We are bottle feeding a litter of 5 pups since the mother didn't have sufficient milk for them. They do still nurse on the mother, she has a bit of milk but not much.

They were all doing fine and still are but I noticed a few of them have what looks like small scabs on the skin, especially the belly area. One male lost a lot of his belly hair and the skin is really really dry. My formula is goat's milk, eggs, yogurt, baby vitamins, and they all seem to be doing well and gaining, but this worries me...

His coat looks dull and I noticed he has lost some on the legs as well, it's not skin but looks like the fur was cut shorter... I'm wondering if it could be allergies and also thought maybe the bedding that they are laying on could be the case (clothes washing liquid)?? Any ideas?? Anyone with any similiar experience?? Should I try and wean them earlier??

Looking forward to hearing your opinions!

Many thanks!

How old are your pups?  If they're still very young you should be feeding them on something formulated to simulate the mothers milk because you wont know if they're getting all the vitamins and minerals they need, which will cause health problems in later life.  Something like lactol or whelpi.  You would be better taking them the vet and getting them checked out.  For allergies wash they're bedding in non bio logical soap powder, feeding wise you are giving them quite a few different foods, so eliminate eggs and see what happens, it's trial and error with allergies.

Warm regards Susan.

Hi Guest,

you haven't mentioned how old your litter is but if you are bottle feeding the pups the mother will naturally produce less milk anyway as her body creates it on a supply and demand basis - unless of course your bitch is suffering from some problem and I've misinterpreted your post.  There is no foolproof substitute for mother's milk and it may be that something is either missing from their diet or is being added which doesn't suit them.

NB: There is also a condition (can't remember the name off hand) whereby you may notice slight spotting on the mother's belly which can initially appear to be little scratch marks from the pups' claws but on close inspection are tiny red pimples which develop a white head, it drops off, and a small scab/scaley skin is revealed.  It is a minor and fairly common skin complaint in some nursing bitches which is in turn passes onto the puppies.  Your description is a classic sign of this and normally the bitch is given meds appropriate for safely feeding her puppies and the puppies do not normally need individual treatment as they get the required meds through her milk ;)  Dashed if I can remember the name but it is not a serious condition and so I'd take a trip to the vets with mum and pups (away from normal surgery hours and maybe just let vet see them in your car crate or whatever) just to be on the safe side so she can have any necessary treatment.   HTH, good luck, Teri :)