I have a chihuhua mix that just had her first litter of 3 puppies. She was taking care of them just fine for the first 2 or 3 days, but now she doesn't want to feed them or even be around them. She is constantly barking to be let out of the kennel, and when I let her out and she comes back in she hides and I have to force her to go back in with the puppies. I know first litters can be a problem for the mother to adjust to, but is there anything I can do to help the situation? Will it clear up on it's own? What signs should I watch for to know when/if I need to bottle feed them, and what should I give them if that is necessary?
2006-11-15 02:04:21 · 5 answers · asked by dragonlady 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
First of all, have her examined by the vet. There may be a physical reason that she doesn't want to nurse (lack of milk, painful breasts due to mastitis).
Failing that, it's quite common for pampered housepets to decide that they'd rather be with their families than locked away with their puppies. You may have to raise these pups yourself. Get your vet to show you how to bottle or tube feed and have them give you instructions on how much and how often. Remember that you will also have to wipe their rears to stimulate them to pee and poop, since they can't do it on their own at this age.
2006-11-15 03:47:48 · answer #1 · answered by DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Awww...not all animals know how to be mothers. If your dog didn't have a good mother to teach it, she doesn't know what to do. I have a recommendation. Call a chihuahua breeder (go to www.akc.org to help you find one) and give them a call and ask them for any advice they can give you. While you may receive some backlash (professional breeders don't like it when inexperienced people "backyard" breed) you will hopefully find one nice person who will help you. These breeders are very experienced with the entire litter raising process. If you tell them this was an "accident" and that you're going to get her spayed as soon as possible, they will be more willing to help you. I had a similar experience with a cat I rescued (who I didn't know was pregnant). A cat breeder in my area offered me so much help, I don't know what I would have done without her. Good luck!
2006-11-15 02:36:38 · answer #2 · answered by Alleycat 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Try setting up a nice thick blanket and put the puppies on it. Hold the mother down (comfort her and pet her so she'll sense you are trying to help her) and place the pups up to her teats. Even if it's just for 10 min EVERY 2 hrs. You will need to suppliment their feeding with a bottle and puppy milk replacer. Your vet can help you with these supplies. Ask about milk replace with colostrum.
2006-11-15 02:40:06 · answer #3 · answered by Pam 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
THINK!!!
The more YOU feed them,the LESS they'll nurse,the LESS the ***** will PRODUCE!!!
Get an electronic SCALE***NOW***!!! Weigh DAILY! If they're GAINING,they're FINE!!! Pups do NOT nurse 24 hrs a day!
DON"T bottle -feed if you MUST supplement!!
TUBE THEM!!! So you KNOW how much you're giving. W/the CORRECT formula-like JustBorn-it lasts longer than esbilac.
2006-11-15 07:22:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call your vet. He may want to see her. If she's not feeding them, you'll have to. The vet will be able to tell you the right way to feed them regarding formula and feeding schedules.
2006-11-15 02:09:17 · answer #5 · answered by BVC_asst 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋