hi, everyone, i'm new to this site, but have been reading the message board for a few days now,this site seems brilliant,  full of exellent advice, could anyone tell me,i have a basset bitch, elli, who had a lovely litter of pups 6 days ago, she's a lovely mother, the pups are well fed and very clean, only one prob, elli stinks, with dried blood, and all birthing matter, she has tried to clean herself but its all dried, and boy does she pong.Ive been afraid to wash or bath her in case the pups lose her scent, what can i do? any suggestions please, many many thanx

i normally leave well alone at this stage .but i did once have a mum that was left very messy ......i washed her back end with a bowl of warm water just to get the mess out.....

Yeah i have also used a cloth or sponge to clean off most off the mess, that way she will feel a little more comfy but wont put her through too much right now - I normally bath when pups have left ;)

I do mine in washing up liquid, as this won't harm the mothers or the pups.

spanishwaterdog
I hope thats not the " for hands that do dishes can feel soft as your skin, mild green .....liquid" (hope you know which one i mean) ?
I wouldnt like my bits washed in it.... i have seen the reaction i get on my hands with that stuff and i dont have sensitive skin :D

No not that one and not ones that are used for killing germs dead :d  More the basic type that's used on poor birds etc, after an oil slick :d

phew! had visions of the poor thing ending up with skin rashes aswell ;) :D

I find Baby wipes to be an absolute god-send when it comes to whelping!

Margot

OOh yes, wet wipes, or you can also buy pet wipes - they're bigger, but wet wipes are safe for babies and you can get fragrance free/sensitive so....:)

I use baby bath liquid the kind for bathing babies that doesn't need to be rinsed off.

Lidl do a very nice Camomile one that I use instead of soap or shower gel for the whole family, as we all tend to react to soaps ad bubble baths etc.

thanx everyone, loads of help and advice here, will sort out "sniffy"soon, thanx again, cuddlymum.

My friend always washes her bitches after whelping, and keeps washing them if they dribble too much smelly stuff! I think if I ever get my litter I'd be inclined to do the back end, as I have a long coated breed!