A cesarean section in dogs is a necessary surgical procedure performed when natural delivery is impossible. After this surgery, special care must be provided to both the puppies and the mother to ensure optimal recovery. Here are the essential guidelines to maintain their health and well-being post-cesarean.
1. Puppy Feeding After Cesarean Section in Dogs
Proper nutrition from day one is crucial:
- Bottle feeding: Use puppy milk replacer following this schedule:
- Week 1: every 3 hours (including overnight).
- Week 2: every 4 hours.
- Week 3: every 5 hours.
- Week 4: every 6 hours.
- Recommended position: Feed puppies lying on their stomachs to prevent aspiration.
- Amount: Follow the recommended doses on the milk replacer packaging to ensure adequate nutrition.
2. Stimulating Puppies to Eliminate
After each feeding, gently stimulate the puppies by rubbing their genital area with a damp cloth to encourage elimination of urine and feces.
3. Managing Puppies Without the Mother
If the mother refuses or cannot care for her puppies, ensure their safety by:
- Maintaining warmth: Place puppies in a box with blankets and a heating pad or heat lamp (avoid direct exposure to prevent burns). Puppies start regulating their body temperature around 3 weeks of age.
4. Postoperative Care for the Mother Dog
For optimal recovery:
- Suture removal: Between 10 and 14 days post-surgery.
- Gradual drying up after weaning:
- Day 1: Total fasting for 24 hours.
- Day 2: Feed 1/3 normal portion.
- Day 3: Increase to ½ portion.
- Day 4: Return to normal feeding.
- Monitor mammary glands closely; consult your vet if issues arise.
5. Introducing Solid Food and Puppy Weaning
Starting at 4 weeks, gradually introduce appropriate wet puppy food.
- Weaning process: At 6 weeks, remove one puppy at a time, allowing 24-48 hours between removals.
6. Puppy Vaccination and Deworming
- Deworming: Begin at 2 weeks, then at 4, 6, 8 weeks, followed by monthly treatments until 6 months of age.
- Vaccinations: First vaccine around 2 months of age, with the final vaccination administered at 4 months or older for optimal protection.
