I know everyone must be peethed with me by now - pups are 12 days old and all seem to have tongues out all the time mouthing - are they thirsty ? when should I offer water on top of Mums milk ?

Just to add - i have read BOTB and I know this all sounds very amateaur etc and is probably a stupid question , but I've has 3 hours sleep in 48 hours so my mind escapes me ! lol

Are they just too warm and therefore just panting? Switch off any extra heat and see if they settle down.

I'd be guessing too warm, are their mouths very red,a dn is it more often after they have just fed (exerted themselves).

My breed would be having no extra heat by this time and only have the room temp at about 17'C.

You need some sleep, can you get anyone to come and sit for a few hours.  I've found it hard to get a full sleep even when someone else is looking after them, seem to be on baby watch lol.  I thought I'd be able to catch up on sleep and still can't sleep when next to them as here every little wimper.

mine did this last week and they were too hot, didn't think I'd have to turn the heat down that much.  We've turned the heat down now and thinking of taking the heat pad out as they don't use it all that often.

it doesn't matter how many time you read it, its always nice to hear it works from others who've been there.  With no sleep, you'd be hard pressed to even remember your name, never mind what you've read.  What's kept you up like that.

Sending you some relaxing hugs better. xxx

Whilst on mothers milk they wont need water, in any case a bowl of water is a hazard to baby pups who cant get them selves out if the fall in.

When weaning starts, a small shallow bowl with about an inch of water needs to be always available.