We have a Dachshund who gave birth to 4 beautiful puppies 5 weeks ago. She has been the most wonderful mother. Now the puppies are 5 weeks old and this morning I heard one puppy holler and carrying on, so I figured our chihuahua might have snapped at him.
I went and checked and the mother had done it. The chihuahua was in his crate.
Anyway, The only thing I could tell that had happened is that the mother was eating some dry dog food and it seemed that the puppy had tried to get some as well. I've been keeping it from the puppies because the vet said not to give them anything til 8 weeks. I feel terrible for this because it seems to me that the puppies are ready to eat and mom is not feeding them as much as she used to. Is it time for food for the pups? They all have teeth.
My concern is why did such a good mother snap and hurt her puppy for trying to eat? Do mother dogs not like to share their food with the pups?
2007-01-14 23:30:33 · 7 answers · asked by Candy W 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Thanks for the advice. I'm soaking the food in water now. Thanks so much
2007-01-15 00:21:51 · update #1
That her way of telling them to go find their own food.
2007-01-14 23:55:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're vet said 8 weeks???? Way too long. She's starting to wean them, and they will do that. It's like your mom getting mad at you and teaching you. Start those little guys on puppy chow with some warm water (not milk, it can give them diarrhea) mixed in. As they get used to it, gradually reduce the water until it's dry, usually over 3 or 4 days. Mother dogs usually start weaning pups at about 5 weeks. Usually by 7 weeks, it's pretty well done.
2007-01-14 23:41:22 · answer #2 · answered by Scoots 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you had 4 kids at once would your patience be thin too? I know mine is sometimes with my 2. Yes she is just training her pups to let them know that she is boss and they are old enough to start learning their place in the pack and the top dog eats first. The pups should have had their first intro to wet dog food at 4 weeks and soft dry biscuits at 6 weeks. They are taking too much out of her if she is their sole food source.
2007-01-15 00:44:45 · answer #3 · answered by Big red 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely, she is training them. She is letting them know what is acceptable behavior and what is not. She is also, weaning them at a very good time. I don't know what vet told you not to feed those pups but, they should have started eating dry food soaked in water at least a week ago. Feed them at least three times a day. Her job is almost over. Now, is when you need to step in a bit more and allow her more free time. Good luck.
2007-01-14 23:36:02 · answer #4 · answered by st.lady (1 of GitEm's gang) 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your vets not too bright huh?
Your dog is weaning her pups and it's quite normal for her to snap at them.
Her poor little body is in bad need of replenishment after carrying,delivering and nursing the pups.She needs every bite she can get to rebuild her system.
Wet some dry food for the pups and once it turns mushy and is room temperature give it to them away from her or she'll eat it as well.
2007-01-15 02:50:24 · answer #5 · answered by misbehavin165 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes the mother dog has to stay the alpha female, plus she knows that she needs to feed them herself.As she starts to wean them, she will nip at them more and they will learn to let her eat first.They will bite her later on so she needs to get them used to her being boss......
2007-01-15 03:07:10 · answer #6 · answered by Maw-Maw 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes all moms do it mine did
2007-01-15 01:07:46 · answer #7 · answered by peg42857 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋