Fostering Mother Dogs

Fostering a mother dog with puppies can be a rewarding experience, but it's important to be prepared and prioritize safety, especially when it comes to preventing bites. Here's a breakdown of how to approach this, including safety precautions:
1.  Create a Safe and Secure Space:

• Designated Whelping Area: Provide a quiet, low-traffic room or area within your home, isolated from other pets and young children.
• Whelping Box: Set up a comfortable and safe whelping box (like a kiddie pool, or a specially designed box) with low sides for easy access for the mom but high enough to keep puppies contained initially.
• Warmth and Comfort: Ensure the area is warm and draft-free, using blankets or towels for bedding. Puppies need help regulating their body temperature in the first few weeks.
• Essential Supplies: Have plenty of food and water readily available for the mother, as she'll need increased nourishment while nursing.
• Cleanliness: Regularly clean and disinfect the whelping area to maintain a hygienic environment. 

 
2.  Introducing Yourself and Interaction:

• Give Her Time to Adjust: Allow the mother dog time to settle in and feel comfortable in her new environment. Most female dogs become protective mothers and need time to adjust – typically 3 days to a week – to feel safe.
• Observe Her Body Language: Pay close attention to her body language to gauge her comfort level. Look for signs of relaxation like a loose body and wagging tail. Signs of nervousness or fear include pinned ears, a tucked tail, or a tense body.
• Approach Slowly and Calmly: When you first interact, move slowly and speak in a calm, soft voice.
• Let Her Come to You: Allow the mother dog to approach you and sniff you first, rather than approaching her directly.
• Offer a Fist: When offering your hand for sniffing, make a loose fist to prevent possible nipping of fingers.
• Petting Guidelines: If she seems receptive, offer petting under the chinor on the side of her neck, rather than over her head, which can be perceived as threatening.
• Respect Her Boundaries: Avoid over-stimulating her or the puppies, and allow her to have alone time if she needs it.
• Minimize Traffic: Limit the number of people and animals interacting with the mother and puppies, especially in the early stages. 

 
3.  Recognizing and Managing Aggression:

• Understand Maternal Aggression:Maternal aggression is a normal protective instinct in mother dogs. It can manifest as growling, snarling, or biting to ward off potential threats to the puppies.
• Avoid Trigger Situations: Identify and avoid situations that may trigger protective aggression, such as approaching the puppies too quickly or closely, especially during the first few weeks.
• Never Punish Aggression: Do not punish aggressive behavior, as this can worsen the situation and may increase fear and future aggression.
• Seek Our Help: If you are concerned about persistent or severe aggression after you have followed, all of the rules noted here.

 
4.  Safely Handling Puppies (with Caution):

• Wait for Mama's Permission: Don't pick up or handle the puppies immediately. Wait for the mother to be comfortable with your presence and interaction before attempting to interact with her puppies.
• Gentle Handling: If she allows it, handle the puppies gently, supporting their bodies and minimizing stress.
• Keep it Short: Limit the duration of interaction with the puppies, especially initially.
• Always Supervise: Never leave young children or other animals unsupervised with the mother and puppies.  Key Considerations:
• Routine: Establishing a consistent routine for feeding, potty breaks, and rest can help the mother dog feel more secure and reduce anxiety.
• Support System: Fostering a mother dog with puppies can be demanding, so make sure you have a support system in place, whether it's family, friends, or the rescue organization. 

 
By following these guidelines and respecting the mother dog's instincts, you can foster a safe and positive experience for both you and the furry family.

​Bottle-Feeding Neonatal Puppies

Volunteers in this role will be responsible for the critical care and nurturing of neonatal puppies who require bottle feeding. This task involves providing milk replacer to ensure their nutritional needs are met, maintaining strict hygiene standards to prevent infections, and mastering appropriate feeding techniques to support their growth and development.

1. Preparation: 

• Milk Replacer:
  We use a commercial puppy milk replacer specifically formulated for neonatal puppies. This is provided by the rescue at no cost.
• Bottle and Nipple:
  We would help you select a bottle with a nipple that is appropriate for your puppies size and breed. 
• Warm Milk:
  Warm the milk replacer to approximately 100°F (38°C) using a warm water bath, but avoid overheating. Check the temperature by touching it to your wrist. 
• Hygiene:
  Clean all equipment thoroughly before and after each use. ALWAYS sanitize your hands before touching or feeding the newborn puppy.

2. Feeding Technique: 

• Upright Posture:
  Hold the puppy upright while feeding to prevent milk from entering the lungs. 
• Gentle Latch:
  Help the puppy latch onto the nipple by gently squeezing the nipple to release a small amount of milk, if needed. 
• Slow and Steady:
  Feed slowly to prevent overfeeding and aspiration. 
• Burping:
  After feeding, gently tap or rub the puppy's back to help release any trapped air. 
• Urination and Defecation Stimulation:
  After each meal, gently stimulate urination and defecation by massaging the puppy's anal area with a damp cotton ball or cloth. 

3. Monitoring and Adjustments: 

• Strict Schedule: Follow a strict feeding schedule, typically every 2-4 hours for the first week, then gradually increase the time between feedings. 
• Weight Monitoring: Weigh the puppy regularly to track weight gain. 
• Temperature: Maintain the puppy's body temperature at 96° to 99°F (35.5° to 37.2°C) using a heat lamp, heat pad, or incubator, according to VCA Animal Hospitals. 
• Adjusting Feeding: If the puppy develops diarrhea, reduce the volume of milk replacer. 
• Seeking Veterinary Advice: If you have any concerns about the puppy's health or feeding, consult a veterinarian. 

4. Important Considerations: 

• Overfeeding:
  Overfeeding can cause diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, and even aspiration pneumonia. 
• Hypothermia:
  Puppies cannot regulate their body temperature on their own, so providing a heat source is crucial, especially in the first few weeks. 
• Individual Needs:
  Puppies have individual needs, and you may need to adjust the feeding schedule and amount based on the puppy's size, age, and overall health.