My dog has now had her puppies today she has 9, i have read books about at what stage they open eyes walk etc, but if anyone has any hands on experience or advice i would appreciate it.

I know all dog are different its just a guide.

Michelle

Congratulations! The next thing is to make sure she goes out to have a wee (you will probably have to put her on the lead and drag her out, but let her off to run back as soon as she has made herself comfortable), give her a good drink, and within 24 hours call the vet out to check them and the bitch over.
:)

You need to look after your bitch above all else. She will nees increasing amounts of food, perhaps up to five or six times her usual rations soon and she may not want kibble dog food at first, you must give her what she will eat scrambled eggs, white fish, chicken and boiled rice. When her digestive system settles down she will eat her regular food but much much more of it. Also buy some Whelpi/lactol or better still royal canin puppy milk and give it to your bitch in the more dilute proportion reccomended for pregnant and nursing bitches. it is very expensive to feed a lactaing bitch at least the price of one of the pedigree puppies if not ,ore if you do it properly. otherwise she will suffer and take a very long time to recover from rearing the litter. Even bitches who are fed well can resemble skeletons after 8 weeks sometimes. Do your best and go by your instincts, you know your bitch best. Good luck you will be very busy and tired for a while! bev.

I would just add that maximising liquid intake is vital, especially if feeding complete dry food. I always feed the dry food in one meal portions toitally soaked with water. This will mean 4 to 6 meals a day, and feed it in her bed, as she won't want to come out, and hsould in fact not be encouraged to leave her pups at all, just a quick loo break every three or four hours day and night.

As it ia a large litter you should watch carefully that all pups are gaining weight daily. any pup that soes not should be put on the teats in between times when other pups asleep, qand also be helped onto the most productibe teats.

John/Michelle can you continue this in your still active thread on this subject. Please read the forum terms of service before you make any further posts