I notice that the puppies already have teeth. I believe this plays a part in her decision. What steps can I take to make sure that the puppies are being feed?
2007-01-26 16:39:17 · 17 answers · asked by pamela y 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
The most common reason for a mom to wean the pups too early is the puppies' sharp toenails..Snip the sharp tip off their nails, and rub a plain aloe or emu oil or Shea butter on mom's tummy where it is red..Don't use anything with fragrance or alcohol.
The puppies are getting enough if they continue to gain weight, and are not crying all the time..However, they can begin to eat puppy food at this age. Pour hot water over dry puppy food, and allow it to soak until very mushy., about like oatmeal..I prefer to feed in a flat pan or pie plate, so pups can get to it (don't worry about the mess, as mom will clean it up) ..Feed this twice per day until they are eating well and mom is not feeding any more..BUT..Mom will quit cleaning up their poo when they begin eating solids, so you will have to take over the job..another reason to try to keep them nursing a bit longer..
2007-01-26 19:21:37 · answer #1 · answered by Chetco 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Have you checked mom for extra hot teats? are they cracked or bleeding, dry skin? Are the scratch to ribbons? Please what ever you do dont hold mom down to feed the pups. There is a reason she is trying not to feed them. Moms will not fully wean pups till the 5 to 6 weeks though some will start now. Just keep in mind puppies should be kept together and with mom till they are 8 weeks old, before you sell them. So they can get the full benefit of being a normal, well adjusted puppy/dog. Check your mom totally if any of these symptoms you can get something called Bag Balm that was originally used for sore nursing cattle. Or lanolin based cream that wont make puppy sick, give her teats a good rub down, if her nipples are hard, red and very hot to the touch she could have an infection and it hurts her to nurse. People have given you good ideas how to feed pups. Just be sure to use a DOG milk replacer. No cows milk no canned milks.
2007-01-26 17:10:39 · answer #2 · answered by I luv Pets 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just make sure that you have dry puppy food soaked with water (to soften it) available for the puppies whenever the mom is not wanting to feed them (they should be able to eat at least every 6 hours). Since she is weaning them, it is you turn to step in and start feeding them. She may also be drying up (not producing as much milk) which will make her start weaning them a little early. You are lucky though, it is extremely hard to wean a little when the mom doesn't want to. My female will nurse her puppies until 12 weeks if I will let her, but I make her completely stop by 8 weeks.
2007-01-26 18:02:06 · answer #3 · answered by iluvmyfrenchbulldogs 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are about big enough to supplement whatever they are not getting from nursing by taking a food like Royal Canin Baby dog (because it has a highly digestible, high quality tiny kibble) and make a mush of it with some Esbillac or "Just Born" puppy formula which is available in pet stores. PetSmart carries both brands. PetCo probably does as well. Ask your Vet first and also ask the Vet how much supplemental food he or she recommends. Congrats on the pups.
2007-01-26 17:38:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mix puppy formula with wet canned puppy food. See if they will take to it. They are a bit young. You could force her, but that won't last. She'll get away from you. She might be feeding them more often than you think like at the wee morning hours. As long as they are thriving she may be giving feedings without your knowledge. Use your good judgment. Have a dog gone great year.
2007-01-26 16:46:13 · answer #5 · answered by firestarter 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Six weeks is about the maximum for dogs to feed their pup's. How is their general overall well being? Are they growing, gaining weight or, small, sickly and crying? If they are quite healthy all is well, if not then you need to seek advice from your Vet as they may require medical intervention.
Your Vet is the best person to advise and assist you with what is the best way to supplement the puppies diet, that will not cause gut problems for them. Loose bowels can dehydrate puppies very quickly and cause all sorts of health problems for them.
Good luck.
2007-01-26 17:07:25 · answer #6 · answered by sag_kat2chat 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try to let them feed as long as possible from mom.Then feed them baby rice cereal mixed with water of course but not too thick or watery.Dont give them cow milk.Pet stores also sell puppy formula,,ask for assistance in finding the type for new borns.I have an older Siberian husky male named "Jett". They are beautiful dogs. ;O)
2007-01-26 16:43:34 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there is any way to get her to feed them for at least one more week, that would help.
Then mix baby rice cereal with goats milk to feed the puppies for another week or so then stop the baby rice and just mix some dry puppy food with some goats milk and soon you can just give them the dry puppy food.
This usually works well.
2007-01-26 16:59:52 · answer #8 · answered by empresspekes 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That is about right. Nature will take its course. Mom is doing the right thing.
Once the pups have teeth you can start to introduce some canned puppy food mixed with water. They may not be interested at first but keep trying. You will be amazed at how quickly they will start to dive into their dishes once they understand.
2007-01-26 16:49:36 · answer #9 · answered by huckleberry 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can use a bottle you get from the pet store. It has a small nipple so it will fit in the puppies mouth. Ask them for a feeding schedule
2007-01-26 16:44:08 · answer #10 · answered by nutnut1957 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋