Inherited Two Yorkies and New Here

[TrebleNAria]

Hello I am in OHio and have inherited two yorkies that were my sisters. I got them a week ago. She unexpectedly passed away in an accident and well..the rest is history. I just had to pay for her funeral and a lot of it's related expenses. I have appointments set up for the two yorkies: Treble who is about 3 and Aria who is almost 2. I wasn't very close to my sister due to her lifestyle...but I am a dog lover, haven't lost my last dog 3 years ago.

Anyway I was giving Aria a bath tonight and I believe she is pregnant. Now I have a vet appointment in two weeks BUT I don't drive[ epileptic] so I can't get there before then and my bank account and credit cards are maxed out. Found this forum looking for some answers I think she may be pregnant[ my sister loves to play backyard breeder which throughly was ONE of the many things I didn't agree with]. She only had these two dogs now that weren't nuetered. They were indoor only dogs[ yes they didn't GO OUTSIDE EVER---another issue] I am working on training them and such..but any idea how soon I can feel puppies move, cuz I think I am feeling it. The local vet is willing to do some pro bono appointments for me, but is on vacation for the next week.

I have delivered puppies before[almost a decade ago and not small dogs but HUGE ONES] I have been doing reading and I know what a responsible person is, I just truly need some guidelines here.
Thanks all

[gemy]

Wow that is a lot to be left with! I am very sorry for the loss of your sister.

And despite the sad circumstances welcome to Yorkie Talk.

Here is a site you can go to for some refreshing of whelping necessities and situations. Dog Breeding and Canine Reproduction by Debbie Jensen. Dog Breeding and Whelping guide for dog breeders.

I'm not too sure how large your gal is. If she is small boned and weighs under 5lbs things could get dicey!. Pelvic structure and the number weight and size of puppies will be key on whether or not she needs a C section.

You could be close to a due date or maybe 2wks away. Is there anyone that can help you out both financially and with taking you to the vets?

I'm not sure if you've kept any of your previous whelping supplies but you will need some for sure. I would bank on puppies coming sooner rather than later, so a constant watch of your gal is in order, as well as gathering up those whelping supplies. The website will have a list of what you will need.

I would start feeding her a high quality puppy kibble right away. Lots of water etc. Do you have a thermometer to take the temperature of your gal?

You need to find a space for her whelping. Make sure it is draft free and warm! Also you need to be able to keep her and her pups separated from the male, especially during the early days.

I do urge you to try to find a vet who can take you in sooner rather than later. Family/friends may be able to help out?

I do so hope that you are able to prepare and good luck finds you and your gal safe through this.

[TrebleNAria]

I am working on getting help trust me. Live in farm country so hoping something will come in etc..I worry about not getting somewhere in the event of an emergency but am lining that up as well.

Thanks for answering. I am a tad overwhelmed with all that was going on and now to realize I need to deal with this. The vet has agreed to neuter both adults for me pro bono which is a blessing for sure. And is willing to provide post birht care for the pups at cost, so I can get them immunized etc and just pay his cost which is amazing. I do have his cellphone[ he's a friend of the family] and said he would give advise over the phone while he is gone, but obviously I don't want to call him with every question so he starts to hit ignore

I do have most of the whelping supplies just need to go get a smaller container for whelping. I actually hope the birth is sooner rather than later. My oldest graduates college Dec 15th and I don't want to have to leave one of my other children home to take care of her is she hasn't delivered yet...I have LOTS to organize and I was already not sleeping this is just adding to it

[gemy]

That is so awesome of your vet to help you out in this way. I'm assuming you know about Calcium supplements after the birth, to give to Momma?
A scrambled whole egg daily actually does have the required supplements for a healthy Mom and an average litter.

There are some good recipes on here for ailing puppies.

Hope you have a kitchen scale cause in comparison to large dog puppies these wee ones will be small!

I don't want to overwhelm with cautions, concerns and or details. It seems like you have a lot to deal with.

Living in farm country, do you have access to a breeder of dogs nearby? Preferably a toy breed breeder?

In terms of the whelping box, in a pinch a large tupperware container can do the trick.

I',m assuming this is her first litter, so you know the drill with a new Momma.

[carmen in nj]

Hello, I see that you already had great advise here, I am a toy dog breeder, I breed silky terriers, have your girl whelped before? if so then the road is going to be a bit easier, even with a litter of 3 a small girl's calcium can go down fast so is very important that your girl is eating a good quality puppy kibble, and that she gets some calcium supplement daily while she is lactating. whelping pudding the recepie is on the top of the breeders section is a good daily supplement, also I give my girls a calcium tablet every day mixed with a whole scrambled egg. make sure you have a plenty of towels to clean the babies and make sure mama and babies are in a warm room. if you have any specific questions feel free to email me.. stonehillsilky@yahoo.com
hugs, and best of luck..
Carmen in nj

[TrebleNAria]

you guys rock!!!
I have the pudding recipe on my fridge written down
I have supplies almost all done, my mother in law is donating some more towels[ i just replaced all my icky ones with new ones NOT USING THOSE LOL]

Just need a few last things..and i have an old drafty house so I borrowed an electric space heater for near her whelping box. it's on a small table right above her but has a fan like head that faces down to heat the area as needed.

My brother in law is talking to a couple of people he knows that might know a breeder. I did get an appointment with another vet to at least get her checked..but not til friday....but here's the kicker, she's acting weird tonight, not wanting to go out to the bathroom and when she went out just stood next to me[ normally she runs or trots and gets her groove on] and she is refusing to get up on the furniture which she did the last two weeks just fine[ our furniture isn't high at all so I wasn't too worried about it but i put little temp stairs by the couch she likes and she still won't get up]
Kind of mellow she is...i tried to take her temp and since she's only been with me a short time that didn't go over too well....
i will keep you all posted for sure thanks again

kimberly.marquart@gmail.com if you think of anything I am working a lot right now[ from home] and my firewall prevents me from checking this forum.

[citygirl123]

Welcome! I'm very sorry about your sister. It is great that you are taking the dogs. I'm certain they will come to love you as their new dog mommy. I don't have any advice on puppies or birthing as I'm not a breeder. But....I wish you the best. Try to enjoy the puppies once they have arrived. Dogs are so amazing at helping with the grief and healing process. I got Copper soon after my brother commited suicide. Copper has given me a reason to get up many morning since then. I feel very blessed to have such a loving and devoted companion. Best to you.

[cummins]

Wishing you the very best,you sure have a lot on your plate right now. This is a wonderful site and so many people alway willing to help out. Keep us updated. And again good luck

[TrebleNAria]

Just wanted to update you. The vet took xrays a week or so ago[ i have lost track of time]. He thinks 3-4 puppies and it appears we are in the beginning stages of labor and I have sent him a text msg to alert him.

At 2am this morning she threw up all over and I paniced LOL but vet said that can be normal whew

It's now noon and she's nesting like crazy in her box, and she digs digs digs and then stops and has what looks like a contraction or just her body moving the puppies into place. Not panting but a little bit of shaking. So is she in early stage one?

[TrebleNAria]

as of 422 we have 4 puppies- we think all boys but we yet to check for sure, they came in pairs about 2 hours apart

[Tissy2cute]

Congrats on the puppies. Hope you and mom are doing well.

[Lil Sis]

wow.. just reading this. Welcome to YT. Hope everything work outs.. I am so sorry about your sister and how much is on you now. sending hugs

[TrebleNAria]

the total appears to be four...two boys and two girls...momma is doing well and resting and letting the pups nurse...pretty good size but my scale won't read them for some reason..thinking batteries. Vet said he will stop by tomorrow to check them out[ small town and i don't drive and all that jazz]
lucky he is willing to do that. he's also going to spay/nueter them before going to their forever homes...free of charge
But i have bronchitus so I am going to go lay down..may or may no be a long night..she keeps trying to take her pups out of the whelping box up onto the ottoman LOL so we moved her box etc..

[horsnaround]

Congrats look forward to pictures Do you think she is done ?

[Shelby&Seymour]

Just reading your post.... hope the puppies are doing well..... My heart goes out to you in the loss of your sister.... and Bless you for taking on her Yorkies and giving them a loving home.

Keep us posted, and Welcome to Yorkietalk!