Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle are both galactagogues (substances that promote milk production), commonly used in human lactation support.
Surrogate mothers: If you have an orphaned litter and need a surrogate mother to nurse them, often a product such as Lactation Support can be used along with other physical supports to help her produce milk. Be sure that the mother is willing to care for the puppies. Supervision is absolutely required when introducing an orphan to a surrogate mother. Gently massaging the nipples or allowing the puppies to suckle can stimulate milk production by triggering the release of oxytocin, a hormone essential for lactation. In addition, giving foods high in protein, fat and calcium may be beneficial. Be sure mom has access to plenty of fresh water and is encouraged to drink. Syringe feeding liquids such as liver water, organ juices, or bone broth may also help.
Use during pregnancy. The FDA generally regards fenugreek as safe but should not be used during pregnancy as it has oxytocic properties. This means it can stimulate uterine contractions. This could potentially lead to complications during pregnancy. Additionally, Fenugreek has been shown to have hypoglycemic effects, which could impact a pregnant dog's blood sugar levels.
Blessed Thistle, on the other hand, is commonly used to support lactation, but there is limited research on its safety for pregnant dogs. While it is often used in herbal blends for nursing mothers, it’s best to consult a veterinarian before giving it to a pregnant dog to ensure it won’t cause any adverse effects.
