Puppies on the way! [Archive] - Baywind Farm Horse Forum

WashingtonBay

10-10-2010, 07:03 PM

Is she birthing inside then? Do you guys usually wear shoes indoors?

Wanted to stress, because momma's not been vaccinated and neither has daddy, we assume, That they're very vulnerable to parvo. I can't stress enough how common parvo is in the environment, or how awful it is if puppy gets it. Basically, without intensive hospitalization (and sometimes even with it) the puppy dies, no matter how much you try to do.

This site (http://www.workingdogs.com/parvofaq.htm#Parvo_Transmitted) talks of prevention and not wearing shoes that have been outside is one way of limiting early exposure. Wash hands before handling them, don't let them be around any other dogs, or dog poop, till they've been vaccinated.

I would avoid wearing shoes in the room the puppies are, is all I was going to say. I know that's always the practice with the breeder I know. :)

Good luck! I don't want to be a nervous nellie, but better safe than sorry :o

zoel_222

10-10-2010, 07:30 PM

Dakota Sunrise

10-10-2010, 07:53 PM

Actually Cassy is up to date on her shots. And Buddy (the father) might be now too, because there was a recent porky pine indecent and the next time he showed up here he had on a collar, tags, and was shaved in a few places. If they took him to our local vet I know they wouldn't have treated him without updating his shot records.

No puppies yet. I thought her water might of broke because her tail and hind end were wet, but I'm not sure. She threw up twice, poor baby. She's still acting the same way she was hours ago, except she's doing a lot of licking now. I hope that's all normal. She's in our basement, not because we put her there but because she put herself there.
My parents both went to bed, so it looks like Cassy and I will be pulling an all nighter ourselves. It's going to be a long night, but i'm afraid to leave her in case she does start giving birth and needs me. I'm exhausted because she kept me up most of the night last night, and I had a big day today. But another night of no sleep won't kill me.
So I'm down here in the basement hanging out with her. I don't want to crowd her, but I'm staying close by. She's whimpering, I feel bad for her.:(

WashingtonBay

10-10-2010, 08:03 PM

Ah good news. on the shots :)

I would still do preventative routines with the pups until they've had theirs, but that's good news still. :)

Have some coffee for your long night. I sure hope all goes well and we can see the pics in the mornin'!

Dakota Sunrise

10-10-2010, 08:11 PM

Ah good news. on the shots :)

I would still do preventative routines with the pups until they've had theirs, but that's good news still. :)

I intend to.:)

Have some coffee for your long night. I sure hope all goes well and we can see the pics in the mornin'!

I hate coffee unfortunately.:doh: Probably a good thing too, I can't afford to have my growth stunted.:innocent: Lol, jk.:p It's too late for that anyway.:rolleyes:

But in all seriousness, thank you for the well wishes.:) Hopefully I'll be posting puppy pics in the morning. I hope they come soon.

zoel_222

10-10-2010, 08:18 PM

I intend to.:)

I hate coffee unfortunately.:doh: Probably a good thing too, I can't afford to have my growth stunted.:innocent: Lol, jk.:p It's too late for that anyway.:rolleyes:

tee hee :p

Good luck with the puppies, hope she has a smooth delivery and has some them soon so you don't have to be up too late.

shewasmyshadow

10-10-2010, 08:40 PM

Did you haul the kiddy pool down for her?

Dakota Sunrise

10-10-2010, 08:46 PM

Sound like today/night is the day! Do her eyes look glassy....like do they look more moist then usual....easily see the reflection in them?

Her eyes are definitely watery.

I think the first puppy is on the way. She's doing a little bit of pushing, but not very hard or for very long. Maybe the contractions aren't that strong yet? How long could it take for her to actually push the puppy out?

Dakota Sunrise

10-10-2010, 08:47 PM

Did you haul the kiddy pool down for her?

Yep. She won't go in it, she's just laying on towels at the moment. But once the puppies are born I'm going to attempt put them and her in the pool and hopefully then she'll stay in there. Don't really know what else to do.

livaward

10-10-2010, 08:56 PM

It all ready depends on her on how long it take for the puppy to come out....but I would say that if you haven't seen a puppy and her contractions are one right after another and it's been an hour of steady contractions I would wake up which ever parent is fine with reaching in there and feeling around. And if it's been 3 hours between puppies I would give her a oxytocin (sp?) shot is you have it on hand....and make sure that there is a after birth with each puppy....sometimes they don't come out with the puppy and come out with another pup or at the end of the birth of all the puppies....which is also nice to have on hand....

I have a boxer that had 11 puppies and that was a all nighter and we had a few scary moments but all of them survived.....she had a 2 hour nap about halfway though she was one tired momma....had I known she was pregnant with that many I would have prolly had her a c-section done.....when I got her I didn't know she was pregnant and didn't take the necessary precautions in the pregnancy until she started to gain weight in her belly....I had her x-rayed to see how many puppies she had and the vet said he seen alot but counted 7 skulls....well he was about 4 short.

Dakota Sunrise

10-10-2010, 09:26 PM

OMG, puppy #1 is here! He's opening and closing his mouth and flopping around and she's licking him and everything else. Something really weird came out after the puppy, afterbirth I assume. I got rid of that. I helped her wipe his face off because I was scared he wouldn't be able to breath but she seems to be cleaning him off now. Should I just leave the first puppy with her while she has her others? And stay out of the way as long as she's cleaning him? And how soon does he have to nurse?

livaward

10-10-2010, 09:37 PM

Yes what came out after the puppy was the afterbirth....I would let her eat them as it helps stimulate milk production and helps to continue the natural oxytocin her body is producing to keep the contractions coming. I would also leave the puppy with her as he should be already looking to nurse soon....just keep an eye on her when the next puppy comes so she doesn't step on him or lay on him in the process of her breaking the pups bag and cleaning them off....There is nothing wrong with you helping clean the puppy up especially if one is coming right after the previous one.

Also about the after birth I didn't let mine eat all of them....only 6 as I didn't want her to get the runs.

WashingtonBay

10-10-2010, 09:38 PM

Make sure he stays WARM and you can dry him off pretty vigorously too to help him wake up and remember to breathe. :) She needs to bond with him and 'remember' how to be a momma, so let her lick him if she is... Just pull him out of the way if she starts moving around or is at risk of smooshing him.

Heat up in the house?

Dakota Sunrise

10-10-2010, 09:43 PM

At the moment he's laying right next to her, mewing like, and she's licking him. He tried to nurse but can't seem to get it. How long can he go without nursing?

Heat up in the house?

Love to but can't. Parents are asleep and the only way to hear the basement is the woodburner, and I can't really start a fire in there. It's not that cold down here at the moment anyway. And there's a lot of heat over there laying next to Cassy.

WashingtonBay

10-10-2010, 09:45 PM

Have a heating pad? Really, warmth is important. Don't let it get too cold down there. Don't worry too much if it takes him a bit to nurse... he'll figure it out. Give Petra a call, she's done this lots of times I think. :)

livaward

10-10-2010, 09:48 PM

A heating lamp will work to when it starts to get cold....make sure if you use one it's at least 3 feet away....you don't want to cook anything

zoel_222

10-10-2010, 09:53 PM

:clap: hooray for puppies!

Dakota Sunrise

10-10-2010, 10:09 PM

Yes definitely don't want to cook anything. Pup #2 is here.

Thank you for all your help. I think everything is going okay so far. The two pups are crying and crawling around and she's licking them and she ate the afterbirth. I think my hovering was getting in the way so i'm now watching from a distance until pup #3 comes along. They're still kind of wet but she's with them so I don't really want to take them away to dry them more unless I have to. I think it would upset her.

jeezitsjacki

10-10-2010, 10:18 PM

oh this is so exciting! now I want puppies haha. this is a really cool opportunity for you. sounds like everything is going pretty smoothly...hope it continues like that!

Dakota Sunrise

10-10-2010, 10:23 PM

So far all is well. They are very content. The pups are nursing I think and she's laying back chilling for a moment. I keep watching to make sure everything is okay and I told her she was a good girl and she seemed almost happy. But they're doing well without me butting in too much so I'm just kind of sticking close incase she does need me.

I have pics. Any one want to see?:innocent: ;)

jeezitsjacki

10-10-2010, 10:33 PM

I do I do!! I was going to ask about pictures but I figured you had bigger things to worry about...this is a good distraction from the paper im supposed to be writing! haha

Dakota Sunrise

10-10-2010, 11:07 PM

I decided I better get pictures since my parents and brother are missing this whole thing!

Pup #3 is here. At first he scared me because he wasn't breathing, but I rubbed him and cleaned his face and he got some mucus out of his mouth. Then she started licking him too and he crawled around and cried. The other two were crying like crazy but now all three are at her belly and finally quiet. They sure are loud for being so tiny!

Here are pics of the first two. I know this spot is not ideal and she has the towels all wrinkled up but she wouldn't go in her whelping box or leave that spot.

Puppy #1:
http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6048.jpg

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6049.jpg

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6051.jpg

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6053.jpg

And puppy #2:
http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6055.jpg

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6056.jpg

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6057.jpg

jeezitsjacki

10-10-2010, 11:09 PM

aww what cuties...such different colors, one like mom and one like dad I guess!

Petra

10-10-2010, 11:11 PM

Aww how cute! What color is th e 3rd one? I see one black and one brown.
Thank you for sharing! I love puppies!

natisha

10-10-2010, 11:14 PM

Adorable. I thought I heard somewhere that babies could get caught up in towels & that a large flat blanket is better. Maybe that was for human babies.
Great job DS. What flavors do you have?

Dakota Sunrise

10-11-2010, 12:08 AM

There's a big flat blanket in the whelping box. I moved her and the babies in there. She's laying with them and the babies are doing well except for one that is a bit clueless. But he's fine, just not the sharpest tool in the shed.

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6061.jpg

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6062.jpg

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6063.jpg

The only thing that is worrying me is Cassy barked at the puppies, sort of growled at them twice at different times. She's licking them and they're attempting to nurse but why did she growl at them? Is that normal?

Petra

10-11-2010, 12:16 AM

Not sure why she barked and growled. If she is taking care of them and letting them nurse everything should be just fine.
Now I see the third one too. It's cool they are all different colors. :)
Lizzy I think they are going to be OK now. You should go and get some sleep.

Dakota Sunrise

10-11-2010, 12:22 AM

The puppies are moved. Everyone is dry and they're all laying with Cassy nursing to the best of their ability. It's been well over an hour and she seems to be done. I think I'm going to bed. I'm sort of afraid to leave them but I guess I can't baby sit ever second for the next 8 weeks.

Great job DS. What flavors do you have?

Thank you. So far there's only the three and it's been that way for over an hour. Hopefully that's it. She had a vanilla, chocolate, and deep dark.:)

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6065.jpg

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6067.jpg

Petra

10-11-2010, 12:25 AM

I love the pictures!
Don't worry Lizzy. You really can go to sleep. Cassy and puppies will be just fine. And you are right, you really cannot watch them 24/7.
You did a good job. :)
Have a good night.
I'm going to get off of here too.

JackieB

10-11-2010, 04:02 AM

Adorable little things!

oursarge

10-11-2010, 05:16 AM

Glad they are here safely, you did so much better than I'd do, I was almost having heart failure reading this, I can't imagine living through it. Very stressful. You did great, hope all the puppies will continue to be fine. They grow fast.

livaward

10-11-2010, 06:46 AM

Man those are some big ol puppies! But awwww so cute! Way to go ol girl!

Dakota Sunrise

10-11-2010, 07:01 AM

Well I'm happy to report that mama and her four babies are all alive and doing pretty well. Yes, I did say 4.

I went to bed close to 4:00 in the morning. At that point all three pups were nursing, Cassy was snoozing, and she seemed very content. Well over an hour had passed since pup #3.
I slept until 8:00. Probably should have stayed with her longer but I thought she was done. My parents were up before me and they said the found one puppy dead. Dad buried the little guy next to Lady. She would have made a wonderful mommy. She'll take care of the baby up at Rainbow Bridge.
I came down to see the puppies right after I woke up. I was sitting there looking at them with my mom when I realized the one puppy had crawled back and was behind her tail. I reached to move him back with his siblings and realized he was wet. Because she was having another puppy. We thought it would be born dead because so much time had gone by. But I started rubbing her and she moved and opened her mouth! She's up and around now and doing okay. Can't believe it.

So now there's two black puppies, a yellow, and a chocolate. I think there's three girls and a boy but don't hold me to that. I'll find out for sure later.
The only thing that still concerns me is Cassy kind of barking/nipping at them. Only a few times and she didn't hurt them. It was like a warning, but I don't know why. She's been licking them and laying with them and they're all nursing now. It's just every so often she nips at one. Doesn't bite them, just kind of "ruff"s at one of the pups and lips him. Not in a friendly way, but she isn't actually hurting them. What's up with that? The rest of the time she's doing great with them. She's also eating and drinking again and we're giving her extra food.

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6068.jpg

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6069.jpg

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6070.jpg

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6071.jpg

FredRock

10-11-2010, 07:01 AM

Aw they're so cute! I love how they're all different colors too! You did an amazing job with the delivery.

ETA: Wow the forum went all wonky when I posted and told me I was double posting. Didn't see you new post.

I think it's because it probably hurts a little bit for them to nurse. Pretty much like any new human mother when she has her baby breastfeeding. I'd agree with saying "NO" any time she does that for now. She might hurt them without trying to. Ditto on getting her to the vet, just in case there's still one in there, especially if there's been two more in an obviously longer period of time.

CaddoCinnamon

10-11-2010, 07:14 AM

Is this the first time as a mom for her? I know when my dog had her first pups she did that too. It does hurt them when they first latch on because she is swollen with milk. So she may do that because of the fact that her bag is bothering her. As long as she isn't too aggressive with them I think you are fine. From what you said she isn't. Congrats on the babies they are beautiful.

natisha

10-11-2010, 07:34 AM

I'm so glad they are OK. It may not be a bad idea to have her checked out in case there is another in there. My parents didn't do that & there was a dead one still there, they lost the Mom. I don't mean to scare you. If you chose to & your parents don't want to you could point out that they were the ones who wanted the puppies-or maybe not, if you ever want your barn built.;)
When she growls or nips at them tell her NO. She doesn't know they don't understand warnings. I too think she may be a bit sore but she has to learn to tolerate them.
She sure looks like a great Mom.

FatSpottedAppy

10-11-2010, 07:35 AM

CUTE! You better get lots of pictures.. Daily.. :D I want to see these little buggers grow up. What one are you keeping? Have you decided?

alittleoffkey

10-11-2010, 07:44 AM

Awe! Congrats! I'm glad everything went smoothly for her - and you! :D

3equines

10-11-2010, 07:47 AM

Hope you got some sleep, Dakota! And, yes, we will need MORE PICTURES ! ! ! !

WashingtonBay

10-11-2010, 07:47 AM

Fun and exciting. :) Sorry about the one pup... it does sometimes just happen that way.

No real advice on anything yet... Just following along :)

oursarge

10-11-2010, 08:00 AM

Sorry about the one puppy, was it stillborn or one that was born in the first batch? I know nothing about puppy births [or any births including human!] but they look huge compared to my friend's Rat Terrier Puppies. I saw them when they were maybe a week old and they look like little pigs, they are so teeny tiny except they are fat.

I love them all but that little brown one is so pretty color wise. If you wanna put him on my doorstep and run that would be nice!!! My man does not want another dog and with the way I worry I should not have any animals but he is so pretty. Hope all will go well with everything. I have zero advise just wanted to say you did good and so did mommy and I'm hoping everything else goes smoothly and there are no others in there.

Can't wait to see them when they are grown I bet they will be so pretty.

Dakota Sunrise

10-11-2010, 08:09 AM

Thanks everyone! I'm pretty sure she's done now. Certainly hope so! I'm home alone with her today so I'm just going to stay close by and keep an eye on things.

I agree that she probably is sore. Every time I've caught her growl at them I told her "no!" and she looked at me kind of guilty. Other than that she's being a good mommy. She hasn't left their side except to get a quick drink of water. We've been taking food to her and she is eating. They're crawling all over her and still nursing off and on. I hope she won't actually hurt them. I don't think she will.

I haven't decided which one I want to keep yet. It depends on who's a boy and who's a girl. I tried to look but it didn't go so well. I'll check again later. If the little chocolate one is a girl I may keep her. My dad wants one of the black ones. But I haven't really decided yet. They are all so cute.

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6073.jpg

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6072.jpg

Dakota Sunrise

10-11-2010, 08:11 AM

Sorry about the one puppy, was it stillborn or one that was born in the first batch?

I never actually saw her so I'm not sure what happened. I imagine it just took too long for her to be born. Maybe if I had been there I could have got her breathing like I did the others. I don't know.:(

oursarge

10-11-2010, 08:38 AM

Chances are not, alot of times nature does these things for a reason. It is very sad though. You've done so good, way way better than I could ever do I'd be in a panic and in hysterics. I don't deal with things like this well, just thinking about an animal giving birth scares the life out of me. Someone wants to breed my mare and I said No because I'm scared for her, the baby plus we don't need another horse with so many needing homes but the birth thing is what scares me the most. You are very brave.

miatapony

10-11-2010, 09:48 AM

so you have 4 puppies ... WTG ... sorry about the one. but its happy to be with Lady.

GrungeEquestrian

10-11-2010, 10:41 AM

Congrats they are all adorable. You and Cassy did a great job :D.

And I agree with Morgan, we want pictures, pictures, pictures!

Dakota Sunrise

10-11-2010, 11:38 AM

Thanks everyone!:) She's doing really well with them now. She only left them once to go potty, otherwise she's been laying with them all day.

The black ones are boys, the other two girls. I want to keep the chocolate one I think. But then they're all so cute! But I think I want a girl.

shewasmyshadow

10-11-2010, 02:43 PM

Very cute. Does the chocolate one have light points? I really like that one and the cream colored one.

Dakota Sunrise

10-11-2010, 06:14 PM

Very cute. Does the chocolate one have light points? I really like that one and the cream colored one.

Just on the tips of her toes, it's so cute.:)

Dakota Sunrise

10-11-2010, 06:18 PM

Cassy and the puppies seem to be doing pretty well. But I'm still worried that she could have more puppies inside, just because worrying is what I do.:o
There was no way for me to take her to the vet today. We could take her tomorrow, but I don't know if we need to or not. No one has the money for a vet visit unless absolutely necessary.
So there's no signs to watch for that could clue us in on whether or not she got all the puppies out? She's doing really well with the pups now, very attentive. She left them to eat and drink and went out to go potty a couple times today but wanted to come back in pretty quick. Then she went right back in with the puppies. She looks so much thinner now, so she got her shape back except of course for her milk. The puppies are doing well and nursing regularly and crawling all over her. I haven't seen her growl at them since this morning. The only thing she's doing that kind of concerns me is panting now and then, and licking her privates. I thought maybe she was just sore and that's why she's licking. Other than that she's acting fairly normal. She even came up for supper, but kept running back to check on the pups in between getting fed from the table.:innocent:
So, what do you think? Is she acting normal for a dog who just gave birth? It's her first litter and mine so I don't really know what to expect.

ETA: She just went upstairs when she heard my dad getting into the snack cupboard. Went right up the steps. He put her out and she leapt off the porch and did her business and came right back in and trotted back to the babies. So she's moving around normally, eating, drinking, paying attention to the pups. Doesn't seem sick at all. So she's probably fine, right?

WashingtonBay

10-11-2010, 06:27 PM

She sounds normal, just keep an eye out.

Pretty good information here: Whelphelp.com - We Know Whelping (http://www.whelphelp.com/?page=Care%20of%20Mother%20Post%20Whelping)

Dakota Sunrise

10-11-2010, 06:34 PM

Thanks WB, that site was helpful. She doesn't have any of the symptoms mentioned so that's good:
Retained Placenta and Pups
Signs of retained placentas or puppies may follow whelping immediately, or several days later. Look for; persistent vomiting, dehydration, lack of appetite, depression, and weakness. These are all signs of a retained placenta, or even a retained puppy. Call your vet immediately.

WashingtonBay

10-11-2010, 06:37 PM

Yes, I saw that too, and thought... doesn't sound like she's having that trouble :)

My instinct would be that she would be running a fever too, but it's not listed as a symptom. Fever is a symptom of other issues to look for so if you can you could still take her temp as a measure of how she's doing if you've got a thermometer.

Dakota Sunrise

10-11-2010, 06:46 PM

Yes, I saw that too, and thought... doesn't sound like she's having that trouble :)

Nope, definitely not. Panting a little now and then and licking, that's the only thing that worries me. But other than that acting pretty normal. Eating, drinking, moving around easily, being with the pups, etc.

My instinct would be that she would be running a fever too, but it's not listed as a symptom. Fever is a symptom of other issues to look for so if you can you could still take her temp as a measure of how she's doing if you've got a thermometer.

That's a good idea. If it had been up to me I would have been taking her temperature all along before she had the puppies like everything I read and everyone I talked to told me to do. But my dad said it would upset her and there was no reason to be poking and prodding at her. Personally I don't think it really would have bothered her, and it would have been nice to have a better idea of when the pups were going to arrive. But this time I won't mention it to anyone else, I'll just take her temperature when they're not around.

WashingtonBay

10-11-2010, 06:53 PM

There ya go ;)

Petra

10-11-2010, 06:54 PM

I agree with WB. They must have forgotten to mention it...fever would be one of first signs of infection.
I also think she is OK. She sounds like she is a healthy dog and a really good mommy. :)

I had it hapen with a different kind of animal...it retained an unfertilized egg. The problem was that the signs started to show once it started rotting inside. The first couple of days everything was fine, when the animal started showing signs it was already pretty serious.

But I would for sure try to feel around. These are big puppies, I think it wouldn't be too hard to feel if there was one left.

Remali

10-11-2010, 07:53 PM

Awww your new puppies are just adorable! And mom looks so sweet, looks like she is a very good mom. So sorry to hear one didn't make it, but you did awesome last night.... I somehow missed this thread until now.... (shame on me). I love the various colors the puppies are. :)

Gliderider

10-12-2010, 03:13 PM

Aww Congrats on the newborns ! They are really cute.

NE_paint

10-12-2010, 03:46 PM

Congrats DS! They're soooo cute!!!! :)

Fjords <3

10-12-2010, 04:47 PM

Oh so cute! Lots of pictures are a MUST! I think you should mail me the yellow one(: FedEx! Keep a black one ;) black labs are my favorite. Congrats! They sure are big, but that's a small litter, compared to what Oreo's was. His mom had 8! One girl, seven boys. Four were chocolate, and four were black, no yellow. She's got a good mix of color there!

TheBadLands

10-13-2010, 05:34 AM

OMG I missed this! Congrats!

Dakota Sunrise

10-13-2010, 05:40 AM

Hey everyone,

I'm attempting to upload more pictures but snapfish keeps stopping and won't let me upload any pics from my camera.:doh: It's really starting to bug me and I don't know how to fix it. I have more pictures for you guys, I just can't them on the computer! :rant:

Anyway, I have good news and bad news. The good news is Cassy is being a wonderful mommy now. She's very attentive to the pups and just doing very well. She's also still drinking and eating great (including coming to the table for meal times like she did before the pups were born so that's good) and is going out to potty regularly and is moving around really well, better than when she was pregnant in fact. She's also wagging her tail and seems pretty happy again, so she's acting normal. So I'm not worried about her like I was anymore. She's doing great.:)

The bad news we lost one of the puppies.:( I'm not sure why. Maybe because it was born so much later than all the others and something was wrong with it. He seemed okay at first but then he just stopped trying to eat no matter how many times I put him up to her. I was going to try to bottle feed him but he was so weak and smaller than all the others and he died before I even got the chance to try.:cry: We buried him next to Lady and his other little sibling that was stillborn. So 3 out of 5 are left. Not good odds. I wish I knew what was going wrong.:(

But on a better note the other three pups are doing very well. I don't think I'm going to stop being so paranoid and relax until they're like 4 weeks old and can walk and run and not be so helpless. They're just so tiny now. But they're all eating well and growing all ready and they crawl around pretty good and cry and love their momma. My dad says he thinks the brown one is a boy after all but I could have sworn she was a girl. I think maybe he was looking at her cord and thought that was her boy parts. I hope so anyway. That's the one I wanted to keep and I was hoping for a girl. But then I guess it doesn't really matter. They're all so cute, I could take any of them and be happy.
In fact, my mom who originally didn't want us to keep any has now fallen in love with them. She asked me which one I wanted and I said I thought the chocolate girl and dad liked the black boy. She said "well that's good then I get the yellow one." Say what?!?!:eek: So we may be keeping all three now.

Dakota Sunrise

10-13-2010, 06:16 AM

Ok, my dad doesn't know what he's talking about.:p Unless I'm going crazy the only one with extra "equipment" is the little black puppy. Which would make the other two girls. So HA! :p

GrungeEquestrian

10-13-2010, 07:44 AM

I'm sorry to hear that the other black one didn't make it. The runts don't always make it. I am glad the other three are doing well. I agree with your mom, how could you keep just one :innocent: ;) :p

livaward

10-13-2010, 07:53 AM

There are many factors to reason why a pup wont make it....with Cassy being older I want to lean toward the puppy having a cleft pallet.....Rip Black Puppy

natisha

10-13-2010, 07:56 AM

Sorry but I think it's time for a little sex ed in the DS household.:p

oursarge

10-13-2010, 08:02 AM

So sorry about the puppy, I don't think it's anything you did, I think alot of times they just don't make it for one reason or another. You are doing great. It'll be nice if you all keep a puppy then you know they'll all have a great home! Hopefully your parents will agree to fixing them but I know you have no influence there you can only do what you can with your own puppy. I can't wait to see what that little brown one looks like once she looks like a real dog!

I still can't get over how my friend's rat terriers looked like little pigs even at a week old. I haven't seen them in 2 weeks I bet they have changed alot. I haven't been there because I know I'll want one and it is not the breed for me, their mother as sweet as she is and I love her very much, she makes Puppy look like she's stopped and Puppy is a livewire but Izzy never stops. She has so much energy!!!!

Good luck with the puppies, you have done so much better than I would have. I am so excited to see what the brown one looks like growing up.

Dakota Sunrise

10-13-2010, 08:15 AM

Sorry but I think it's time for a little sex ed in the DS household.:p

Perhaps.:rolleyes: Although I for one was right the whole time. I can tell the difference between a boy and a girl puppy. Apparently my parents can't.:huh: lol

Question- Cassy is still digging and whining occasionally. Real high pitched whining. Otherwise she's acting 100% normal. I was told that they do still dig for a while after having the pups. So is her behavior normal?

Also, if a momma does lay on one of her pups (not smashing them up against the wall but just plopping down right on top of one in the middle of her whelping box) will she move when he/she cries? I have seen Cassy do this twice both times when I was standing right there. The puppy yelped, and I had a panic attack (I'm going to have gray hairs by the time this is all over) and lifted her off the puppy and the pup was fine. If I hadn't been there, would she have gotten off the puppy herself? Or could the pup crawl out? I have a hard time believing she's only done this when I happen to be standing there, which means they must be working it out on their own. But now I cringe every time she stands up or lays down. I'm a nervous wreck with these babies!

Dakota Sunrise

10-13-2010, 08:20 AM

Hopefully your parents will agree to fixing them but I know you have no influence there you can only do what you can with your own puppy. I can't wait to see what that little brown one looks like once she looks like a real dog!

I've gotten them to agree to fix any puppy that we keep.:D Of course mine will be spayed no iffs, ands, or buts, and I'm pretty sure they'll stick with what they said and have the other puppy(s) spayed/neutered too. I'm also working to get them to agree to having Cassy spayed after this is over. I really hope I win that one.

Good luck with the puppies, you have done so much better than I would have. I am so excited to see what the brown one looks like growing up.

Thank you, I'm going to need all the luck I can get. Honestly I don't think I'm doing all that great of a job. I mean just look at how poorly this whole thing is going.:(
I'm sure you would have been fine. You do what you have to do for your animals and when you're not sure what to do you just have to seek advice or follow your instincts. Usually both actually.

I'm not going to be able to relax until these puppies are a lot bigger. When will they be able to walk around and run pretty good? When do their eyes open? They're completely helpless now! When does that stage end?

Dakota Sunrise

10-13-2010, 08:29 AM

I just found this online:

Other Behaviors:

New mother dogs may seem to search about for something, or try to "dig" in areas of the house. Often this is because they are looking for a place to hide the puppies, and is a sign that they don't feel safe. In this case, try leaving the dog alone with her puppies for longer periods and cut down on the number of people she sees.

So Cassy doesn't feel safe? That doesn't make any sense though. We haven't had any strangers here and she seems comfortable with me and my family. So why would she want to hide the puppies?

natisha

10-13-2010, 08:34 AM

I'm not going to be able to relax until these puppies are a lot bigger. When will they be able to walk around and run pretty good? When do their eyes open? They're completely helpless now! When does that stage end?About the time they start getting smelly & you spend all your time cleaning up after them.

Maybe the digging is nature telling her to get them under cover, like a wolf den.
Try putting a card table with a blanket draped over it, over the pool (I think it's a pool)

Dakota Sunrise

10-13-2010, 08:43 AM

About the time they start getting smelly & you spend all your time cleaning up after them.

Party pooper!:p ;) I know they'll be a lot of work, but you're forgetting the cuteness that comes with it!:)

Maybe the digging is nature telling her to get them under cover, like a wolf den.
Try putting a card table with a blanket draped over it, over the pool (I think it's a pool)

That makes sense, she does like to lay under things, like the computer desk. I'll try putting a card table over her pool, that's a good idea.:) Thanks!

WashingtonBay

10-13-2010, 08:54 AM

Perhaps.:rolleyes: Although I for one was right the whole time. I can tell the difference between a boy and a girl puppy. Apparently my parents can't.:huh: lol

Question- Cassy is still digging and whining occasionally. Real high pitched whining. Otherwise she's acting 100% normal. I was told that they do still dig for a while after having the pups. So is her behavior normal?

Also, if a momma does lay on one of her pups (not smashing them up against the wall but just plopping down right on top of one in the middle of her whelping box) will she move when he/she cries? I have seen Cassy do this twice both times when I was standing right there. The puppy yelped, and I had a panic attack (I'm going to have gray hairs by the time this is all over) and lifted her off the puppy and the pup was fine. If I hadn't been there, would she have gotten off the puppy herself? Or could the pup crawl out? I have a hard time believing she's only done this when I happen to be standing there, which means they must be working it out on their own. But now I cringe every time she stands up or lays down. I'm a nervous wreck with these babies!

Mommas lay on them a lot... and sometimes smash them. Especially this young, because they're not big or strong enough to wiggle out from under her. It is a risky time, no doubt about it. I think that's why the rails are pretty standard. It at least forces there to be a void the puppy can wiggle to if mom is against the wall.

Worry worry and more worry! I think Cassy's worrying too, she's got good instincts, but it's still stressful on everyone. She'll be fine :)

The more they start to eat, the better off you'll be with lots of towels in there that can be picked up and washed as they get peed and pooped on, better than a big blanket that gets soiled.

Dakota Sunrise

10-13-2010, 09:33 AM

Worry worry and more worry! I think Cassy's worrying too, she's got good instincts, but it's still stressful on everyone. She'll be fine :)

You're right. She will be fine, but I may need therapy.:crazy:

The more they start to eat, the better off you'll be with lots of towels in there that can be picked up and washed as they get peed and pooped on, better than a big blanket that gets soiled.

I do have lots of towels, but at this stage a blanket is better it seems. With towels it's too easy for the the puppies to get under them and then not be able to get back out. With a big blanket you can drape the edges over the sides of the whelping box so they can't get under it. So far we've been washing the top blanket every other day. We have two old blankets we're alternating along with lots of towels and little baby blankets for extra layering underneath. When they get bigger towels will be easier though I think.:)

WashingtonBay

10-13-2010, 09:38 AM

Sounds good. :)

Dakota Sunrise

10-13-2010, 10:29 AM

Here's more puppy pictures. Some of them were taken before the little black pup died. But the others are from this morning.

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6077.jpg

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6074.jpg

(I know the blanket is dirty in this picture, but we have been changing them as needed so don't worry)
http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6078.jpg

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6080.jpg

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6082.jpg

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6086.jpg

jeezitsjacki

10-13-2010, 11:20 AM

ohh they are so cute! does the daddy's owners know that she had puppies? From what you said it seemed like they are not very involved with their dog so I wasnt sure if you had told them or not

Dakota Sunrise

10-13-2010, 11:54 AM

does the daddy's owners know that she had puppies? From what you said it seemed like they are not very involved with their dog so I wasnt sure if you had told them or not

Nope. I don't even think they know how much time Buddy spends up here, if they know he comes up at all. They're nice enough people, but they don't take very good care of him. I was impressed that they took him to the vet after the porky pine indecent, but they've made some pretty bad choices regarding him too. I don't want one of my puppies there. So we have decided not to tell them.

oursarge

10-13-2010, 12:55 PM

If my hair wasn't grey already something like this would give me grey hair. I am a worrier too. I wouldn't know which end is up, never had babies of any kind born around me! The first new puppies I ever saw were my friends and I think they were a week old, maybe two. When ever I saw them their eyes were still closed but they were starting to open them a little. It's funny because the mother hardly spends any time with them, she's such a social little dog she just leaves the puppies and flits around wanting everyone to hold her and play with her then she'll go back and feed them and comes out again for her hugs. She doesn't stay with them alot or maybe it was just because I was there and she knows I will hold her for as long as she wants to be held and she likes that. I have the same fears about them getting squished though, even with her and she's a real tiny dog but the puppies are tiny too, they were so small but real fat!

Someone wanted to breed my mare, I told them no. That's all I'd need worrying about her or the baby I'd really be in the assylum!

I think for being thrown into this you are doing a wonderful job. It is nice to have the people on here who have been through it to help too but you're doing great even though you're a nervous wreck! If you are like me the worrying about them never stops!!!!

valleyrider

10-13-2010, 09:21 PM

Dakota Sunrise

10-14-2010, 06:16 AM

Congrats on your new puppies! Good job Lizzy helping her out how you did.. What is their breed?? They are all so cute..Sorry you lost 2 :( I like the chocolate one.. Reminds me of my chocolate Lab we have.:) Keep us posted with their progress as they grow and of course lots of pics!

Thank you.:) They are Black Lab/Collie mixed with Golden Retriever. Not sure how we got a chocolate one, but I love her. I mean I love them all, but I think I'm going to keep the chocolate pup for myself. I need to think of a name for her though because so far I've been calling her "chunky monkey" and we don't want that to stick.:innocent:
There will definitely be lots of pictures. I've been taking them daily.:innocent: But I'll spare you guys from having to see pictures every single day, lol.:p

valleyrider

10-15-2010, 08:46 PM

Keep the pics coming.. I just love watching babies of any kind grow up.. I would think you ended up with a chocolate one cause maybe there is chocolate lab in the genes of your lab/collie mix. Some times they will come out in a litter..

FredRock

10-16-2010, 07:01 AM

Not sure how we got a chocolate one, but I love her.

Chocolate is recessive to Black, so she could be carrying the chocolate gene. Yellow masks black/chocolate, so assuming the two breeds are relatively similar, every Golden has black/chocolate (BB/Bb/bb) that isn't displayed due to being yellow. :)

Dakota Sunrise

10-16-2010, 10:19 AM

Chocolate is recessive to Black, so she could be carrying the chocolate gene. Yellow masks black/chocolate, so assuming the two breeds are relatively similar, every Golden has black/chocolate (BB/Bb/bb) that isn't displayed due to being yellow. :)

Lol, that reminds me of my tenth grade biology class. The recessive genes and BB/Bb/bb stuff.:p Makes sense though.:)

Dakota Sunrise

10-16-2010, 10:28 AM

Here's some new pictures of the puppies.:) They are growing so fast! They'll be a week old early Monday morning.

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6197.jpg

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6198.jpg

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6200.jpg

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6082.jpg

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6086.jpg

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6185.jpg

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6183.jpg

I found this basket at a garage sale yesterday. Paid only $1.00 for it. I think it will make a nice bed for Chunky Monkey later until she outgrows it. I got the yellow baby blanket at a garage sale too for 50 cents. It's soooo soft.
http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6198-1.jpg

http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/ERA_526/IMG_6199.jpg