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Good litters don't just happen. They start with a good parents, then you add in
a good health plan, mix in a good diet, season with lots of exercise monitor
closely while baking and be sure to be there when it's time to come out of the
oven. Pardon the analogy, but it works!
The Mama will take good care of them
until they are ready to be weaned, she will feed them, try to keep them warm and
safe and clean up after them. By the time they are ready to be weaned, it is
becoming a chore for her. She will get tired of them and for the sake of pups
and Mama, it's time to wean. Now the pups need to be fed 3 times a day, you need
to clean up after them and you will need to make sure they are warm, do regular
worming, check weight gain and be sure toenails are clipped.
Below you will find the schedule and procedure we try to follow:
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Day of Birth |
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Collect supply of paper towels (roll), scissors, old bath towels, iodine, pen &
note paper, strong string, a pile of old newspaper, a stout box or basket, a
sleeping bag and pillow, warm clothes, walkman and favorite CD's, and be
prepared to loose some sleep. |
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Be aware of unusual behavior by the Mama, they will want to find a dark quiet
place, so they should be confined if you don't want to crawl into a tight place
to retrieve pups. Mama will go off her feed and be uneasy and uncomfortable.
Watch for water to break and sometimes they will stare at their back end. You
may have to quiet and assure her after the 1st pup but usually all goes OK after
the first one. |
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The pups will be born anywhere from fifteen minutes
to 2 hours apart, sometimes as long as 3-4 hours
apart. A caution flag is straining that lasts more than 30 to 60 minutes without
a pup, that's a "call vet" signal. Active delivery of pups can last 10-12 hours.
Pups will be born head first and rear first, this is normal. Occasionally, you
might be presented with a large pup that may require assistance to clear the
birth canal, don't pull on the pups legs or head, but try to pull on skin with a
dry towel, lots of KY Jelly will help. Be prepared to clear an airway of fluid
and possibly breath for them by placing your mouth over his and blowing gently,
then allow exhale. |
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The mother will try and eat the placenta, this is normal, however it is not
necessary for her health. You may remove the placenta after it is expelled. Keep
track of the number of placentas, if one is retained it can cause infection,
this is another "call vet" flag. |
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If a cord is ruptured or bitten off too close to the pups abdomen it may
continue to bleed, tie it off with a piece of string. After the mothers severs
the cord it should be disinfected with iodine. |
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The pups should be encourage to nurse between deliveries. Allow the mother to
lick and clean the pup, this is bonding time. |
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Weekly Tasks |
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Week One (click
here) |
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Week 2 - 4 (click here) |
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Week 5 - 7 (click here) |
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