I suspect one of our pups may be constipated. Poo's are very firm and all are growing daily. I've been toileting them in the morning as I'm not convinced mum is doing this much, and the same small pup both mornings hasn't passed anything. Today, she squeeled like it hurt, and passed a couple of small pieces very dried poo (sorry to be so graphic!).

Is there anything I can do? I have my suspicions about one of the other pups too, and they're still quite unsettled at night time, perhaps a couple have tummy ache?

I suppose at least they are firm poo's and not too runny, but I'm guessing too hard could pose a problem?

Pups are 6 days old tomorrow (Friday) and are set to double their birth weight at 1 week. Generally looking very healthy...

any advice/comments welcome.
Tanya

I was worried about my tiny pups at one stage and paid for an on-line expert's opinion. She said it was unlikely that mum fed babies would have contipation, but if they were, sometimes the gentle insertion of a thermometer could stimulate them to go. Also an apirator bulb with a small amount of warm water into their bottoms could help also. I didn't need to as mum was doing such a terrific job of toileting them, I just never spotted it. Good luck!

Thanks for that. I had read about the thermometer (with a little vasolene or olive oil), but the aspirator sounds interesting. Funnily enough I got up this morning (1/2 night each shift) and he'd just finished cleaning pups, one had gone in the corner of the box and had managed to smear it all over the others...lol!

I just don't see them poo'ing very often. Mum is stimulating them to urinate (poor girl, her lips are all sore) just the number two's i'm not sure about.

Still convinced we have a couple with a problem, will keep a careful eye on it.

Thanks again.

> I just don't see them poo'ing very often. Mum is stimulating them to urinate (poor girl, her lips are all sore)

I put Vaseline on the chapped lips and also soak the food to a mush as the sore lips can stop them eating well enough.

This also ensures they get extra water, which may help with the pups too.

You can use a few drops of liquid paraffin if the pups truly do get constipated.

Yes, I've been smearing vaseline on her lips, they do look sore, bless her! I also spoke to my girl's breeder today (30 years experience) and she said at 6 days not to worry too much. Of course there is a chance she's toileting them behind my back...lol!

The best news though is that they will all have doubled their birth weight by tomorrow (1 week) so all is well generally.

Now I've just got to get to the point where they are a little quieter during the early hours. Mum was in/out several times last night waking them all up each time. I was really starting to get desperate by 2am. Went upstairs and got the OH out of bed and he took over!! Have got to stay with them all night tonight - just hope they're a little quieter!

She's not ready to be left yet, she trapped one under her today & I rescued it even though I could barely hear it's muffled cries. A scary moment but at least someone was there...

Thanks for the tips, will write them in my "little book"!!