Four week old yorkie help
 

I am so angry right now, I could scream! My 19 yr old daughter (old enough to know better) just bought a 4 wk old puppy. Yes, I said 4 wks! As angry as I am with her, I'm just beyond furious with the people who sold him, and wish I could go and scream at them and demand they take him back!

Story: mom and dad on sight, this is their second litter, 3 puppies, one already sold. Owner just had a baby a couple weeks ago and doesn't want the hassle of the puppies. She also has a toddler who has Down's syndrome and won't stop shaking them. They also really need money so they are selling them now for $250.

Seriously angry!

Daughter and boyfriend took the puppy to a vet who said he looked healthy and told them what they needed to buy to feed him.

So now what? My daughter no longer lives at home, but I feel I need to step in and help this little guy. I have an 8 yr old female lab, who is wonderful and a 3 yr old male yorkie, who is very playful - am I going to be able to properly socialize this puppy with them? Is this puppy doomed? I got both of my dogs from reputable breeders and have no experience with this.

The damage is done - any advice?

How much does this puppy weigh? The puppy is going to need care around the clock. I wouldn't consider socializing at 4 weeks.

What did the vet advise to feed? You may also want to post in the breeders' section for assistance.

Wow...wow....wow....some folks are just....anyways...

Off the top of my head, I'm thinking ask the owners if you can take the female and all the pups, seriously...those pups are all at high risk for NOT surviving.

I don't even know what to say...you will have to feed this pup around the clock etc...I'm not worried about it getting along with the others when that time comes, I'm just worried about survival here. If its something you can't do maybe a Rescue will?

I wish you much luck, I really hope you keep us posted...

Also, I'm really sorry your going through this, I'm sure the emotional pressure has got to be intense. Maybe a breeder here could help you?

I agree with Lynzy, this pup's chance of survival is very concerning.

here's a link to the YT library. In it you'll find info on possible ways to help this pup survive. Puppy Care and Puppy Info Library - YorkieTalk.com Forums - Yorkshire Terrier Community

Good luck & I agree with others who will be worrying about the lives of the other pup(s) & momma.

I think if the right TLC is given, the puppy will be ok. this is not something new, sadly. Many puppies and kittens of all shapes and sizes have been in this position.

at 4 weeks it can start mush with milk feedings as well...of course it needs to stay warm, makes sure its pottying and if not it needs to be stimulated...it needs attention constantly.

I would not start any socializing until the puppy has had at least 2 rounds of vaccinations, me personally i would make sure it had all the boosters before i introduced it to any other animals.

my sister who works at a vet office is raising a 2 week old kitten that is less then a pound she started three weeks ago (so he is 5 weeks now) and she has had to bottle feed it and stimulate it every couple of hours. this is just one example.

there have been occasions when the mother of the pups doesn't make it, and they still survive.

imo this is not a death sentence. It can work out just fine. with patience, love and KNOWLEDGE

it can be done successfully

Good Luck!!! --<3

As Lynzy suggested, get mom and the other babies from these people. You can give this little family the time they need together-and it would make your life much easier if you don't have to play dog mommy.

This pup will need lots of TLC. I think your other dogs are the least of your problems. Hopefully this puppy can lap up water/formula on his own- If he can it will make feeding him a little easier. I would definitely recommend you post in the breeders section.

I had to supplement my Roxy at that age because she was not tolerating weaning well. I gave her a goat milk based puppy formula.

For the other puppies- I also used it to soften the puppy kibble after I had ground the kibble into a powder to make a thick paste. Think slightly watery oatmeal.

Feeding Schedule for 4-Week Old Puppies | eHow

I would contact the breeder myself to see if they will let you have mama and pups. I would stress how unsafe the environment is if her child is shaking the puppies. If money is that tight than she really can't afford the dogs- IMO.

Maybe try to find a sympathetic breeder near you that could raise the puppy or mentor you in care and feeding... socialization with other animals won't begin until the pup reaches 12 weeks of age, and shouldn't be a problem. The main concern now is this pup's survival....

My other big concern is that the momma dog is not spayed & there is not one thing to stop these owners from doing this repeatedly. I know your concern is for your daughter's puppy. Selling any dog or cat is illegal before 8 weeks. Perhaps if someone were to suggest it, the momma dog & any remaining pups could go to a reputable rescue? (Just tossing ideas out here...)

PLEASE, do let us know how this little one progresses!

Nothing to offer but my thoughts and prayers. Not only for your daughters pup, but for mom and the remaining pups as well. Please do keep us posted, listen to the breeders here, they know what they're talking about.

How terribly sad!! I wish you the best of luck! There are some very good puppy formulas on this site. I once bottle fed a litter of pugs from birth and they all survived. At least he has 4 weeks behind him already. Is he eating good on his own? This is most important right now... Making sure he is fed every 3-4 hours. I would definitely get some nutrical to keep on hand in the event of hypoglycemia. These little ones can go downhill fast. Please do keep us updated!

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

I don't have any experience in this area. But is it possible the family would find a good rescue to turn over the parents and the remaining pups to? Just from what you have shared it does not sound like this is a completely safe environment for any of them. Again, I have no experience, but I thought it is a question worth giving some thought to persuing.

I wish your daughter/you the best of luck with your new family member. And, as others have asked, please keep us updated.

I don't have any suggestions *other* than finding out if there is a law in their city that requires puppies to be a certain age before being sold. That won't help your daughter's puppy but it might prevent these [bleepers] from ever doing it again.

You've been given great advice! Good Luck!

Sounds like excellent advice all around. All I can add is "ditto" and prayers that this pup (and its siblings) do well. Please post any updates on your daughters pup as well as any info you are able to obtain on mom and siblings. Good luck!

Praying all turns out well :hands:

Great advise. My daughter and I raised a beagle/dachshund from the age of 24 hours...yes that is right....24 hours old.

It took constant attention. Make sure it is fed on schedule for a 4 week old puppy...don't miss a feeding. Make sure it is stimulated to go to the bathroom (it will probably not be able to go unless you do this) it is extremely important and make sure it is kept warm (at all times), this is also extremely important. If you don't have the time to do all the above, please give it to someone that has he time to provide what this puppy needs.

Good Luck.

P.S. The puppy we raised is living with my daughter. His name is Benji and he has just turned three years old, and 'yes' he is spoiled beyond belief!!

P.S. A lot of the articles and books on stimulation say to use a warm cloth and if it works for you that in great. I had better luck tapping the area with a finger to get the results. Yes, it sounds kinda gross, but it worked best for me and the puppy.

Agree with Lynzy, see if you can get all the dogs

I agree. It would be the best for all involved!!

I definitely agree you should try to get all pups and the female. This is just so sad and illegal. It is so young. Please keep us updated!

I would actually report the owner to the SPCA in your area or also suggest she hands over the dogs to a rescue

Wow it is so sad what some people will do for the almighty dollar:(

I think everyone here has given you great advice and I am praying for this little guy. good luck~

Agreed !

Meanwhile is this pup eating and drinking on its own ?

You would suggest preparing a puppy gruel for him. Using a food processor, I normally use a ground puppy kibble, can puppy food and half and half milk or goats milk. You can add an egg or some yogurt also. You will want to make it the consistency of a thick malt. Put in a shallow pie dish. Plus if you have trouble getting this pup to drink you can add a little of the half/half to the water. Making sure to change it daily.

If you are not familiar with, Please do some research on Hypoglycemic Shock ! At that age he can crash at a moments notice. Keep some Karo syrup or Nutical Puppy on hand just in case.

Momma and litter mate normal keep him warm so be sure he is warm, add some stuffed animal to his cage or bed for added comfort and to help with the loneliness. Also, mom always keep the bottoms clean so you will also need to be sure his bottom is clean or he can get baboon butt. Might be best to trim the hair.