my cocker spaniel had 11 puppies HELP!!

by ANN
(TEXAS)

My dog had 11 puppies, 4 died. she was in labor for like 12 hours or more i had to help her some were stuck and not in bags 3 were very small.

They are having trouble eating. I took the big ones away for a while so the little ones could eat but two of them are always very cold to the touch, i keep picking them up and rubbing them and warming them but she doesn't look like she cares. Should i keep trying to help the small cold ones or should i let nature take its course??

I'm torn and confused and the mom is still oozing green stuff from her vagina is that normal or are the puppies gonna get sick if she had that stuff all over them? and she keeps getting up and im worried about puppies everytime she gets up she steps on them. she stepped on one and it cried for like 15 mins real bad. HELP!







Hi Ann
First of all, try not to panic! Your dog has most likely delivered all her puppies by now and although she's had a large litter, and lost some, you've both got through it.

If she has 7 puppies left, that's not a huge number to deal with, but she's probably very tired and if this was her first litter, she's confused and probably worried. If you're upset and worried, she'll sense that and it will make matters worse, so try to be calm for her sake.

If the puppies that are very tiny are having difficulty breathing or seem deformed in any way, it's may be best to just let nature take care of them. Of course, this is VERY difficult to do, and it's really a personal decision for you to make.

If they seem healthy, but just tiny, you could try to supplement feed them with puppy formula. However, you will need to get them properly warmed up before you have a chance of getting them to suckle. When they're cold, they're weak, and won't be able to nurse properly.

Use a box with a heat pad under towels/blankets, or a heat-lamp (or desk lamp) over it to keep the temperature constant. I would strongly suggest that you read my New Born Puppies page as it has tips and advice on rearing new puppies.

I wouldn't worry too much about your dogs' discharge right now, it's normal for her to 'leak' for several days, possibly week or more after delivery. She will need to be encouraged to eat and drink though as she needs to keep her strength up and make milk for her puppies. The discharge won't hurt the puppies and she will clean them herself and keep them that way.

Try to make sure she has a place that feels safe and comfortable for her and her babies. Keep it warm and give her as much peace and quiet as you can. She needs to relax and settle down with her pups. She may well be clumsy and step or roll on the puppies, especially if it's her first litter. You will need to watch her closely (as quietly and unobtrusively as you can) and try to keep the puppies safe. They're most at risk during the first few days.

I think that once your dog has had something to eat and drink, and quiet time with her puppies she will do just fine. Do the best you can with the weak, small ones and that's all you can do. If you have any concerns about her health, or that of the puppies, talk to your veterinarian. He/she will be able to answer any questions or give you help and advice.

You've done fine so far, best of luck!