Shih Tzu Mammary Gland Care after Whelping

It is necessary to examine your Shih Tzu matron’s mammary glands
daily, directly before whelping and throughout nursing and
weaning periods. A secretion of moderately thick liquid clear or
brown with streaks of white milk is normal. If this discharge is
bloody or yellowish in color you need to consult with your vet.
The first secretion, known as colostrums, is normal and present
in every new mother. Colostrums contain the mother’s antibodies
and is necessary to newborn Shih Tzu puppies, particularly in
the first 24 hours of life. If you are tube or bottle feeding,
and the Shih Tzu dam has colostrums, express some into the
formula. Keep your Shih Tzu dam updated on immunizations prior
to mating time. Never vaccinate a pregnant Shih Tzu. The
antibodies in the colostrums protect the newborn Shih Tzu
puppies against infectious diseases to which the mother is
immune.

Shih Tzu matrons will shed hair along the abdomen prior and
after whelping. However, since the Shih Tzu has so much hair, it
is likely you will need to trim close also. The best is to shave
down the entire abdomen and genitalia area just prior to
whelping. Shih Tzu puppies can ingest air while nursing if hair
remains around the mammaries. The presence of hair also collects
milk and promotes rapid bacterial growth and can cause illness
in the Shih Tzu puppies, which can lead rapidly to death.

Heavy mammary glands require daily washing and thorough drying
of the entire abdominal area until the Shih Tzu puppies are
weaned. The Shih Tzu dam’s milk glands should always feel
pliable, being moderately soft although heavy and full feeling
to your examination. Your Shih Tzu matron is in trouble should
there be any hardness in an entire individual gland or row,
visible redness and/or red streaks or yellowish or bloody
discharge expressed. Placing a bandage over the nipple of the
affected teat is usually sufficient to stop very young Shih Tzu
puppies from nursing. Use a small amount of camphorated oil of
Vicks VapoRub to stop older Shih Tzu puppies from nursing at an
infected site. Seek veterinarian care for your Shih Tzu matron.
Nursing from infected mammary glands could cause serious illness
and diarrhea in the Shih Tzu puppies.