• Confirmation of Delivery: Use palpation, ultrasonography, or radiography to ensure all puppies or kittens have been delivered.
• Placenta Management:
◦ Placentas are typically passed within 24 hours.
◦ They may be consumed by the dam or passed unnoticed.
◦ It is not necessary for the dam to consume them.
Dam Monitoring and Management
• Routine Medication: The administration of oxytocin or antibiotics is generally unnecessary for healthy dams with nursing neonates, unless there is a specific concern like placental retention.
• Physical Monitoring:
◦ Check the dam's body temperature regularly.
◦ Evaluate the character of the milk.
• Lochia (Postpartum Discharge):
◦ Normal appearance: Dark red to black.
◦ Consistency: Heavy for the first few days.
◦ Odor: Should have no odor.
Neonatal Care and Monitoring
• Umbilical Care: Disinfect the umbilicus with tincture of iodine to prevent bacterial contamination.
• Weight Tracking:
◦ Initial weight should be taken as soon as the neonate is dry.
◦ Weight should then be recorded twice daily for the first week.
• Growth Targets:
◦ After the first 24 hours, neonates should gain 10% of their body weight per day.
Warning Signs and Interventions
• Red Flags:
◦ Any weight loss.
◦ Failure to meet the 10% daily weight gain goal after the first day.