Today's puppy question

[LoveMySadie]

The puppies are all growing like weeds, but Sadie is spending less and less time with them. I've been encouraging her to stay in and nurse by sitting with her some and petting her while she lets the puppies nurse. They are content, sleeping, or exploring the Puppy Palace when they are not nursing, but Sadie's interest level seems to be waning.

How much time should she spend nursing the pups now? They are 2 1/2 weeks old, eyes open, and staggering around on their stubby little legs just a bit. Since they are all growing and seem quite content, should I assume that Sadie is nursing adequately - that she knows more about what she's doing than I do?? As we all know, I'm not the most experienced puppy mom! :NAH:

Leslie

[corgimom]

You are being such a good "dog mom" to Sadie and her pups, wish I could help you, but I can't since I never raised a litter. I hope someone here with experience will help you with your questions.

[taflar]

The puppies are all growing like weeds, but Sadie is spending less and less time with them. I've been encouraging her to stay in and nurse by sitting with her some and petting her while she lets the puppies nurse. They are content, sleeping, or exploring the Puppy Palace when they are not nursing, but Sadie's interest level seems to be waning.

How much time should she spend nursing the pups now? They are 2 1/2 weeks old, eyes open, and staggering around on their stubby little legs just a bit. Since they are all growing and seem quite content, should I assume that Sadie is nursing adequately - that she knows more about what she's doing than I do?? As we all know, I'm not the most experienced puppy mom! :NAH:

As long as the puppies aer content, growing and quiet, let Sadie do as she pleases. She doesn't have to be with them all the time. She might get too hot snuggling with puppies all the time. They need to be warmer than she does.

If they cry and she doesn't want to take care of them than that's another thing. Otherwise don't worry.

Peggy

[bayoucorgi]

Dogs are all different as moms. Just like human moms. I've had ones that were doting and ever-present and others that were more stand-offish. And ones who varied from litter to litter depending how many puppies she had. I had one who would dutifully go in and clean everyone and feed the kids but would immediately get up and lay outside the box as soon as she could. She was the most possive of all and would "guard" them against the curious cats with a silent snarl. Also, in a big litter at 2.5 weeks, some moms get weary of clean-up and keeping the box very clean for her and even doing some warm wet washcloth assistance seemed to be very much appreciated. These girls were mother, daughter and granddaughter so it wasn't inherited. How fun for you!