Why do dogs eat umbilical cord when they give birth to puppies?

1. Why does the puppy eat umbilical cord?

After the puppy is born, the bitch will lick the puppy's body, including the placenta. The main reason why puppies eat umbilical cord is to help bitches clean the placenta. Umbilical cord is rich in nutrients, including protein, vitamins and minerals, which is very important for the growth and development of puppies.

In addition, the puppy eating umbilical cord also helps digestion and enhances immunity. The intestinal development of puppies is not yet mature, so eating umbilical cord can help digestion. Immunoglobulin in umbilical cord can help puppies establish immune system and improve immunity.

2. How many umbilical cords will the bitch let the puppy eat?

Usually the bitch will let the puppy eat all the umbilical cords. In the first few hours after the puppy is born, the bitch will feed the puppy and eat the placenta and umbilical cord of the puppy. If the bitch eats too much umbilical cord, it may lead to digestive problems such as diarrhea. Therefore, after a bitch eats three or four umbilical cords, it is generally not allowed to be eaten by a puppy.

For those puppies who don't want to eat the umbilical cord, the bitch will gently bite open the umbilical cord and leave the puppy in a safe place to prevent being kicked or accidentally injured.

3. What is the danger for puppies to eat umbilical cord?

Although there are many benefits for puppies to eat umbilical cord, there may be some potential risks. First of all, the umbilical cord may be contaminated by starch and other substances, which may lead to food poisoning in puppies.

Secondly, too much umbilical cord intake may also lead to indigestion and diarrhea in puppies. Therefore, if bitches eat too much umbilical cord, they may choose not to let puppies eat umbilical cord.

Finally, puppies eating umbilical cord may cause suffocation and infection. Therefore, after the puppy is born, the owner needs to pay close attention to the situation of the bitch and the puppy to ensure that the puppy gets enough nutrition and stays healthy.

4. What should the owner pay attention to after the puppy is born?

After the puppy is born, the owner needs to pay close attention to the situation of the bitch and the puppy to ensure that the bitch can provide enough milk and the puppy can get enough nutrition. If the bitch doesn't have enough milk or the puppy doesn't eat breast milk, consider using dog milk powder.

In addition, the owner needs to ensure that the puppy is in a clean, warm and safe environment to prevent the puppy from catching cold, infection or accidental injury. In the process of puppy's growth, the owner needs to provide it with proper food, conduct regular veterinary examination and vaccinate it when necessary to ensure its healthy growth.