Hi, my bitch had her litter nearly two weeks ago, natural whelping. She will happily allow them to feed, but to be honest that is pretty much as far as her maternal instinct goes! Pups are doing well, but I am obviously having to clean them and stimulate them to go to the toilet (24/7) I am doing this every couple of hours, although I do let them go a little longer in the early hours (I am exhausted and it doesn't appear to be doing any harm). They do seem to able to poo independently quite often (Mum is definitely not assisting with this), but stimulation is seemingly the only way to get them to void their bladders.
My question is, will I have to continue this round the clock until pups are 3-4 weeks old? I stay down with Mum and pups anyway, so it's not a problem... but I am looking forward to being able to nod off a bit more!

Can you dab some honey on them to encourage Mum to lick them more?

Thank you, but I have tried that, and it makes no difference unfortunately :(

you shouldnt have much longer to be doing them my pups where weeing and pooing themselfs from day 16 and are a toy breed.

If she didn't start in the first few days she isn't going to now, some bitches just flatly refuse to do this maternal chore, what are the bitches in the line like as it can run in the family.

Thank you white lilly, that is a huge relief lol and her grandmother, mother and aunt have all been happy to clean their pups so definitely not an hereditary trait.

My problem is stopping my bitches from cleaning up after the pusp.  Mine will contiue to clean any puppy pen or indoor accidents right until pups leave home.

It took a long time to persuade Ellie to stop cleaning up after Hetty (now 2.5 years old) - and she still insists when Hetty is in season! I'm constantly finding her with her head underneath licking away!! She doesn't do it with my other bitch, it's only her own daughter - disgusting girl! :-)

Previous to this litter, that has always been my experience too!!

yes my girl crys if i dont let her in the pen while pups are being weaned so she can clean them up she even waits while they eat lol

Just a quick update .. pups started to wee and poop independently at 19 days ... They are 3 weeks today :)

thats great news mine are now 5 1/2 weeks and doing so well their mum still wants to feed them bless her she likes them to have a suckle but wants their drink cus it has goats milk in it lol have you started the weaning yet ??? i didnt do these till 3 1/2 weeks :)