After the puppies are born, mom receives around the clock attention. Sometimes an x-ray is taken to make sure that she is empty of pups and placenta. She is then watched for the next 72 hours for any infection. Once she is past this point her nipples are checked twice daily to insure that there is no mastitis which is harmful to both mom and pups. This continues until the pups are weaned and she is dried up. In the beginning there is less of a chance of mastitis because the pups nurse around the clock. Once they begin to eat puppy food, we must be more diligent of watching for the hardening of the nipples. Meals, fresh water, and exercise continue to be frequent though the moms are often hesitant to leave the puppies. However, by the end of the second week she is anxious to have time away from the pups; and by the time the fourth week arrives she is ready for the pups to start eating and to begin the weaning process.