Postpartum Care
The dam will insist on remaining close to her whelps for the first week, generally leaving only to relive herself. As the pups grow in strength, she may leave for more extended periods. During this time she will not want interruptions from strangers, so try and keep her as isolated as possible.
Keep a fresh supply of water available at all times. She will want little of this in the first 24 hours, but broth is usually an enticement she won't refuse. Offer her milk several times a day, since she needs as much fluid intake as possible to help with her milk supply. She can be given small portions of solid food after the first day, such as ground beef or chicken. She will soon need little tempting to eat, as she will a ravenous appetite to make up for the calories expended during nursing. She will need 2 large meals a day, and a supply of dry food should be made available to her at all times. Her diet should be high in protein and calcium.
Eclampsia
Eclampsia, or "milk fever" is a convulsive condition that is caused by a low calcium content in the dam's blood. It can occur in late pregnancy or during the nursing period, and it is a life-threatening condition.
Signs of Eclampsia
Signs of eclampsia are nervousness, a stiffening of the legs, pale gums, and excessive panting. Onset of the disease is not obvious. Upon noticing temperature increase to 102°F, veterinary attention should be sought immediately. An onset of eclampsia will require an injection of calcium and vitamin D, which enables the body to utilize and absorb the calcium.
If eclampsia is suspected, the puppies must be removed from the dam to prevent a further loss of calcium due to nursing.
Mastitis
This condition is an inflammation of the mammary glands caused by excess of milk. As milk accumulates, the gland becomes congested and painful for the dam. It occurs because the gland is not being thoroughly drained, often due to weak suckling or due to small litters. If left uncorrected, mastitis can lead to a bacterial infection which requires antibiotics. Once the condition is indicated, treat the inflamed breast either by placing a pup on it to more fully empty it or by gently hand-expressing the milk. By careful rotation of the puppies, mastitis can be quickly cleared up.
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