Pregnancy causes a variety of physiological and hormonal changes in dogs. The hormonal changes that take place after pregnancy can help dog owners better understand the effects on their dog's body and on the newborn litter. Some hormonal changes take place immediately after birth, while others might take place later, when the litter of puppies is already weaned and ready to go to new homes.
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Oxytocin
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Right after giving birth, hormonal changes almost immediately take place in the new mother. For instance, upon seeing, touching and smelling the newborn puppies, the hypothalamus, which communicates directly with the pituitary gland, stimulates the production of oxytocin, a hormone responsible for the expulsion of the afterbirth, the letdown of milk and the development of a close bond between the mother and her litter, explains Dr. Nicholas Dodman, a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, and Professor, in an article for Pet Place.com.
Prolactin
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Another hormone secreted right after giving birth--produced by the hypothalamus, the brain center responsible for maternal behavior--is prolactin. This hormone is mainly responsible for the production of milk and the development of maternal protectiveness of the litter. This hormone primarily stimulates the mother to keep the puppies warm, fed and safe from any potential dangers until they reach complete independence, further explains Nicholas Dodman.
DAP
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Mother dogs also tend to produce a stress-relieving hormone while they are nursing their puppies. This ectopic hormone is produced by the sebaceous glands found around the nipples of lactating mothers. The hormone is called ''apasaine'' and is often abbreviated and commonly known as "DAP," an acronym that stands for "dog appeasing pheromone." Because of this pheromone's ability to reduce stress, a synthetic form is artificially produced to help owners deal with behavioral problems such as stress-related barking, urination and defecation, whining, anxiety, fear and chewing, explains Pat Miller, a certified professional dog trainer and behavior consultant in an article for Whole Dog Journal.
Considerations
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Daily grooming can reduce shedding of fur. The hormonal changes that take place during the nursing phase can also cause hair loss in some dogs. Sometimes, the amounts of hair loss can be significant enough to concern the owner. Fortunately, this condition is quite normal. Daily brushing sessions might help prevent the accumulation of hairs on the floor, clothing and furniture, and proper nutrition for a nursing dog is essential, according to the Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department of Drs. Foster & Smith.
Expert Insight
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After giving birth, the dog undergoes a period of reproductive quiescence. In other words, the mother has no interest in breeding again for at least three months, or sometimes longer. This time of reproductive rest is called 'anaestrus." During this phase, concentrations of ovarian hormones fall to baseline low levels, according to Vicky Myers-Wallen, a certified theriogenologist at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine.
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