Responsible breeders understand that both mother and puppies need special care before and after the litter is born. The breeder must be available to support the mother dog in terms of physical and emotional needs. Depending on breed, size and other factors, the level of support will vary, but every new mom deserves help while caring for her newborns.
Healthy Mothers
A veterinarian may recommend dietary changes and supplements during pregnancy and nursing, and the breeder must ensure that the instructions are followed closely. The goal in having a litter is to produce the soundest pups, and caring for the mom is the cornerstone to keeping all the puppies healthy. According to the ASPCA's guidelines, a reputable breeder "breeds and rears dogs or cats in their home, as they are considered part of the family." Keeping the mom and puppies in your home allows you to monitor them throughout critical periods.
A mother dog will need you to give her a break to eat and to go outside for potty.
New Babies!
During the first three days, check mom and the puppies often throughout the day and night. While in the whelping box, mother will nestle with puppies to keep them warm and clean. She will feed the pups and lick them to encourage elimination. You must check to see that the mom is nourished and rested, and to see that each puppy is eating and eliminating, and is sleeping with regular breathing patterns. The mom can lose track of puppies, especially with large litters, and you can help her ensure that each pup gets food and attention. During the first week, the puppies are vulnerable, and they can go down hill quickly, so you should plan to stay near the the whelping box.
Mother dogs need attention to ensure they keep strong enough to care for their new babies.
Delivery Aftercare
On the day the litter is born, the mother will be exhausted, and you must be sure that she is nourished. Chicken broth fed to her throughout the day will help build her strength. She will need assistance getting up to go outside to urinate and defecate. The mom will also appreciate your reassurance during the very puzzling time, and you should perform physical examinations to rule out any infections or other problems. Check nipples to be sure they are not red, inflamed or producing a discharge. As the mom becomes more and more confident with her new role, the time from her can increase, and this is a judgment call.
Your dog depends on you to help her through delivering and raising puppies.
Time to Eat
While the puppies are nursing, the mom will require more calories and more calcium. She may prefer soft food to kibble, and the breeder should supply meals every two to three hours, on demand. A dish of plain yogurt or cottage cheese is a great mini-meal. Kibble soaked in broth may be more attractive than dry food, which you can use as a way to encourage eating. Pieces of chicken, beef or cheese are great treats. In the best situations, the breeder or family member stays with the litter throughout the first two months. If this is not possible, consider asking a friend to stay with the pups or to stop by for mid-day checks.
