Hi, I have just joined this group so hope I am posting this correctly. My lovely 3 year old Lab gave birth to 8 pups 5 days ago, she’s been a great mum seems happy in her whelping pen but I’m just concerned about her lifting the pups up in her mouth, she chooses one (often the smallest) as she’s getting back into whelping pen after being out to toilet, then carries it in her mouth until she settles herself again, puppy squeals quite loudly, is this normal? She’s also scratching around in the newspaper bedding a lot, often pushing pups around that are asleep. Maybe I’m just being over anxious but just wanted to hear that it’s ok. Thanks
My first thoughts would be either that she needs calcium, or that she's in pain. WHat do you feed her and did she have any calcium supplements when she whelped?
Hi @ECrosy Welcome to the forum. If she is depleting her calcium, then she will probably pant a lot. If so, seek veterinary assistance immediately. I don't have a lot of experience with whelping mothers. My bitch, who did have two litters, did push the puppies around with her nose to make sure they did not get far from her and that they had her warmth. She did not use her mouth at all, but that could have been her way. @Jo Laurens can you share you experience please?
Hi there and welcome to the forum. There are various reasons why a mother dog might be a bit rough with her puppies. It could be just inexperience, especially if this is her first litter. But it could be because she isn't feeling well. If the vet gives her the all clear it might be worth changing her bedding to vet bed. She'll find it harder to dig about in that and might feel more comfortable and relaxed. Is she in a quiet room where she's not disturbed too much and can settle down to bond with her puppies?
Thankyou for your replies, I have changed her bedding to vet bedding and she seems to be better, more comfortable, she hasn’t lifted a pup up with her mouth for a couple of days so bit of a relief. I’m speaking with the vet re calcium tablets, she is panting quite a lot. Thanks everyone. Emma
Hi, Thankyou for your reply, I have her in a quite room, but she quite likes to wander about too. Vet bedding has worked a treat! Many thanks Emma
No I didn’t give her calcium supplements, the vet is going to give her some. She’s mainly on puppy food and meat, 2 raw eggs a day and a bit of puppy formula to get some liquid in. Thankyou for the reply, she’s a lot more settled now.
