nursing mom

Question
I have a 1 1/2 year old boston female she just had her puppies on Sept 17, today she seems to be distant from her puppies and don't seem to want to nurse them.  I have to put her in the pen with them in order for her to nurse.  How do I know if she has an infection?  

Thank you,

Dominique

Answer
Hi Dominique.

If she has an infection, her mammaries will be very swollen and very hot to the touch. She may be having postpartum. Yes dogs too get emotional following delivery. Sometimes, with a new momma...she needs reasurrance that she has done a good job. As long as she IS nursing, weather or not you have to put her with them, at least she is doing that much. Make sure the pups stay warm when she is not. They should nurse at least every two hours. Does she lick them and otherwise care for them? She needs her licking to stimulate bladder and bowel function. If not, then you need to do this with a wet WARM cloth, just rub the area gently and they will potty. Some dogs are just not inclined to be mommies. But I think she will come around. Give her lots of praises when ever she tends them.
Please keep in touch...let me know how they are doing.
Lisa