This topic contains 4 replies, has 0 voices, and was last updated by 
Karen 20 years, 3 months ago.
-
Posts
-
We have a registered Boxer that had 10 puppies (very large litter) We’ve always had to help supplement her milk by bottlefeeding, she’s always been on a short supply of milk and nipples because there are so many pups. They are going to be 4 weeks on the 16th of Feb. It’s been a lot of work, but they are nice and healthy. Over the last two days we’ve noticed that she is beginning to dry up and the puppies just aren’t satisfied. The vet said it was okay to start them on soft puppy food, but the milk is an issue, they are losing the taste for the formula. Does anybody have any advice or suggestions????? :-[
We have been supplementing the puppies with JustBorn Puppy Formula with Colostrum since the day they were born to help our momma out. She is a very attentive and caring mother, especially for this being her first litter. They are going on 4 weeks, and even though we are giving the momma milk,broth, and lots of eggs like our vet recommended she is beginning to dry up. Thank you for all your help and advice.
With a litter this large, I would have been supplementing with formula all along to help ease the stress on the dam. Also, stress and nutrition in the dam can affect milk production. They are old enough to begin weaning slowly I would start with a thin gruel of crushed puppy food and formula or pasturized goat’s milk. Put a bit on your finger and let the pups suck it off. It will take time for them to get the hang of eating and it will be very messy for a while. But around four weeks generally weaning is begun and by seven to eight weeks they should be fine and on solid foods completely. Also, at this age, offer them four to five meals a day – even six. By seven weeks they should be down to three or four meals. there are some excellent sources on weaning pups and here are a couple links: http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=growinganimals http://www.barkbytes.com/care/weaning.htm
🙂 Thank you very much for all the information. Now we know that most likely it’s because she is a first time mother, and there’s not necessarily anything wrong. Thanks again!
Sounds then like the dam is just weaning them a bit faster. My mother’s first brood started to wean her pups at about this age. But this is the age it often starts and the trick now is to get them started on a gruel and go from there. AND LOTS OF CLEAN UP STUFF! LOL! It takes time for the little beasts to coordinate and eat without wearing every little bit!
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
