How do you care for a newborn puppies umbilical cord?

Our question this week was:

Dr. Debra – my dog just had puppies. How do you care for a newborn puppies umbilical cord? Anything special I should do?

**

Sheri

Answer

Hi – thanks for your email. Congratulations on your new puppies. You asked – How do you care for a newborn puppies umbilical cord? The answer is after a puppy is born – you can tie the umbilical cord with dental floss or thread approximately ½ inch from the puppy’s belly. Be gentle – don’t pull on the umbilical cord. After that – if the puppy seems to be doing well – moving and crying – the puppy can be with the mother.

An article that might be helpful is Caring for Newborn Puppies.

Best of luck!

Dr. Debra