Feeding a lactating dog. How to feed a dog after childbirth for normal lactation What to give a dog after childbirth
Much has been said and written. Almost on all thematic sites and forums you can find information on the nutrition of puppies and adult animals. Our task is to tell new owners about what to feed the dog after giving birth. Only with proper nutrition of a lactating bitch, you will get healthy, well-fed puppies and, of course, will not bring mommy herself to exhaustion. Let's take a look at the questions most frequently asked by owners.
What is the best food to feed a dog before giving birth?
It depends on the type of food. If the dog is accustomed to dry food (we are talking only about the “premium” and “super-premium” classes, others are not even considered because they are of dubious quality), then you should not change it before giving birth. The dosage is usually indicated on the package. As a rule, the volume of dry food before childbirth is increased by a third. Some owners during the dog's pregnancy and during the "milk" period transfer their dogs to the so-called "puppy" - food of the same brand, but for puppies (it has more calcium and protein).
If the dog received natural food (home-made), it is worth, first of all, to increase the amount of fermented milk products (especially kefir and cottage cheese) and meat (raw offal: stomach, trachea, liver, lungs, udder).
Just before the birth (about a week), the entire amount of food is divided into smaller doses. This is due to the fact that growing puppies put pressure on internal organs, including the stomach and intestines. Gentle feeding will reduce this burden.
on the day of the birth?
Most veterinarians advise staying on the water on the first day. It is believed that those nutrients that the dog receives by eating afterbirth are quite enough. Water is needed to replace the amount of fluid lost during childbirth. For large litters, on the day of delivery, the bitch is given cool milk (room temperature, but not cold) with glucose (5 cubes per glass).
Than in the first weeks after whelping?
On the second day, you can give liquid cereals in a low-fat broth (either beef or chicken). Among the mandatory products should be milk and meat (only lean). In the first three days, the dog that has given birth may not have an appetite, so food should be both light and high-calorie at the same time: milk porridge (rice, buckwheat, oatmeal). To avoid eclampsia, calcium supplements are additionally given. The first week and a half, the content of carbohydrates and proteins should be saturated. Take care of acquiring a good, complete vitamin and mineral complex. Substandard products, even in small quantities, should be excluded. Even mild poisoning in a nursing bitch can cause serious problems for puppies.
Feeding should be frequent (at least four times a day). Please note: one-time feeding of the dog during this period is unacceptable. First, the bitch's belly will remain saggy. Secondly, for the normal growth of puppies, milk must be nutritious and in sufficient quantities, and its rush occurs after eating. When feeding with dry food, the introduction of dressings is not required, however, the dosage of calcium is still increased. Milk enhances lactation.
when weaning puppies?
As soon as the babies begin to move independently (starting from the 25th day), the bitch begins to “refuse” the puppies, approaching them less and less for feeding. It's natural. On the one hand, by this time, puppies can already be gradually transferred to adult food (taking into account baits that have been started since the age of two weeks), on the other hand, it is painful for a bitch to feed babies who bite their nipples with erupted sharp teeth. Do not force your pet if she is in pain. Here the question is: “What to feed a lactating dog?” disappears by itself, because after the fourth week the animal is transferred to the previous diet. However, calcium supplements continue to be given additionally for another month.
What to feed a dog after childbirth, when the difficult months of bearing puppies are behind. After all, the animal burns more energy to feed the babies, which means the diet must be balanced and healthy. The quality and fat content of the produced milk directly depends on this. The lack of vitamins and microelements slows down the growth and development of puppies, depletes the mother.
What to feed a dog after childbirth
After the birth process, it is necessary to replace the litter with a clean one. The dog should be moistened with a napkin dipped in a light pink solution of potassium permanganate. They wash her limbs and wipe her tail. The owner needs to wash off the discharge from the skin so that the animal does not have irritation.
From time to time you need to wash the tail and nipples, and also wipe it with a dry cloth. A bowl and a drinker are placed near the bedding. The dog will not want to run away from the puppies to eat. It will be easier for her to sit hungry than to go out to eat. No need to fuss around the animal and create unnecessary nervousness for him. If the feeding process is going well and the dog is calm, then there is no need to disturb her and the puppies once again.
The first days after the appearance of puppies
During the birth process, or as soon as the puppies are born, the bitch eats the afterbirth. Some owners are afraid of this process and throw it in the trash. But many breeders are inclined to believe that there should be following the instincts laid down by nature. Moreover, there are many useful substances in the afterbirth, and eating it threatens the dog with only mild diarrhea. This will make it easier for the animal to defecate, which is very useful, because the dog will not need to strain. After eating the afterbirth, the bitch can be fed only after four to five hours.
What to feed a newborn dog? She is given rice soaked for 12 hours, passed through a grinder. The grits are steamed with boiling water and a little vegetable oil is added and salted. Such nutrition helps the animal to normalize the stool.
These days, the amount of animal protein in food is minimized. It is poorly absorbed by the body of the pet. In the menu, females add porridge, low-fat cottage cheese, omelets and cream (fat content should not exceed 10).
Feed the pet often, up to five to six times a day. At the same time, it is important to maintain a balance: do not let starve, but do not overfeed. The dog should always have clean water and milk. During lactation, her menu should contain a lot of dairy products (cottage cheese, milk), and the amount of meat in the diet is reduced.
Nutrition up to 10 days after birth
The pet should be transferred to fractional nutrition. She chooses how much to eat. If the dog eats little, then you should not worry, it relies on its body, which will tell you how much food it needs now. No need to force the animal to eat if she does not want to.
What should be on the menu?
The first 10 days should not be given to a lactating dog meat and offal. If you really want to feed the animal, then you need to boil the meat of low-fat varieties and add a little to another dish. Such complementary foods are introduced only after the fifth day of childbirth. Instead of meat products, it is recommended to use fish (pollock, cod). The fish is processed to the fillet, all the bones are removed from the carcass. It is boiled in boiling water for 10 minutes.
On the broth left over from cooking fish fillets, it is recommended to cook porridge. Milk is poured into such cereals at the end of cooking.
In order for the amount of milk in the animal to arrive, it is necessary to give the dog to lap tea with the addition of milk. In the first 7 days after the appearance of puppies, it is not recommended to give her dishes with raw vegetables or the addition of juices. Puppies can get diarrhea from such food.
Nutrition while feeding puppies
After the first days have passed, the question is brewing what to feed the pet. After 14 days, you need to introduce more vegetables into the menu (pumpkin, cauliflower, carrots, beets), you can give the dog some fruit. If a female has three or four puppies, then the animal should consume twice as much food as usual. And the number of meals increases to four to five times a day.
In the period from the fourth to the sixth week after the birth process, complementary foods are introduced to the offspring and the puppies consume less milk. The amount of food consumed by the animal is reduced, it is transferred to 3 meals per day. The dog drinks less.
So that she does not have a vitamin deficiency, it is recommended to give ascorbic acid with a glucose content. To improve the quality and increase the amount of milk, it is necessary to feed the pet with walnuts (no more than three pieces per day). Often, dog owners give apilac, which is crushed into powder and poured under the animal's tongue (if it is white, then this is for you). You can pamper your dog a little with weak coffee with the addition of milk and a little honey or tea with milk. There is no sugar in the tea.
After all the puppies have been taken apart, the pet must unload the body. She is given a quarter portion and less water. After a daily “starvation”, the dog is offered a third of the portion, then increased to half. Gradually, she is transferred to a standard diet.
If the animal eats prepared food
How to feed a dog after childbirth if the animal eats food? During lactation, the intake of food also changes. After childbirth, it is soaked in liquid or given liquid feed. To digest food, you need more liquid, and such measures will save you from dehydration.
“Sour milk” and supplements containing vitamins and minerals are added to the feed. For dogs during the period of feeding puppies, the amount of protein in the food should be at least 24%. The premium segment feeds already contain the required amount of vitamins and minerals. And when feeding with cheap food, special additives should be added to the menu.
What do you prefer to feed your pets?
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Porridge with various additives 46%, 8407 votes
Dry food only 26%, 4733 vote
Childbirth is an important event in the life of a pet. The dog's body has gone through a lot of stress. In most cases, dog births go without complications, and everything ends with the successful birth of puppies. But after giving birth, the animal still needs care and attention.
She almost always gives birth on her own. Animals are better adapted than humans in this respect. They don't need outside help. It happens that the case is not complete without the help of a veterinarian, but this is an exception to the rule.
Although, in any case, the dog after childbirth should be shown to the doctor. Its owner should call the veterinarian. Inspection must be made within 24 hours of delivery. The specialist will examine the animal and give you a number of necessary recommendations.
A dog after childbirth needs care and good nutrition. Provide peace to the animal. Keep strangers away from your dog. Create a comfortable environment for your pet.
What to feed a dog after childbirth
The issue of dog feeding is always important, but after childbirth - especially, because the dog needs to get good nutrition. It must be correct.
A dog after childbirth needs to recuperate. If she ate the afterbirth, she will get hungry in about 5 hours. If the newly-minted mother did not touch the placenta, you can immediately offer her food. The more puppies a dog gives birth to, the stronger her appetite will be.
There are disputes between dog breeders as to whether the dog should be allowed to eat the afterbirth. We won't go into the details of this issue, but there's nothing wrong with that. The dog's body will even receive useful substances.
How after childbirth? If the animal has diarrhea, it is better to give ground boiled rice. It must first be soaked, and salt and vegetable oil must also be added there.
When the diarrhea has passed, give the dog porridge and cottage cheese. You can give an omelet. The animal should be fed, but you should not eat large portions. It is necessary to feed the dog after childbirth 6-7 times a day.
In the first ten days, animal protein should be excluded, and then broths, soups and cereals with vegetable oil should be added. In addition, do not forget about raw vegetables and fruits.
But food is far from the only thing a mommy dog needs. As she feeds the puppies, she loses a lot of fluid. This need needs to be replenished regularly. The dog should drink at least every 3 hours. She needs to drink water, milk and 10% cream.
It is necessary to feed dogs after childbirth, gradually increasing the amount of food. This approach is used for a month. Then the amount of food should go in descending order. So gradually the owners come to the daily rate of feeding the animal.
If the dog does not have an appetite after giving birth, this is an occasion to contact the veterinarian. This condition of the animal indicates the presence of certain problems.
Proper feeding of a lactating female who has given birth is the key not only to her health, but also to the well-being of the entire litter. That is why every owner, especially if he first witnessed the birth of puppies, should know how to feed the dog after childbirth.
The diet of a lactating bitch forms the quality of her milk, but even if, after giving birth, the dog for some reason refused to feed the puppies, it is important to restore the body that suffered after pregnancy. It is important to understand that the period of bearing puppies is not only a natural process, but also a lot of stress for any dog. Therefore, today we will discuss how to formulate a diet suitable for a post-partum, lactating bitch.
Often, dogs that feel the moment of childbirth is approaching refuse food in advance so as not to create unnecessary heaviness in the intestines and not be distracted from the process. When the dog has already given birth, she is busy taking care of the puppies, and the owner has a natural question: “Do I need to feed the animal now and what can I offer him?”.
The instinct makes the new mother eat the afterbirth of each puppy, in the usual language - the placenta. In addition to the fact that in this way wild dogs previously “covered up the traces” of childbirth, preventing predators from smelling attractive smells, they were also reinforced in this way after the exhausting and painful process of childbirth. In no case should a bitch be forbidden to eat the placenta, although there is no danger of attack by predatory animals.
The fact is that the afterbirth contains vitamins, trace elements and a large amount of protein that the dog needs to maintain strength and produce milk rich in substances necessary for puppies. The placenta contains hormones that provoke the production of colostrum, that is, eating it is a kind of signal: “The puppy was born, you need to feed it!”.
The only thing is, with a multiple litter (more than ten puppies), eating all the placenta can provoke an upset stomach in a bitch. In this situation, you need to offer the animal clean water, as well as give an adsorbent (for example, activated carbon, one or two tablets for every ten kilograms of weight). However, it is not necessary to forcibly water the dog, as well as to persuade him to eat - it would be right to offer the first food four to five hours after the birth of the last puppy, when the bitch calms down, licks and feeds all the children. Below we will tell you what kind of food you can give your dog after delivery.
General nutritional information for a dog that has given birth
Typically, the lactation period in dogs lasts about five to six weeks, and the functioning of the mammary glands is enhanced already a couple of weeks before birth. Veterinarians have studied lactating dogs of various breeds for many years to determine whether such a diet is suitable for bitches at different stages of rearing offspring.
Dogs cannot produce or store most nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in their bodies unless they are obtained from the diet. Accordingly, these necessary substances will not be in milk either, more precisely, at first the puppies will “suck” them out of the mother’s body. With poor or malnutrition, the bitch will suffer first of all, after a short time, the entire litter will suffer negative consequences. To prevent this from happening, the owner must understand the basic principles of feeding the dog during the period of feeding puppies.
Natural nutrition for a lactating dog
It is important to understand that it is impossible to change the type of nutrition of an animal unexpectedly for him, especially when it comes to a dog that has given birth, whose body has already suffered stress. Therefore, if the bitch ate natural products before giving birth, you need to leave the same option, making some additions.
It is on a natural diet that it is important to focus on what time period has already passed after childbirth. The basis of the diet will still be fresh meat or lean sea fish, poultry, offal, vegetables, lactic acid products, greens.
Table 1. Feeding the dog in different weeks after birth
| How much time has passed? | What to feed? |
|---|---|
| First week after puppies are born | The first two or three days the bitch may not have an appetite, but every five to seven hours you need to offer the dog food and make sure that she eats at least a little. At this stage, you can give the dog mashed meat and vegetables, kefir, cottage cheese, low-fat fish. When the appetite is restored and returns to normal, the bitch is fed in small portions five to six times a day. The dog's diet certainly includes meat (veal, rabbit, turkey, chicken), offal (liver, lung, brains), fish (low-fat sea), calcined cottage cheese. The first five to seven days after giving birth, you do not need to offer the dog fruits, herbs and vegetables, so as not to provoke allergies and indigestion. |
| Second or third week after puppies are born | The main feeding remains the same (meat, poultry and offal, sea fish, dairy products). Grated vegetables, berries, fruits (carrots, cauliflower or broccoli, zucchini, apples and pears, pumpkin), chopped greens, eggs are returned to the animal's diet. The dog is fed four times a day, if the litter consists of three or four puppies, its pre-pregnant daily food intake is doubled, if there are more than eight puppies, it is tripled. |
| Fourth to sixth weeks of feeding | At this stage, complementary foods are introduced to the puppies, respectively, the number of feedings of the mother is reduced to three per day. The nutrition remains the same, only the portion sizes are reduced. When the bitch stops feeding the last puppy, she is given a deload time. On the first day of weaning, the dog is given a limited amount of liquid and about a quarter of the usual daily food intake. On the second day, the dog receives a third of the usual portion, then half. So she'll get milk. On the fourth day, nutrition returns to the pre-pregnancy rate. |
Vitamin supplements for bitches after childbirth
During pregnancy and lactation, the bitch should receive not only natural products, but also some vitamin and mineral supplements. The fact is that ordinary food contains the amount of nutrients that an adult animal lacks. When a dog nurses a litter, it needs more resources.
Table 2. Postpartum Dog Food Supplements
| Name | brief information |
|---|---|
| The composition includes phosphorus, sulfur, magnesium, potassium, calcium, copper and other substances important for the dog's body. The drug increases the immunity of the animal, removes toxins. |
| Contains vitamins A, E, D3 and F. The drug has an anti-rachitic effect, promotes the exchange of calcium and phosphorus in the body, increases the content of vitamins in the blood, regenerates epithelial tissues, and increases resistance to infections. |
| A vitamin-protein-mineral cocktail that has a beneficial effect on the formation of the skeleton of puppies, and also protects the joints, ligaments and bones of a nursing dog from calcium leaching. Contains selenium, collagen and E vitamins. |
| Contains the necessary amount of calcium and phosphorus necessary for the saturation of milk. It is necessary to administer the drug from the second half of pregnancy, so that the skeleton of the fetus is properly formed, and the bitch does not waste her own reserves of nutrients. |
| A complex of vitamins and polyminerals necessary for every animal. The composition includes minerals, calcium, phosphorus, water-soluble and fatty acids, B-group vitamins, linoleic acid. |
Important point! Before introducing the above-mentioned preparations into the diet of a lactating bitch, it is necessary to visit a veterinarian and discuss with him the need for a particular supplement.
Dry food for a postpartum dog
If a dog has been eating industrial dry food all its life, it does not make sense to transfer it to a natural diet before or after childbirth. Today, pet stores offer holistic and super-premium foods that perfectly cover all the needs of the bitch after childbirth.
In the second half of pregnancy, the bitch should be gradually transferred to food from the “For pregnant and lactating” line, if the desired brand does not produce this type of food, the dog is given dry food for the youngest puppies (usually the line is called “Starter”). Such feeds have an optimal protein content (24-27%), and an increased content of vitamins, minerals and micro-macroelements.
Important point! In order for a dog to digest and assimilate any of the dry industrial feeds offered to it, a large amount of moisture is required, so it is better for a bitch who has given birth to feed previously soaked in cool boiled water. This method of feeding is used in the first two to three weeks after childbirth (you can replace dry food with wet food from the same line).
Despite the fact that dry food covers the needs of both females and puppies, it is better to play it safe and add fermented milk products (cottage cheese, kefir), as well as supplements with vitamins and minerals, to the diet of a nursing dog. This should be done in consultation with your veterinarian.
Lines of dry food suitable for dogs after childbirth
Even if the animal was fed budget food before pregnancy, as soon as the owner finds out about the replenishment, he should smoothly transfer the dog to a higher quality brand. Dozens of dry foods of the "super-premium" and "holistic" classes are presented on the Russian pet market. Here are some options that work well for pregnant and postpartum dogs:
- "Royal Canin Starter" for mother and puppies (variations "Mini", "Medium", "Maxi" and "Giant" depending on the breed).
- "Hills Pappy" for all breeds.
- "Pro Plan Performance" (variations "Small" or "Large" depending on the breed).
- "Grandorf Pappy" for all breeds.
- Monge Mini Starter.
- "Farmina" for pregnant and lactating females, puppies.
- "Akana Puppy & Junior" for all breeds.
Improper nutrition is a threat to dogs and puppies
Against the background of poor malnutrition, a lactating bitch may develop a disease leading to death - eclampsia. Also, improper nutrition is fraught with digestive disorders in a dog (diarrhea or constipation), lethargy, loss of milk, and rejection of puppies. Also, an incorrectly selected diet can provoke skin diseases in a dog, up to baldness.
The female who gave birth already has reduced immunity, and if the owner does not support the pet in such a difficult time, the dog can become seriously ill. The bad health of the bitch is steadily reflected in the puppies, and in the worst case, both the mother dog and the entire litter may die.
If it is the first time an owner encounters pregnancy and puerperium in a dog, he should consult with a veterinarian or an experienced breeder. Experts will tell you what to look for.
Important point! A healthy lactating dog, receiving all the substances it needs with food, behaves calmly, there is no exhaustion and a strong deterioration in the coat, the dog’s appetite and stool are normal.
The behavior of the puppies is also an indicator of the health of the nursing mother and the quality of her milk. After the meal, the kids should fall asleep calmly, do not squeak or fuss. The owner must weigh each puppy daily: if the entire litter is regularly gaining weight, developing correctly, then we can say that the feeding ration is suitable for both the lactating bitch and her puppies.
Nutrition for eclampsia in a dog who has given birth
Postpartum toxicosis in dogs, accompanied by eclampsia, is a deadly condition. Typically, the risk group includes small dogs: toy terriers, Yorkshire terriers, Spitz. The disease is associated with a sharp lack of calcium in the body.
Symptoms of eclampsia:
- the dog is tormented by tremor, convulsive manifestations;
- the coordination of the animal is disturbed, the gaze is deconcentrated;
- the pulse quickens, breathing becomes intermittent;
- the dog cannot be in the light, tries to hide in a secluded place;
- the animal whines for no reason, worries;
- lack of appetite, refusal of water;
- bitch ignores puppies.
The owner of a dog that has developed eclampsia must act quickly: five drops of valocordin are poured into the animal's mouth, then a 10 percent solution of calcium gluconate is forcibly drunk (2 milliliters per kilogram of mass). Also, calcium can be administered intravenously or subcutaneously - for this it is better to contact a veterinary clinic.
If a dog has a tendency to eclampsia, fish and meat, including broths, are completely removed from her diet ten days before giving birth. After giving birth, the animal must necessarily take food and water; if it refuses, the bitch is fed and watered by force. After consulting with the veterinarian in advance, two weeks before delivery, you need to start giving the dog a good calcium preparation.
Summarizing
Like all mammals, dogs have a very strong connection between the diet of a nursing mother and the well-being of puppies. Therefore, the owner, who is interested in maintaining the health of his pet and helping her feed and raise healthy puppies, should emphasize a balanced diet. During this period, you do not need to be stingy when choosing products or food for the dog - he must receive all the right substances in the right amount, which cannot be achieved by saving on good healthy food.
Video - Caring for a pregnant and lactating dog
Proper feeding in the postpartum period is important for both the bitch and the cubs: it is more likely restores the dog's body, has a good effect on lactation and milk quality, and on the health of puppies.
And in the case when the attitude to the nutrition of "mommy" is inattentive, she may develop lack of calcium, which will lead to eclampsia. How and what to feed the dog after childbirth, we will consider in detail.
Contractions are a process that affects all body systems, and it should be alleviated as much as possible. A a full stomach makes contractions more difficult. And the reasons for this are as follows:
- the dog's body temperature drops, which leads to a slowdown in metabolism and a suspension of digestion (therefore, females at this time refuse to eat themselves);
- the first born puppy is the largest, and moving through the birth canal is more difficult if the intestines of the "mommy" are full;
- contractions for a well-fed dog are harder than for a hungry one, and last longer;
- if a bitch gives birth on a full stomach, she may vomit or have an involuntary bowel movement, both of which are stressful for her.
Should I feed my dog immediately after giving birth?
The answer to the question depends on whether the bitch ate the afterbirth (placenta) or not. The afterbirth contains vitamins, hormones, iron, oxygen and proteins that are useful to the dog. This together helps her recover. Besides it is natural for the bitch to eat the afterbirth, hiding the smell of blood and protecting the puppies.
For domestic dogs, this is not necessary, but the instinct remains. And so the correct feeding of the dog after childbirth will be as follows:
- if the "mommy" ate the placenta, and they are very nutritious, it is no longer necessary to feed her - within 5 or 6 hours she will not feel hunger;
- if the placenta was not eaten, then it is necessary to offer a sweet drink, the same tea with a spoonful of sugar, and you can feed in an hour or two.
Attention! You can not allow the dog to eat more than 2 or 3 placenta, otherwise she will develop diarrhea.
What to give in the first feedings if diarrhea appears?
If the bitch still ate a lot of afterbirth, and the stomach was upset, to alleviate the condition, it is necessary to feed only rice porridge. It should be prepared like this:
- rice is soaked in advance at least overnight;
- then poured with cold water;
- no spices or salt can be added;
- cooked until very swollen.
It is not worth making porridge with milk, because dogs do not digest it well, and diarrhea intensifies.
Important! In no case should you offer a bitch medicine for diarrhea: they will get into the milk and harm the health of the puppies.
The amount of food needed in the first 4-6 weeks should be increased. This happens gradually.
For example, in the second week after the birth of the cubs, the amount of food is doubled. And in the third week - at three.
In addition, the amount of food depends on the number of puppies born. And there is even a formula how to calculate it according to this indicator. For this you need:
- after the puppies are at least 4 days old, they must all be weighed at once;
- for every kilogram of the total weight of the litter, you need to increase the amount of food for the "mommy" so that the calorie content increases by 250 calories.
Features of feeding lactating dogs
Everything that a bitch eats, one way or another, gets into her milk. And in the first place is not so much the quantity as the quality of milk. And the features of feeding consist of its maintenance. So, for lactating dogs, food is needed that contains:
- a lot of calcium;
- easily digestible proteins;
- carbohydrates;
- fats;
- minerals.
And after consulting with a veterinarian, a suitable vitamin complex is selected for the dog, which supports lactation and restores the health of "mommy".
postpartum diet. After giving birth, it is imperative to feed the bitch with cereals on the water: oatmeal, buckwheat and wheat, and the cereal needs to be very boiled. Dairy products such as cottage cheese, cheese or kefir are needed.
Attention! Until at least 6 days after giving birth, the dog should not be fed raw vegetables, which will cause diarrhea in puppies.
What and how to feed a dog after childbirth depends on the term:
- in the first week: cereals, fish products and cottage cheese;
- in the second week: meat broth, but there should be no bones in the food, pieces of raw meat;
- in the third week: during this period, you can dilute the diet with vegetables and bone meal, mineral mixtures will work well;
- in the fourth to sixth weeks: the amount of food for the dog decreases (puppies will soon be transferred to complementary foods), but the calorie content should not decrease.
The need for vitamins and trace elements. In the postpartum period, the bitch needs a special amount of vitamins in order not only to restore body functions and maintain immunity, but also to transfer microelements necessary for development to puppies through milk.
Required:
- vitamins of group A (they are fat-soluble, give in large doses and often can not);
- vitamins B1, B2, B9, B12 (they are water-soluble and do not accumulate in the body, so you can give often);
- vitamins of group C (water-soluble, but the dose should be moderate);
- vitamins of group D in large quantities (responsible for the production of calcium).
Can you give dry food?
Yes, if it is a food specifically for lactating dogs. Why is it important? Because in such food there is a balanced amount of mineral supplements, trace elements and vitamins, which is necessary for "mommy" and puppies.
If it is a premium or superpremium class feed, then separate vitamin and mineral supplements are not needed. In the case of economy class food, they are necessary. If the mother has an allergy, it is allowed to use
Important! If a lactating bitch eats dry food, then regardless of its class, she needs plenty of fluids and an increased amount of dairy products.
Diet for eclampsia
The disease arises from an acute calcium deficiency in the body. The symptoms are terrible, they develop quickly, they cannot be confused with any other ailment:
- body temperature rises sharply and strongly;
- heart rate increases, shortness of breath begins;
- balance is lost, coordination is lost;
- the dog has a shifty look, she barks for no reason, does not pay attention to the puppies and is worried;
- appetite disappears, the animal does not drink, his pupils are dilated;
- a tremor of the paws begins, which quickly turns into convulsions (the dog remains conscious).
With these symptoms, the bitch should be taken to the doctor immediately, otherwise she will go into a coma, and then she will die. You can't delay.
At risk are:
- dogs of small breeds, and the smaller, the higher the risk;
- malnourished;
- dogs that have thyroid problems.
If the bitch is prone to eclampsia You need to carefully monitor the diet so that the disease does not recur. Feed premium and superpremium class feeds that are specially balanced, because if there is an overabundance of calcium, the animal will become ill again.
What to do if the dog refuses to eat after giving birth?
If the animal does not eat immediately after birth, there are three reasons for this: fatigue, anxiety and afterbirth. What to do?
When childbirth is difficult, the dog can get very tired. In this case, she will not eat. And don't force feed. You can offer to drink and wait an hour or two: when you rest, your appetite will return.
If labor is over but contractions continue, the dog will be restless and unable to feed. This may mean that there is an afterbirth or a puppy inside. In this case, you need to contact a veterinarian who will give the dog the appropriate stimulation.
If a dog after childbirth refuses to eat, but has eaten afterbirth, then she will not feel hunger from 5-6 hours to 3 days (depending on how much she ate). Here you can only wait.
A dangerous symptom is the loss of appetite during feeding. This means that the dog is seriously ill and needs to be taken to the veterinarian urgently so that he can do blood tests and perform an ultrasound. 
The dog does not feed the puppies after childbirth: reasons, what to do?
Veterinarians identify three main reasons for this behavior in a dog:
- There is no maternal instinct, which happens infrequently, but it still happens.
- The bitch is worried (not feeling well or sick).
- Puppies with birth defects or weaknesses (dogs rarely refuse to feed these pups, but it happens).
In the second case, when a dog does not feed puppies after giving birth due to stress or health, it needs to calm down and get better. Then she will again take care of the cubs.
Third option- also artificial feeding. It is possible in two forms:
- the owner can bring a nursing bitch, and if she accepts the puppies, then they come out without any problems;
- the owner will prepare special mixtures for puppies on their own.
The Importance of Visiting the Vet
Puppies in the first weeks after birth are vulnerable. Everything is passed on to them through their mother's milk, and diseases develop much faster in them than in an adult dog. And if you do not provide medical assistance as soon as possible, the outcome will be deplorable.
Hence the importance of the health of the bitch, which also becomes vulnerable after childbirth and during feeding. AND in order not to lose either the “mommy” or the litter, it is better to contact the veterinarian in time.
In conclusion, we can say that, compliance with - these are the most important factors not only to preserve her health, but also for the development and growth of strong, healthy, strong puppies. And let these kids be worthy of the title or
Additionally, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the video about feeding and behavior of the bitch in the first days after childbirth:
