Suddenly having puppies is harder!!

[LoveMySadie]

Care of the puppies has gotten MUCH harder in the past few days! They are now 6 1/2 weeks old and have minds of their own. Plus, it is now extremely hot and humid here so I don't feel that they can spend too much time in their Xpen - too much panting from little pink tongues if they are out for more than 10 minutes.

AND, my washing machine died a sudden death today. :ARG: With 3-4 loads of towels a day, it just gave up the ghost. The good news is they are delivering a spiffy new front-loader tomorrow - SUNDAY! Who knew someone would deliver on Sunday afternoon???

The puppies are absolutely shredding the papers in the shower so I change them 3-4 times a day also. The good news there is that once all of the puppies are out, and all of the papers, toys, and water bowels are out, I just spray some cleaner on the floor...turn on the hot water full force for a few minutes...shut the shower door...and wait for cleaning to occur. Amazingly, it does! :LAUGH: Then, a quick wipe down and we're ready to go again.

But I'm exhausted! Does anyone see anything that I am doing the hard way here? I'm inventing this as I go along, so again...all advice is welcomed! :NOTWORTHY:

Leslie, Sadie, Gus and the Girls

[taflar]

Does anyone see anything that I am doing the hard way here?

I had to move that to the top, so I could start there. As well, yes I do....

Care of the puppies has gotten MUCH harder in the past few days! They are now 6 1/2 weeks old and have minds of their own.

Yup, just as they should have. They need to learn to run and play and that biting each other hurts.

Plus, it is now extremely hot and humid here so I don't feel that they can spend time in their Xpen - too much panting from little pink tongues if they are out for more than 10 minutes.

Where do you live? I suggest a shade cloth over their pen. And where they can't get to it to tug on it! Fresh air is good for them and I've found that once my puppies start going outside they start figuring out that they should potty out there and their pen inside stays cleaner. And that is a big plus! (And helps with housebreaking at the new homes too.)

As for the heat, the important thing with dogs is the movement of air, so a fan on them maybe?

Why are you still using towels with them and so many? By now they should be on newspapers except their bed area. You could use a large crate for that if you wanted. Bedding in there and no where else.

The puppies are absolutely shredding the papers in the shower so I change them 3-4 times a day also.

Yup, that's typical too. And another good reason for them to spend more time outside.

And yes, puppies are a LOT of work. And that's the one thing no one ever adds in when they comment on the price of a litter.

Peggy

[Jespah]

You have certainly had your hands full!!! I can't say that I am any kind of puppy expert - but why are you changing the papers 3 or 4 times a day? Are the pups getting covered in poop and pee? Is it that they are just shredding them and they could manage with just 2 changes a day? Are you taking them out for piddle-poop breaks??

Just a thought - I'm no GlenCorgi!! (But I am a Deb :WINK: )

[Jane Austen]

You know, this may all be a good thing. It may not break your heart that much when you find homes for some of them. Did you say you were keeping one of the puppies?

[LoveMySadie]

I'm changing the papers so often because it seems yucky to have wet papers in there - that may be my issue more than theirs however! Until yesterday if was much cooler here, but yesterday our typical heat and humidity arrived with a vengence. I live in Fort Worth, TX where heat is endemic. :ARG:

The pen is under several big trees and in the grass, plus I move it everytime I put them back in it to keep the grass area neater - less poopy. They are getting very, very good about waiting till they go outside to poop (except overnight, of course) but the papers still stay wet much of the time. Part of that may be water splashed from playing in the water bowel. +WUBCLUB+

I eliminated the towels today - they seem to like the cool tile now. So, now I've just got paper in half of the area indoors and their toys and water in the other side. They eat all of their meals outside, and play out there as much as possible. Am I being too paranoid about the heat?

Thanks!! You all know that this puppy experience basically "fell in my lap" so I've been anxious from the "git-go" (as we say here in Texas) about doing things as professionally as possible, and with the very best interest of the puppies and Sadie at heart. It has been a joy, and an amazing experience...but quite an eye-opener! I so appreciate all of your advice and support - wow!!!



Leslie

[Jespah]

I would think that puppies like babies can dehydrate quickly, so I would assume keeping them cool is a good idea. As panting is the only way their bodies can sweat and they are so little, keeping them out of the sun is important. Can they be outside in the Xpen in the early AM when it may be a little cooler?

Deb

[Penutsma]

I assume you are having your regular heat of mid 70s at nite and mid 90s during the day with the humidity level around 60%? That's what it has been up here in North Mississippi for the last week. I agree that they will dehydrate faster when it is hot like that. Make sure you have plenty of water for them and if there is a way you can put one of those big square fans out there to circulate the air around them that will help. The only other thing is to keep a close eye on them to make sure they are not getting too hot. Treat them like you would yourself - not out during the hottest part of the day (10am -3pm) except for short potty breaks (about 10-20 minutes). Let them out for as long as you can early in the day and from dinner time (for me 5pm!) on in the evening. Only thing you have to consider then is all the mosquitos we have here in the south!

One other thing to consider for helping them stay cool as they get older - small wading pool (like you would have for a toddler) with about 2" of cool water in the bottom.

[LoveMySadie]

I assume you are having your regular heat of mid 70s at nite and mid 90s during the day with the humidity level around 60%? That's what it has been up here in North Mississippi for the last week. I agree that they will dehydrate faster when it is hot like that. Make sure you have plenty of water for them and if there is a way you can put one of those big square fans out there to circulate the air around them that will help. The only other thing is to keep a close eye on them to make sure they are not getting too hot. Treat them like you would yourself - not out during the hottest part of the day (10am -3pm) except for short potty breaks (about 10-20 minutes). Let them out for as long as you can early in the day and from dinner time (for me 5pm!) on in the evening. Only thing you have to consider then is all the mosquitos we have here in the south!

One other thing to consider for helping them stay cool as they get older - small wading pool (like you would have for a toddler) with about 2" of cool water in the bottom.

That's exactly what I have been doing...they go out for a long play period and breakfast around 6:30 AM and again for an equally long play period and dinner around 6:30 PM. I've never taken them out in the heat of the day. But the last couple of days we have had unusual humidity in addition to the heat, so their time outside has definitely been limited. When they are out, under the tree, I have ice cubes in their water pan - they seem to love the cool water. Today they didn't get to go out again till evening, but when they did they jumped, wrestled, and ate up a storm! +WUBCLUB+

I do have a wading pool. We had gotten it as the original "containment" implement before we got the Xpen. They quickly outgrew that! But, we are now the proud owners of a pink wading pool, so I certainly could set that up for a while tomorrow.

I'm outside with them the entire time that they are out, and I am a true wimp when it comes to heat...I've been know to stay inside for two months in Texas! :WINK: So, I figure that if I'm surviving, it's really not too hot for them. I'm something like an orchid who wilts at the first sign of excessive heat and humidity. (And yes, I've lived right here my entire life - you'd think I would have adjusted by now! But no...:ARG: )

We'll see how tomorrow goes!

Leslie

[Jespah]

I'd just be careful with the wading pool - 2 inches of water doesn't sound like much, but to them it could be dangerous. Just barely cover the bottom and put in a tray or two of icecubes for them to play with - that should be good fun!

[The Chipmunk's Mom]

I would be very leary of a wading pool also. If they get to wrestling in there anything could happen. Also, do you have ticks in your part of Texas? That may be a concern also. I know my two are in air conditioning and when they are outside on a very hot day, they only stay for a short period of time and want back in the house to lay on the register. Early morning and after the sun goes down is the best time. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to raise puppies without a huge mess especially when they are the age of yours and are and kept in your home. I have gone through it and you have my sympathy but they are so precious. When they are gone, you will miss them terribly.

[LoveMySadie]

They haven't been outside for extended periods of time - just 30 - 45 minutes or so at a time. They do seem to relish some time in the yard when they can run and jump a bit more than they can in the Puppy Palace. We don't have ticks in our yard - none of our dogs has ever had a tick. But I certainly wouldn't take them into the woods or the fields - ticks can reign supreme there!

I'm definitely ok with living with the mess - I just wanted to be sure that I wasn't making things harder than they needed to be.

All six got a clean bill of health Friday at the vet when they went in for shots and worming. Six little healthy hearts and six little healthy bodies!

Leslie

[The Chipmunk's Mom]

Leslie

No more then I expected from the vet. Your pups are beautiful and you and Sadie are both doing an excellent job. I have never been in TX but I watch to much animal planet. :SMILE:

[LoveMySadie]

I have never been in TX but I watch to much animal planet. :SMILE:

Everyone needs to come to Texas at least once! It is an amazing place!! I would just suggest coming sometime other than June, July, August, or September....:WINK:

Truthfully, probably a bigger problem here than ticks is mosquitoes. All of our dogs are always on heartworm medicine, but puppies can't take it yet. Another reason that they can't spend too much time outside.

How did puppies EVER survive in the wild?!?!? :EEK:

Leslie

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

Went to Fort Worth for a writer's convention once, loved it, one of the best conventions I have ever been to, and absolutely loved the city.

[ZdogZ]

Leslie ~ I know how hot and humid it is there. We visited some friends in Plano one time in July and my husband swears he'll never go back during the summertime. When our friends come here, all they talk about it how "dry" it is here. It was really hot, humid, and muggy at the lake this past week.

[mtoy]

Everyone needs to come to Texas at least once! It is an amazing place!! I would just suggest coming sometime other than June, July, August, or September....:WINK:

Leslie

My husband will be in Houston a few days this week on business. Ucky hot and humid. When he goes in the winter I get jealous, but not this time! :NAH:

[Penutsma]

I've been to Denton, Ft Worth and Dallas more times than I care to count - each of them was in an 18-wheeler! I prefer that area in October/November and late March - early May! LOL Course if I am flying, I prefer to change planes in that area! Doesn't matter the time of year then. Maybe next time I go to Utah, I will route my trip to swing thru there and other places we have corgi friends! That will be in November/December!

[LoveMySadie]

By far our prettiest months are October and usually April - it's great then! The rest of the year...not so much in the weather department. "NO:":

But, Fort Worth is a fantastic city with more going for it that I could begin to recount. It's just in the weather area that we fall short. Thank heavens for serious air conditioning!!!

Leslie

[Jespah]

I've always wanted to go visit Texas, I read James Michener's "Texas" years ago and was really taken by it. I also have friends here that moved up from Austin and it sounds like a great cultural and artistic city. Of course, my main reason for going would be BBQ!!! Sad, arent' I???

[CorgiMum]

All six got a clean bill of health Friday at the vet when they went in for shots and worming. Six little healthy hearts and six little healthy bodies!


That is wonderful news! Sadies's puppies are really thriving under your care.

I've was in Texas duting a May heat wave, I was there taking a weeks computer training course at American Airlines & stayed at the Holiday Inn in Dallas close by as the on site school facilites were full. We bussed back and forth for all our meals & classes. We were taken for tours around the downtown area, saw the Grassy Knoll & one night visited the downtown nightlife. Wonderful.

Another night we were taken to Forth Worth to visit Billy Bob's. What a place!

I would love to go back some day.

[LoveMySadie]

I would love to go back some day.

You are welcome any time! :BIGGRIN" :BIGGRIN"

Leslie

[Artos]

Lived in Dallas for two years in '84-'86. Wished I had travelled around there a bit more to see dogs!

[LoveMySadie]

Today has definitely been easier. It's still miserably hot, but there's been a breeze all day so the puppies have been able to stay outside for more than 10 minutes at a time. The puppies and I read the paper and had coffee on the patio 2 hours or more this morning, and then had after-dinner wine there this evening! They've had lots of play time outside and lots of hugging time with us. And we haven't hit 100 degrees yet - a huge plus!!

Life is good at the Puppy Palace! +WUBCLUB+

Leslie

[Jespah]

Glad to hear you all had a good day Leslie.

Not that I want to be a party pooper here, but what is the plan for finding them homes? Did I read that your breeder is going to help you with that? You must make sure that who ever gets them has to sign a contract that they will be members here! We all feel like we've been part of all of this and want to continue to watch them grow into great little dogs!! :SMILE:

[disraeli ears]

Yes, Leslie - everyone should visit Texas! I grew up in West Texas (not my entire youth - was a Navy Brat), and my entire family is from Houston. I just moved from Houston to the D.C. area about 3 weeks ago. I thought I had left the HOT weather behind - but the last couple of days here? Wow! Hot, hot, hot! How long have you been there?

I just love looking at pictures of your puppies - they are so cute. :CUTE:

[LoveMySadie]

Deb, yes the original breeder is going to place the puppies. I've not mentioned it lately because I'm very busily trying NOT to think about it! They are going to her horse farm next Sunday. It is definitely the best thing, but it makes me very sad to think about. We do have one or two leads among friends of ours who might want one, but I really don't think that any will actually materialize. Watching them go is going to break my heart!

Signing a contract to joining C2bC is a great idea! That may have to be clause #1 in each puppy's contract!

And...I have lived in Texas all of my life (well, since I was 18 months old but I think that qualifies :WINK: ). Most of my life has been in Fort Worth, with a nine year stint in San Antonio many years ago. D.C. can be unbearable as far as heat and humidity go - that awful white sky weather! Fortunately, our sky is still usually blue. Hot, but blue! :SMILE:

So, one more week with Gus and the Girls...

Leslie

[taflar]

I'm changing the papers so often because it seems yucky to have wet papers in there -

You're right you should change them if they're wet.

Until yesterday if was much cooler here, but yesterday our typical heat and humidity arrived with a vengence. I live in Fort Worth, TX where heat is endemic.

Ah, Texas, ok, when it's cool they should be able to be out awhile.

Puppies like babies and senior citizens do not do well with extremes in temperatures. They do not regulate their heat as well. If they're panting they're getting too hot. Dogs can only sweat on the pads of thier feet so to cool themselves they pant.

I would not put them out midafternoon when it's really hot. That can be their naptime. If they've had a good romp in the morning theyshould be ready for an after lunch nap.

I eliminated the towels today - they seem to like the cool tile now.

Good, if they're not now, they'd soon be making play toys of the towels. And then it's possible for threads to get ingested.

Have you talked to Sadie's breeder and ask her how she handles puppies this time of year? She might have some good ideas.

Peggy

[taflar]

I do have a wading pool. We had gotten it as the original "containment" implement before we got the Xpen. They quickly outgrew that! But, we are now the proud owners of a pink wading pool, so I certainly could set that up for a while tomorrow.

IMO, they are too young for the wading pool. As someone else pointed out they could drown even in 2" of water. And if they were to get wet and then chilled in the breeze, that wouldn't be good for them either. I'd skip the pool for at least another month if not longer.

I'm outside with them the entire time that they are out, and I am a true wimp when it comes to heat...I've been know to stay inside for two months in Texas!

Can you check on them from a window inside. They should be ok for a couple of hours in the mornings and evenings at the very least.

Peggy

[taflar]

How did puppies EVER survive in the wild?!?!?

Many of them don't. There's a high mortality rate among puppies/cubs of wild dogs.

Peggy