Postpartum Hormone Imbalance can be a worrying condition in the new mother. Pregnancy and the birthing process in dogs is a beautiful thing to witness, but it can also be a stressful time for the new mother and her puppies. As the puppies grow and develop, their mother’s hormones also go through a number of changes. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the hormone changes that occur after a dog has had puppies and how to best care for the mother and her puppies.
The first hormone change that occurs after a dog has had her puppies is the release of oxytocin. Oxytocin is a hormone that helps the mother bond with her puppies and encourages her to care for them. It also helps the mother’s uterus contract to expel the placenta and reduce bleeding. Oxytocin levels can remain elevated for up to a week after the birth of the puppies.
The second hormone change that occurs after a dog has had puppies is the release of prolactin. Prolactin is a hormone that helps the mother produce milk for her puppies. It also helps the mother’s body regulate the temperature of the puppies, as well as their growth and development. Prolactin levels will remain elevated for up to a month after the birth of the puppies.
The third hormone change that occurs after a dog has had puppies is the release of cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that helps the mother cope with the stresses of caring for her puppies. It also helps the mother’s body regulate her energy levels and her immune system. Cortisol levels will remain elevated for up to two weeks after the birth of the puppies.
The fourth hormone change that occurs after a dog has had puppies is the release of progesterone. Progesterone is a hormone that helps the mother’s body prepare for the next pregnancy. It also helps the mother’s body regulate her reproductive cycle and her metabolism. Progesterone levels can remain elevated for up to three months after the birth of the puppies.
The fifth hormone change that occurs after a dog has had puppies is the release of Oestrogen. Oestrogen is a hormone that helps the mother’s body regulate her reproductive cycle and her metabolism. It also helps the mother’s body regulate her energy levels and her immune system. Oestrogen levels can remain elevated for up to six months after the birth of the puppies.
The Pregnancy and the whelping process in dogs is a beautiful and natural process, but it can also be a stressful time for the mother and her puppies. To ensure that the mother and her puppies are healthy and happy, it is important to understand the hormone changes that occur after a dog has had puppies. By understanding these hormone changes, we can better care for the mother and her puppies during this special time. Postpartum hormone imbalance does not just affect human mothers it can greatly affect our canine mothers too. Signs that your bitch may have postpartum hormone imbalance may include:
Depression
Anxiety
Aggression
Poor Coat Quality
Lack of appetite
Understanding how your bitch could be feeling is essential.
What can we do to help bitches with postpartum hormone imbalance?
Exercise: Exercise helps to improve hormonal health. Low mood can is lifted by the release of endorphins.
Diet: Introducing hormone supportive whole foods can help balance the hormonal system. Providing a balanced and wholesome diet supports your bitch at a time when the hormonal stress on the body is at it’s peak. Introducing natural supplements such Evening Primrose Oil can help to keep hormone levels stable and in turn helps reduce the risk of postpartum depression.
Routine: Managing your bitches routine and keeping it as stress free as possible can significantly improve her mood and anxiety.
Keywords:
hormone changes, dog, puppies, postpartum depression in dogs, postnatal depression in dogs
