If your dog has just had puppies, a period begins in which you must take into account many details. If you want to know a little more about the characteristics and care of breastfeeding in dogs, we invite you to continue reading.
How long does the lactation period last in dogs?
The lactation period in dogs begins when the female gives birth and lasts up to 6 or 8 weeks later, when weaning of the puppies occurs.
It is very important that, during pregnancy, you pay special attention to the feeding of the dog.
This will make the milk to breastfeed your little ones of very good quality.
In addition, the mother's good feeding will also make her produce a lot of milk, essential for feeding the new furry well.
After delivery, vitamin supplements won't be too much, as the newly released mom will expend a lot of energy during this period.
Take care of her and pamper her so much!
Important care during breastfeeding
To begin with, once the puppies are born, make sure that each puppy can access a nipple of their mother.
This is as obvious as it is fundamental, since the first shots are super important and we cannot neglect this aspect.
In excessively large litters, it establishes feeding shifts to keep them all under control. Don't let anyone run out of your little comate!
The hairy ones will not be born very strong and this first milk, known as colostrum, will provide nutrients and some antibodies that will help protect them against disease.
The hairy mom will continue to produce milk in the following weeks at birth to feed her little ones.
As we said, this will cause you a lot of energy wear, so you'll see how it requires more food and drink than usual. Provide it and make it accessible to her, as she won't want to leave her children.
During the lactation period in dogs, the female who has just given birth will need about 5 food shots a day.
If you ate bad food, it would influence the quality of your milk and, consequently, the health of your puppies and their growth.
Keep an eye on the environment
The temperature of the room where the mother and newborns are located should be adequate to not cause hypothermia in the young ones.
After feeding shots, you should try to get the mom up and walk to stretch her paws and make her needs away from the puppies.
Remember, you're going to have a hard time separating from your litter! So insist. This way you can also check the body condition of the bitch, especially her breasts.
The puppies will be sucking several weeks quite often a day (every 2-4 hours), so it's normal for the mom's nipples to suffer some damage. If you notice irritation, consult your veterinarian so that it does not suffer.
As in women, breastfeeding is wonderful and important, but it requires an effort on the part of mothers.
Breastfeeding is not just a period of feeding. So is learning for the little ones and their mother will take care of it. Don't forget this and try not to burden the new family so as not to cause them anxiety.