Postpartum Care: What to Expect for Mom

Congratulations! You’ve just welcomed a beautiful new litter of puppies into the world. This is an exciting time for everyone involved, and it’s also a crucial time for both the mother and her newborns.

It’s easy to get wrapped up in caring for the newborns, but what about Mom? In this blog post, we’ll review what normal signs to expect after your dog gives birth, as well as some concerning abnormal signs that warrant a check with your veterinarian.

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Normal vs. Abnormal Postpartum Signs

• Vaginal Discharge (aka Lochia):
  • Normal: It is normal for the mother dog to have a reddish-brown vaginal discharge for up to 3-4 weeks after giving birth. The discharge should gradually decrease in volume and get lighter in color over time. Check her vulva daily for any abnormalities. 
  • Not Normal: A sudden increase in discharge, large blood clots, green discharge, or discharge that has a bad odor may indicate an infection, stuck puppy, or retained placenta and requires immediate veterinary attention.

• Appetite Changes:
  • Normal: The mother dog may have a decreased appetite immediately after giving birth. This should resolve within a day or two. Lactation significantly increases her energy and hydration needs. Ensure she has access to fresh water and a high-quality diet formulated for lactating or nursing dogs.
  • Not Normal: A complete refusal to eat or drink for more than 24 hours, vomiting, or severe weight loss may signal a serious health issue and warrants veterinary care.

• Nursing and Maternal Behavior:
  • Normal: The mother dog may spend a significant amount of time nursing her puppies, cleaning them, and staying close to them. Protective behavior, such as being cautious around strangers or other pets, can be normal.
  • Not Normal: If the mother dog completely ignores her puppies, or, on the other hand, becomes overly aggressive even toward familiar people or pets, she may be experiencing postpartum complications such as low calcium and should be evaluated by a vet.
    

• Mild Swelling of Mammary Glands:
  • Normal: Her mammary glands will enlarge as they fill with milk. Mild discomfort is normal. Check her mammary glands daily for any abnormalities. 
  • Not Normal: Hard, lumpy glands, severe redness, discoloration of the mammary glands, or the presence of pus or blood in the milk are signs of mastitis and require immediate veterinary care.

• Mild Uterine Contractions:
  
  • Normal: The mother dog may experience mild uterine contractions for a few days after giving birth. These help her uterus return to its normal size. She may be panting more than usual or seem slightly restless.
    
  • Not Normal: Severe abdominal pain, excessive straining, or a failure to pass placentas could indicate complications such as uterine rupture or retained placenta and requires immediate veterinary attention.
    

• Weight Loss:
  
  • Normal: It is normal for the mother dog to appear slimmer after giving birth as her body recovers from pregnancy and labor. Monitor her weight to ensure she is consuming adequate food to meet her body’s needs.
    
  • Not Normal: Rapid, unexplained weight loss, extreme lethargy, or signs of malnutrition should be evaluated by a vet. Mothers with very large litters are at higher risk.

• Restlessness and Nesting:
  
  • Normal: Some restlessness and nesting behavior is typical as she adjusts to her new role. Providing a calm and quiet environment can help her feel secure. Minimize noise and foot traffic. 
    
  • Not Normal: Persistent pacing, inability to settle, or frantic behavior could indicate pain, stress, or a medical issue that requires veterinary evaluation.

When to Contact Your Veterinarian

Monitor the mother dog closely and seek veterinary care if you notice any of the following:

• Excessive vaginal discharge, especially foul-smelling discharge
• Persistent lethargy or weakness
• Refusal to eat or drink for more than 24 hours
• Signs of mastitis (swollen, hot, or painful mammary glands)
• Fever (temperature over 102.5°F or 39.2°C)
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Severe agitation, aggression, or seizures

By providing attentive care and monitoring for any concerning signs, you can ensure the mother dog’s recovery is smooth and healthy. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinary team with any questions or concerns about her postpartum care.