Your dog has just given birth to her puppies. And with that you are in seventh dog heaven.
It doesn’t get much cuter than little puppies anymore. But what about the dog mom? Is she as happy as you?
The following guide tells you how the bitch can behave after giving birth.
How is the bitch behaving after giving birth?
Every dog is an individual So does every bitch. How she behaves after the birth of her puppies depends on several factors as well as her dog’s personality.
Accordingly the behaviors are wide-rangingthat bitches can display.
The emotional spectrum here can range from jubilant to the skies to deathly sad. And can even assume the most incomprehensible forms for us.
The bitch is scared
Straight bitches, theirs first throw have given birth tend to be anxious. After all, everything is still terribly new, the little Wusel are dependent on them.
Maybe a bitch is also wondering what she can possibly do wrong due to sheer ignorance?
One of the typical signs that fear can be behind conspicuous behavior is one Puppies overgroomed.
That means: The little ones are licked and «begudgeled» excessively often.
What you can do?
Try to accompany each approach to the throw with soothing words and gestures. Do you notice that your dog hides the puppies from you, cleans them too often? Then a distraction with positive stimuli can help.
The bitch is aggressive
Behind this behavior is in most cases a natural instinct. The dog – who is otherwise sweet, calm and peaceful – does not take a joke when someone approaches her little ones.
There will growledthere will be bared his teeththere will also be times caught.
If your bitch is «normal» apart from that, i.e. shows no aggression, this behavior is not yet a cause for concern.
What you can do?
Only approach the litter if your bitch by a corresponding signal the OK has given.
There can also be a very serious reason behind the aggression. It may be that your bitch has one uterine inflammation suffers.
This occurs mainly up to 8 weeks after the last heat. Accordingly, pregnant bitches can already be struggling with this disease.
The bitch is stressed
Giving birth is stressful. fact and point. Life after the birth is also no picnic for most dog moms.
After all, it is important to keep the little mice alive, to clean them and to prepare them for life.
Who wouldn’t be stressed about that? Bitches who are this tend to to hide their little ones from humans or you to bring to another place.
A bitch panting is another sign of stress.
What you can do?
Make sure your bitch from the start to a particularly quiet and less frequented place when she can take care of her puppies.
Will my dog’s behavior return to normal?
In general, the behavior of your dog will level off by itself after a while. However, it may also be that they are at a postpartum depression suffers.
This can be done, among other things, by complications at birth to be triggered.
Such trauma usually does not go away quite so easily on its own. This means that your dog needs your support here.
What else is there to consider after the birth of the puppies?
Puppies are cute. puppies are small. Puppies need to grow. And that from day 1 after birth.
You should therefore make sure that the little mice continuously gain weight in the first few days.
If you notice that this is not the case, please take the little worm to the vet immediately.
You should also Only approach and touch little ones if that is okay with the dog mom is.
Because it can happen that she rejects the puppies – and for no other reason than that they smell «wrong».
Good to know:
If a puppy has been «beaten off» a little or even rejected, you can take the little rascal boost with substitute milk.
You can get the appropriate preparations from your veterinarian or from pet food retailers, among others.
How can I support my dog?
The best way to support your dog is if you follow the tips above. If you are unsure, there is always a vet who will help you with words and deeds.
In order to avoid your dog not being able to rest, in all situations try to to keep calm. You can also use it to calm down an upset bitch.
When should I see a vet?
Haven’t aggression and anxiety subsided even after what felt like weeks? Then please have your dog examined by a veterinarian.
In the case of aggression, it can make sense if you a home visit remits
Because bringing aggressive dogs to the hated doctor – and above all separating a mother dog from her babies – is not a good idea.
In fact, not only a uterine infection can hide behind the behavioral problems.
You think your dog is anxious? Then take a closer look. is your bitch restless, she trembles and scratches?
Then a so-called eclampsia hide. This is caused by a calcium deficiency in bitches. And this disease is not to be trifled with!
It is also possible that a bitch suffers from postpartum disorders. For example, is she lethargic, not eating, or feeding her little ones? Then it may be that the mammary glands are inflamed.
We’re talking about one here mastitisan inflammation of the mammary glands. The puppies are particularly at risk here. Because if there is no milk, they cannot drink and so on.
Already knew?
Some female dogs feel that they and their puppies are in danger. You then develop one cannibalistic instinct.
We don’t need to explain what that means any further. What do you have left? To move the surviving puppies to a warm and safe place.
They are only allowed to go back to their mother under supervision. This is the only way to find out whether they will accept you again and whether the danger has been averted.
Conclusion
The Behavior of a bitch after birth can be different. Many bitches are deeply relaxed and have no problems when their humans approach the litter cautiously.
Other bitches are scared and stressed. Still others react with violent aggressiveness.
Especially at this point you should Pay special attention to your dog. Because this can also hide a uterine infection.
Is your dog in pain, can’t be touched? Then please go to the vet!
How did your bitch experience and survive the birth of her little ones? What can you report here that might help other prospective dog parents on two legs?
In our comment box you have enough space to share your thoughts and suggestions with us.