August is the month dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of breastfeeding, and in the pet world, this topic also deserves special attention through the Golden August Campaign.
The lactation period is a delicate time for the mother, who needs extra care to recover from giving birth and, at the same time, provide the best for her offspring. Therefore, taking good care of the lactating dog or cat means ensuring not only her health but also the balanced development of the litter.
Therefore, we spoke with veterinarian Ana Carolina Hoffmann , who explained how to provide more comfort and quality of life for the mothers during this period.
Watch the interview and, at the end, share it with your friends and family.
Pet Med - What is the objective of the Golden August Campaign in Veterinary Medicine in relation to... to health of mothers and puppies of dogs and Cats?
Ana Carolina Hoffmann – In Veterinary Medicine, the taste Golden he has as objective main the Promoting and valuing breastfeeding, highlighting the importance of breast milk. to dogs, cats and others animals domestic workers.
The color gold symbolizes the "gold standard" of nutrition, which is breast milk, considered the most complete and safe food for newborns.
In practice, this involves a month of educational campaigns for families and professionals, reinforcing the idea that breast milk is essential for the immunity, nutrition, and behavioral development of puppies.
Pet Med - What are the main care measures that the family should take with the female dog or cat after giving birth ? immediate , the what no he can missing us first days?
Ana Carolina Hoffmann - Care in the immediate postpartum period, that is , in the first few days, focuses on the environment that... he has what to be quiet and clean, with local heated, silent and safe, Without excessive visits. Use clean, dry bedding such as towels, blankets, or absorbent mats.
Always pay attention to the mother, offer fresh water and good quality food, preferably puppy food which is high in energy and has a higher protein content.
It is important to allow what the female rest and breastfeed without Interruptions , and always observe if the mother has vaginal discharge, which may be dark/reddish in the first few days, but never with a bad odor or pus.
The puppies should also be monitored to ensure what all be breastfeeding the colostrum within the first 24 hours . It is crucial to keep them Keep the baby warm, away from drafts, and monitor their daily weight gain, which is a sign of successful breastfeeding.
Neither he can missing the hygiene and the comfort, then always to replace lining when if it is damp or dirty.
Avoid give bath in mother us first days, just sanitize with cloth damp if necessary.
Veterinarians should be present to assess the mother and puppies within the first 48 hours, ruling out retained placenta, mastitis, hypocalcemia, and other complications.
In signs of alert as fever, apathy or food refusal from the mother, secretion vaginal with bad smell or very blood, to the hardened, painful breasts or with discharge Normally , family members should always seek help. the veterinarian.
Similarly, if the puppies are crying very frequently, nursing poorly, or not gaining weight, and also when the cub you are cold, weak or with difficulty respiratory.
Pet Med - Problems as mastitis, breasts hardened, milk scarce or in excess Are these common? How can family members identify them early, and what can be done in these cases? cases?
Ana Carolina Hoffmann - Mastitis is an inflammation or infection of the mammary gland , and its early signs are hot, red, painful, and swollen breasts. The mother may prevent the puppies from nursing , and there may be abnormal discharge that is yellowish, bloody, or pus-like.
What should be done is to temporarily separate the puppies from that teat and Gently milking to relieve pressure can also be done; a warm compress can also be applied, and veterinary care should be sought for treatment.
When the glands are hardened, the first signs are the nipple. "Hard as a rock," without excessive heat, but uncomfortable . The puppy may have difficulty latching on, so frequent suckling should be encouraged, alternating puppies between teats, and so on. massages soft, milking of light if necessary and if persist or worsen There may be a risk of it developing into mastitis, requiring veterinary intervention.
When the mother has low milk supply, the puppies cry frequently. They look hungry, don't they? They gain weight. To ensure good nutrition, the mother should have access to plenty of water and a calm environment, while the puppies/kittens should be supplemented with a specific formula for dogs/cats, always under veterinary guidance.
When the mother has an oversupply of milk , her breasts become very full, the puppies may choke or regurgitate after feeding, and they may have yellowish diarrhea. A small amount of milk should be expressed manually before feeding, and feedings should be divided into shorter intervals, observing for signs of discomfort in the puppies. puppies.
Pet Med - What can cause a mother to reject her puppies, or exhibit behaviors such as irritability or apathy? What are the signs that indicate the mother is stressed or in pain?
Ana Carolina Hoffmann - The most common causes of rejection or irritability of the mother are postpartum pain From a difficult birth or recent cesarean section, birth injuries such as lacerations, hematomas, or inflammation uterine, the mastitis what and inflammation or infection from the mammary glands , which is very painful. An important factor is stress from very noisy, busy places or places with other animals nearby, recent changes in environment, such as constantly changing locations.
THE what generally he can cause the fatigue or apathy and the exhaustion physical of one A long or difficult labor, poor nutrition, or dehydration can affect energy levels and mood.
It can also be caused by general illness or discomfort such as fever, postpartum uterine infection, digestive problems, or abdominal pain. And in some cases, chronic conditions unrelated to childbirth can also worsen the behavior. maternal.
The mother may also have hormonal problems such as a lack of prolactin or other hormonal imbalances that interfere with the maternal bond.
Signs that a mother is stressed or in pain can be behavioral, such as withdrawing. you puppies or avoiding them, growling or you try bite when someone Approaching. THE Mommy gets restless, walk of one side to another or no if Lie down comfortably. It may also sleep excessively or not interact with the puppies.
THE pain he can if characterize put licking excessive of areas specific, Tremors, rapid breathing, or moaning.
THE Mommy some times he has decrease of appetite or refusal of water and he can to be aggressive.
Pet Med - How adapt the environment so that the mother if feel welcome and safe to take care of puppies?
Ana Carolina Hoffmann - To adapt the environment and necessary to search for one local quiet and insurance like a convenient silent, far away of noise, circulation of people and others animals. Avoid people passing through, excessive visits, and handling of the puppies in the first few days. days.
It is indicated to do one child with one box or bed with sides low enough for the mother to enter, but high enough for the puppies not to escape, and lined with clean, soft, and easily replaceable cloths, avoiding shaggy rugs . where you puppies may if to secure. THE local he must if to maintain always Dry and heated with temperature control between 28 and 30°C, as the puppies cannot tolerate it . regular the temperature us first days and after to go down to until 24°C. For these cases, it is possible to use light bulb infrared or bag thermal involved in towel, always leaving an unheated area for the mother to choose from.
It is important for the mother to have access to fresh water and good quality food next to the nest, to avoid her having to leave the puppies. The feeders should always be clean and full , as well as a hygienic mat nearby so that she can urinate and defecate .
In the case of female cats, leave the litter box nearby, but not inside the nest, to avoid... Contamination.
Avoid handle you puppies us first days, the no to be when necessary, do not force the mother the remain with you puppies, because, ideally and what she Choose when you will spend time with them .
Leave the child in local one little dark, Cob laughing partially the box with one cloth , providing the mother with a routine stable, avoiding exchanges of environment us first 20 days and Maintain meal and cleaning schedules.
Pet Med - Why the milk maternal and so important for puppies in the first How many weeks old are puppies? Ideally, until when should puppies nurse?
Ana Carolina Hoffmann - In the first 24 the 48 hours the milk maternal if flame colostrum and and one food Rich in maternal antibodies, immunoglobulins, which protect puppies against disease until their immune system matures. It also contains growth factors, vitamins, and enzymes that aid in intestinal development .
It is a virtually irreplaceable food; if the puppy does not drink colostrum in the first few hours, it becomes much more vulnerable to infections.
Breast milk has the ideal balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates for each species (dog or cat), is easily digested, ensuring healthy growth, and maintains neurological and physical development.
The fats in milk contribute to brain and vision development, and stimulate the strengthening of the orofacial muscles through the act of sucking.
THE act of They love to enter provides contact physical and heating, reduces stress from the puppies and the mother, and promotes future socialization, preventing behavioral problems.
In the first 3 the 4 weeks, the food he must to be exclusively with breast milk . Starting from the 39th the Week 49 marks the beginning of gradual introduction. from the solid food or feed moistened.
Complete weaning in dogs occurs around 6 to 8 weeks of age, and in cats, around 8 weeks of age, although some may need up to 10 weeks for the transition. calm.
It is important to emphasize that we should not anticipate weaning without medical guidance . Puppies Infants weaned prematurely have a higher risk of immunosuppression, delayed growth, gastrointestinal and behavioral problems.
Pet Med - How to maintain hygiene in the mammary region and the environment where the mother and puppies are located. avoiding infections or Contamination?
Ana Carolina Hoffmann - To the hygiene from the mother, in region mammary, the cleaning he must to be smooth, if If there is accumulated milk, residue, or secretion, use gauze or cotton soaked in water. lukewarm filtered or serum physiological.
Always avoid products aggressive, no to use alcohol, chlorine, disinfectants, perfumes or soaps common, because They can irritate the skin. and it accounts for undermining the puppies during breastfeeding. After cleaning, dry good with gauze or towel soft, never to leave damp.
For mothers with very long fur, the area around the mammary glands can be gently trimmed to make it easier for the puppies to latch on and to reduce dirt buildup.
Hygiene of the genital and body area after giving birth, where there may be physiological vaginal discharge for a few days, can be done with hypoallergenic veterinary wipes or cotton balls soaked in saline solution. If there is excessive discharge, or if it is dark or has an odor, veterinary attention is needed.
You baths complete they are nominated only when the mother If the animal is stable, keep it in a warm environment, dry it immediately, and always prefer neutral veterinary shampoos.
The hygiene of the environment, nest, and accessories is maintained by changing the bedding regularly, always using... cloths, towels or sheets washable to replace always what there dirt with Milk, feces, or urine (at least once a day).
Keep the environment dry and clean at all times , as humidity promotes the growth of fungi and bacteria.
The nesting area should be disinfected weekly, washing it before or after it gets soiled.
The recommended products are based on 2% or 4% chlorhexidine (for veterinary or hospital use). being insurance and effective, rinsing good after.
Water and soap neutral, the enough to the cleaning daily, followed of drying.
Avoid bleach, strong-smelling disinfectants for human use, or ammonia, as these can poison the mother and offspring and cause the mother to reject them.
Pet Med - In what cases can the use of Pet Med Diaper Protector be helpful during the postpartum period? especially in female dogs of small size what yet no Have they regained urinary control?
Ana Carolina Hoffmann - A pet diaper protector or absorbent pad can be useful. In specific situations after giving birth, especially in small breed dogs. This is particularly true when the mother has physiological vaginal discharge after giving birth, as it is normal to have greenish, brownish, or reddish vaginal discharge for up to 10 to 15 days. THE diaper help the contain the flow, maintaining the environment and the bed dry and clean.
When the Mommy you are with loss of urine or incontinence urinary A transient condition that affects some females, mainly small breeds, and may present decrease of control urinary in the first weeks postpartum, the Using absorbent pads prevents the nest or house from being constantly damp, reducing the risk of skin infections and unpleasant odors.
In situations requiring travel, such as during veterinary appointments, short trips, or when the dog needs to leave the nest, using a diaper protector ensures hygiene. and avoid dirt in locals external.
The use of Pet Med protectors is also excellent node assistance in cases of wounds or points surgical put example the post- cesarean section, because avoids contact direct of the secretion with the environment, reducing the risk of incision contamination.
But its use he must be punctual and temporary, as the dog needs periods of time Without a diaper to allow the skin to breathe and prevent diaper rash, the diaper should be changed frequently , at least 3 to 4 times a day, or whenever necessary. Wet/dirty diapers: Always clean the genital and mammary area with saline solution or veterinary wipes at each diaper change.
Do not use if the female dog rejects it or if the puppies try to suckle near the area; in these cases, prioritize cleaning the environment instead of using the diaper.
Pet Med – Finally, what is the overall message of Golden August for families in order to provide emotional and health support for the mother, and also for the puppies/kittens?
Ana Carolina Hoffmann – The fundamental message is that the breastfeeding and life and Careful!
Right now so special, the greatest gesture The greatest love a family can offer is ensuring the mother is calm, healthy, and cared for. Breast milk is the first food and the bigger present to you puppies, then, he nourishes, protects and It strengthens them. Therefore, supporting the mother, respecting her space, maintaining a calm environment, and offering affection are actions that make all the difference. Caring for the mother is caring for the puppies.
Golden August also reminds us that each birth is unique and deserves to be experienced with love, respect, and attention.
In addition to breastfeeding, it is essential that the family pays attention to the mother's well-being and provides quality food and water. fresh, one environment quiet and clean, in addition of follow-up A veterinarian whenever necessary.
A watchful eye from family can save lives and Recognizing signs of pain, rejection, difficulty breastfeeding, or changes in behavior. they are essentials to what mother and puppies receive the Careful correct in time Okay.
The postpartum period is a time of great physical and emotional changes, and the mother also... it needs to be cared for. When the family and the veterinarian they walk Together, we guarantee health, affection and one future more strong to you puppies.
