Difference between revisions of "Make Sure That Your Dog Is Ok After Giving Birth"
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===Providing Care Immediately After Birth=== | ===Providing Care Immediately After Birth=== | ||
#Clean your dog with a warm, damp cloth. Make sure she's clean of any trace of blood, placental fluid, or fecal matter. Good hygiene reduces the risk of bacterial infection following birth. | #Clean your dog with a warm, damp cloth. Make sure she's clean of any trace of blood, placental fluid, or fecal matter. Good hygiene reduces the risk of bacterial infection following birth. | ||
| − | #*You may see leaking fluids, called ''lochia'', for several weeks after giving birth. These fluids are natural and normal, resulting from the shedding of your dog's uterine lining. Healthy lochia should be odorless, and may range in color from greenish-brown to blood-red. <ref>http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Basics/Birth/Post-Care.aspx</ref> | + | #*You may see leaking fluids, called ''lochia'', for several weeks after giving birth. These fluids are natural and normal, resulting from the shedding of your dog's uterine lining. Healthy lochia should be odorless, and may range in color from greenish-brown to blood-red. <ref name="rf1">http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Basics/Birth/Post-Care.aspx</ref> |
#*If your dog hasn't licked her pups clean within a few minutes of birth, you should wipe the puppies' face and nostrils with a damp, clean cloth to remove the placental sac. Give the pup back to its mother immediately. | #*If your dog hasn't licked her pups clean within a few minutes of birth, you should wipe the puppies' face and nostrils with a damp, clean cloth to remove the placental sac. Give the pup back to its mother immediately. | ||
#*If your dog appears uninterested in cleaning her new pups, you may need to rub them with a clean cloth to stimulate breathing. | #*If your dog appears uninterested in cleaning her new pups, you may need to rub them with a clean cloth to stimulate breathing. | ||
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#*If your dog doesn't want to drink water, try offering her chicken broth. | #*If your dog doesn't want to drink water, try offering her chicken broth. | ||
===Knowing What to Look for in a Post-Partum Dog=== | ===Knowing What to Look for in a Post-Partum Dog=== | ||
| − | #Monitor your dog's health carefully for the first weeks after giving birth. Although she may sleep more than usual, when she's awake she should appear bright-eyed. Your dog should have a good appetite.<ref | + | #Monitor your dog's health carefully for the first weeks after giving birth. Although she may sleep more than usual, when she's awake she should appear bright-eyed. Your dog should have a good appetite.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #*Feed your dog several meals a day, rather than one or two larger ones. You can increase her food intake several weeks prior to the birth, and continue for several weeks following birth. It's not unusual for a nursing dog to consume 3-4 times her regular amount of food.<ref>http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/breeding-for-dog-owners-caring-from-birth-to-weaning/489</ref> | + | #*Feed your dog several meals a day, rather than one or two larger ones. You can increase her food intake several weeks prior to the birth, and continue for several weeks following birth. It's not unusual for a nursing dog to consume 3-4 times her regular amount of food.<ref name="rf2">http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/breeding-for-dog-owners-caring-from-birth-to-weaning/489</ref> |
#*Many veterinarians encourage feeding puppy food to your dog during this time for its higher caloric value. This may need to be introduced gradually with your dog's regular food for best results. | #*Many veterinarians encourage feeding puppy food to your dog during this time for its higher caloric value. This may need to be introduced gradually with your dog's regular food for best results. | ||
#*Include special treats to whet your dog's appetite. Consider offering cottage cheese, eggs, liver or other nutrition-packed delicacies. | #*Include special treats to whet your dog's appetite. Consider offering cottage cheese, eggs, liver or other nutrition-packed delicacies. | ||
#*Make sure your dog always has easy access to fresh water. Add chicken broth to your dog's dry kibble to help supplement your dog's liquid intake. | #*Make sure your dog always has easy access to fresh water. Add chicken broth to your dog's dry kibble to help supplement your dog's liquid intake. | ||
#Look for signs of infection. Your dog may have a slightly elevated temperature in the first 24-48 hours following birth. A rise in temperature is normal, and should not be accompanied by signs of illness. | #Look for signs of infection. Your dog may have a slightly elevated temperature in the first 24-48 hours following birth. A rise in temperature is normal, and should not be accompanied by signs of illness. | ||
| − | #*Signs of infection in dogs include: restlessness, disinterest in puppies, foul-smelling discharge, dilated eyes.<ref>http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Basics/Birth/Whelping-Problems.aspx</ref> If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately. | + | #*Signs of infection in dogs include: restlessness, disinterest in puppies, foul-smelling discharge, dilated eyes.<ref name="rf3">http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Basics/Birth/Whelping-Problems.aspx</ref> If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately. |
#Check your dog's mammary glands twice per day for signs of healthy nursing glands. Normal nursing glands, or nipples, should be soft and enlarged from milk production. If the glands are hard or red, this may indicate presence of infection. | #Check your dog's mammary glands twice per day for signs of healthy nursing glands. Normal nursing glands, or nipples, should be soft and enlarged from milk production. If the glands are hard or red, this may indicate presence of infection. | ||
#*If your dog appears to be avoiding nursing her pups, check her mammary glands for signs of infection. Mastitis is a bacterial infection of the nursing glands, and easily treated with antibiotics. Contact your veterinarian for assistance. | #*If your dog appears to be avoiding nursing her pups, check her mammary glands for signs of infection. Mastitis is a bacterial infection of the nursing glands, and easily treated with antibiotics. Contact your veterinarian for assistance. | ||
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#*If you notice signs of metritis, seek veterinary assistance immediately. | #*If you notice signs of metritis, seek veterinary assistance immediately. | ||
#Look for signs of eclampsia during the first few weeks following birth. Eclampsia ("milk fever") is a result of depleted calcium, and can result in muscle spasms, seizures and death. | #Look for signs of eclampsia during the first few weeks following birth. Eclampsia ("milk fever") is a result of depleted calcium, and can result in muscle spasms, seizures and death. | ||
| − | #*Signs of eclampsia include: restlessness, muscle tremors, weakness, and dilated pupils.<ref>http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/eclampsia-in-dogs/6251</ref> | + | #*Signs of eclampsia include: restlessness, muscle tremors, weakness, and dilated pupils.<ref name="rf4">http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/eclampsia-in-dogs/6251</ref> |
#*If you notice signs of eclampsia, seek veterinary assistance immediately. | #*If you notice signs of eclampsia, seek veterinary assistance immediately. | ||
===Helping Your Dog Care for Her New Puppies=== | ===Helping Your Dog Care for Her New Puppies=== | ||
