Post whelping care and possible problems

When the mother has finished whelping, she will usually want to go outside for a few minutes.  Make sure you go with her as she might have an unexpected puppy while you are not watching.  Now that she’s been outside for a few minutes, she will be anxious to return to her puppies.
          Be sure the mother has delivered all the puppies.  Feel for any puppies moving or sleeping inside her abdomen.  Use a stethoscope to listen for more heartbeats.  It’s usually a good idea to take your bitch in for a post whelping exam with your veterinarian.  Your vet will usually giver her a injection to help expel any remaining placenta tissue.
          Now that the puppies are born you can relax for the most part.  There are still some important signs to watch for.  You still need to monitor your bitch closely.  Monitor your bitch for any strange behaviors.  Call your veterinarian if you have any questions regarding her behavior.

Temperature
Continue to monitor the mothers temperature. The temperature of her body works as a tool to indicate if she has an infection. Your bitch's temperature dropped right before she went into labor and now should rise to 101 to 103. Any temperature reading above 103 is abnormal. This indicates an infection somewhere in her body. Many of the infections can be deadly to your dog, and should be taken seriously.

Discharge
Monitor her discharge. Bleeding a few days after whelping is normal. If it is a brownish red this is no cause for alarm. If it has a foul odor it can indicate a vaginal infection.

Grooming
Grooming is very important with a post whelp bitch.  Even when on a high quality diet, a lactating bitch loses her coat.  Continuous brushing will help remove her dead coat and keep her comfortable.  Although your bitch is still experiencing a smelly discharge, try to refrain from bathing for a few days.  When you do give your new mom a bath, choose your shampoo carefully when bathing your lactating bitch.  Stay away from strong chemical, flea and tick shampoos.   Dry the mom before sending her back to her puppies.

Exercise
For the first few days after whelping, the mother should be left with her puppies as much as she chooses.  As the puppies get older and more independent, you can begin taking her for short walks throughout the day.  Fresh air and exercise are important for the new mom and her health.  Remember not to keep her away from her puppies for too long. 

Post-whelping Problems of the Bitch
Most post-whelping problems are seen within the first few hours after whelping.   Keep your eyes and senses open.
Hemorrhage
Yes, whelping is very messy.  However, the watery fluid is normal and causes no need for concern.  Although if your bitch experiences a heavy significant flow of blood any time after whelping, call your veterinarian immediately.  This is a very serious emergency. 

Retained Placenta and Pups
Signs of retained placentas or puppies may follow whelping immediately, or several days later.   Look for; persistent vomiting, dehydration, lack of appetite, depression, and weakness.  These are all signs of a retained placenta, or even a retained puppy.  Call your vet immediately.

Eclampsia
Also known as milk fever, eclamsia can occur anywhere from early pregnancy, to three weeks post whelping.  The signs for eclampsia are not easily missed.  Eclampsia usually occurs during the first few days of lactation.  At first bitches are nervous, restless, pacing, panting, salivating, and in obvious distress.  They often neglect the puppies, often seeking your comfort.   Within a few minutes to hours they walk with difficulty, often falling.  They progress to convulsive paddling of all legs while lying on their side with neck and head arched backward.  If the bitch doesn’t receive any help or veterinarian care, she will become toxic, and her condition can be fatal.  Eclampsia is a SERIOUS emergency! 

Metritis
Metritis is associated with infection.  Uterine infections are emergencies that can be fatal if not treated quickly.  Metritis sometimes follows after long or difficult labor.  Signs to look for are; fever, weakness, depression, dehydration, dull eyes, reduced milk production, and a smelly discharge from the uterus.  This condition is very serious and requires care to save the bitch’s life.