My first time mother chihuahua had 2 puppies last night. The smallest puppy is haveing trouble getting on the nipple. Shes sucked on it a few times but looses hold and has trouble finding it again. Im worried shes not getting enough milk. I bought some newborn puppy formula and a extra small bottle but im worried if i use that to feed her she wont try to nurse from the mommy anymore. Should i use the bottle anyway? Or just give her a day or two longer then try to bottle if shes still not getting enough?
2006-07-06 18:45:06 · 15 answers · asked by Nat 5 in Pets ➔ Dogs
The other puppy along with her is also pushing her off the nipple to get it himself. Should i take him away for a few minutes to let the smaller female milk?
2006-07-06 18:47:23 · update #1
Im also worried that since shes only a day old the formula wont give her the important vitamins the mommys would give her.
2006-07-06 18:48:31 · update #2
The puppy really needs the colostrum that it receives from the mother, it is essential for the puppy to get the antibodies it needs to fend off diseases. If you can make sure that the female gets time on the nipple with out the other puppy there to push her away. Use the bottle as a last resort. When you put the pup up to the teat to suckle squeeze it a little to get some milk where the pup can taste it. If the mother still tries to push the pup away after a few days you may want to start to bottle feed. you want to try and get as much of the mother's milk in her as possible before starting her on the bottle. If you must bottle feed as soon as the pups eyes are open you can start to supplement her diet with corned beef hash. It comes in a can and it makes the puppies fat and happy. I raised 2 sets of pit bull puppies (10 each) on corned beef hash and whole milk with a egg and a little sugar mixed in. Their diet started at 2 1/2 - 3 weeks old. They were a beautiful bunch of pups. I hope I have helped you and I hope your pups both survive and bring you much joy. I myself am going to be breeding my Akitas next week.
2006-07-06 19:21:42 · answer #1 · answered by hdallasumfree41220062000 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ok here is my concerns and comments for you:} Your dog is a very small breed and the puppies can not wait a few days or so to see what will happen. You did the right thing buying the puppy formulae and bottle. Feed the pups this to make sure they are getting enough nutrients and they will get strong enough in the meantime to nurse. Even after they are nursing, if they are still small I would feed it the bottles, if they are not hungry they will not eat the bottle. Puppies are delicate and can also get dehydrated very quickly. Just keep a close eye on them because it doesnt take long for new puppies to not make it. Take them all to the vet if they arent improving by like tomorrow....also...feed the mother dog extra nutritional things to make her milk supply come in more. You can feed her cottage cheese...sounds crazy yes, but it works...and A LOT of water....hope this helps you some. I have been workig in the shelters, etc for years and have raised many liters of kittens and puppies by doing this...even had to use a feeding tube a couple times. Good luck hon.
2006-07-06 19:34:30 · answer #2 · answered by Madison 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi and congratulations to begin with.
New born puppies have these initial problems, and it is not much to worry about, as they will soon sort themselves out. If you think that the puppy has been hungry for a very long time, try putting the other puppy at the mother's head and away from the nipples after it is done feeding. Another idea might be to put a little milk on your finger, and let the puppy lick and suck at it to get an idea for a bit and then put it to the nipple.
Don't give the formula this early unless absolutely essential, as the mother's milk is really best at this stage, and they have tiny appetites.
2006-07-06 18:53:17 · answer #3 · answered by Vidyut Kale 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Puppies need to nurse immediately after they are born. Take the larger one away for a small bit and help the little one nurse. It's best to get her to nurse because the bitches immunity is passed to the puppy through the milk. You will have to help her nurse every two hours. Squeeze the teat to get the milk to come out and as soon as a drop starts to form put the puppy onto it. She will start to nurse. Make sure the mother is cleaning her or you will have to do it yourself by rubbing her private parts. If you don't do this she will die. If you are unable to get her to nurse then use the bottle (every two hours and don't forget to clean her). Best of luck, hope she makes it. I'll pray for her.
2006-07-06 19:40:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would call the vet first thing in the morning....ask them they will tell you. I am having the same things going on with 3 kittens.
the 3 are almost 2 months and there is one that we are praying for right now...I am feeding this little one milk as well cause the mom through it in a box about 4' tall so the mom knew it was sick
and she didnt wanted...so now I have to feed it milk & soft food.
But when she sees her mommy she still wants mom & mom lets her most of the time.
I would call the vet though...as soon as I could. I have to take mine to the vet in the afternoon
Good Luck & God Bless
2006-07-06 18:55:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would just leave them alone for a day or so, If the mother starts pushing the small pup away then step in. Since it is a small pup, it will not take as much milk as the bigger one, plus it needs to get the colostrum from the mother for the first few days. If it don't get the colostrum then it won't make it.
2006-07-06 18:51:34 · answer #6 · answered by Just Me 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes take the stronger one away and see if that does it.if she doesnt improve in the next day or 2 at most or if she seems to quiet such as not trying to feed at all anymore then go ahead and bottle feed. most dogs will still nurse thier pups if only the owner or household member feeds it. PS it is not normal for a pup not to feed.sometimes they are weaker and need a little help.
2006-07-06 18:50:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not an expert or a vet, but the formula is better than mal nourishment! I would try to both feed her, and lead her to the mom milk and help her drink that too, till she is a little bigger & catches on. I would additionally call and ask the vet in your area and research online. I hope it goes well for you. I raised BullMastiffs.... they have no problem nursing! :)
2006-07-06 18:51:59 · answer #8 · answered by rie_helm 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hope you posted this in the animal section as well. You need to keep them warm. Not sure why mom is rejecting them but sometimes they do when they know something is wrong with them. Keep a close eye on them. I had a mama cat lay on one of her kittens and that kitten died. It wasn't perfectly formed. And that happened over night. I was devastated. You should ask your vet and/or go to a local pet store and ask questions about how much to feed them, etc. You might have to help stimulate them to go to the bathroom. Talk to a vet though. Good luck!
2016-03-27 07:31:25 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think she will be alright without the formula so long as she gets to try feeding from momie on her own (that is without the other pup pushing her away). just make sure that she isnt totally devoid of nutrition.
2006-07-06 18:51:09 · answer #10 · answered by Olive Oyl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋