How to Care for a Dog Who Just Gave Birth to Five Pups

Even the most seasoned mother can use help after she gives birth. New mothers are extremely protective of their litters, and your dog's loyalty to you, her owner, will often become evident when she allows you and no one else to handle the puppies. She will value her privacy, however, for at least the first 24 hours.

Things You'll Need

  • Puppy food
  • Nursing food
  • Water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Give your dog as much space as possible. Only allow yourself and one other person to visit. Prevent the spread of diseases by allowing friends to visit the puppies only after they are a few weeks old.

    • 2

      Feed her as much puppy food or specially made nursing food as she wants. Keep it by her side because she isn't likely to leave her pups for 24 hours. Switch her back to normal food after about a month.

    • 3

      Measure her temperature every day for the first 14 days after birth. Take her to the veterinarian if her temperature exceeds 103.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 4

      Check her vulva daily for excessive discharge. Fluids will leak out for up to three weeks, but these should only be trace amounts. Push the breasts to see if there is excess swelling, discharge or pain. Take her to a veterinarian if you notice abnormalities.

    • 5

      Check her nipples to see if any milk is dried to them. Clean them with a damp cloth.

    • 6

      Take her to a veterinarian if she is trembling, twitching, excessively drooling or extremely nervous. These are signs of calcium depletion.