5 day old puppies, distended bellies, stimulation not working

by Elissa
(Texas)

I have 5, 5 day old puppies, they are feeding and sleeping normally, Mom is very attentive and has been excellent through the whelping and proceeding days.

I noted at first 1-2 puppies seemed a little bloated, I researched, began stimulation with a warm washcloth.

Mom has been licking and cleaning regularly. She is currently on Pedigree puppy diet and has been eating and drinking regularly. The puppies are not whining or listless unless they are hungry.
Body temperatures seem normal.

Four of them now have distended bellies, that are firm but not lumpy as far as I can tell.

I was told by a doctor at the veterinary practice I work for, that the puppies are too young to have much done for them, other than stimulation.
However I have seen many other articles and advice that point towards possible enemas, or stomach tubes that could be used as treatment.
What should I do?

I am a little disappointed with this provider's advice, since previously my practice has been extremely helpful in explaining and providing options for treatment and since many other owners have said see a doctor immediately in these circumstances.

What are my options and is this possibly constipation, if so is this normal?
I have not seen much fecal matter around the whelping box and have been changing linens regularly.

Stimulation has not produced feces.






Hi Elissa
I'm not a veterinarian so I really recommend that you get back to your veterinarian and insist on having your puppies examined if you are concerned.

In my experience and enema can be performed on very young puppies who seem to be unable to eliminate even with stimulation (either by their momma or by whoever is taking care of them), and are suffering from constipation.

Pups who are being nursed by their momma don't tend to get too constipated the way bottle-fed puppies do, but it can happen.

The momma dog will ingest the feces from her puppies so it's possible that you are not seeing any stools because she is being very efficient at cleaning them up. Usually you will see some marks or stains on the bedding, but it's possible that they are going unnoticed, or are minimal.

New born puppies often have rounded tummies, and unless they are very hard or seem painful it's possible that what you're noticing is actually just normal puppy chubbiness.. but it's impossible for me to say whether or not this is the case. If this is your dog's first litter and your first experience of new born pups it's possible that everything is just fine.

However, if you're at all worried it's always better to be safe than sorry and if I were in your position I'd call my vet again and make sure that someone took my concerns seriously and offered constructive advice.

I hope this helps in some way and wish you the very best of luck with your puppies.