Puppy's Second Week
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This week has a few interesting happenings with the puppies. They are often starting to hear sounds. Some pups will have their eyes beginning to open although it is not unusual for the eyes to remain sealed for another week. They are beginning to "lurch" around the whelping box, but they still sleep congregated to-gether, for warmth and for comfort. They are not nursing constantly as they have been, but they are draining all the milk in each teat. The dam continues to lick and clean them as well as eating up any bowel movements and urine from the puppies, however, towards the end of this period, they are beginning to urinate and defecate on their own. Make sure the dam's water bowl is elevated so that a pup can't fall into it and accidentally drown. You will increase the dam's food ration again, and continue to check and wash her teats. The vaginal discharge is almost all done now. She wants to leave them for an hour or so at a time, to be with her family, but I advise against this. She will rapidly decide she doesn't want to be a mother, and will prefer to be with the family, but her pups need her with them. Remember to clip their nails again. By the end of this week you can now reduce the heat in the area down to about 75 degrees. Send in the litter registraion papers to the AKC or the CKC if these pups are pure-bred and registerable. |
Copyright 
2001 Marilyn Brotherton
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Disclaimer: The information, techniques and methods described in this web site are based on my experiences over many years.They may not be suitable for you.Nothing that I have written or demonstrated is intended as a substitute for professional advice from your own qualified Veterinarian. I assume no responsibility or liability of any kind regarding the use and application of any of the advice provided or methods and techniques depicted on this web site.
