What are some of the general care practices necessary for a pregnant female before, during, and after
whelping? What are some practices for the general care of the new litter?
What will be an ideal response?
A whelping box provides a nice place for the female to have her puppies. She should be introduced to her box
about three weeks before whelping so that she can get comfortable with it. The bottom of the box should be
covered with newspaper.
A normal, healthy female usually gives birth easily without need of additional help; however, one should
stand by and give assistance if necessary. One must be prepared to help the mother remove a puppy from
its placental membrane, to clean it, and encourage it to nurse. When cleaning a membrane off a puppy, the
owner may also have to sever the umbilical cord. A piece of cotton thread should be tied around the cord
about three-quarters inch to one inch away from the puppy's body; the cord should then be cut one-quarter
inch to half an inch beyond the thread, taking care not to pull on the cord and making sure the hands are
clean. An application of iodine to the naval cord is recommended. One must be careful of the mother also,
because she may be protective of the litter and may bite.
The first milk produced by the mother is called colostrum. It is very important that each puppy receive
colostrum because it contains immunoglobulins that will help protect it from infectious disease.
Eclampsia is a calcium deficiency that may be observed shortly after whelping and during the first
month of lactation. It usually occurs among toy breeds and females with large litters that require a large milk
production. Symptoms include restlessness, panting, whining, and getting up and down. As the problem
worsens, the dog will become still, experiencing twitching muscles, and lack coordination. If not treated, she
will collapse into convulsions and die. A veterinarian must be consulted immediately to give her a calcium
injection. Prevention can be accomplished by ensuring the pregnant female gets proper vitamin and mineral
supplements, especially calcium.
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