Whelping a litter of Shih Tzu puppies can sometimes be physically and emotionally exhausting for both you and the Shih Tzu matron. Before you take your well deserved rest, be certain the Shih Tzu matron and Shih Tzu puppies are comfortable, each Shih Tzu puppy has nursed well, the heat lamp is not too close, and the heating pad is not turned up too high. At this time it is crucial to maintain proper environmental temperatures. Newborn Shih Tzu puppies are incapable of controlling their own body temperatures. Chilling to any degree leaves newborn Shih Tzu puppies susceptible to infectious disease. Room temperature should be maintained at about 85 degrees Fahrenheit for at least their first few days.
Initially offer your Shih Tzu dam only soft, messy-type foods and supplements of a high quality milk replacement added to her food. I like using Pedigree Lamb and Rice canned formula with Just Born milk replacement powder sprinkled on top or mixed within.
Most Shih Tzu dams are ready for a good meal once whelping is over and the puppies are all settled in nursing well. However, do not worry if she refuses one or two feedings during her first 24 hours of motherhood. Do not expect her to leave her newborn Shih Tzu puppies. If she is too exhausted to eat right after whelping, she will be ready by the next day most usually.
To prevent serious cleanup problems, place four interlocking layers of open newspaper on the floor over heavy plastic film such as that used by painters. Plastic sheeting covered by newspaper saves all flooring, is nonporous, makes any cleanup easy and is inexpensive to purchase.
Use Clorox bleach, ¾ cup to a gallon of water to disinfect the Shih Tzu whelping box and immediate area. You will need to disinfect daily.
Two days following whelping, offer your Shih Tzu matron soft food mixed with a high quality dog food. I use HealthyPetNet Life's Abundance and have found it to be the absolute best food for my Shih Tzu.
Your Shih Tzu dam should be seen by a veterinarian for a postpartum examination within 24 hours of whelping. It is not uncommon for a Shih Tzu dam to retain one or more placentas, large amounts of blood and other body fluids in the uterus. It is also possible that she retained one or two Shih Tzu puppies as well. All of these need to be expelled immediately. Retention will predispose the Shih Tzu dam to infection. Many veterinarians will give the oxytocin shot within the first 24 hours of whelping to help her expel any retained fluids, placental material and/or puppies.
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About the Author
Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Pet clothing is offered on the website. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com
Showing posts with label Postpartum Care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Postpartum Care. Show all posts
2009/08/13
2009/08/07
Postpartum Care -- Look After Yourself As Well As Your Baby
Postpartum care is all about looking after yourself in the few weeks after the birth of your baby. If you're feeling relaxed and happy, chances are everyone in the family will be too. The postpartum can be difficult for some mums as their body recovers from the stresses of labour. So don't worry if the house isn't perfect or the dishes don't get done and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Remember Superwoman is a myth!
Postpartum is the period of about six weeks from the time of birth until your body makes the adjustments it needs to return to normal. There are a few things that can go wrong and if you're aware of these you'll be prepared and they won't seem so frightening.
1.Postpartum hemorrhage ~ This may happen straight after the birth, but sometimes up to several hours later. There is a significant loss of blood which can be serious and needs instant treatment. Fortunately postpartum hemorrhage is rare, affecting under 20% of all births. Some blood loss is quite normal during this period and is nothing to be concerned about.
2.Postpartum preeclampsia ~ Although this is mainly a symptom of pregnancy, preeclampsia can happen after giving birth as well. Preeclampsia symptoms are high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine. The signs that you may have this condition are recurring headaches and/or blurred vision. Preeclampsia is serious if untreated. Fortunately it can be successfully treated if caught in time.
3.Postpartum depression ~ This is a very common complaint and can vary from mild to extreme. It's mainly caused by hormonal changes in your body. A feeling of loss of identity may also cause you to feel depressed.
What are the postpartum depression signs? Well you may be feeling overwhelmed, sad, excessively tired, uninterested and above all, guilty that you're feeling this way, Because, after all, this should be a happy time, shouldn't it?
Just be assured that you are perfectly normal and that thousands of women are going through this phase and have been since the dawn of time.
Understand that your body has been through a tremendous amount of stress and that it will take some time to recover. Giving birth poses both physical and psychological changes both at the same time. You may also be feeling excluded when family and friends are making a fuss of your baby and you're no longer the main attrraction. This feeling of loss of identity is quite normal and you're just being human.
You also have the huge responsibility of caring for a newborn while dealing with sleep deprivation at the same time. No wonder your feeling exhausted, scared and anxious. This is perfectly normal and will probably last for a week or two. If it persisits or gets worse, you may have to visit your doctor.
Although postpartum depression is a form of depression, it has a clinical cause so be wary of prescribed depression drugs. These have a low success rate and are totally unsuitable if you're breastfeeding. I'll leave you with one important natural way of handling postpartum depression.
Take Omega 3 supplements. Omega 3 is also found in fish, but with all the mercury contamination in some fish, supplements are the safest way to go. Omega 3 is a great way to boost your mood and is good for your and your baby's health as well.
Postpartum care is a necessary but neglected part of women's health. Whether it's postpartum depression or assisting your body back to normal, vist Postpartum Care to find out about natural ways to help postpartum recovery and enjoy this special time in your life. Wendy Owen (HH Dip) is a holistic health therapist with an extensive knowledge in homeopathic and herbal remedies.
Postpartum is the period of about six weeks from the time of birth until your body makes the adjustments it needs to return to normal. There are a few things that can go wrong and if you're aware of these you'll be prepared and they won't seem so frightening.
1.Postpartum hemorrhage ~ This may happen straight after the birth, but sometimes up to several hours later. There is a significant loss of blood which can be serious and needs instant treatment. Fortunately postpartum hemorrhage is rare, affecting under 20% of all births. Some blood loss is quite normal during this period and is nothing to be concerned about.
2.Postpartum preeclampsia ~ Although this is mainly a symptom of pregnancy, preeclampsia can happen after giving birth as well. Preeclampsia symptoms are high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine. The signs that you may have this condition are recurring headaches and/or blurred vision. Preeclampsia is serious if untreated. Fortunately it can be successfully treated if caught in time.
3.Postpartum depression ~ This is a very common complaint and can vary from mild to extreme. It's mainly caused by hormonal changes in your body. A feeling of loss of identity may also cause you to feel depressed.
What are the postpartum depression signs? Well you may be feeling overwhelmed, sad, excessively tired, uninterested and above all, guilty that you're feeling this way, Because, after all, this should be a happy time, shouldn't it?
Just be assured that you are perfectly normal and that thousands of women are going through this phase and have been since the dawn of time.
Understand that your body has been through a tremendous amount of stress and that it will take some time to recover. Giving birth poses both physical and psychological changes both at the same time. You may also be feeling excluded when family and friends are making a fuss of your baby and you're no longer the main attrraction. This feeling of loss of identity is quite normal and you're just being human.
You also have the huge responsibility of caring for a newborn while dealing with sleep deprivation at the same time. No wonder your feeling exhausted, scared and anxious. This is perfectly normal and will probably last for a week or two. If it persisits or gets worse, you may have to visit your doctor.
Although postpartum depression is a form of depression, it has a clinical cause so be wary of prescribed depression drugs. These have a low success rate and are totally unsuitable if you're breastfeeding. I'll leave you with one important natural way of handling postpartum depression.
Take Omega 3 supplements. Omega 3 is also found in fish, but with all the mercury contamination in some fish, supplements are the safest way to go. Omega 3 is a great way to boost your mood and is good for your and your baby's health as well.
Postpartum care is a necessary but neglected part of women's health. Whether it's postpartum depression or assisting your body back to normal, vist Postpartum Care to find out about natural ways to help postpartum recovery and enjoy this special time in your life. Wendy Owen (HH Dip) is a holistic health therapist with an extensive knowledge in homeopathic and herbal remedies.
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