Quote:
Originally Posted by Mardelin  You will have to be with mom 24/7 from a week before her due date and until the pups are approximately 8 weeks of age. I don't leave them alone until they are 12 weeks of age. You'll find that you'll be reluctant to leave them for fear something will happen. Mom will do the caring for them, but you will want to be there for any emergency that arises. Mom can go down on you anytime after whelping, pups can get out of the box and get chilled. So many things can crop that will require your assistance. |
A typical day is making sure the whelping area is clean 3 times a day at the minimum. Lots of laundry
Making sure the mom is eating properly, at the minimum 4 or 5 meals a day. Plus snacks. The first week she will be reluctant to leave pups, so you may have to intervine and hand feed her.
Vet visit for mom the next morning for a POP shot and physical exam.
Taking Mom out to potty. Making sure here feet, private areas and nipples are cleaned each time before she is put back in with pups
Temperature and weight taken daily - Mom and Pups
3-5 days pups to vet for dew claw and tail docking.
Weekly nail clipping so pups nails won't hurt mom
Weekly pup ear trimming and trimming their little butts.
There is much more that you'll have to see to....shots between 8 - 9 weeks, Weekly bathing and grooming for pups and mom.
Believe me it is a full time job.