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Topic Dog Boards / Visitors Questions / mini schnauzer litter feeding question   [Add Poll]   
taggartgolf 19.02.05 14:53 GMT   [Misc] [Edit] [Reply]
My Mini Schnauzer had five pups on wednesday.. All are safe and well, however one is smaller than the rest and gets pushed out when they feed.He is perfectly healthy but I am concerned that he will not grow at the same rate if he is not getting enough milk. I have tried removing the others to let him have a feed alone with mum but he tends to drop off to sleep when we eventually place him on a teat. At this point mum becomes concerned and gets up to look for her other pups ( who are temporarily in a box nearby). Is there a supplement or extra feed that I can give him from a syringe to aid him during this important time? If so what/where can I purchase it please? I have spoken to my vet who advised me to let nature take its course and and leave them to it. I WOULD like to intervene in order to give him the same start as the others who are far more pushy.... Any advice would be appreciated.
Many Thanks
Vicky (yorks)
Topic Dog Boards / Visitors Questions / mini schnauzer litter feeding question   [Add Poll]   

 
Go

I wouldn't advise supplementing the feeding with substitute milk. Try and help him by gently holding the others off after they have had the first fill and got the milk flowing, and see if he will take all he wants while they can't get to a teat. Mum's is always best :) If you remove the others to a box at this stage, understandably mum will get concerned. Usually the small one will catch up when you start to wean at around 3 week old but I do sympathise. It is a worry when you think they aren't getting enough. sometimes if you can quietly wake him up before the other and get him onto a teat first this can help but it does need doing several times a day
Anne

Hi Vicky,
Personally I wouldn't supplement him as mums milk is definately best, I would prefer to time the space between feedings and then wake him and put him on a nipple (near the back legs = more milk ;) ) before the others wake up, that way he gets a good start before the pushier pups :) don't remove the pups first, just get him latched on ;)  If you weigh them every day you will then see if he's gaining an appropriate amount ;) you'll probably find that in a few days time he's gaining enough to keep you happy.

Hope this helps
Regards
Dill