Instructions
Keep the mother and her puppies in a warm area to prevent the puppies from dying. The room temperature should be 70 degrees Fahrenheit or higher with a warm floor.
Feed the dog three times a day and have clean water available when her appetite returns. Talk to your veterinarian about adding dietary supplements to encourage milk production.
Clip the puppies' claws as they grow. The claws can sharpen and injure the mother while nursing.
Clean the mother if dry milk accumulates around her nipples. Wet a soft washcloth with warm water and wipe off the excess accumulation. While cleaning, check to make sure the nipples are not hard, reddish-purple, swollen or painful to the touch. These symptoms are an indication of mammary gland infection.
Monitor vaginal discharge. Normal dogs discharge dark-colored uterine material for up to four weeks after giving birth. If the discharge lasts longer than four weeks or becomes foul smelling and red, she may have a uterine infection and should visit the veterinarian.
Watch for signs of calcium deficiency that can lead to eclampsia, or milk fever. Symptoms are trembling, limited muscle coordination, excessive drooling, panting or heightened nervousness. Milk fever can be alleviated at the veterinarian by a calcium shot.
How to Care for Dogs Who Have Had Pups
Birthing is an exhausting, stressful process for any mammal. Dogs who have recently given birth require monitoring, attention and care to ensure that both the mother and puppies survive in good health. Prior to your dog giving birth, also called whelping, it is best to visit the veterinarian in case there are any problems detected with the pregnancy. After whelping, return with the mother dog to the veterinarian to ensure that all puppies and placenta have left the uterus. After returning from the checkup, it is your responsibility to care for the mother.