Please help!!! - YorkieTalk.com Forums

YoRkIeMoMmY92 · 11-02-2010, 09:47 AM

It turns out that I am getting my new little girl early because her mom got milk fever and she is at the vet and they don't know if she is going to make it but the puppies turned 5 weeks old today and she already started them on puppy food so as long as they are eating good I will be bringing my little girl home tomorrow and i am very nervous so any advice would be highly appreciated.

blancla · 11-02-2010, 10:27 AM

My goodness. Okay, well if you can, please get the breeder to keep the puppies even if the mom can't feed them any more. They need to at least stay with their litter mates until they are 12 weeks old. If something, I hope not, happens to the mom, then they can still learn from each other.

If she doesn't do that, and you have to take your baby home early, be prepared.

She may not want to eat. You can soak her kibble in goats milk with equal parts water and add a little karo syrup. You're also going to need some nutri-cal on hand. Make sure that she stays dry and warm. Make sure she is eating - grind up her kibble so that it's easier for her. Keep her in confined spaces such as an exercise pen. I would have her food & water in one corner, bed in the other, and pee pad in the 3rd corner. She will get used to potty training that way.

She will need first set of shots at 9 weeks old.

OwnedByJezebel · 11-02-2010, 10:32 AM

At 5 weeks, you really shouldn't be responsible for this young pup. You would have to be home full time to handle this. It should still be the breeder's responsibility until about 12 weeks of age, even if the mother is sick or dies. In fact, in Ohio, it is illegal for this breeder to sell a pup before the age of 8 weeks. I think they are just trying to dump their responsibility on you.

boopster · 11-02-2010, 10:39 AM

I agree with OBJ. I would not accept "delivery" without a written agreement from the breeder promising a full refund if ANYTHING goes wrong in the next couple of months. I don't know if this is every done for dogs, but in some places you can place a payment for "goods" in an escrow account to be released to the seller only on completion of the terms of sale. I wonder if you could do this with a puppy?

I would also get that puppy to the vet immediately - not for shots - but for a health assessment and to learn more about what to look for and how to help her thrive.

Preferably a pup that young should stay with her littermates being cared for by someone with experience with new puppies. Although if the breeder is really planning to release dogs that young, are they any better off with her than with the new owner?

Yorkiedaze · 11-02-2010, 10:57 AM

I do hope the mother recovers and can take care of her babies till they are at least 12 weeks old even if she can't nurse them. The owner of those puppies shouldn't let them go. They learn so much from the mom and littermates that if vital to their personalities.
As for shots, well 9 weeks is way too young in my opinion, but here is more information on shots. Pet vaccination warning. Severe adverse reaction to immunization

YoRkIeMoMmY92 · 11-02-2010, 10:58 AM

The breeder is a close friend of my moms and she is a really good person and if anything happens to the puppy she will make it right and we are not paying for the puppy until the end of the month but she is going through a lot and can't be home to take care of the puppies because her nephew is dying.

stanziog · 11-02-2010, 10:59 AM

Good point. That is why i took Rocco at 7 weeks, the breeder was looking to give him to me after 6 weeks.. and i am glad i took him. he is now 4 months and a happy healty guy.

AllDogBoots · 11-02-2010, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YoRkIeMoMmY92

The breeder is a close friend of my moms and she is a really good person and if anything happens to the puppy she will make it right and we are not paying for the puppy until the end of the month but she is going through a lot and can't be home to take care of the puppies because her nephew is dying.

Oh this is not good. What happens if the 5 week old puppy needs serious medical care. I'm sorry the breeder is having personal issues, however once you take that puppy it's going to be your financial responsibility. If she's going through a lot she's not going to be able to help no matter how good her intentions are.

If taking the dog is the only answer right now I'm hoping that someone with breeding experience can guide you through the first few weeks.

Mardelin · 11-02-2010, 01:48 PM

5 Week old pup, should be at the breeder's home and not leave there until the pups 2nd set of shots. Even if mom can't nurse the pups, she can take care of all the other things, socializing, teaching them how to play, etc. The breeder should be responsible for this litter until it is the proper time to take them home. If you bring it home too early there is a good possibility that the pup won't make it either. Just because a pup has tasted food, doesn't mean that it is eating well on it's own.

megansmomma · 11-02-2010, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mardelin

5 Week old pup, should be at the breeder's home and not leave there until the pups 2nd set of shots. Even if mom can't nurse the pups, she can take care of all the other things, socializing, teaching them how to play, etc. The breeder should be responsible for this litter until it is the proper time to take them home. If you bring it home too early there is a good possibility that the pup won't make it either. Just because a pup has tasted food, doesn't mean that it is eating well on it's own.

Could not agree with this more. How many puppies are there all together and who is taking the other puppies? This is very sad. If you mom is good friends with the owner maybe you can step in to care for the mom and puppies while she is off helping with her nephew

Please keep us posted.

angeleyes · 11-02-2010, 02:13 PM

5 weeks is way to early to take a puppy away from mom or litter mates. You may end up with a very sick puppy and big expenses. I understand if the breeder has personal problems and needs you to take the puppy, but what's she doing with the other pups? You will have to care for her 24 hours a day.

Belle came from a litter of 7 that overwhelmed her Yorkie mama and she started being mean to them so they kept her apart from the babies. Belle was well taken care of and with her litter mates until 12 weeks. Even if she could keep them until 8 weeks, but still then get an agreement about the puppies health and expenses and take the little one to the vet right away. Keep in mind, as much as you want this puppy, you are going to get very attached to her and it's going to be even harder to lose her when you have been taking care of her. I hope you don't let her pressure you into taking the puppy now, be careful of what you're getting yourself into

BamaFan121s · 11-02-2010, 02:30 PM

The only advice I could give you would be to NOT get the pup at such a young age. Even if the mom is no longer able to nurse, it's the breeder's responsibility to continue raising the pups until it reaches a suitable age to be released. It's not the ideal situation, but it's definitely does NOT justify separating them from the litter mates and placing them with new owners at such a young age. Placing them at under 8 weeks is not even LEGAL in many states.

I'm sorry, but I truly believe that if you get this dog, not only are you just setting yourself up for a rough time and heartache, but you are also supporting a breeder with very unethical breeding practices, which would make you both pretty irresponsible.

Mardelin · 11-02-2010, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YoRkIeMoMmY92

It turns out that I am getting my new little girl early because her mom got milk fever and she is at the vet and they don't know if she is going to make it but the puppies turned 5 weeks old today and she already started them on puppy food so as long as they are eating good I will be bringing my little girl home tomorrow and i am very nervous so any advice would be highly appreciated.

Now that we all have given you advice on what should be done.

We're going to help you get through this if there isn't an alternative.

Five weeks of age the pup is barely getting it's milk teeth in, but old enough to lap. A bit too young to be on complete solids. Make sure this pup is eating approximately every 3 to 4 hours.

Here's a list of what you'll need to get.

Canned Goat's Milk
Distilled Water
Karo Syrup
Nutri Drops or Nutri Cal (use if the pup begins to be lethargic
Gerber's Baby Rice Cereal.
Benebac (buy it at Pet Smart) Use it every time you make changes to the pups diet.

Mix Goat's Milk with Equal Parts of Distilled Water - Refrigerate what is not used. Always serve it at room temperature.

Put a small amount in a bowl and and Gerber's Cereal with a bit of Karo. Make it a mushy consistency. Do this every four hours for a few days then add ground puppy kibbles to the mixture. Eventually you'll be only giving the pup kibbles mixed with a bit of wet food. And if you have trouble getting it to eat the kibbles add Parmasean Cheese.

You can also add regular cheese or cottage cheese. There is also a Whelping pudding Recipe listed as a sticky in the breeder section.

Watch the pup's stool's carefully for any diarreah. Pups being seperated from mom and litter mates and their home can cause stress. Which in turn can bring on Coccidia. I'm not sure if the breeder has taken in a stool sample into the vet but, do so, the pup may have parasites and will need to be treated.

Keep the pup away from drafts and over handling. Make sure it get's plenty of rest and is kept warm.

No vaccinations until 8-9 weeks of age. So, don't take it out in public or allow anyone other than your immediate family to handle the pup and that should be kept at a minimum.

Oh! water, distilled water only and make sure that all plates that are used are stainless steel.

I think I've covered everything. If you have any questions, I'll PM you my home # and e-mail

FlDebra · 11-02-2010, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OwnedByJezebel

At 5 weeks, you really shouldn't be responsible for this young pup. You would have to be home full time to handle this. It should still be the breeder's responsibility until about 12 weeks of age, even if the mother is sick or dies. In fact, in Ohio, it is illegal for this breeder to sell a pup before the age of 8 weeks. I think they are just trying to dump their responsibility on you.

Agree! I hand fed a litter of 5 from 3 days old when I lost my girl Sadie. No way would I have split them up and then left them completely on their own. Bad enough they had only me for a mom instead of their real mom.

This is not a good sign at all. I hear so many stories of breeders selling off way too young pups because the mom won't nurse, is sick, or doesn't like them. When in reality it doesn't matter -- those pups are still the breeder's responsibility!! Most of them are probably just tired of the extra work and mess. Shame on them! Maybe this momma dog is at the vet's sick, but that is still no excuse. When a breeder is wanting to do something like this, other short cuts and wrong-doings are likely. I would ask yourself if you really want this puppy. As cute as they all are, do you want to encourage irresponsible breeding?

If you do get her -- listen to Mardelin! She knows her stuff and the Goat's milk idea saved my puppies! Much better than the commercial formula they sell. Also I would get one of the stuffed animals that have the little plastic heart in them that beats and a reheatable rice bag to keep warm. My puppies all liked to cuddle toegether on the one I bought. Got mine (a cat) at PetSmart.

kpstoybox · 11-02-2010, 02:43 PM

This puppy is the breeders responsibilty until it is completely weaned, well socialized, and has at least 2 puppy shots. If the breeder were responsible and knowledgeable on the breed..she would not be letting this pup leave at such a young age.

11-02-2010, 09:47 AM	#1
YoRkIeMoMmY92 Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Lucasville ohio Posts: 11	Please help!!! It turns out that I am getting my new little girl early because her mom got milk fever and she is at the vet and they don't know if she is going to make it but the puppies turned 5 weeks old today and she already started them on puppy food so as long as they are eating good I will be bringing my little girl home tomorrow and i am very nervous so any advice would be highly appreciated.

11-02-2010, 10:27 AM	#2
blancla YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Longwood, FL Posts: 1,122	My goodness. Okay, well if you can, please get the breeder to keep the puppies even if the mom can't feed them any more. They need to at least stay with their litter mates until they are 12 weeks old. If something, I hope not, happens to the mom, then they can still learn from each other. If she doesn't do that, and you have to take your baby home early, be prepared. She may not want to eat. You can soak her kibble in goats milk with equal parts water and add a little karo syrup. You're also going to need some nutri-cal on hand. Make sure that she stays dry and warm. Make sure she is eating - grind up her kibble so that it's easier for her. Keep her in confined spaces such as an exercise pen. I would have her food & water in one corner, bed in the other, and pee pad in the 3rd corner. She will get used to potty training that way. She will need first set of shots at 9 weeks old. __________________ ELLIE & PEPPER'S MAMA

11-02-2010, 10:32 AM	#3
OwnedByJezebel YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 1,921	At 5 weeks, you really shouldn't be responsible for this young pup. You would have to be home full time to handle this. It should still be the breeder's responsibility until about 12 weeks of age, even if the mother is sick or dies. In fact, in Ohio, it is illegal for this breeder to sell a pup before the age of 8 weeks. I think they are just trying to dump their responsibility on you. __________________ Life is merrier with a Yorkshire Terrier! Jezebel & Chuy ... RIP: Barkley Loosie & Sassy

11-02-2010, 10:57 AM	#5
Yorkiedaze My hairy-legged girls Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: lompoc, ca. Posts: 12,228	I do hope the mother recovers and can take care of her babies till they are at least 12 weeks old even if she can't nurse them. The owner of those puppies shouldn't let them go. They learn so much from the mom and littermates that if vital to their personalities. As for shots, well 9 weeks is way too young in my opinion, but here is more information on shots. Pet vaccination warning. Severe adverse reaction to immunization __________________ AZRAEL RAZAEL JILLI ANN

11-02-2010, 01:48 PM	#9
Mardelin Mardelin Yorkshire Terriers Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: California Posts: 14,776	5 Week old pup, should be at the breeder's home and not leave there until the pups 2nd set of shots. Even if mom can't nurse the pups, she can take care of all the other things, socializing, teaching them how to play, etc. The breeder should be responsible for this litter until it is the proper time to take them home. If you bring it home too early there is a good possibility that the pup won't make it either. Just because a pup has tasted food, doesn't mean that it is eating well on it's own. __________________ Mardelin *Yorkshire* *Terriers*

11-02-2010, 10:39 AM	#4
boopster Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Southern California, USA Posts: 1,643 Blog Entries: 1	I agree with OBJ. I would not accept "delivery" without a written agreement from the breeder promising a full refund if ANYTHING goes wrong in the next couple of months. I don't know if this is every done for dogs, but in some places you can place a payment for "goods" in an escrow account to be released to the seller only on completion of the terms of sale. I wonder if you could do this with a puppy? I would also get that puppy to the vet immediately - not for shots - but for a health assessment and to learn more about what to look for and how to help her thrive. Preferably a pup that young should stay with her littermates being cared for by someone with experience with new puppies. Although if the breeder is really planning to release dogs that young, are they any better off with her than with the new owner?

11-02-2010, 10:58 AM	#6
YoRkIeMoMmY92 Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Lucasville ohio Posts: 11	The breeder is a close friend of my moms and she is a really good person and if anything happens to the puppy she will make it right and we are not paying for the puppy until the end of the month but she is going through a lot and can't be home to take care of the puppies because her nephew is dying.

11-02-2010, 10:59 AM	#7
stanziog Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Manhattan, NYC Posts: 655	Good point. That is why i took Rocco at 7 weeks, the breeder was looking to give him to me after 6 weeks.. and i am glad i took him. he is now 4 months and a happy healty guy.

11-02-2010, 02:13 PM	#11
angeleyes YT Addict Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Hugo, MN USA Posts: 325	puppy to little 5 weeks is way to early to take a puppy away from mom or litter mates. You may end up with a very sick puppy and big expenses. I understand if the breeder has personal problems and needs you to take the puppy, but what's she doing with the other pups? You will have to care for her 24 hours a day. Belle came from a litter of 7 that overwhelmed her Yorkie mama and she started being mean to them so they kept her apart from the babies. Belle was well taken care of and with her litter mates until 12 weeks. Even if she could keep them until 8 weeks, but still then get an agreement about the puppies health and expenses and take the little one to the vet right away. Keep in mind, as much as you want this puppy, you are going to get very attached to her and it's going to be even harder to lose her when you have been taking care of her. I hope you don't let her pressure you into taking the puppy now, be careful of what you're getting yourself into

11-02-2010, 02:30 PM	#12
BamaFan121s Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Alabama Posts: 11,432	The only advice I could give you would be to NOT get the pup at such a young age. Even if the mom is no longer able to nurse, it's the breeder's responsibility to continue raising the pups until it reaches a suitable age to be released. It's not the ideal situation, but it's definitely does NOT justify separating them from the litter mates and placing them with new owners at such a young age. Placing them at under 8 weeks is not even LEGAL in many states. I'm sorry, but I truly believe that if you get this dog, not only are you just setting yourself up for a rough time and heartache, but you are also supporting a breeder with very unethical breeding practices, which would make you both pretty irresponsible.

11-02-2010, 02:43 PM	#15
kpstoybox Do you like Parti's?" Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,337	This puppy is the breeders responsibilty until it is completely weaned, well socialized, and has at least 2 puppy shots. If the breeder were responsible and knowledgeable on the breed..she would not be letting this pup leave at such a young age. __________________ Karen and the PartiTime Kids There's always a parti at my house!