Lactation in Dogs and Cats As with humans, breast milk is the perfect food for puppies and kittens. Breastfeeding is natural and beautiful and anyone who has been nursing the litter will testify to this. Puppies and kittens have very high nutritional requirements for their extremely fast growth rates and high energy levels. In fact, eating and sleeping are the two main activities of the first two weeks of life! Puppies and kittens generally doubled their birth weight by the 8th or 10th day of life. Omega 3 might disagree with that approach. The first meal a puppy or kitten will have after birth is colostrum, the first type of milk produced by the mother. This is a very important substance for puppies and kittens as colostrum contains antibodies and nutrients essential for animal nutrition and to protect the newborn against infection. It is crucial that every puppy or kitten receives its share of colostrum so keep an eye smaller animals less aggressive in litter at this time to make sure they get a chance to breastfeed. Colostrum is only available to the litter for 24 hours after birth.
Mature milk is produced thereafter by the mother. Mature milk contains no immune factors that colostrum does but is the perfect source of general nutrition for puppies and kittens. The natural way because the energy needs of the entire litter must be met by the mother, the lactation stage of your pet is a very demanding stage for your dog or cat. Consider, as well as providing one. A complete and balanced diet is very important and she will need between one and a half to three times more food than you usually consume – and a slew of fresh water. Peace, quiet, relaxing and safe environment are important, especially in the early weeks and while it is establishing milk supply.
Frequent visitors and address young people can be very stressful for the mother and this can interfere with milk production, so keep visitors to a minimum and do not let puppies and kittens are caught by people unaware, especially if it distresses the mother. Tips for pet owners * Most cats and dogs are excellent mothers. Her natural maternal instinct is usually all that is needed to produce a litter happy. * Remember that some mothers can be very protective of their offspring will not be surprised if the new mother gives a warning growl or two when you come to admire the new members of the family. * The puppies or kittens are crying constantly hungry or cold. * If the mother can not feed for any reason, you will need hand feeding kittens or puppies. Babies need frequent feedings with a suitable milk substitute (so be prepared for many sleepless nights!). * Enjoy having the puppies and kittens in the house. Will be lots of hard work but this is an enriching experience, especially for children. * Make sure you find homes for their puppies and kittens are appropriate. Remember the new owners that it is your responsibility to provide a safe home for their new furry companions. * The dogs and cats, as well as serve as a natural tonic to full health.