My Maddies First Litter is finall here - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Yugi · 09-29-2006, 07:07 PM

Okay guys, this may sound like a crazy question!!! I have had yorkies for about two years now, one female and one male. Today, my Maddie delivered her first litter of puppies. Every one is doing great. i think she is gonna be a great mother. My questions are how do i know they are getting enough to eat. I see her nursing them, but I am so concerned since this is her first that she will not let them nurse as much as they need to? Another question is the tails. Their tails look long to me. I guess my question is do i get the tails clipped or am i crazy.. they just look longer to me than they should, and it may be that they are just puppies, i know that sounds crazy, but this is my firt time breeding also.

thanks

Dougal&Little · 09-29-2006, 07:11 PM

Hi Yugi. Give kisses to maddie from me!

I love yorkie tails so I hope you don't get those cute little tails docked. But if you do decide to dock I believe you have to do it within a day or two of birth - your vet will advise you.

Sorry I can't help with the feeding. I'm sure some other super YTers will be able to help you.

Yugi · 09-29-2006, 07:16 PM

My yorkies tails arent docked as in "gone" , but they are short. Maybe this is the length that they are supposed to be. maybe the puppies will grow into them. Maybe I should rephrase my question. Do most people get the yorkie tail docked or do they leave it the length that it is born with? My dogs have the standard tail that i have always seen on a yorkie, I am wondering if it was born with this tail or was it docked.

Lacy's Mom · 09-29-2006, 07:51 PM

Most breeders dock the tails and remove the dew claws. You must do this between 3 and 5 days old. It is not usually a big expense. I just had three pups done for about $40 for all of them tails and dew claws.

The way you know that a pup is healthy and eating well is to weigh it at least twice a day and record the weights. Any weight loss will alert you that something is not right. YOu can buy a food scale at Walmart or Target with a bowl on top for about $10.00.

A docked tail is somewhere around an 1" to 1" and 1/2 and undocked around 4" depending on the size of the Yorkie.

Yugi · 09-29-2006, 08:02 PM

Does this hurt them? I work ten hours a day, so i dont know if i will be able to get that done or not. does it bring down the price of the puppy if you dont have the tails done. Or does it look funny with a long tail? I dont trust our local vet to do it, so i would have to drive for about an hour to get to a vet that i trust. Would it be okay to wait seven days to get it done? or is that too long?

Lacy's Mom · 09-29-2006, 08:08 PM

Seven days is too long in my opinion, but you might find a vet that will do it. I do think it brings the price down, unfortunately. I have one undocked because it wasn't done and to do it at a later date is considered an amputation and painful. It makes her look really short legged and long bodied in my opinion. I definitely prefer the looks of the docked tail.

I won't say it doesn't hurt because I've never had my tail cut off, but the babies sometimes whimper for a second right at first (some don't even make a sound), but then don't even seem to notice. The process of removing the tails and the dew claws on three of mine took the vet 9 minutes and each received a stitch or two on their tails. I would want a vet that was knowledgeable on how to perform it. Many breeders do it themselves if you know of a breeder in your area that might be willing to help you out.

Yugi · 09-29-2006, 08:14 PM

is there any post care that i have to take care of for the tails. like any antibiotic cream or anything. I will call our local vet monday. if it is a simple procedure, i can probably trust him to do that. i am so nervous, being my first time breeding, but i will make it through it i think. also, they get wormed at two weeks and shots at six weeks, right? I have already registered the litter online today.

Lacy's Mom · 09-29-2006, 08:25 PM

I have the Mom tested for worms when I do the tails and dew claws. If she shows no signs of worms than I do not worm the puppies. I again test the puppies for worms at 8 weeks and if no worms, then no wormers. If I see signs of diarrhea in the pups or the pot bellied look I test them sooner. Wormers are poisons (insecticides) so I see no reason to give them without evidence of worms.

I try to hold off on vaccinations until 8 weeks and then 12 and 16 and wait until at least 6 months for rabies. I am very careful and keep them isolated though. I don't allow everyone to handle them or take them out to show them off. I never, never give Lepto, Corona, Lymes disease (ticks), bordatello (kennel cough) or Giardia. There is plenty of research to back this up, but you will have to make your own decisions, but definitely not before 6 weeks and definitely no lepto.

It really is a simple procedure, but some don't know the proper length to cut. I've never even had to put an antibiotic or anything on them and have never had one bleed. Just keep the area very clean and change the sheets or disposable hospital pads (whatever bedding you are using) frequently. Cleanliness will also prevent mastitis (bacteria entering the mammary glands and causing an infection) in mom.

Yugi · 09-29-2006, 08:34 PM

oh okay, so you take mom with you.. i was getting nervous about taking the pups from her for a little while. she goes nuts when i take her out to potty today. she cant wait to get back in the house with them. what do you do, just put them all in a little pet carrier, Mom and pups? i think i will take them wednesday, i usually get a little longer for lunch on wed. will that be too long to wait? that will be five days old. i need to trim her hair so she can nurse a little better.. they are nursing fine, but i am a worrier. see, her due date according to her ultrasound and last breed, she was due Oct.4th, so imagine my surprise when i come home today at lunch and we have puppies. she had two, and about two hours later, the other two came.

Marie · 09-29-2006, 08:44 PM

Im not a breeder just wanted to say Congratulations on youur first littler. Cant wait to see pics of the babies.

Lacy's Mom · 09-29-2006, 08:44 PM

Five days should be fine, but definitely no longer. Yes, I take Mom with me, but then my husband stays with the puppies (if he's available or I just trust the vet alone) and Mom and I go sit in the car with the radio on (that's why I knew it took 9 minutes because I was watching the clock). I put them in a plastic tub with Mom, blankets and a heating pad. I also keep a heating pad on them on low underneath a towel until they are at least 4 weeks old.

Sounds like your dog is being a great mother. It sure makes things easier. Has her milk "come in"? Make sure you continue to feed her puppy food and lots of fluids. How much does she weigh? How much does the dad weigh? Do you have a scale to weigh the pups? If not, be sure and get one.

Definitely trim the hair to make it easier for the pups. There was a warning posted last week about puppy's strangling in Mom's long hair so make sure she is tangle free and maybe cut a little more off than just to expose the nipples. I have never had this happen, but I would rather wait for a little hair to grow back if it means one could possible strangle.

Yugi · 09-29-2006, 08:51 PM

mom weighs about 7 lbs and dad weighs about 6 lbs. i had them weighed when i had her ultrasound done. mom was about 30 days into her pregnancy, so she was a little heavier than normal. i have got mom and pups in a playpen with a comforter folded up underneath them. maybe that is enough warmth. i think so. she is keeping them nice and covered. yeah, i will definitly trim her hair. i never thought of strangulation!!!! i really do appreciate your help and advice. i will post pics as soon as i can get around to getting some made. i will probably be looking you up later... thanks again

bettyeanne · 09-30-2006, 03:01 AM

Congratulations!! Can't wait to see pics of your babies!

MyTrixie143 · 09-30-2006, 03:34 AM

Congratulations on the new litter!!! I can't wait to see pictures!!!

Lacy's mom gave you alot of good advice.

The only thing I would like to add is about the tail docking. If you can, get a vet that will use the clamp and twist method on docking tails. It is much less painful, the pups don't seem to notice it, they don't have to have stiches, there is little to no blood and less chance of an infection, it is the best way to get it done. Alot of vets still do it the old way and just cut them off with a scapel and put a stitch on the tail. This way hurts them alot more and there will be more blood, more whimpering, etc. So ask your vet which method they use and tell them you want the clamp and twist method for docking tails and removing the dewclaws.

Good luck with your new little babies!!!!

Yugi · 09-30-2006, 07:27 PM

help,,,, okay ladies, i took my new pups and had their tails done this morning. well, i may be crazy, but it seems that one isnt wanting to nurse for some reason. it may just be sleeping alot. its breathing seems okay to me, but it just seems a little weak, probably from the tail docking. the vet did the cut and stitch.. so i dont know if it lost too much blood or what. anyway, maddie is keeping them all covered up alot so i cant see that well, but do you guys have any advice on the weak pup. should i try to feed it myself with a bottle and supplement milk that you can buy over the counter or give him a chance to recouperate first????

09-29-2006, 07:07 PM	#1
Yugi Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 19	My Maddies First Litter is finall here Okay guys, this may sound like a crazy question!!! I have had yorkies for about two years now, one female and one male. Today, my Maddie delivered her first litter of puppies. Every one is doing great. i think she is gonna be a great mother. My questions are how do i know they are getting enough to eat. I see her nursing them, but I am so concerned since this is her first that she will not let them nurse as much as they need to? Another question is the tails. Their tails look long to me. I guess my question is do i get the tails clipped or am i crazy.. they just look longer to me than they should, and it may be that they are just puppies, i know that sounds crazy, but this is my firt time breeding also. thanks

09-29-2006, 07:11 PM	#2
Dougal&Little Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: New Zealand Posts: 944	Hi Yugi. Give kisses to maddie from me! I love yorkie tails so I hope you don't get those cute little tails docked. But if you do decide to dock I believe you have to do it within a day or two of birth - your vet will advise you. Sorry I can't help with the feeding. I'm sure some other super YTers will be able to help you. __________________ Dougal (card carrying member of the Teapot Club) & Dixie (aka Evil Wee) Dougal's Facebook Dixie's Facebook

09-29-2006, 08:44 PM	#10
Marie Mom loves Gucci Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: New York City Posts: 6,427	Im not a breeder just wanted to say Congratulations on youur first littler. Cant wait to see pics of the babies. __________________ Huggies, Gucci and Marie http://www.dogster.com/?132187 "I have been egged"

09-30-2006, 03:01 AM	#13
bettyeanne Donating YT 7000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Alabama, etc. Posts: 9,031	Congratulations!! Can't wait to see pics of your babies! __________________ Toto's Mom - http://www.dogster.com/?206581 Yorkie Rescue Colorado - http://www.yorkierescuecolorado.com/ "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has limits." -- Albert Einstein

09-30-2006, 03:34 AM	#14
MyTrixie143 Mom to 6 Beautiful Furkids Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 5,409	Congratulations on the new litter!!! I can't wait to see pictures!!! Lacy's mom gave you alot of good advice. The only thing I would like to add is about the tail docking. If you can, get a vet that will use the clamp and twist method on docking tails. It is much less painful, the pups don't seem to notice it, they don't have to have stiches, there is little to no blood and less chance of an infection, it is the best way to get it done. Alot of vets still do it the old way and just cut them off with a scapel and put a stitch on the tail. This way hurts them alot more and there will be more blood, more whimpering, etc. So ask your vet which method they use and tell them you want the clamp and twist method for docking tails and removing the dewclaws. Good luck with your new little babies!!!! __________________ A dog is a furry person! http://www.dogster.com/?300866 Tracey and the gang DestinyHarmonyScamperGracieLillieKiwi Hershey Peppi

09-29-2006, 07:16 PM	#3
Yugi Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 19	My yorkies tails arent docked as in "gone" , but they are short. Maybe this is the length that they are supposed to be. maybe the puppies will grow into them. Maybe I should rephrase my question. Do most people get the yorkie tail docked or do they leave it the length that it is born with? My dogs have the standard tail that i have always seen on a yorkie, I am wondering if it was born with this tail or was it docked.

09-29-2006, 07:51 PM	#4
Lacy's Mom YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: El Paso, Texas Posts: 3,065	Most breeders dock the tails and remove the dew claws. You must do this between 3 and 5 days old. It is not usually a big expense. I just had three pups done for about $40 for all of them tails and dew claws. The way you know that a pup is healthy and eating well is to weigh it at least twice a day and record the weights. Any weight loss will alert you that something is not right. YOu can buy a food scale at Walmart or Target with a bowl on top for about $10.00. A docked tail is somewhere around an 1" to 1" and 1/2 and undocked around 4" depending on the size of the Yorkie.

09-29-2006, 08:02 PM	#5
Yugi Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 19	Does this hurt them? I work ten hours a day, so i dont know if i will be able to get that done or not. does it bring down the price of the puppy if you dont have the tails done. Or does it look funny with a long tail? I dont trust our local vet to do it, so i would have to drive for about an hour to get to a vet that i trust. Would it be okay to wait seven days to get it done? or is that too long?

09-29-2006, 08:08 PM	#6
Lacy's Mom YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: El Paso, Texas Posts: 3,065	Seven days is too long in my opinion, but you might find a vet that will do it. I do think it brings the price down, unfortunately. I have one undocked because it wasn't done and to do it at a later date is considered an amputation and painful. It makes her look really short legged and long bodied in my opinion. I definitely prefer the looks of the docked tail. I won't say it doesn't hurt because I've never had my tail cut off, but the babies sometimes whimper for a second right at first (some don't even make a sound), but then don't even seem to notice. The process of removing the tails and the dew claws on three of mine took the vet 9 minutes and each received a stitch or two on their tails. I would want a vet that was knowledgeable on how to perform it. Many breeders do it themselves if you know of a breeder in your area that might be willing to help you out.

09-29-2006, 08:14 PM	#7
Yugi Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 19	is there any post care that i have to take care of for the tails. like any antibiotic cream or anything. I will call our local vet monday. if it is a simple procedure, i can probably trust him to do that. i am so nervous, being my first time breeding, but i will make it through it i think. also, they get wormed at two weeks and shots at six weeks, right? I have already registered the litter online today.

09-29-2006, 08:25 PM	#8
Lacy's Mom YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: El Paso, Texas Posts: 3,065	I have the Mom tested for worms when I do the tails and dew claws. If she shows no signs of worms than I do not worm the puppies. I again test the puppies for worms at 8 weeks and if no worms, then no wormers. If I see signs of diarrhea in the pups or the pot bellied look I test them sooner. Wormers are poisons (insecticides) so I see no reason to give them without evidence of worms. I try to hold off on vaccinations until 8 weeks and then 12 and 16 and wait until at least 6 months for rabies. I am very careful and keep them isolated though. I don't allow everyone to handle them or take them out to show them off. I never, never give Lepto, Corona, Lymes disease (ticks), bordatello (kennel cough) or Giardia. There is plenty of research to back this up, but you will have to make your own decisions, but definitely not before 6 weeks and definitely no lepto. It really is a simple procedure, but some don't know the proper length to cut. I've never even had to put an antibiotic or anything on them and have never had one bleed. Just keep the area very clean and change the sheets or disposable hospital pads (whatever bedding you are using) frequently. Cleanliness will also prevent mastitis (bacteria entering the mammary glands and causing an infection) in mom.

09-29-2006, 08:34 PM	#9
Yugi Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 19	oh okay, so you take mom with you.. i was getting nervous about taking the pups from her for a little while. she goes nuts when i take her out to potty today. she cant wait to get back in the house with them. what do you do, just put them all in a little pet carrier, Mom and pups? i think i will take them wednesday, i usually get a little longer for lunch on wed. will that be too long to wait? that will be five days old. i need to trim her hair so she can nurse a little better.. they are nursing fine, but i am a worrier. see, her due date according to her ultrasound and last breed, she was due Oct.4th, so imagine my surprise when i come home today at lunch and we have puppies. she had two, and about two hours later, the other two came.

09-29-2006, 08:51 PM	#12
Yugi Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 19	mom weighs about 7 lbs and dad weighs about 6 lbs. i had them weighed when i had her ultrasound done. mom was about 30 days into her pregnancy, so she was a little heavier than normal. i have got mom and pups in a playpen with a comforter folded up underneath them. maybe that is enough warmth. i think so. she is keeping them nice and covered. yeah, i will definitly trim her hair. i never thought of strangulation!!!! i really do appreciate your help and advice. i will post pics as soon as i can get around to getting some made. i will probably be looking you up later... thanks again

09-30-2006, 07:27 PM	#15
Yugi Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 19	help,,,, okay ladies, i took my new pups and had their tails done this morning. well, i may be crazy, but it seems that one isnt wanting to nurse for some reason. it may just be sleeping alot. its breathing seems okay to me, but it just seems a little weak, probably from the tail docking. the vet did the cut and stitch.. so i dont know if it lost too much blood or what. anyway, maddie is keeping them all covered up alot so i cant see that well, but do you guys have any advice on the weak pup. should i try to feed it myself with a bottle and supplement milk that you can buy over the counter or give him a chance to recouperate first????