Female Dog Mothering New Puppy: A Guide to Preparation and Care

As a new puppy arrives, a female dog's maternal instincts kick in, and she becomes a devoted mother. Female dogs typically give birth to 1-12 puppies, with an average litter size of 5-6.

Female dogs often start preparing a safe and comfortable space for their puppies by digging and nesting. This behavior is a natural instinct to create a cozy environment for their newborns.

A female dog's milk production increases significantly after giving birth, with an average increase of 20-30% in the first week. This is essential for feeding their growing puppies.

Female dogs are known to be fiercely protective of their puppies, and their maternal instincts can be intense. They will often keep their puppies close, nursing and caring for them around the clock.

Take a look at this: Why Does My Male Dog Lick My Female Dog's Pee

The first example of human-animal bonding was the interaction with canids, which led to the domestication of dogs. This process is believed to have occurred around 5400 to 16,300 years ago.

Despite thousands of years of selective breeding, dogs still exhibit similar basic maternal behavior. Nest building is a common trait observed in both domestic bitches and all canid species.

Studies have shown that breeds like the beagle, cocker spaniel, and German shepherd dog have been used to study maternal behavior. Researchers have observed that these breeds, along with others like Labrador and golden retriever, demonstrate integrated elements of maternal behavior such as nest-building and nursing.

One of the first studies on the interaction between the bitch and her puppies was performed by Scott in 1958 during weaning. This research laid the foundation for later studies on the genetics and social behavior of dogs.

Discover more: New Breeds of Dogs

Maternal interaction with pups commences with preparation for whelping and includes the series of events resulting in the birth, survival and development of a social and healthy dog.

During the first days postpartum, close contact with the dam helps to keep the puppies warm, since they are unable to regulate their own body temperature. This is crucial for their development, especially in the neonatal period which lasts from birth to 12 days postnatally.

Discover more: Female Dog after Giving Birth

A dog who has just become a new mother will often intensely focus on her puppies, licking them almost constantly, which is normal and helps to create a bond between the mother and puppies. This behavior also serves to help stimulate the puppies' digestive systems and encourage them to go to the bathroom.

As a dog owner, you'll want to be aware of the signs that indicate your bitch is preparing for parturition. One to two days beforehand, she'll start showing distinct signs, such as restlessness and reduced appetite, 12 to 24 hours before whelping.

Domestic dogs may exhibit instincts similar to those of wild canids, like digging and nesting behaviour, but these behaviours depend on individual, environmental factors, and levels of human contact. In a questionnaire-based evaluation, owners described changes in behaviour in approximately 50% of the bitches, including lack of attention, drowsiness, aggression, anxiety, and changes in appetite.

Broaden your view: Female Dog Whelping Signs

The sharp decline in blood progesterone during the 24-hour pre-partum period is thought to contribute to these prewhelping behaviours. In wild canids, isolation is common, but domestic dogs may either seek seclusion or search excessively for human attention.

Some bitches will shred paper, blankets, and bedding in an attempt to build a nest, which is associated with shivering, perhaps as a means to increase body temperature. In 71% of primiparous and 80% of multiparous bitches, an attempt to build a nest was observed by the owner.

Maternal behaviour in dogs is a complex and essential aspect of their development. Maternal interaction with pups commences with preparation for whelping and includes the series of events resulting in the birth, survival, and development of a social and healthy dog.

The neonatal period, which lasts from birth to 12 days postnatally, is a critical time for maternal interaction. During this period, the bitch spends time with the puppies, engages in oro-nasal interactions such as anogenital licking, and nurses them.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Female Dog Private Area Swollen during Period

Oro-nasal interactions, like anogenital licking, are essential for stimulating urination and defecation in puppies. These interactions occur shortly after birth and continue for the first three weeks of life.

Maternal behaviour during the neonatal period is defined as the amount of time the bitch spends with the puppies, the extent of oro-nasal interaction, and time spent nursing. The neonatal period is followed by a transition period, which lasts from 15 to 21 days postpartum, during which the puppies begin to develop their senses and become more independent.

In the first days postpartum, close contact with the dam helps keep the puppies warm, as they are unable to regulate their own body temperature. This close contact is essential for the puppies' survival and development.

The first weeks of a pup's life are characterized by high-frequency interactions with the dam, which then progressively decline over time. In free-roaming dogs and some wild canids, maternal care starts to be replaced by pack care around 3 to 4 weeks postpartum.

Expand your knowledge: When Can a Female Dog Get Pregnant during Heat

Some mother dogs can be anxious about their puppies' exposure, and may try to hide them or carry them around the house.

If your mother dog is anxious, try to provide a secluded and sheltered spot for her and the puppies, such as a blanket-covered box or an enclosed crate.

Stress can affect her milk supply, so it's essential to compromise and find a solution that works for both her and the puppies.

Mastitis is an infection of the mammary glands, and "milk fever" or eclampsia is due to a depletion of calcium in the mother's blood, not an infection.

Eclampsia typically occurs when the puppies are three to five weeks old and the mother is producing the most milk, indicating that she can't mobilize sufficient stored calcium to meet her needs.

Additional reading: Shih Tzu Skin Yeast Infection

Mother dogs may bite their puppies, especially during the weaning process, which usually occurs around 2-3 months of age.

This biting is a behavioural issue, not a sign of the mother dog having trouble bonding with her pups or one of the pups being ill.

The puppies' sharp teeth can be highly agitating and uncomfortable for the mother dog, leading to biting.

As the pups get older, their mother will gradually decrease the time she spends looking after them, and may become more irritable with them.

The mother dog may become more aggressive with her pups as time goes on, but this is a natural part of their development and helps establish boundaries.

The mother dog may also mimic biting or gently correct her puppies if they show signs of aggression towards their siblings or if they're pushing limits.

This gentle correction is all part of the healthy progression of socialisation and teaching the puppies when it's appropriate to use their mouths for communication purposes.

The mother dog's biting will help the puppies learn what is and isn't acceptable to chew on, which will benefit them and their future owners.

Check this out: Female Dog Biting Tail

If the mother refuses to stay with her puppies, it's not uncommon for pets that are closely attached to their owners. Young puppies can't maintain their own body temperature for a week or two after birth.

Relocating mother and puppies so she can be nearer to you might help. Keep the puppies warm, as they need an external source of heat if the mother leaves them alone.

The environmental temperature where the puppies are kept should be around 85°F-90°F (29.5°C-32°C) for the first four days of life. A heat lamp over the whelping box is usually enough to heat the area.

The larger the litter, the lower the environmental temperature needs to be, since the puppies will huddle together and keep each other warm. The room temperature isn't critical as long as the puppies stay close to their mother.

The puppies' behavior and condition indicate whether they're comfortable and healthy. If they're warm and content, they'll be quiet and gaining weight; otherwise, they'll be restless and crying.

Intriguing read: How Long Does a Female Dog Bleed When in Heat

Check the vulva for excessive discharge, which is usually greenish-black in color, especially within the first 24 hours after whelping.

A normal vaginal discharge should decrease significantly after 48 hours, so if it persists, contact your veterinarian.

Her teats and nipples should be free from swelling, redness, heat, hardness, and tenderness, with milk that's whitish in color, not bloody or yellowish.

If you notice anything abnormal, such as pus or a foul odor, call your veterinarian for advice.

See what others are reading: Female Dog Urine Color Chart

Table 1 highlights the various methods used to observe maternal behavior in dogs.

In a study by Bray et al. (2017a), video recordings were taken in a guide dogs kennel with 21 bitches. They recorded 3 days a week, with two 10-minute sessions in the morning and two in the afternoon, during the first 3 weeks postpartum.

Video recordings were also used in studies by Czerwinski et al. (2017) and Foyer et al. (2016), where they recorded over 96 hours and 24 hours respectively on post-natal days 3, 6, 9, and 12.

Here's an interesting read: Video Game Dog Names Female

The type and time of observation varied across studies, with Guardini et al. (2015 and 2017) recording every day for 15 minutes in the morning, starting when the mother returned to the whelping box after her first morning urination and/or defaecation.

Here is a summary of the methods used to observe maternal behavior in the studies mentioned in Table 1:

By observing maternal behavior in various settings, researchers can gain a better understanding of the factors that influence maternal behavior and the impact of maternal care on puppy development.

Puppies spend almost 90% of their first two weeks sleeping.

Newborn puppies are attracted to the mammary gland by olfactory cues, which facilitates milk intake. This is a crucial behavior for their survival.

At birth, a bitch appears to be insensitive to the crying of the puppy, but only begins to respond after all puppies are born. This is a critical period for the puppies' development.

By the first week after whelping, bitches are more attentive to the crying of a younger foster puppy than to their own older puppies. This highlights the importance of social interaction for puppies.

Puppies will crawl close to each other and the dam to maintain optimal body temperature. This behavior is essential for their thermoregulation.

Newborn puppies instinctively detect the teat and suckle as soon as possible after birth. This is a vital behavior for their nutrition and growth.

By day 21, puppies can stand up for the first time and actively seek out the bitch or the teat. This marks a significant milestone in their development.

Puppies will cry when experiencing any state of discomfort, and the awareness and response of the bitch to their crying change during the peripartum period.

Suggestion: Female Dog in Heat Behavior Crying

As a new puppy joins the family, it's essential to ensure the mother's health and nutrition are prioritized to support her and her growing pup.

Related reading: Dog Names Female Start with S

The mother dog's diet should be rich in protein to support milk production and fetal development. A nutrient-dense food can help her meet the puppy's nutritional needs.

During lactation, a mother dog's calorie needs increase by about 50% to support milk production, so be sure to feed her more frequently and in larger amounts.

Additional reading: My Female Dog Is Producing Milk but Isn't Pregnant

Checking on your puppies regularly is crucial, especially with a first-time mother. It's recommended to check them every few hours to make sure they are all suckling, warm, and content.

Any puppies that are off by themselves, crying, or appear cold should be placed on the teats between the hind legs, as they give the most milk. This is where the mother's milk supply is usually most abundant.

A contented litter of plump puppies is the best indication that the mother is producing adequate milk. If they appear restless and don't have fat tummies, they may benefit from supplemental feeding.

Before feeding supplementary food, make sure it's at the correct temperature. Drop some of the warmed fluid on your arm to check – it should feel about the same as your normal body temperature.

Your veterinarian can supply the necessary food and feeders, and will advise you on supplemental feeding for your specific situation. They'll also provide detailed instructions on preparation and feeding amounts.

Regular weighing is crucial for monitoring your puppy's condition and progress. Weighing your puppies regularly allows you to catch any potential health issues early on.

Use an electronic kitchen scale or a postal scale to get accurate weights. You can weigh your puppies at the same time every day or week to track their growth.

Puppies that fail to gain weight or begin to lose weight should be examined by your veterinarian as soon as possible. This is a sign that something might be wrong, and it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Remember, regular weighing is an essential part of your puppy's health and nutrition routine. It's a simple step that can make a big difference in their overall well-being.

Related reading: Sudden Weight Gain in Female Dog

It's crucial to have your dog and her puppies examined by a veterinarian within 48 hours of birth. This check-up ensures the mother is producing sufficient milk and there are no signs of infection.

The veterinarian will also inspect the puppies for any birth defects, such as cleft palates. This is especially important to identify any potential health issues early on.

In the wild, a mother dog's natural instinct is to protect her puppies from predators, which can sometimes lead to her killing a puppy that appears weak or sickly. This behavior is considered normal and doesn't mean she's a bad parent.

The veterinarian will administer any necessary medications or injections during this visit, giving your dog and her puppies the best possible start in life.

Discover more: Does Getting a Female Dog Spayed Calm Her down

As a female dog mother, her environment plays a significant role in how she takes care of her new puppy.

The temperature of the environment is crucial, as it can affect the puppy's health and the mother's milk production. A temperature range of 68-72°F (20-22°C) is ideal for the puppy's growth and development.

The mother dog's stress levels can be affected by the environment, which in turn impacts her ability to care for the puppy. For example, loud noises or changes in routine can cause her stress.

The mother dog's nutritional needs are also influenced by the environment, as she requires a balanced diet to produce high-quality milk for the puppy. A diet rich in protein and fat is essential for her milk production.

The mother dog's ability to care for the puppy is also affected by the presence of other pets or animals in the environment. If there are other pets in the house, it's essential to ensure they are well-behaved and won't disturb the mother dog or the puppy.

A clean and comfortable environment is also vital for the mother dog and the puppy's health and well-being. This includes providing a warm and cozy place for the puppy to sleep and a clean area for the mother dog to feed and care for the puppy.

Related reading: How to Care for Female Dog after Spay

Puppies spend almost 90% of their time in the first two weeks sleeping. They also crawl close to each other and the dam to maintain optimal body temperature.

Newborn puppies have a strong tendency to locate warm places and instinctively detect the teat and suckle as soon as possible after birth. Puppies' activities in the first two weeks consist of sleeping, heat-seeking and nursing, and the direction of the interaction is almost always from the mother to the puppies.

By day 21, puppies can stand up for the first time and actively seek out the bitch or the teat. Close contact with the dam helps to keep the puppies warm, since they are unable to regulate their own body temperature.

For more insights, see: Why Is My Female Dog Sleeping More than Usual

Puppies spend almost 90% of the first two weeks sleeping, so it's no wonder they're always snuggled up with their mom! Newborns have a strong tendency to locate warm places and instinctively detect the teat and suckle as soon as possible after birth.

During the first two weeks, puppies' activities consist of sleeping, heat-seeking, and nursing, with the direction of interaction almost always from the mother to the puppies. The mother's warmth is essential for the puppies' survival, as they're unable to regulate their own body temperature.

Puppies will crawl close to each other and the dam to maintain optimal body temperature, assumedly to stay warm. This close contact also helps the puppies detect the mammary gland by olfactory cues, which facilitates milk intake.

By day 21, puppies can stand up for the first time and actively seek out the teat or the mother. At this point, the pattern of nursing becomes more variable, and the puppies start to explore their surroundings.

A normal puppy should cry when experiencing any state of discomfort, and the mother's response to the crying changes during the peripartum period. Initially, the mother appears to be insensitive to the crying of the puppy, but begins to respond after all puppies are born.

Whining and yelping decrease with age, as well as the mother's response to the puppies' demands. During the first week after whelping, mothers are more attentive to the crying of a younger foster puppy than to their own older puppies.

See what others are reading: Do Female Dog Nipples Get Bigger during Heat

Maternal interaction with pups commences with preparation for whelping and includes the series of events resulting in the birth, survival, and development of a social and healthy dog. Generally, researchers have concentrated on interactions that are easiest to measure.

Oro-nasal interactions, such as anogenital licking, are observed shortly after birth and are essential during the first three weeks of life to stimulate urination and defecation in puppies.

Exercise is among the crucial aspects to consider, alongside training, feeding, and grooming. Puppies need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.

The amount of exercise your puppy requires depends on its age and breed. For example, high-energy breeds like Labradors need more exercise than low-energy breeds like Bulldogs.

Puppies need at least 15-30 minutes of exercise per day, but this can vary depending on their age and energy level. As a general rule, puppies under 6 months old should have shorter exercise sessions, while older puppies can handle longer sessions.

As you ponder the amount of exercise your puppy needs, remember that over-exercising can be just as bad as under-exercising. You should also consider your puppy's individual needs and energy levels when deciding on an exercise routine.

Consider reading: How to Tell the Age of a Female Dog