Like humans and other animals, when a female dog is pregnant, her mammary glands begin to swell and her nipples become tender. These are signs that you are getting ready to breastfeed or make milk. Small drops of milk also herald labor (giving birth) itself. The milk you produce will be the only food source your puppies will receive during their first four to five weeks of life. This can be very taxing on your dog’s body and health.

Lactating dogs should be given extra care and assistance so that they can better cope with raising their newborn puppies until they reach the weaning stage. They need to receive additional nutrition so that she can maintain her health while providing enough milk for her puppies. Extra care and nutrition should also help them overcome the anxiety that nursing dogs often feel.

Lactating dogs are often anxious about feeding their puppies and about the people who come close to their puppies. They will usually only trust people they have known for years or the people who were with them during labor. Too much anxiety can be bad for a nursing dog, so it’s best to keep him as comfortable and happy as possible. This could mean limiting her and her pups’ contact with the outside world for a couple of weeks.

Once a dog has given birth and the puppies have been cleaned, they must be brought to their mother’s nipples for feeding. You can help lactating dogs increase and maintain a consistent milk supply by ensuring this immediate feeding and ensuring that they suck on as many nipples as possible. This immediate feeding will help the dog’s mammary gland produce more milk as there is a demand.

After this initial feeding (and after each nursing session), check your dog’s nipples for redness. Make sure none of the nipples look sore or have small cuts or wounds. If any of your nipples become infected, the mammary gland can become inflamed, causing pain and a reduction in milk production. If this happens, many dog ​​owners rub some petroleum jelly on their nipples. However, it is recommended that you call your vet and make an appointment. Your vet should be able to help assess the situation and determine what is the best thing to do for your nursing dog.

Make sure that lactating dogs also get exercise and are not lying down all day between nursing sessions with their puppies. When the puppies aren’t feeding, take your dog along and make sure he gets some exercise, even if it’s just a quick walk outside. Get him to walk often. You can also try to see if he plays with some of the puppies.

Finally, make sure lactating dogs eat correctly throughout lactation. Most veterinarians recommend that pet owners give lactating dogs smaller meals, but with a more frequent feeding schedule. All of which should represent up to three times the amount of food you normally eat. Make sure to monitor their food intake, especially during the third week when puppies may start to try solid food.

You should also have a bowl of fresh water by your side at all times. Dehydration can reduce milk production, which is not good for nursing dogs. In general, meals made up of at least 30% protein (the more the better) can help maintain your pet’s health. Many pet owners and veterinarians recommend the raw dog food diet when a female dog is nursing because this diet is high in protein and gives your dog many of the necessary nutrients.