Help, Really Sick Puppy

[chloeTG]

Okay, I'm posting this for a co-workers daughter who bought a chi this last Saturday. After speaking with her a little more about the puppy whose been at the vet's since getting him...it looks like the breeder lied and said he was older than he really was...he really needs to be with his mama but the breeder won't take him back...

The puppies at the vet's right now getting the care he needs but I'm wondering if there's anything she can do while he's at home with her...because the vet gave him a shot of glucose...and left the stint in there and gave her some glucose to take home with her with instructions on when to give it...I told him she needs to put him on a low heating pad with blankets to keep him warm. He's about 1lb...(OMG, poor baby, so small) I also told her she needs to keep a tube of nutri-cal and an emergency kit for everyday use as well because he's just a tiny baby...can you guys advise me on anything else we should do? Should he be getting a formula supplement??

Thanks so much guys, your advice is greatly appreciated!

[xmasbaby75]

Well, how old do you think this puppy really is?

[daisy mae06]

wow poor baby... so sad...

[chloeTG]

I would probably guess about 6 weeks...poor baby SHOULD NOT be away from his mother...don't know what to do for her...should he be eating blended to a powder puppy food at this age? Should she give him pedialite to ensure his sugar levels stay up?

Thanks guys...ugh...I'm thankful for responsible breeders that don't let their babies go until they're healthy and ready...so Thank You..from the bottom of my heart to you all who take such loving care during your breeding programs!

((HUGS))Tracy

[xmasbaby75]

Well, obviously 6 weeks old is way too young for the puppy to be away from it's Mama, but you already know that, and there's really not much you can do about it now, so I'll skip the lecture.

Now, for the upside - I've had good luck with very young puppies, but they do require more work. The pup needs to be socialized with other dogs - and since it's Mommy can't teach him things, your friend will have to. For example, puppies (littermates) have a way of "teaching each other" how to be dogs. If they bite too hard, the other one yelps so the biter knows he was too rough, and so on. This stage is so very important to the puppy's development. This is when the puppy forms his personality, and learns about his suroundings, etc. Like I said, it can be done, it just requires more work and attention.

Now, about the food question. What is the puppy eating now? Did the breeder give any info as to what she was feeding it before it came home? At 6 weeks (and just barely weaned) I usually mix a little water (or puppy formula for extra nutrition) in with the puppies dry food. It will become kind of mushy (like oatmeal). This is a good consistency for puppies who are very young. Then, slowly add less and less liquid. You'll see what the puppy can handle. I know mine are ready for the dry food alone when they steal it on me! I hope this helps!