Foster mum help/advice please

[PennywithHenry]

Following on from yesterdays post the little dog didn't make it. After much frantic ringing around on the vets part and mine we managed to get a little foster bitch, who's pups have just been weaned only the owners insisted that she come here, rather than the other way. I'm eternally grateful that the pups have been given a second chance, and tbh grabbed at whatever offer I could, as it really was generous of the owners.

This is where I come into it.

The owner was distraught, and I ended up bringing foster mum straight here whilst hubby collected the pups. She'll sit with the pups, will let them feed but isn't overly keen on them. I'm having to do the washing and have been latching them on and sitting to keep her still whilst they feed. They do wriggle over and manage to get a suckle on their own, but she doesn't lay down for them etc and they're never satisfied otherwise.

I know it's going to be harder this way around, as well as a new litter of someone elses pups, who I must admit she is taking a bit more interest in, ie if they're loud she'll go investigate, and I'm aware that she's in new surroundings so will be unsettled, but do you think over the next couple of days something will 'click' a bit more with her, or will I be getting up and latching them every two hours until they're older?

 

[genie]

Hi. You say the bitch was only a small breed?.so pups are small too?

There is a replacement puppy milk available called welpi....its possible to hand rear the litter.hand work and very time consuming but it can be done. Maybe it would be a good idea to top up the pups anyway as the new bitch may not have that much milk now anyway?

The new mum sounds a lovely sort if she is willing to rear some more pups...I would be worried the pups wouldn't be getting enough from her though and she may leave them to their own devices once you are not around to watch.

Did you find out why the original mother died?..the pups may have not had enough colostrum maybe?

 

[PennywithHenry]

Hi. Thanks for replying so promptly.

The mother had a dead puppy inside her. They opened her up to remove it and ended up doing an entire hysterectomy, which they initially weren't going to do, as the vet said it was a lot riskier. Unfortunately she didn't survive the anaesthetic.

The mother and foster are both the same size (give or take a few ounces) and the foster mother has milk in abundance.

I think the problem is more that she's finding it hard to settle being in a new place, new people etc and would rather explore. She's a sweet girl, and sits with them, just doesn't seem to adopt the feeding stance. Being only 3 days old I'm having to latch them on and sit with her until they're full.

 

[genie]

Hi......I have 10 minutes to kill whilst I wait for everyone here to finish their cup of tea.....lol...so I am on here for now.

If the new mum has plenty milk that has to be the best option all round.if she is willing......poor puppies.....poor little mum. Good luck.

 

[PennywithHenry]

Ok....another slightly odd question...in fact, I'd rather PM if possible please?

 

[Acolyte]

Although it will be work for you putting the puppies on to feed it is not that unusual that even the birth mother doesnt settle well in the first few days, especially if they are first time mothers, so I think your foster mum seems to be doing really well

Best of luck for getting the little pups through it, what a terrible shame about the natural mother, I did think it would be something like that when you posted but there was nothing useful I could say - it needed a trip to the vets which you had already arranged!

Keep us posted

and dont be worried about asking questions, lots of people on here are breeders so can answer questions

 

[kibob]

No experience I'm afraid so can't offer advice. Just wanted to send good luck vibes, I'm sure she'll settle into foster mum mode soon, fingers crossed - what a sad story

x

 

[Scranny_Ann]

OMG i'm so sorry to hear that, i've just replied to your previous post i didn't see this one

. sorry i'm so dense sometimes ...

I really hope things work out with foster mum

Sorry again for being a bit slow!

C x

 

[MurphysMinder]

Sorry to hear the little bitch didn't make it. With regard to the foster mum, I am sure she would be 100% more settled at her own home, can you not persuade her owners to have her and the litter there? Fialing that, it sounds as if you ae doing everything right. If you feel the pups are not getting enough milk I would recommend giving them extra feeds of Whelpi. Hopefully the bitch will top and tail them, if she doesn't seem to be doing this it is most important that you stimulate them to have a wee etc. You can do this by rubbing their tummies with a bit of cotton wool soaked in warm water. Good luck, keep us updated.