Why won't my dog eat or drink after having puppies? What to do?

Question

My dog just had her babies and she wont drink water or eat unless it is wet food. She will only drink water if it is mixed with a tiny bit of broth. Why is this? How can we solve this? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | unspayed

Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS · Accepted Answer

I am very sorry to hear that you are experiencing these issues with Gretal. There are many conditions which can affect the recently postpartum female dog including exhaustion, infection, trauma, hypoglycaemia, severe blood loss causing anemia, and mastitis. Watch for collapse, lethargy, pale gums, dry gums, vomiting, diarrhoea, Loss of blood, complete loss of appetite or the signs of mastitis. Mastitis is a bacterial infection of one, or sometimes more then one, of the milk producing glands in the breasts. Other clinical signs would be; Swelling Firm Warm Discharge (other then milk) painful to the touch Loss of appetite Lethargy Neglect of puppies If you notice any of the above clinical signs, or suspect that Gretal could have mastitis, based on the above clinical signs I would suggest that you take her to see a veterinarian. The vet will be able to prescribe an antibiotics antiinflamatory medications and pain relief. In the meantime you can apply a cool compress to the affected area. Do not attempt any over the counter medications or ointments as they may cause pain or delay healing. It is fine for Gretal to eat only wet food as this will rehydrate her. Low sodium broth should be used. Try a bland diet of boiled boneless chicken breast and steamed white rice. The broth that the chicken is cooked with can be added to her food for extra hydration. I hope this was helpful and more importantly that Gretal starts to feel better soon.

Why won't my dog eat or drink after having puppies? What to do?

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