7/9 puppies: help with retained placenta, milk production and maternal instinct
 

Wow... we just had 7 cute little yorkies! Is that normal? So many! Anyway, a few questions...

1) The last puppy was taking so long and she was so tired that I cut the cord. I haven't seen the placenta yet. What are the dangers and signs of a retained placenta? How long until I take her the the emergency room?

2) Too many puppies not enough tits. I still don't think she's producing any milk. How can I stimulate that? Have you heard of dark beer? Should I help her by bottle feeding some of the puppies? Do they need to burp?

3) Her maternal instinct is not at 100% yet. She just had the puts and she keeps on jumping from the box I built for her and the bundles to come after me. Is that normal? Can she reject her puppies?

Help help!

A retained placenta is very dangerous. The vet can give her a shot of oxytocin to clean out the uterus. Can you feel any contractions at all that might expel it? I would probably take her in today and not wait until tomorrow to be safe. Hopefully, someone will advise if it's safe to wait until tomorrow to avoid an emergency vet bill on a Sunday.

1 tsp. of beer (preferably dark) will help the milk come in. Also the pups nursing will help. I don't think I would start supplementing right away, but would have the necessary items on hand. Yes, they need to be burped and also helped to urinate and defecate. If Mom is doing this by licking them, then you will need to simulate this with a warm wet paper towel.

How big is the Mom? How much do the babies weigh? You will probably need to monitoring nursing and let the 3 smallest nurse and then the other 4.

It is possible for her to reject the puppies, but most likely she'll be fine. Just stay and pet her and encourage her to stay with the puppies. Don't let the puppies get chilled. If Mom won't stay with them and provide body heat then put a heating pad on low under a towel or a couple of hot water bottles are probably a bit better since it's less likely to cause dehydration.

HI there is was a pleasure talking with you this morning I hope all is going well and you took your gal in for the oxi shot.

If you need any further help please dont hesitate to call again.

Best of luck and congrats!

Thank you for all the help!

Today I woke up to puppies felling very warm and clinging to the mom's tits! We went to the vet yesterday and he said that no placenta was present. I will continue to monitor her temperature twice a day.

We feel so blessed that all the 7 puppies have made so far! The weights range from .15 to .35oz. 4 Females and 3 Males.

I will keep you posted!

I think you mean 1.5 oz to 3.5...

keep an eye on those real tiny ones, they will really need a lot of teat time, I hope you are supplimenting...if you need anything please dont hesitate!
glad their doing well this morning...if theyre crying at all their not getting enough milk.