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?

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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 to you is Pregnancy, Birthing and Newborn Puppy Care. Also this article Caring for Newborn Puppies may be useful.

Best of luck!

Dr. Debra

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