How to prepare for a litter. - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Mishe · 12-20-2010, 10:28 PM

Hi everyone, I have a female Yorkie, Panini 1.4 years of age and 4.8lbs (now that she's pregnant.) I want to start off by saying that I originally wanted to breed her, but when the vet advised us against it, we decided not too. With that said, we couldn't afford to get her or my other Yorkie, Boshin (male), 1.6 years of age and 5lbs fixed. And we found out after the fact that we could have went to the animal shelter to do it.. but anyways. She was in heat and we weren't fast enough to separate them in time so here we are. I was hoping you guys could give me advice on what to do. I want to do whats best for my Panini and her pups. I don't want to sell them, just find them great homes with loving owners when they're ready and I really want to educate myself on this whole process.

Please help.

Thanks.

WV~Yorkies · 12-20-2010, 10:51 PM

research as much as you can. A good place to start is.
Dog Breeding and Canine Reproduction by Debbie Jensen. Dog Breeding and Whelping guide for dog breeders.

Find a vet that is know small breeds and keep in contact with him. Less than 5 pounds is not idea to breed and alot of things can go wron. That is why you have a vet lined up and available 24/7

If you want to talk pm me or I will give you my number so we can chatt and help you with questions you may have.

Melissa

YorkieRose · 12-21-2010, 11:16 AM

I find a nice glass of wine or two prepares me very well...

AND...there is nothing wrong in selling the pups for a fair price...and using the money to spay and neuter your pets..put some aside for future dental and vet care.

BFar · 12-22-2010, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YorkieRose

I find a nice glass of wine or two prepares me very well...

You know, I never tried that one. Now maybe not two glasses for me bc I'm a very lightweight drinker... I get buzzed from just a sip, but it might take the edge off.

Woogie Man · 12-22-2010, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mishe

Hi everyone, I have a female Yorkie, Panini 1.4 years of age and 4.8lbs (now that she's pregnant.) I want to start off by saying that I originally wanted to breed her, but when the vet advised us against it, we decided not too. With that said, we couldn't afford to get her or my other Yorkie, Boshin (male), 1.6 years of age and 5lbs fixed. And we found out after the fact that we could have went to the animal shelter to do it.. but anyways. She was in heat and we weren't fast enough to separate them in time so here we are. I was hoping you guys could give me advice on what to do. I want to do whats best for my Panini and her pups. I don't want to sell them, just find them great homes with loving owners when they're ready and I really want to educate myself on this whole process.

Please help.

Thanks.

I was wondering what your Panini's usual weight is. If she's only 4.8 pounds pregnant, she is a small girl, too small to be considered breeding weight. While any dog may have complications during pregnancy and whelping, the risk goes up with the smaller ones. Since you stated that she wasn't spayed due to money, I can tell you that even a problem free whelp isn't cheap. I hope you have some money set aside for what will and may come up. Think c-section and the cost of that. Many other problems are possible and are more likely due to her size.

What's really concerning is that your own vet advised against her getting pregnant. His advice should not have been ignored as there is a basis for that. You may well be putting your girl at serious risk with this pregnancy, and consider that any complications cost money, aside from the risks to your girl.

I would suggest that you check with your vet about having her spayed. You will eliminate the possibility of life threatening risks to her and, if money's tight, can you afford any treatment she may need?

capt_noonie · 12-22-2010, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woogie Man

I was wondering what your Panini's usual weight is. If she's only 4.8 pounds pregnant, she is a small girl, too small to be considered breeding weight. While any dog may have complications during pregnancy and whelping, the risk goes up with the smaller ones. Since you stated that she wasn't spayed due to money, I can tell you that even a problem free whelp isn't cheap. I hope you have some money set aside for what will and may come up. Think c-section and the cost of that. Many other problems are possible and are more likely due to her size.

What's really concerning is that your own vet advised against her getting pregnant. His advice should not have been ignored as there is a basis for that. You may well be putting your girl at serious risk with this pregnancy, and consider that any complications cost money, aside from the risks to your girl.

I would suggest that you check with your vet about having her spayed. You will eliminate the possibility of life threatening risks to her and, if money's tight, can you afford any treatment she may need?

This was exactly my thoughts. Whelping a litter is much or expensive than getting her spayed. There is always a chance of losing her as well.

Furbaby Friend · 12-22-2010, 03:54 PM

I'd like to mention to the OP, since they may not know, that there is such a thing as an emergency spay to terminate the pregnancy. I know that before I did reading in the Breeder's section here (just for knowledge) I didn't know that you could spay AFTER pregnancy had already occurred.

I agree with those who have already posted. Consider a spay because it will be cheaper in the grand scheme. I've read postings where litters cost people well over $2,000. I think a few hundred dollars for a spay is a better option if you are having money issues.

Woogie Man · 12-22-2010, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Furbaby Friend

I'd like to mention to the OP, since they may not know, that there is such a thing as an emergency spay to terminate the pregnancy. I know that before I did reading in the Breeder's section here (just for knowledge) I didn't know that you could spay AFTER pregnancy had already occurred.

I agree with those who have already posted. Consider a spay because it will be cheaper in the grand scheme. I've read postings where litters cost people well over $2,000. I think a few hundred dollars for a spay is a better option if you are having money issues.

Yes, an emergency spay is possible.

The OP's own vet has advised against breeding this girl. There's no way anyone on a forum should go against the advice of a vet that has physically seen this girl. Aside from the money, there were obviously medical reasons for the vet's recommendation of not breeding her.

Mishe · 12-22-2010, 04:33 PM

I understand all of your concerns and I want to make this perfectly clear. WE DID NOT intentionally get her pregnant. We care for our dogs but at the time it was to our carelessless I admit that in one time she was inseminated. I own to that, so please do not assume we ignored out vets concerns.

We are having a very hard time dealing with this and if it means we go into debt credit card wise we will do so.

We went to the vet yesterday again and she had mentioned about spaying her so we are considering it.

Like I said before I'm just trying to educate myself as much as possible and trying to make the best decisions for her. I'm not trying to be a breeder, it was a simple mistake on my fault for not watching out closely enough at the time. Please try to understand that I myself am worried about her well being.

As for her normal weight, I would say 4lbs.

I really appreciate all the advice given here.

YorkieRose · 12-22-2010, 05:34 PM

The OP stated the bitch was already pregnant, so that means to me she is far enough along to see evidence...growing belly etc.

I am fairly tough having bred so many years, but even I would not spay a bitch with pups 5 weeks or more...might do it before I knew..say 2 or 3 weeks...at this point if it was my bitch and the she was as close to 5 pounds as she is, I would go for it and live with my vet.

If it is of any help, the only bitch I ever lost in whelping, 25 yrs ago was a very sturdy 7 1/2 pounder.
I am not encouraging these types of breedings..but it is done..a few drinks was a joke...I am lucky enough to have nerves of steel in these situations...I hope her vet works with her.

YorkieRose · 12-22-2010, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mishe

I understand all of your concerns and I want to make this perfectly clear. WE DID NOT intentionally get her pregnant. We care for our dogs but at the time it was to our carelessless I admit that in one time she was inseminated. I own to that, so please do not assume we ignored out vets concerns.

We are having a very hard time dealing with this and if it means we go into debt credit card wise we will do so.

We went to the vet yesterday again and she had mentioned about spaying her so we are considering it.

Like I said before I'm just trying to educate myself as much as possible and trying to make the best decisions for her. I'm not trying to be a breeder, it was a simple mistake on my fault for not watching out closely enough at the time. Please try to understand that I myself am worried about her well being.

As for her normal weight, I would say 4lbs.

I really appreciate all the advice given here.

How pregnant is your bitch...if she was just bred...then of course spay her asap. If she is close to whelping I would not...JMO

Woogie Man · 12-22-2010, 06:01 PM

How far along she is and why the vet advised against breeding her would weigh in any decision on spaying or carrying to term. Another factor would be a potentially high risk pregnancy/whelp and all that can result from that with an inexperienced breeder.

Mishe · 12-22-2010, 07:06 PM

I believe the vet said that she is due on 1/12. So its very close, she didn't start showing until last week, but at the time it just seemed her tummy was getting big from eating a lot.

If we had known sooner that she was in fact pregnant I think we would've just spayed her, but since the dates coming soon it makes the decision a little harder. We are trying to consider all options that would end a good outcome for her well being whether if she is spayed or births. Our vet hasn't given us too much information and I think she wants to take x-rays at the next appointment before giving us definite advice on the way to go.

gemy · 12-22-2010, 07:19 PM

the vet in an earlier post mentioned spaying her, is that not so? Why did you not do it then and there?

This is a sad situation as you outlined it. It seems that you have not a whole lot of funds set by. Know that you might probably have to have a C section. How much does your vet charge for that? $1000 or more?

Then there is the chance your bitch won't be able to nurse after C section. Are you prepared to care for the puppies 24/7 for 2 weeks or more?

Whelping supplies you will need to get in if you decide to go ahead with this pregnancy. More $$

You will need to take time off work, even without a C section, can you afford to do that?

Also there will be the cost of the pups shots and vetting, more $$

Then you should really health check throughly all the pups to help insure you don't pass heartache onto the next owners.

If it is at all possible spay your bitch now.

Mishe · 12-22-2010, 08:48 PM

I am fully aware of the costs, I only found this out on Monday. You have to understand that it was a suggestion and a lot to take in in a matter of a day. We are leaning towards spaying her if possible but at the same time we have to find the money for it too and we are looking at our finances to see what we can do.

We are applying for carecredit to help us with the situation.

And we definitely don't want to jeopardize her health or in the event that she does have puppies their health either.

12-20-2010, 10:28 PM	#1
Mishe YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: California Posts: 7	How to prepare for a litter. Hi everyone, I have a female Yorkie, Panini 1.4 years of age and 4.8lbs (now that she's pregnant.) I want to start off by saying that I originally wanted to breed her, but when the vet advised us against it, we decided not too. With that said, we couldn't afford to get her or my other Yorkie, Boshin (male), 1.6 years of age and 5lbs fixed. And we found out after the fact that we could have went to the animal shelter to do it.. but anyways. She was in heat and we weren't fast enough to separate them in time so here we are. I was hoping you guys could give me advice on what to do. I want to do whats best for my Panini and her pups. I don't want to sell them, just find them great homes with loving owners when they're ready and I really want to educate myself on this whole process. Please help. Thanks.

12-20-2010, 10:51 PM	#2
WV~Yorkies Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: WV Posts: 3,605 Blog Entries: 2	research as much as you can. A good place to start is. Dog Breeding and Canine Reproduction by Debbie Jensen. Dog Breeding and Whelping guide for dog breeders. Find a vet that is know small breeds and keep in contact with him. Less than 5 pounds is not idea to breed and alot of things can go wron. That is why you have a vet lined up and available 24/7 If you want to talk pm me or I will give you my number so we can chatt and help you with questions you may have. Melissa __________________ Melissa Wvyorkies

12-22-2010, 06:01 PM	#12
Woogie Man Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mississippi Posts: 2,564	How far along she is and why the vet advised against breeding her would weigh in any decision on spaying or carrying to term. Another factor would be a potentially high risk pregnancy/whelp and all that can result from that with an inexperienced breeder. __________________ ORANGUTANS ARE DYING FOR THE SAKE OF CHEAP PALM OIL....AND YOU USE IT!!! http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/ani...m-oil-you.html

12-22-2010, 07:19 PM	#14
gemy YT 2000 Club Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Huntsville,Ont,Canaada Posts: 12,335 Blog Entries: 2	the vet in an earlier post mentioned spaying her, is that not so? Why did you not do it then and there? This is a sad situation as you outlined it. It seems that you have not a whole lot of funds set by. Know that you might probably have to have a C section. How much does your vet charge for that? $1000 or more? Then there is the chance your bitch won't be able to nurse after C section. Are you prepared to care for the puppies 24/7 for 2 weeks or more? Whelping supplies you will need to get in if you decide to go ahead with this pregnancy. More $$ You will need to take time off work, even without a C section, can you afford to do that? Also there will be the cost of the pups shots and vetting, more $$ Then you should really health check throughly all the pups to help insure you don't pass heartache onto the next owners. If it is at all possible spay your bitch now. __________________ Razzle and Dara. Our clan. RIP Karma Dec 24th 2004-July 14 2013 RIP Zoey Jun9 th 2008-May 12 2012. RIP Magic,Mar 26 2006July 1st 2018

12-21-2010, 11:16 AM	#3
YorkieRose No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: South Florida Posts: 8,577	I find a nice glass of wine or two prepares me very well... AND...there is nothing wrong in selling the pups for a fair price...and using the money to spay and neuter your pets..put some aside for future dental and vet care.

12-22-2010, 03:54 PM	#7
Furbaby Friend YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Buffalo, NY, United States Posts: 971	I'd like to mention to the OP, since they may not know, that there is such a thing as an emergency spay to terminate the pregnancy. I know that before I did reading in the Breeder's section here (just for knowledge) I didn't know that you could spay AFTER pregnancy had already occurred. I agree with those who have already posted. Consider a spay because it will be cheaper in the grand scheme. I've read postings where litters cost people well over $2,000. I think a few hundred dollars for a spay is a better option if you are having money issues.

12-22-2010, 04:33 PM	#9
Mishe YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: California Posts: 7	I understand all of your concerns and I want to make this perfectly clear. WE DID NOT intentionally get her pregnant. We care for our dogs but at the time it was to our carelessless I admit that in one time she was inseminated. I own to that, so please do not assume we ignored out vets concerns. We are having a very hard time dealing with this and if it means we go into debt credit card wise we will do so. We went to the vet yesterday again and she had mentioned about spaying her so we are considering it. Like I said before I'm just trying to educate myself as much as possible and trying to make the best decisions for her. I'm not trying to be a breeder, it was a simple mistake on my fault for not watching out closely enough at the time. Please try to understand that I myself am worried about her well being. As for her normal weight, I would say 4lbs. I really appreciate all the advice given here.

12-22-2010, 05:34 PM	#10
YorkieRose No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: South Florida Posts: 8,577	The OP stated the bitch was already pregnant, so that means to me she is far enough along to see evidence...growing belly etc. I am fairly tough having bred so many years, but even I would not spay a bitch with pups 5 weeks or more...might do it before I knew..say 2 or 3 weeks...at this point if it was my bitch and the she was as close to 5 pounds as she is, I would go for it and live with my vet. If it is of any help, the only bitch I ever lost in whelping, 25 yrs ago was a very sturdy 7 1/2 pounder. I am not encouraging these types of breedings..but it is done..a few drinks was a joke...I am lucky enough to have nerves of steel in these situations...I hope her vet works with her.

12-22-2010, 07:06 PM	#13
Mishe YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: California Posts: 7	I believe the vet said that she is due on 1/12. So its very close, she didn't start showing until last week, but at the time it just seemed her tummy was getting big from eating a lot. If we had known sooner that she was in fact pregnant I think we would've just spayed her, but since the dates coming soon it makes the decision a little harder. We are trying to consider all options that would end a good outcome for her well being whether if she is spayed or births. Our vet hasn't given us too much information and I think she wants to take x-rays at the next appointment before giving us definite advice on the way to go.

12-22-2010, 08:48 PM	#15
Mishe YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: California Posts: 7	I am fully aware of the costs, I only found this out on Monday. You have to understand that it was a suggestion and a lot to take in in a matter of a day. We are leaning towards spaying her if possible but at the same time we have to find the money for it too and we are looking at our finances to see what we can do. We are applying for carecredit to help us with the situation. And we definitely don't want to jeopardize her health or in the event that she does have puppies their health either.