Hi,as you might know,Im not a breeder,so this question is for my own curiousity,just out of interest.I have a friend who breeds,and she seems to be having a bit of a problem when weaning pups,,as they often have loose motions,despite using pro kolin.She thinks it happens because the bitch is still feeding them,as well as the weaning food.Thats my question,is this normal?The pups are gorgeous and healthy otherwise,5 weeks now ,and she is meticulous as regards cleanliness.Please excuse me,as I know nothing about breeding.Is it just a case of easily upset tummies?

It is normal for the dam to continue feeding the pups after weaning has started, the frequency will get less and her milk will gradually dry up.

What are the pups getting as weaning food, it may be too rich or too much for their system to cope with. Have they been wormed, should have been done at 2 & 5 weeks.

Steamed pumpkin or butternut squash is a natural way to firm up the stools

thanks rhodach,the last 2 litters have been weaned on natures menu,(the little trays,not frozen),before that,she used eukanuba,but when i suggested the new food might be the cause,she said she had the same thing with that,and is adamant the cause is the bitch still getting in with the pups.just seemed odd to me,when i said but pups are designed to have their mums milk,replied yes,but not both(meaning milk and solid food)They have been wormed,as I say,shes really good,I will slide in that bit of information about pumpkin,and squash,thankyou!

> replied yes,but not both(meaning milk and solid food)

Is she putting them straight onto solids then and not introducing the solids gradually ?

well,im not really sure,but I presume she would be,shes a kc assured breeder and has bred quite a few lovely healthy litters,she knows loads more than I do,I just find it a bit odd,and wondered if any other breeders have the same thing,for all I know it could be perfectly usual!for instance,a whole large tube of pro kolin went down the pups,they started to firm up,then her partner let the bitch in,(which she was annoyed about)and they got the squits again.

Solids are normally introduced gradually one meal for a few days then 2 up to 4 meals by 2 weeks into solids, the dam should have free access to the pups so her milk dries up slowly so she doesn't get problems with engorged breasts.

If she has gone straight for 4 meals of solids then I am not surprised they have upset guts, the dams milk has nothing to do with it.

Im pretty sure she does introduce the weaning food gradually,but I will try and find out.Yes,I was surprised she doesnt leave the bitch in with the pups,in my naievity(?),I assumed that was what one did.