What To Look For After Dog Has Puppies

A new litter of puppies is a time of both excitement and responsibility. While the puppies may look all healthy and happy, it is important to know what to look for after the puppies were recently introduced to the world. Knowing the signs of potential health issues can help ensure a happy and healthy litter of puppies.

In order to keep an eye on the puppies’ health, it is important to monitor their activity levels, diet, weight gain, and behavior. Additionally, it is important to be aware of any potential diseases or infections that can affect the litter. Here is what to look for when your dog has puppies.

Health Checkup

One of the first things you should do after your dog has given birth to a litter of puppies is to have them checked out by a veterinarian. This not only helps ensure that the puppies are healthy, but it also helps identify any potential issues that may arise in the future. During the checkup, your vet will perform a physical examination of each puppy and make sure they are receiving the proper nutritional needs.

Activity Levels

Once the puppies have been examined, the next step is to monitor their activity levels. Puppies should be active and playful, and should show no signs of lethargy or listlessness. If a puppy appears to be sluggish or uninterested in play, this could indicate an underlying health issue and should be looked into further.

Diet

The puppies should also be given a balanced diet that is appropriate for their age. It is important to talk to your vet about the best type of food for the puppies and make sure they are getting enough nutrition. A puppy should also be given plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Behavior

It is also important to observe the puppies’ behavior. Puppies should be curious and alert and should be interacting with their litter mates and their mother. It is normal for puppies to cry, but if you notice that a puppy is excessively vocal or unresponsive, this could indicate an issue and should be looked into further.

Weight Gain

Monitoring your puppies’ weight is also important. Puppies should gain around 1-2 pounds per week for the first few weeks of life. If you notice that your puppies are not gaining weight, this could indicate an issue and should be discussed with your vet.

Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases can also pose a threat to puppies and should be monitored for. Some of the more common infectious diseases include parvovirus, distemper, and canine hepatitis. It is important to make sure that your puppies have received all of their vaccinations to protect them from these potentially fatal diseases.

Conclusion

While having a litter of puppies can be a joyous occasion, it is important to remember that there are potential risks and concerns that come along with it. By keeping a close eye on the puppies’ health, activity levels, diet, and behavior, you can ensure that they stay happy and healthy.