The Dogs Bloggers

Important Tips On Postpardum Care Of Your Gun Dog

Most of us are aware that when our dog has pups they take care of most of the work all by themselves.  For almost all hunting dogs, having the pups and expelling the placenta is a natural process and when followed by sufficient rest your momma dog will be back on her feet and happy and healthy as she ever was.  Most dogs that are healthy have absolutely no problems giving birth. There are some complications that as a responsible pet parent you should be aware of (especially if you are a breeder).

The bitch should go see a veterinarian within one day of whelping as a check-up, and the puppies should probably be looked at, as well. The vet should make sure that the mother is healthy and has had no problems of unborn pups or placenta remaining in the womb. This is very important — these problems can lead to infections and/or death. A shot will usually be administered to help with milk and clear out the uterus.

Carefully watch the bitch for several days after giving birth to make sure that there is no high fever, lack of appetite, or diarrhea, as these are signs of bacterial infection. Without antibiotics, she can die or develop serious problems. And since puppies should never be away from the mother dog, they should also have the benefit of vet care. The vet will check temperature and examine them to make sure that everything appears normal. If anything seems unusual, you should take her to the vet immediately, especially during the first week after whelping.

Watch mother carefully for the first few days to be sure nothing unusual is happening.  If she is to get sick after whelping, it will be during the first week after the puppies have come.

You should stay proactive in the need to care for the well-being of the dog and her puppies by keeping the bedding area clean. Replace the bedding daily and clean up messes as soon as they happen. Use gentle cleaners and don’t use abrasive cleaners, like bleach, too often because it can irritate the eyes and noses of the newborn pups.

You should also watch out for eclampsia in the mother dog, which is a condition in which the body cannot produce the calcium needed for lactation. She will need to see the vet right away. Symptoms can include pain and discomfort, fever, sttiffness, and seizures. Also known as milk fever, this condition can happen around week three of lactating and can cause a serious threat. However, if you catch it early enough, you can add supplements to her food to make up for the lack of calcium.

Your dog may develop an infection of her mammary glands which can be common and you should be aware of.  This is especially true as your mom pup nurses her babies and they start cutting teeth.  Mastasis can also happen shortly after birth and is distinguished by purplish spots on the teats accompanied by a fever.  This is relatively easy to treat with a topical cream.

Agalactia is another problem in which bitches will produce too little milk (or none at all).  A vet, on the first examination, can usually tell if this is a problem and will take measures immediately.

Most of the time, whelping is a natural, nearly worry-free process that will require little on your part to go well.  Most bitches that are healthy will have pups without a problem and will be fine mothers.

Taking care of your hunting dog requires purchasing many hunting dog supplies. Some of them include first aid supplies as well as training supplies. Make sure you do your research when purchasing anything for your dog including shock collars.

I have a 16 year old dog having a problem holding urine?

The dog is approx 16 years old. He is a chow – terrier mix. I know incontinence can be a result of old age. Is there any inexpensive over the counter or home remedies to help. I just spent over $ 1,000 on a Yorkie and 2 puppies with complications during and after birth so I can’t afford a lot of money for the vet for such an old dog.
It seems many dog diapers are for female dogs. Is there a male version? How hard is it to train the dog to keep it on? I
just for the record, i take all our dogs to the vet regularly. The old dog is going blind, deaf, has arthritis, and has been on and off medications for the past few years. I also have 3 children, 2 recently w/ braces and another special needs child that goes to a special school so I simply just don’t have a lot of money.

Okay, firstly, you have to decide whether the dog is still happy. When the urination stage comes on, the dog can get very unhappy. It is sometimes time to put the dogs happiness over your own wishes for him to still be here.

Firstly, I want to warn you that once the urination stage comes on, the control of excrement goes next, and then there is not much time. My old dog started urinating herself October last year. She was dead by November 24th. It was a natural death, she was 15 and very old and decrepit. Start treating your dog with as much love as you can give him, make him feel safe as now he will begin to get very frail and he knows it. He needs to know he is safe with you.

I think training diapers are for both sexes, so that might be a good idea. Get one that can hold faeces, as that too is about to follow (from personal experience anyway).

For the love of god, please do not lock him in a room. I had a friend with an elderly dog that locked iher in a room when she got old. THey fed her twice a day by pushing a bowl through the crack in the door when they opened it. She died alone and scared – I do not wish that on any dog.

I hope you and your dog have a very happy existance together; sorry to be the bringer of bad news.

~LordB~

Khira Rottweiler Giving Birth – 1st puppy