are otherwise healthy.
In some cases, eating the placentas may cause vomiting later. Remember that every puppy will have its own placenta.
Provide extra heat with the help of a heat lamp in one corner of the whelping box. If a puppy gets cold, it will not move much. Check to sure the birthing area is warm and the puppy is staying close to mom and the other puppies.
Protective aggression toward humans may occur as well, so prevent children from bothering the puppies too.
Let her eat as much as she wants, which can often be four times her non-pregnant intake. You cannot overfeed her during this period, as making milk for puppies requires a lot of calories. Be aware that the first 24-48 hours after giving birth, she is likely not going to eat much of anything at all. [5] X Research source
Milk fever is caused by a significant drop in blood calcium levels and typically occurs 2-3 weeks into lactation. The dog’s muscles will start stiffening and the dog may develop tremors. This can lead to seizures because the calcium levels in the blood are too low. If you suspect milk fever, seek immediate veterinary attention.
A groomer or your veterinarian can do this procedure if you do not feel comfortable or do not have the equipment.
If you suspect mastitis, take the dog immediately to your veterinarian. Even if you have to take her to an emergency veterinary hospital, it must happen immediately. [7] X Research source , [8] X Research source ,[9] X Research source
If you see yellow, green or gray material, or notice a foul odor, take your dog to your veterinarian. She may have an infection in her uterus. [10] X Research source
Try weighing the puppies on a digital scale to make sure that they are gaining weight every day. Puppies should double their weight in the first week. [11] X Research source Do not disregard a puppy looking skinnier or less active than the other puppies. Take him to your veterinarian right away. He may require supplemental feeding or other help.
Puppies should be fully weaned and eating dog food on their own before they leave for a new home. Starting a deworming and vaccination program is often recommended before the pup leaves. Consult with your veterinarian and follow her recommendations.
