We have 7 GSD puppies that are 3 weeks old. They all have 8 top teeth and 6 bottom. All research that I have done says they should start cutting teeth at 3 weeks. I am worried about them because mom has stopped feeding them. We are giving them milk replacement and they seem to be doing fine, but shouldnt their mom feed them until about 6 weeks?.....Please dont say I am just a "BYB" or that I shouldnt be breeding unless I know all the answers. If you dont want to give answer my question dont. If have something rude to say I can tell you now that I really dont care what your opinion is....everyone has to start somewhere and ask questions at some point. So please dont be rude.
2007-04-20 16:40:47 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
All the mother knows is that the pups have teeth and this hurts her so she as nature intended stops milk supply and suckling them just keep on doing as you are and start on solids when you think they are ready check that mum keeps them warm.~~
2007-04-20 16:52:15 · answer #1 · answered by burning brightly 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She should be feeding them until they are 6 weeks old you are right. It could be her milk is drying up (have you tried milking her to see) or she could be getting an infection like mastitis . I would take her to the vet to have her checked out to make sure she is ok. If you have her on a high quality food (preferably puppy food) and she is healthy she should still be feeding them. I usually start introducing my pups to solid foods around 4 1/2 weeks old but don't wean them till 6 weeks sometimes the mother doesn't cut them off till 7 weeks. So take her to the vet and they will be able to find out why she has stopped feeding them. Other than that you are doing the right thing with the milk replacer but I know how hard that can be. I have complete empathy for you. Best of luck and hope I helped a bit.
2007-04-20 23:50:44 · answer #2 · answered by Fort Glory 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would be worried that the mother has stopped feeding them. Do her nipples feel hot, tender, or hard? Does she still have milk sacks?
At 3 weeks you can start to wean them yourself, by placing milk replacement, mixed with ground premium dog food until it forms a gruel. Take a bit on your finger a put it up to the dogs nose and mouth. Place there face next to/into a saucer or deep plate with the gruel on it. They will soon begin to lap it up. Probably only for a minute. Start out doing it once the first day, twice the next ad so on, when you see there teeth developing you can use less and less milk replacer, and larger pieces of kibble. Some people also use canned food, but at this time i wouldn't recommend unless you are sure of your dog food. You can use less canned then you would ground kibble.
By 6 weeks they can eat whole kibble. I would recommend Flint River Ranch, California Natural or Innova Evo. Good Luck, and my email is available if you need further assistance.
2007-04-20 23:50:40 · answer #3 · answered by Jackie B 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
OUCH!!! I bet mom said. Truthfully they can live on puppy formula even if mom stopped feeding them after 1 week. Of course Mommas milk is best, But it happens all the time. Nobody knows all the answers. Your being responsible in asking. I honestly wouldnt worry about the teeth issue. They just came a little early, thats all. Atleast we know why Momma called it quits. You seem to be doing a fine job with your pups. Good luck.
Sandra S. Boise, Dog Trainer
2007-04-20 23:55:34 · answer #4 · answered by heysanj75 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes Mom should be still feeding them, however thank goodness you guys are there to pick up the slack where mom has bailed out.
Mom might not be a good canidate for future breeding because of her actions, unless you don't mind feeding her next litter.
The teeth are probably not causing the problem, either she has quit producing milk or she just isn't not mentally balanced to be a momma dog. Make sure momma dog is getting enough nutritiouse food to replenish her body from where the pups are draining her from nursing. Make sure her iron level is good, and that she is overall healthy - parasite free ( they are sneeky boogers). She may have mastitous - infl. of her mammary glands - red, inflamed, and painful! Maybe have your vet take a quick peek at her and make sure she's in good health and there is nothing medically preventing her from wanting to nurse her pups...... nothing worse than her wanting to give in to her maternal instincts, but being physically unable to.
I wish you the best of luck with your pups, and hope all goes well for you and your gang..... Hope your momma dog comes though for you guys and give you guys a little break.....
2007-04-20 23:51:13 · answer #5 · answered by Krazee about my pets! 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Depends... If she is feeding them and they aren't hurting her, they'll continue.. Once they start to hurt her, she'll decide that they can eat kibble... Depends on mom, most will feed til they ar 8 or 9 weeks, some say ' DONE ' by 3 or 4 weeks... You might have to start supplementing with kibble ... Let her feed them first if she will, and then the kibble so that they are still getting benefit of the milk.. If she won't feed them at all, then start getting them used to eating the kibble, soak it in water ( NOT HOT )and make it soupy, if you have to to get them eating it.. Make sure you offer them fresh clean water at all times too.. If mom isn't providing them with milk, they will need to have alot more water .. don't want them to get dehydrated.. Sometimes if they aren't keen on the idea, and only one or two are eating, the others watch with interest and they start in too.. Remember they are litter mates and in competition.. If he can eat food, then I can eat that food too ! They'll all figure it out.
2007-04-20 23:52:57 · answer #6 · answered by DP 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I cant answer your question, but I do agree with you what you were saying about everyone starting somewhere. I wouldnt advertise selling them if you arent sure of the quality of the pups right away, but ya, go ahead and ask questions, good for you! Id rather see someone whos not afraid to get answers then just do whatever they think unknowingly. I hope you find the answer you are looking for.OH you could just call the vet. that will probablly help.
2007-04-21 01:37:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its not unusaul for the mother to stop feeding them,it happens quite alot,as for the teeth I dont know,I wouldnt worry if its not exact,give it another week,than if your still concerned contact your local vet,most of which are happy to give advice for free and remember that letting nature take its own course usually sorts stuff out !
2007-04-20 23:46:39 · answer #8 · answered by Adrock 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think Mom can only feed them till they have teeth, then it hurts her...so maybe you should start them on some solid/wet food. (get some kibble and soak it so it's soft). Dogs, cats and people do things in their own time...not ONE set of rules applies to all..so if the puppies are healthy, I'd say Mom did a good job and now it's time to give them some solid food.
2007-04-20 23:47:08 · answer #9 · answered by Chrys 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You know what I agree anyone who gonna leave a rude answer don't answer! I had the same problem before I never knew why she stop feeding them. I just feed them on my own. Alot of mothers do that too,.
2007-04-20 23:51:15 · answer #10 · answered by Giovanna R 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋