Day three and watching/spending a LOT of time with mom and puppies. We are specifically watching/waiting for Deja’s milk to come in (it can take a few days). All puppies have received colostrum from Deja; this “pre-milk” transfers Deja’s antibodies against disease and illness to each of the puppies. All puppies have gained weight from their initial birth weight; some have lost a few ounces from that inital weight to their weight on day 2 (last night). Again, this is normal and a sign that Deja’s “real milk” has not come in yet. We are making sure all puppies are nursing; all have a good “suck reflex” and have no problems “finding mom”.
Deja does have a few hardened areas along her mammary chain. We are alternating warm and cold compresses to these areas to ease any discomfort Deja may have as her body adjusts to the puppies nursing. We are very relieved that Deja’s appetite remains normal as well as her other “bodily functions”. And of course, we continue to montior Deja’s temperature which also is normal.
Today is “dew claw” day. Puppies will have their dew claws removed. This will be one less nail for new owners to trim later and… removes the likelihood of that side nail from getting snagged/ripped later in life. “Day 3” is when this is done.
In the meantime, new photos of puppies. I love them all!
Jema Golden Retrievers 