How Do You Know If The Female Dog Is Producing Enough Milk For The Puppies?

Question

How Do You Know If The Female Dog Is Producing Enough Milk For The Puppies?

3 Answers

Answer Question

Answer 1

Check each nipple by squeezing gently to determine if all are producing milk. Monitor the puppies as they nurse--do they nurse their fill then seem content and move on? Do the puppies move from nipple to nipple acting hungry? Weigh the puppies weekly to monitor weight gain. If the puppies seem hungry after nursing they may need caloric supplementation. Large litters may need extra nutritional support. Seek veterinary attention if the puppies seem underweight or malnourished; they can assess general health and instruct you on appropriate supplemental nutrition.

Answer 2

My dog was producing milk at first but now she is not producing enough because the puppies still seem hungry and they keep moving from nipple to nipple. What can I do to help her produce milk.

Answer 3

They produce colostrum in the beginning, which is where the pups get the bulk of their antibodies and the actual milk doesn't come in for three or four days after whelp. They should be examined by the vet about 24 hours after whelp to check for complication such as rupture, hemorrhage, prolapse, anything that may cause infection like retained placenta or decaying pups and they may benefit from an injection to help them clean out faster (also to try and prevent infection). The vet will usually go over some of the more common problems and danger signs for this part of having pups at that time. If you haven't done that yet, you should and they can/will also take a look at colostrum/milk production.
Young pups eat, get stimulated and sleep. Are your pups fussy? If things are going as they should they will be very quiet (other than nursing noises or mom stop messing with me noises, pretty much). If they aren't it means there is something wrong usually (if something is wrong with the Dam the pups will usually become ill and may die and it happens very quickly). They fuss because they aren't getting enough to eat, are ill and in pain, temp. Isn't right so aren't digesting right and tons of other reasons. Also look for pups that may be actually lethargic as that wouldn't be good either (fading) and any other signs of illness. If ever in doubt or there is a question you should call your vet or your mentor if you have one. You can lose everyone in the blink of an eye if a problem isn't addressed pretty much immediately so better safe than sorry and not really time to wait and see. Good luck.
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