How does a bitch breastfeed a puppy?

A bitch can be fed a few hours after giving birth. Puppy breastfeeding. Bitches generally have 10 nipples, and 12 nipples are less, and can generally feed 6 to 7 puppies. If the number exceeds this number, artificial breastfeeding should be considered.

The milk within 3 to 5 days after giving birth is called colostrum. Its composition is very different from normal milk. It contains high protein, fat, and rich vitamins, and has a laxative effect. Can promote meconium excretion. The initial lactic acid degree is high, which is conducive to digestion. Almost all the nutrients in colostrum can be absorbed and utilized by the puppy, which is extremely beneficial to increase physical strength and maintain body temperature.

In general, the immune protection that puppies can get from colostrum, the concentration of maternal primary antibodies gradually decreases, and basically disappears by 8 weeks of age. Therefore, the pups should be given colostrum as early as possible.

The female dog will generally automatically grasp the timing and frequency of nursing the puppies without human intervention. However, some dogs with little milk or poor motherhood should pay attention to their lactation when raising them.

Generally, puppies should be fed more than 5 times a day; when the puppy grows to half a month, it can be reduced to 4 times a day; about 1 month, the bitch will chew some food after initial chewing. This is an important step in the puppy's journey towards independent living. If it is found that the bitch will not do this action, artificial supplementary feeding should be carried out.