Questions about after the pups are born? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

bloominsuz · 05-01-2010, 05:32 PM

My Shayna is only 4 weeks pregnant and it's the first time I've ever bred a dog, but my questions after reading just about every post and article written is ...
Do you need to be with the mom and pups 24/7 after they are born and for how long or can I get out for an evening or two occasoinally? When can I trust mom to do the caring?
Can you tell me what a typical day is like (caring for pups)?
Thanks in advance all you knowledgable, wise and caring breeders out there! I've already learned so much from you!

Bellamariasofia · 05-01-2010, 05:43 PM

Sorry I cant really answer your question, but I have sort of the same question.. MY BellaMariaSofia is nursing for her first time, she just delivered 2.5 days ago.only one pup, she seems so exausted and doesnt wanna really leave the den/pup. I feel like I should give her a few hours off?? I can tell she really wanst to do this but she is soo tired, I gave her some nutri call for some energy too.
ARE THEY SUPPOSED TO STAY W PUPPS 24/7?

Thank you for bringing up a good topic

Mardelin · 05-01-2010, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bloominsuz

My Shayna is only 4 weeks pregnant and it's the first time I've ever bred a dog, but my questions after reading just about every post and article written is ...
Do you need to be with the mom and pups 24/7 after they are born and for how long or can I get out for an evening or two occasoinally? When can I trust mom to do the caring?
Can you tell me what a typical day is like (caring for pups)?
Thanks in advance all you knowledgable, wise and caring breeders out there! I've already learned so much from you!

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.

Mardelin · 05-01-2010, 06:15 PM

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.

WinstonMom · 05-01-2010, 06:25 PM

I agree with Mardelin that it is really best if you can be with your mom and pups at all times. I stock up on my supplies and basically do not leave the house for the week before and week after the pups are born. My husband travels a lot for his job, so I do occasionally have to leave the house after that to run errands. I try to organize my errands so that I am gone only for very short periods and only if I am sure that mom and pups are well settled for a nap before I go out. I try to limit my trips out to less than an hour. I am always scared when I go out though, as potentially you can come home to a pup that has gotten out of the box, or got a toenail entangled in bedding or countless other things that can go bad really fast.

Elle · 05-01-2010, 06:49 PM

It's more like two full time jobs without question. All life outside of the liter is put on hold. Nothing else matter and that's that. Showers, errands, any appointments outside of an emergency is put on hold. Sleeping with one eye open. It's a fun, crazy sleep deprived time. Even though mom does the work, you have to clean everything and make sure that everything is perfect every minute.
As soon as they get mobile it gets harder, not easier. One is gaining more/less. One foot of nails can't get cut, one is being pushes aside and when you try to let him get an extra meal he wants to sleep or mom won't stop cleaning him. You can be a pro and you will still second guess yourself. They're a living soul that you bring into the world. You have to be there for them.

bloominsuz · 05-02-2010, 07:47 AM

I thank you for the info. Is there any thing else? I'm kind of a research freak so I'm looking for any details I can get.

bloominsuz · 05-02-2010, 07:48 AM

When do you start bathing the pups?

Mardelin · 05-02-2010, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bloominsuz

When do you start bathing the pups?

After their first shots, 8-9 weeks of age. Mother's usually keep them pretty clean and sweet smelling.....Nothing like the smell of a newborn puppy.

Mother's a quick rinse and blow dry of her hind quarters after she's delivered the last pup. But no bath for at least a week, when she's less reluctant to leave her pups. You in no way want to stress her and cause her to stop milk production.

Mardelin · 05-02-2010, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bloominsuz

When do you start bathing the pups?

I don't know if you have starting getting your supplies together. And they are many.....Supplies and meds. Start finding a whelping area, away from traffic, draft free and where you can monitor all of them, 24 hours a day.

bloominsuz · 05-02-2010, 08:26 AM

Did that yesterday. I got a under the bed box for whelping (hoping it's big enough, she's 10 lbs), a new bed that fits, themometer, KY, washable pee pads, blankets, I have a whole list, that's been posted. My Walmart is a mess in remodel, so I'll get more later. I'm starting in my bedroom (till DH gives me a problem). I have a playpen but Shayna hates being in there (when she was a pup), I can only hope she gets over it when the pups arrive. Right now the box is on the floor. I need to find a heating pad that doesn't shut itself off. Also she sleeps with me, is this going to be a problem or will she be drawn to the pups?

She has started to want to eat more and since she was picky I'm home cooking for her. Rice, green beans, chicken, carrots, egg. She loves it, to the tune of 3-4x per day. I also give her 1/2 pet tab. Am I on track?

Mardelin · 05-02-2010, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bloominsuz

Did that yesterday. I got a under the bed box for whelping (hoping it's big enough, she's 10 lbs), a new bed that fits, themometer, KY, washable pee pads, blankets, I have a whole list, that's been posted. My Walmart is a mess in remodel, so I'll get more later. I'm starting in my bedroom (till DH gives me a problem). I have a playpen but Shayna hates being in there (when she was a pup), I can only hope she gets over it when the pups arrive. Right now the box is on the floor. I need to find a heating pad that doesn't shut itself off. Also she sleeps with me, is this going to be a problem or will she be drawn to the pups?

She has started to want to eat more and since she was picky I'm home cooking for her. Rice, green beans, chicken, carrots, egg. She loves it, to the tune of 3-4x per day. I also give her 1/2 pet tab. Am I on track?

As long as you aren't giving her calcium tabs.

bloominsuz · 05-02-2010, 08:42 AM

Nope, already know about that? I also know calcium depends on the amount of pups

Mardelin · 05-02-2010, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bloominsuz

Did that yesterday. I got a under the bed box for whelping (hoping it's big enough, she's 10 lbs), a new bed that fits, themometer, KY, washable pee pads, blankets, I have a whole list, that's been posted. My Walmart is a mess in remodel, so I'll get more later. I'm starting in my bedroom (till DH gives me a problem). I have a playpen but Shayna hates being in there (when she was a pup), I can only hope she gets over it when the pups arrive. Right now the box is on the floor. I need to find a heating pad that doesn't shut itself off. Also she sleeps with me, is this going to be a problem or will she be drawn to the pups?

She has started to want to eat more and since she was picky I'm home cooking for her. Rice, green beans, chicken, carrots, egg. She loves it, to the tune of 3-4x per day. I also give her 1/2 pet tab. Am I on track?

You should get your pregnant female used to staying in a confined area as her whelping time approaches, and when you cannot watch her activities regularly. Otherwise, she may make her nest whre you cannot find it or have her puppies all over the place so that they can become chilled and die. Do get her used to the area that you have set up for her to have her puppies and nurse them, A whelping box that is low enough for her to get in and out of easily but not so low that the pups can roll out and chill. Choose an area that is draft free and away from heavy people traffic.

It's okay to use a heating pad (with chewproof colrd if possible, but do not cover the entire area with heat! It is better to tape the heating pad to the edge of the outside of the whelping box covering only, at the most one-third of the area. Too much heat will make the mother uncomfortable and keep the pups from cuddling to her.

With a large litter, three or more pups, it usually isn't necessary to have a heating pad. As they usually gravitate towards each other and mother for warmth.

mommadog1 · 05-02-2010, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bloominsuz

Did that yesterday. I got a under the bed box for whelping (hoping it's big enough, she's 10 lbs), a new bed that fits, themometer, KY, washable pee pads, blankets, I have a whole list, that's been posted. My Walmart is a mess in remodel, so I'll get more later. I'm starting in my bedroom (till DH gives me a problem). I have a playpen but Shayna hates being in there (when she was a pup), I can only hope she gets over it when the pups arrive. Right now the box is on the floor. I need to find a heating pad that doesn't shut itself off. Also she sleeps with me, is this going to be a problem or will she be drawn to the pups?

She has started to want to eat more and since she was picky I'm home cooking for her. Rice, green beans, chicken, carrots, egg. She loves it, to the tune of 3-4x per day. I also give her 1/2 pet tab. Am I on track?

Best and safest heating "pad" for pups and dogs. I have 2 of them and they only get warm when they are on it. One side heats up more then the other. I forget the temps but this is soooo safe and I love using them. Large Therapet Heated Pet Mat Heating Pad For Whelping - eBay (item 280490036389 end time May-07-10 11:20:39 PDT)

Good luck with your momma and babies

05-01-2010, 05:32 PM	#1
bloominsuz Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2009 Location: Whittier, CA Posts: 206	Questions about after the pups are born? My Shayna is only 4 weeks pregnant and it's the first time I've ever bred a dog, but my questions after reading just about every post and article written is ... Do you need to be with the mom and pups 24/7 after they are born and for how long or can I get out for an evening or two occasoinally? When can I trust mom to do the caring? Can you tell me what a typical day is like (caring for pups)? Thanks in advance all you knowledgable, wise and caring breeders out there! I've already learned so much from you!

05-01-2010, 06:25 PM	#5
WinstonMom YT Addict Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 384	I agree with Mardelin that it is really best if you can be with your mom and pups at all times. I stock up on my supplies and basically do not leave the house for the week before and week after the pups are born. My husband travels a lot for his job, so I do occasionally have to leave the house after that to run errands. I try to organize my errands so that I am gone only for very short periods and only if I am sure that mom and pups are well settled for a nap before I go out. I try to limit my trips out to less than an hour. I am always scared when I go out though, as potentially you can come home to a pup that has gotten out of the box, or got a toenail entangled in bedding or countless other things that can go bad really fast. __________________ Audrey

05-01-2010, 05:43 PM	#2
Bellamariasofia Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Corona, Ca Posts: 43	Sorry I cant really answer your question, but I have sort of the same question.. MY BellaMariaSofia is nursing for her first time, she just delivered 2.5 days ago.only one pup, she seems so exausted and doesnt wanna really leave the den/pup. I feel like I should give her a few hours off?? I can tell she really wanst to do this but she is soo tired, I gave her some nutri call for some energy too. ARE THEY SUPPOSED TO STAY W PUPPS 24/7? Thank you for bringing up a good topic

05-01-2010, 06:49 PM	#6
Elle YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 881	It's more like two full time jobs without question. All life outside of the liter is put on hold. Nothing else matter and that's that. Showers, errands, any appointments outside of an emergency is put on hold. Sleeping with one eye open. It's a fun, crazy sleep deprived time. Even though mom does the work, you have to clean everything and make sure that everything is perfect every minute. As soon as they get mobile it gets harder, not easier. One is gaining more/less. One foot of nails can't get cut, one is being pushes aside and when you try to let him get an extra meal he wants to sleep or mom won't stop cleaning him. You can be a pro and you will still second guess yourself. They're a living soul that you bring into the world. You have to be there for them.

05-02-2010, 07:47 AM	#7
bloominsuz Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2009 Location: Whittier, CA Posts: 206	I thank you for the info. Is there any thing else? I'm kind of a research freak so I'm looking for any details I can get.

05-02-2010, 07:48 AM	#8
bloominsuz Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2009 Location: Whittier, CA Posts: 206	When do you start bathing the pups?

05-02-2010, 08:26 AM	#11
bloominsuz Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2009 Location: Whittier, CA Posts: 206	Did that yesterday. I got a under the bed box for whelping (hoping it's big enough, she's 10 lbs), a new bed that fits, themometer, KY, washable pee pads, blankets, I have a whole list, that's been posted. My Walmart is a mess in remodel, so I'll get more later. I'm starting in my bedroom (till DH gives me a problem). I have a playpen but Shayna hates being in there (when she was a pup), I can only hope she gets over it when the pups arrive. Right now the box is on the floor. I need to find a heating pad that doesn't shut itself off. Also she sleeps with me, is this going to be a problem or will she be drawn to the pups? She has started to want to eat more and since she was picky I'm home cooking for her. Rice, green beans, chicken, carrots, egg. She loves it, to the tune of 3-4x per day. I also give her 1/2 pet tab. Am I on track?

05-02-2010, 08:42 AM	#13
bloominsuz Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2009 Location: Whittier, CA Posts: 206	Nope, already know about that? I also know calcium depends on the amount of pups