My dog just had her first puppy. (well the only one so far, i suppose she may have more) Shes cleaned it and we've put her in an area with a blanket and the puppy, but shes not letting the puppy nurse. I have no idea what to do, PLEASE help. I've never had a dog have pups before, and im unsure of what to do.

Hi Krista

I know very little about breeding; but I suggest you contact your Vet; just to make sure everything is ok.

liberty :)

I wouldn't be too concerned right now. Many bitches won't let the pups nurse until they are all delivered. Just make sure the baby is dry and breathing well on its' own. Do keep an eye on her, to make sure she doesn't act aggresively towards the pup. I will be online for a while yet, and have delivered many pups. Feel free to email me if you like. borzoitx@swbell.net

Sherita

HI, its very important to keep the puppies in a very warm environment - about 75 F night and day. If they are not kept warm enough they will not survive. Give the bitch lots to drink today and not too much food. She will need a special food now if she is just being fed "ordinary" food. I suggest you get a "Complete" High Energy dog biscuit today- ask at your vet or pet shop. If she ate all the afterbirths she may have a runny tummy - give her a well cooked unseasoned scrambled egg if this happens.
For the first few days she will need lots of fluids and not large amounts of food, but give her small meals 3/4 times a day- you may have to feed/water her in the bed holding the bowl for her as many wont leave the bed. Also she may have to be put on a ;lead and literally dragged away from the babies to go out for wees/poos before and after each meal. After about 3 days gradually increase her food so that in about 2 weeks she will be eating about 4 times the normal amount . Hopefully you are not working full time.
Most bitches with new babies lke a quiet place to be away from the hussle and bussle of the household and most dont like having lots of visitors so dont invite friends and neighbours in to see them yet. Keep any other pets well away.
Get a copy of "The Book of the Bitch" by Kay White and Jim Evans asap - ring round your local bookshops to see if they have a copy or you can order it on Amazon - really you NEED this book sharpish. You also need if you haven't got one a dog bed with sides - one of those big oval ones that every pet shop sells - get one that she can stretch right out in so her nose and bottom dont touch each end - just. Line with newspaper and heavyblanket - which will need changing daily. You can wipe the box out with Dettox daily. Good luck and come back soon and let us know how its going, feel freeto ask more questions.