They are 2 days old and feeding very well. Every 2 -3 hours, i keep four on at a time and rotate doing 3 sets of 4 then mama has a break. She has been to the vets and they were very happy with her progress, said she is producing enough milk for the pups. She is great, im helping her feed and drink, however she isn't eating all that much, i presume thats normal?? The pups seem fine and feed well, but i'm not sure when to reduce the amount of feeding times or when to make them last longer etc? I am feeding them now 2-3 hours, through the night aswell, which is tiring. When will they be able to go through the night without a feed? And at how many weeks should i reduce their feedings (from mama) from every 2-3 hours? and how long should a feed last, I know to ween them on puppy food about 4wks old.
As she has 12 pups and nearly squashed one to death, i cannot just leave them on her 24,7. plus she needs rest too, so they are in a little box next to her with heated matt and she can see them
2007-11-17 14:33:47 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Sounds like you are doing a good job but she should be eating a lot right now try giving her some scrambled eggs,cottage cheese this will help build her up also give her some can puppy food if she is not already on puppy food dry go to it the first week she feeds about every two hours then she goes to every 3 hours then at 3 weeks it is every 4 hours then when they start eating some puppy food at 4 weeks she goes to 6 hours then about every 8 hours till weaned
2007-11-17 14:45:34 · answer #1 · answered by chihuahuamom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well I don't understand why your rotating them so much. It really isn't necessary for you to do so. she will be fine and so will the pups. You have to watch her for a while to make sure she doesn't smother the pups but you should not be rotating the pups so often. If you see a pup or 2 that you think is not getting enough feeding then you step in to help and rotate the pups. Not before. You killing your self. The only thing you should be doing now is watch out for the possibility of her smothering a pup. If she is in a whelping box to small for her and the pups than the risk of her smothering a pup is higher.
Most mom's just sleep right in with the pups and you should not be pulling the pups off of her at all. Some pups fall asleep while on a nipple too. It all fine and very normal. The amount of time each pupwill nurse it upto the pup. Once they are full they stop youshould not be interfering with this either. You should not be seperating mom from pups at all. She should be allowed to stay with her pups and you should let her. She will let you know when she needs to potty.
Aslo it's not your call as to when the pups should start to be weaned it the mom's call. She will knows when she feels the time is right to start.
I think your doing a good job but I also think your interfering a bit too much too. Just consintrate on keep mom from rolling over or smothering a pup. Then leave everything else to her and keep a very close eye on everyone.,
Best of luck!
2007-11-17 14:55:25 · answer #2 · answered by ♥Golden gal♥ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First off, Kudos for taking great care of your dog and puppies and being concerned.
They will need to be feed for 5 weeks maybe, Puppy Food will be about 6 weeks sorry, make sure to give them lots of ettention, but equally for all. Make sure the mom rests. Feed the mom food with extra protien and calcium if possible, that's good for the pups.
The mom is extra Prtective now so she will eat less not to worry!!
Good Luck!
2007-11-17 14:42:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let the puppies eat as much as they want. It's great that you are helping her. 2-3 hours is great for feeding times for now, you can pretty much tell when they are ready to eat, they will start moving around - looking for a nipple. As time goes on, the feedings will begin to be further apart - but for now, just watch the babies for signs of hunger. You can start weaning them around 4 weeks old, and they can also lap milk at that time. Since you are helping to feed, I assume you already have a milk replacement formula for puppies. When they are older, start letting them lap that too. It will take some of the pressure of mom.
Sounds like you really have your hands FULL. Good luck and enjoy them while they are babies - they grow so fast!!!
2007-11-17 14:49:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow - I thought our dog had a big litter when she had 9! Good for you for helping her.
All I can say is make sure the mother has plenty of high quality food to eat, and water to drink. She's going to need it. If you have a good high-quality pet supply store in your area, check there for dog food for a nursing dog, if such a thing exists. They may be able to answer your other questions. too. Otherwise, try the book linked to below
2007-11-17 14:41:40 · answer #5 · answered by Ralfcoder 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs have been having pups on their own since the dawn of time.
Your dog will wean them slowly, as they grow.
it's natural for them to do this on their own.
Your job is to care for her. she will care for her pups.
you can supplement her food, or feed her some puppy chow inbetween, to ensure she gets enough nourishment.
you can safely watch over your cutie pies, but let mom care for them. You take care of mom, by making sure she eats and rests, when she wants. Do not separate them from their mom. it is not normal or natural that they sleep away from her. this is their bonding time with her. when she wants, she will leave them for a while, when she needs her time. put them back in with her. or she may choose to abandon them, if you interfere too much.
her appetite will increase in good time. just leave food and water out for her. do not give her milk. this will cause her to get diarrhea. I mention this, because some people think it's natural for them. it is not natural.
just let nature do her thing.
2007-11-17 14:43:44 · answer #6 · answered by Rochelle T 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Feeed mother supplements(Isomel,vitamens, etc.) Much attention needed here. Plenty of food and water for mother. Will probably require owner a minimum of four hours a day of attention to the situation. Big litter, all will probably not survive. Begin wheening at four weeeks. Can be totally independent and seperated by 6 weeks.
2007-11-17 14:42:47 · answer #7 · answered by Michael F 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sounds like everything is fine. What kind of dog is it? My dog had 10 puppies and I thought that was a lot. (She is a Giant Schnauzer.)
2007-11-17 14:39:29 · answer #8 · answered by delaneythehorsegirl 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I just saying you should be nice to the pups. cause when they r dogs they can get mean if your not nice to them that what happen to my cuzs she was mean to them as pups and when they got older they got meaner and one bit her finger off
2007-11-17 14:42:32 · answer #9 · answered by hockeygirl300 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋