ASPCA Pet Nutrition Q & A: Weight Loss in Mother Dogs
Do dogs typically lose a lot of weight after delivering and weaning puppies?
—Kristi
It is not uncommon for mother dogs to lose a significant amount of weight after giving birth, Kristi. However, they should ideally not lose more than 10 percent of their original body weight. Just remember that nursing puppies will continue to put a drain on their mother's body, so be sure to provide your canine mom with a high-quality food. We suggest a product for active dogs or a puppy formula, which are higher in calories.
It is also ideal to keep food and water available for her at all times while she is nursing. After the weaning period, which lasts approximately eight weeks, the mother dog should begin to steadily gain weight. If your dog is not gaining weight, contact your veterinarian to make sure that she is not suffering from any health problems. Sometimes it just takes time, but parasites or other medical factors could play a role in her slow return to a normal weight.
—Kristi
It is not uncommon for mother dogs to lose a significant amount of weight after giving birth, Kristi. However, they should ideally not lose more than 10 percent of their original body weight. Just remember that nursing puppies will continue to put a drain on their mother's body, so be sure to provide your canine mom with a high-quality food. We suggest a product for active dogs or a puppy formula, which are higher in calories.
It is also ideal to keep food and water available for her at all times while she is nursing. After the weaning period, which lasts approximately eight weeks, the mother dog should begin to steadily gain weight. If your dog is not gaining weight, contact your veterinarian to make sure that she is not suffering from any health problems. Sometimes it just takes time, but parasites or other medical factors could play a role in her slow return to a normal weight.
Labels: ASPCA, Dogs, Pet Care, Pet Nutrition
posted by ASPCA at 9:17 AM PERMALINK
3 Comments:
i saw a female today at 109-03 guy r brewer blvd. her mid section was hanging low but her alcoholic owner said it was always like that. he let me look around the property but i saw no pups, a dirty water bucket and a urine stenched dog house. she looked fed but not pleased with her owner. can this be a normal look for a female?
i am retiring from the nypd at the end of the month but i will check in on this poor dog in queens before i'm gone. spay and neuter, there's not enough homes for them all.
Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts. It is always great pleasure to read your posts.
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