My Lhasa opso just had puppies. They are now 5 weeks old. They are doing great. What I need to know is when do I allow the mother to be outside?Because she always wants out im worried that she is not feeding them enough. Today I gave them some water and they took to it real well. I have a vet and have had many puppies. None from birth. I just want to make sure that im taking good care of them. Thank you for any advice that you can give.
2006-12-10 10:23:39 · 5 answers · asked by Jaime M 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
At 5 weeks they should be eating dog food and just nursing a little. At 6-8 weeks they are OK to be adopted out. Try mixing some dry food with warm water. Let it get soggy and they will scoff up on it. The mother can go outside, but she won't want to be away from the pups for very long, so don't leave with her outside. Make sure you bring her back inside when she's finished with her business out there.
2006-12-10 10:34:08 · answer #1 · answered by Lola 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The momma should always be allowed to go ouside to do business as she indicates. They will not stay long away from the nest. While she is away you can make sure the pups have clean dry bedding. Keeps down odors and the problem of skin irritations due to wet bedding.
By 5 weeks they can drink on their own and start with dry puppy food moistened with warm milk. Warm vital to digestion as her milk is warm. Make oatmeal thick. I would suggest you place papers on kitchen floor and put the mixture on a flat dinner plate on papers. They will make a mess! OK! Mom can come in and clean up afterwards. This is how they start on real food.
Please do not be quick to decide when to wean. Let mom advise you and she will when she no longer can/wants to. Provide water now at all times. Yes, be ready for bit of a mess while they are learning. I really like to see pups stay with mom past the 7-8 wks for the added training and nurturing.
You should let her start her puppies going out to potty. She will if you help a little. They will follow the mom and go outside by now. I started mine as soon as eyes open if good weather. It's a natural act and will save you a lot of "puppy training". They will soon not mess as much in the bedding and will try to leave bed to potty. I would just gather mine up when they awoke and take them out with the mom. She'll do most of training for you. Be sure and praise her for her efforts too.
2006-12-10 20:30:13 · answer #2 · answered by pets4lifelady 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just prior to weaning the mothers milk is very sustaining. It will last the pups for several hours. The mother needs the break and the pups need the time without her to adjust. She can stay away for as much as four to five hours at this time. If the pups need her they are more than capable of letting her know.
2006-12-10 20:25:35 · answer #3 · answered by st.lady (1 of GitEm's gang) 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let her out. When the pups feed time rolls around she will want back in. At 5 weeks they should weaning anyway. If your not sure on how to start call your vet and ask. He/she will give you some advice.
2006-12-10 18:57:16 · answer #4 · answered by Big red 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By not letting her outside you are causing her to be upset which can cause her not to let her milk down. I would let her out if she wants to go. She will still feed her puppies.
2006-12-10 18:32:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋