| Raising a puppie into a dog can be a very rewarding | | | | Cold puppies tend to bunch up tight to conserve |
| experience. It is like seeing a family member grow up, | | | | body heat. Make sure the mother dog is clean and |
| but in fast motion. Of course, I am talking about | | | | that all the puppies are nursing. The mother's udder |
| dogs not people. My wife, Barbara, and I raise | | | | should be checked every day for milk production and |
| Yorkies and Maltese and tend to think of them | | | | infection. She will not go far from her puppies during |
| sometimes as family members. Except, these guys | | | | the first few days, so bring her food and water very |
| never need to borrow the car keys or stay out too | | | | near to her.For a mother dog to do well, she needs a |
| late.This morning, we had a litter of six Yorkies born. | | | | quiet, secure place to be with her puppies. Stress can |
| Both of us were on hand to help the mother. Most | | | | have a negative effect on the mother dog and her |
| of the time, a mother dog doesn't really need any | | | | puppies. Keep other dogs away from her. Strange |
| help, but sometimes there are problems. I cut the | | | | people can cause undue stress. Don't bring in all your |
| umbilical cords and tie them with dental floss. The | | | | freinds and their children for the first several weeks.A |
| mother dog would ordinarily chew the umbilical cords | | | | lactating mother dog uses a lot of calcium and should |
| into by herself. With some breeds, such as Yorkies, | | | | be given calcium pills each day. If she suddenly goes |
| sometimes the mother has too much trouble turning | | | | into shock, she may be too low on calcium and will |
| around to reach the cord, so I am there to help.After | | | | need immediate attention from your vet.For about a |
| the puppies are born, we put them in a warm room | | | | month, the mother will take care of most things. |
| in our house. They get a dry, clean, warm bed | | | | After a few weeks, the puppies will open their eyes |
| consisting of a wooden frame about 24 inches | | | | and start trying to stand up and walk. Playing comes |
| square made of 1 by 12 boards. There is no bottom. | | | | soon after. In about 4 to 5 weeks, the puppies will |
| This square just sets upon a cloth pallet on the floor. | | | | be ready to start eating solid food. A mixture of |
| For the first week, we insert a small heating pad | | | | canned and dry food with a little water to soften it is |
| beneath the pallet. If you buy the disposable bed | | | | a good first food. Then, slowly reduce the moisture |
| pads made for human use, they are great for the | | | | content until the puppies and eating canned or dry |
| mama and her babies to lay on.We keep a close eye | | | | food only.Alton Hargrave offers advice and resources |
| on the little family evey day. Make sure the puppies | | | | for those interested in a business online. His website, |
| are warm and dry. You can tell when the puppies are | | | | contains honest information regarding website |
| warm...they will tend to spread out on their bedding. | | | | software and low-cost solutions for your business. |