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Originally Posted by Rosiegirl  I have one other question.... Should I limit the amount they eat at first? I am afraid that if I just start putting food down and leave it they will eat a lot and get constipated or something... I want to avoid problems if possible. |
No, do not limit. Remove the dam from the pups for a bout an hour or so and offer them a weaning formula two or three times a day helps the dam out and gets them started lapping. For some very fat pups where there is an abundance of milk from the dam, ou may be wasting your time, but it's good to try anyway. Let the dam in to cleam up the leftovers and clean up the pups. In some cases, the mother will refuse to let them nurse at about four weeks (usually this is when the pups begin to cut teeth). Sometimes her milk will begin to dry up. If this is the case, let nature take it's course! Just make sure if this happens that the pups get extra food. Then mother's job will take a different course. Offering them warmth and teaching appropriate canine behaviour.