URGENT NEED HELP! Raising orphan puppies.

ILSMarki8 · 02-18-2013, 07:22 AM

My dog gave birth to 4 puppies two days ago. Few days earlier the we were expecting. One was really small and already dead at the moment we found out. There are 2 boys and 1 girl left. the problem is girl is pretty weak, her mum refuses to feed her and her brothers push her away. We decided to try hand raising because she would otherwise die.

What should we feed her? What to do? We're keeping her in shoe box near furnace to keep her warm. Any advice is welcomed.

souffle · 02-18-2013, 07:52 AM

You need to consult a vet at least or a dog forum for knowledgeable advice. It sounds as if mother knows there is something wrong with this puppy. If you can hold her to the mother and try and get her to suckle this would be far better than hand rearing. It is a 24hr a day job and needs you to stimulate the pup to wee and poo (mother would lick her to do this then clean her up) She will need very frequent feeding with a substitute puppy milk like Lactol which your vet should stock. Warmth and contact will also be essential. I would try my utmost to get her back with the mother as she stands the best chance there and seek vet help in case she is ill.

racinghamster · 02-18-2013, 09:00 AM

Agree. Poor puppy, I hope she survives. Try and see a vet ILSmarki as the mum may also need checked over. Birthing puppies can be traumatising for a dog, but they normally manage well. Puppies this young benefit from the colostrum in mums milk for their immune stytem, but substitute milk can be fed (as long as it`s the correct formula) and fed frequently. As souffle said, it`s a 24 hour job hand rearing puppies.

Getting your dog speyed aswell now should be a priority to prevent unwanted litters. The puppies will benefit now from warmth and being with mum. If mum is not interested, then a vet should advise you on how to feed them. Please let us know how they are. x

bizziedogs · 02-18-2013, 11:32 AM

definately go to the vets, there maybe a reason that mum doesnt want to feed the girl, which can be treated. the mum may also be in danger so definately get to the vets

if u need to hand rear your vet will probaly recoomend espilac milk formula or lactol, as these are the most popular. also u have to make sure u toilet the puppys as puppys have to be stimulated normally mum would lick the bottom area, but if your hand rearing slight damp a cotton wall ball and gently but continuously wipe from front area to back (like a licking motion) u will need to do this after EVERY FEED not doing this will kill the puppy. definately take to vets though as the puppies may have issues hence the not wanting to feed good luck xx

ILSMarki8 · 02-19-2013, 09:08 AM

We contacted wet and they only recomanded some puppy milk formula. We fed her that every few hours but she was too weak. It seems everything is OK with mum and twins (other two boys). Vet said us that mum actally refused feeding her beaczse she was aware of girl beeing a runt of litter. She died sometimes last evening. May she rest in peace.

Quote:

Originally Posted by racinghamster

Getting your dog speyed aswell now should be a priority to prevent unwanted litters. The puppies will benefit now from warmth and being with mum. If mum is not interested, then a vet should advise you on how to feed them. Please let us know how they are. x

I can't really talk my parents into getting any of our pets spayed because they say "we will invest money in it and next day it will get hit by a car". I am saving for such things but don't have my own icome so can't afford that myself.

Vectis Hamstery · 02-19-2013, 09:29 AM

I'm sorry to hear about the little puppy. Sometimes animal charities offer discounted neutering so it might be worth looking into that in your area. I hope the other puppies thrive.

souffle · 02-19-2013, 11:09 AM

I am sorry to hear you lost the puppy but likely mum knew she was unwell. RIP little one. Perhaps the next time you see your bitch is coming into season you could make it your duty to stop her getting near any male dogs by shutting her inside and only walking her on a lead until she comes out again. It really is not fair on her body to let her have endless litters. Look in to the charity route too and see if she could be spayed.

racinghamster · 02-20-2013, 01:42 AM

So sorry to hear the little one didn`t make it. I agree with souffle though that there are steps you can take when your bitch is in season. Keep her indoors. Walk her on a leash at all times and carry a walking stick with you to chase off any dogs that follow you or try to get near you. Wash your patchways with a solotion like jeyes fluid or chlorine bleach which will take away any scent.

Neutering dogs in certain countries is usually looked upon as taboo and never done, which results in unwanted dogs and many litters of puppies that have uncertain futures as a result. So contacting a universal rescue organisation can sometimes help as they sometimes have vets in areas who spey and neuter dogs free of charge to prevent this. Your own vet might be able to advise you on this.

shiny · 02-20-2013, 03:21 PM

Sorry about your little puppy

, sometimes the mum will reject one of a litter because there is a problem with it & it is highly unlikely it will survive at all. As far as the mum is concerned, feeding healthy pups with a greater chance of survival is a better investment of her energy. I know this sounds harsh but it's just how it goes sometimes.

Well done to you for looking out for your dog even if your parents won't get her neutered