So, the vet was happy with her checkup today. Her temp was confirmed at 98.8 degress, from last night. Shy has been fine and her vet let me know to stay close by. No motorcycle stuff for me for awhile. I asked about getting an xray or ultrasound, but, she told me that there's either 2 or 4 pups to come and that I didn't need it. Her last three visits we went over birthing procedures and signs of distress. I have her vet's number on standby, fuel in the truck, her whelping box is the way she wants it, and her puppy kisses are still all over my nose and in my ears! I won't lie, I'm very nervous. I just smile, nuzzle up to her, and pet her gently. Dash seems to feel left out, so he gets a little conned food mixed in with his dry food too, twice a day.
I'd like to keep criticism to a minimal, but, if anyone is reading I have some questions that I forgot to ask her doc...
What type of warming pad, light, or bed do you recommend? I have her with a self- warming bed (operates off her own body heat) right now. I've seen some electronic pet warming pads from various local pet stores (LPS) and online. "Petmate" seems to be the leader so far, along with pricing. I know it's very late in the game for warming pads, that's why I have three microwavable ones as a backup. I don't mind paying for overnight delivery or picking some up at a higher cost. I actually took a few hours manually sewing some patient casualty heating blankets (basically "space blankets") into folded towels. They seem to work very well, since my legs were getting warm as I was sewing them up. Not hot, just warm. I have a lot of chux pads and training pads for the pups' box and was going to place the handmade blankets under them. I've read about placing heating pads under their boxes, but, that seems so very unsafe. I don't really want to do a heating lamp. It seems to be an unavoidable source of heat that neither Shy nor the pups can escape. Anyways, some input on there would be appreciated. I will probably go in to talk with her vet on the matter tomorrow or Monday, if I don't get a reply here.
Another item on the table is formula for her babies. I have powdered and pre-made Esbilac for them, but, I want to make sure it’s suitable. Over the last few weeks I’ve done some searching and it seems like it gets enough good reviews. Opinions?
I had another question, but, couldn’t remember it. Shy’s doc and I have been going over a lot the last few weeks/visits. I may be just wasting money to ask questions and getting her opinion and assessment of my girl, but, when I have something on priority I tend to do it in overkill.
So, do any of you ladies (and gentlemen?) have any input or questions thus far? And again, any responses to my questions would be nice.
Oh! Docking. I’ve been reading that the little ones come in within 3-5 days for tail docking. I’m aware that Europe has banned docking. I’ve also seen a few pics and vids of undocked Yorkies. Any input or opinions on this subject as well?
Well, have a good night. I'll post some pics shortly.
-James |