We thought our Maltese still had 2wks to go but this morning I couldn't see her in the backyard, we have the kennel in an open shed so went down to have a look and could hear whimpering OMG I saw 2 pups. Millie was shivering again so called the vet who said she may still be in labour, last time she had 4, he didn't seem too concerned about it. I forgot to ask him, she's given birth next to the kennel so they are on the dirt, should I pick them up with a towel or something and move them into the kennel on the blanket or just leave them? I could see her cleaning them and they were feeding. A couple of days ago I started giving her puppy milk and food and put a fresh bowl of milk which she slurped up in seconds. Any advice would be appreciated, thank you. This is so exciting but I'm also feeling so nervous and a bit scared for Millie.
You could try to get them all onto a blanket but sometimes mum just wants to whelp where she wants to, as long as they're not cold they should be fine. If you move them you might find that mum moves them back where she wants them,
It's very exciting isn't it, but also a bit freaky cos they can't talk to you and tell you what's going on!
Good luck with it keep the vet number close there really shouldn't be any longer than 1/2 hr to an hour max between pups as far as I remember, so if she still looks like she's shivering and pushing and you get worried give the vet another call.
Did the vet not know how many pups (roughly) she was having before? (by feeling her abdomen?) If it was me, I would move them to a clean dry space, as long as Millie is OK with you moving them. We had a dog many years ago that had her pups at home but we were fully prepared with whelping box etc inside. I'd be keeping my distance but not be taking my eyes off her just to make sure.
A friend of mine who had OES pups recently took her to the vet coz she was not progressing and the vet did not act quick enough (left the dog more than an hour between pups) and as a result she only ended up with 2 out of 6 puppies.
If the 2 pups she's had are feeding and everything OK they I guess they should be fine. Millies obviously taken them out of their little sacks and eaten their placentas (ewww!) Can your vet do house calls? If not, I'd take them all to the vet to be checked out in a few hours or so especially since they've come early.
Actually the time span that is given between pups is 1-2 hours, so often we don't rush into surgery if we don't have too as many pups get lost that way
I personally would give mum a chance... put a clean towel or blanket next to where they are and give mum a chance to move them herself. If they are moved and she isn't ready, she may reject them. If she hasn't moved them or progressed at all in an hour, call the vet and bring them in.
Christy thank you, I didn't end up moving them. It's now been 1 1/2 hrs since I noticed the first 2 pups but I'm pretty sure she had them during the night. They already have fur on them, I'm sure with her last lot they were a pinkish colour whereas one is pure white and one has ginger on her back already. She was so much bigger this time so was sure she'd have more than 4. Is it normal to have less pups second time round? I tried to touch her tummy but she wouldn't let me. Her shivering seems to be less now. Thanks again.
Good news she seems to have stopped shivering now. The pups are actually quite a bit bigger than the last litter, that could be why she looked bigger. She hasn't moved from them at all but I've put her food right up close to her and she's eaten a small piece of cooked chicken. She brought up some of her milk but I think it's because she drank it so fast and maybe had a bit too much. Ahh, I feel better now. Thanks to everyone for your replies.
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PLEASE she's just had 2 pups, I need advice
keep the vet number close there really shouldn't be any longer than 1/2 hr to an hour max between pups as far as I remember, so if she still looks like she's shivering and pushing and you get worried give the vet another call.
and congrats Millie
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