Caring for Mom

Whelping is the process of giving birth to puppies. If you are caring for a dam (a female dog) and her puppies, it is important to provide them with a clean, safe, and comfortable environment. Here are some tips for caring for a dam and her puppies during the whelping process and beyond:

1. Create a safe and comfortable whelping area: Set up a large, enclosed space for the dam to give birth and care for her puppies. This space should be quiet, draft-free, and away from any potential dangers.

2. Monitor the dam's temperature: A dam's normal temperature should be between 101 and 103 degrees Fahrenheit. If her temperature drops below 99 degrees or rises above 103 degrees, it could indicate a problem.

3. Keep the dam and puppies clean: Clean the dam's bedding daily, and ensure that the puppies have a clean, dry place to sleep.

4. Provide the dam with plenty of food and water: The dam will need extra nutrition to support her and her puppies during lactation. Offer her high-quality puppy food, and make sure she has access to clean water at all times.

5. Keep the dam and puppies warm: Puppies are not able to regulate their body temperature as well as adult dogs, so it is important to keep them warm. Use a heating pad or heating lamp to help regulate the temperature in the whelping area.

6. Monitor the dam and puppies for signs of illness: Keep an eye out for any signs of illness in the dam or puppies, such as diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian for guidance.

7. Seek veterinary care if necessary: It is important to seek veterinary care if the dam or puppies are showing signs of illness or if you are concerned about their health. Your veterinarian can provide guidance on the best course of action.
   
   

Feeding

The first meal you give your bitch after whelping should be one that is easily digested. Some breeders give chicken soup with rice to bulk it out. This is easy to eat and digest and is not too rich. However, don't allow your bitch to fill up on carbohydrates unless she has had an adequate protein intake.

Your bitch will need a well-balanced, adequate diet during the lactation period that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates and fats. If your bitch does not receive the protein she requires her body will dip into its own reserves and she can very quickly become malnourished. Do not reduce your bitch's food intake, she will require more sustenance during lactation than during the final weeks of pregnancy. Stick to little and often. Your vet can recommend a good brand.

Make sure your bitch has access to fresh, clean water at all times. Nursing is a thirsty business and she will drink a lot more than usual. Keep her water bowl close by, but serve it in a shallow dish, to prevent the drowning of any adventurous puppies.

Once the bitch has finished lactating, her food can be gradually reduced to as it was before she became pregnant. This can occur quite quickly if the correct diet has been stuck to throughout pregnancy and lactation.

Do not give your bitch any supplements, unless it has been recommended by your vet.

Some recommended supplements may include but are not limited to sunflower lecithin, probiotics, salmon oil, calcium, joint support, and grass-fed ground beef.

It is important to provide a well-balanced diet for a whelping dog to ensure that she has the nutrients she needs to support her own health and the health of her puppies. The best diet for a whelping dog will depend on her individual needs and preferences, as well as any medical conditions she may have. However, some general guidelines for feeding a whelping dog include:

1. Provide high-quality, nutrient-dense dog food: Look for dog food that is formulated for pregnant or nursing dogs and is made with high-quality ingredients. These types of foods are designed to meet the increased nutritional demands of a whelping dog.

2. Increase the amount of food: As the pregnancy progresses and the puppies grow, the mother's energy needs will increase. Make sure to increase the amount of food you are feeding her to meet these needs.

3. Offer small, frequent meals: It can be helpful to offer smaller, more frequent meals to a whelping dog rather than one or two large meals per day. This can help her to better meet her increased energy needs and may be easier on her digestive system.

4. Provide plenty of clean water: It is important to ensure that the mother has access to clean water at all times, as she will need to stay hydrated to support both her own health and the health of her puppies.

5. Consult with a veterinarian: If you have any concerns about your whelping dog's diet or if you are unsure what type of food is best for her, it is always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your dog's specific needs.

Caloric intake in the third trimester is approximately 2-3 times higher. Her caloric intake could be approximately 5-6 times her normal while nursing a large litter. So, observe carefully and increase the amount of food when you see the need. If increasing food causes diarrhea for your dam, you can supplement with goat’s milk to boost caloric intake. With a large litter, caloric needs are intense from the beginning of the 3rd trimester until pups are weaned, and proper accommodation is important. We divide up their meals 3-4 times a day, and that seems easier for them to handle.

Here are some additional foods you can try:

• White Rice 

• Sardines (packed in  water only)

• Sweet Potatoes 

• Canned Food (same  as kibble)

• Canned Food (Science Diet  AD – calorie dense)

• Honest Kitchen 

• Cottage Cheese / Nonfat yogurt / Parmesan Cheese

• Bone Broth / Boiled  Chicken

Exercise

Your bitch will probably be reluctant to leave her puppies at first, don't force her, just gently encourage her. Keep her on a lead and walk her for a short period, about 10 minutes, close to the whelping area. She will become confident about leaving the puppies for short periods and will soon get back into the habit of going outside to urinate and defecate when she needs to without you prompting her.

Complications

Medical complications include: Eclampsia, Mastitis, Metritis and Milk Fever.