Pasadena Chihuahuas

WHEN PUPPIES DIE AT BIRTH OR UP TO EIGHT WEEKS

QUESTION TO ASK

(The opinions expressed are my own and have no scientific proof, with the exception of breeding since 1966)

Was the bitch in good condition, not overweight or too thin or of a nervous disposition?
Were fly sprays, paint or chemicals used near the pregnant bitch?
Was the bitch fed a good quality dog food with the required amount of protein prior to and after breeding?

If the bitch has a previous record of aborting or losing puppies, was she de-wormed and given a booster inoculation prior to breeding?
If a bitch is prone to aborting or producing fading puppies, I have found a course of Synolox 50, half tablet twice daily for two weeks prior to welping, sometimes proof to be successfull in saving the litter.

Was the bitch given a course of antibiotics after a caesarian section?
Puppies have died due to a uterine infection when the milk flow became infected, poisoning the puppies.

Was the bitch de-wormed prior to mating, at one month and a week before whelping?
Where the conditions of veterinarian who perfomed the ceaser sterile, 'scrubbing up' wearing gloves?
Was the bitch brought home to a sterile whelping box and bedding?
Was the whelping box the correct size, if too small the bitch could lie on the puppy, or the puppy could overheat. If too large the puppy will crawl way and chill.
Was the bedding washed regularly?
Was the top of the box covered to avoid all draughts?
Was the room temperature correct?
Was the heating blanket hung on the side of the box and not placed flat on the bottom, where the puppy could overheat?
Was the bitch fed high quality Puppy Food 3 times a day after whelping?
My bitches prefer the pellets wet but dry are also left down. I have found they will refuse all food with the exception of Netles First Baby Cereal, Stage 1. I prefer the maize to the rice product. Add Nespray Powered Milk made up as directed on product and a teaspoon of honey to aid in milk flow. If they refuse to eat, they will often accept the cereal by licking off ones finger. The food will have to be placed in the whelping box or they may refuse to eat.

Was white iodine placed on the umbilical cord directly after birth to sterilize?
Was the bitch and whelps kept away from all fly sprays, powders, chemicals and harmful products that puppies could inhale?
Was bitch kept in a save environment, with no other animals or strangers near to distress her?
Do not handle newborn puppies unnecessarily and wash hands with an Antibacterial, Antiviral and Antifungal Gel.
De-worm puppies at four weeks and again before they leave home.

ALWAYS KEEP AN ANTI DIARRHOEA MIXTURE
(Pectorlyte or similar for babies) and dose puppy until you can get veterinary assistance. Keep telephone number of breeder handy. If puppy collapses, mix 1 to 3 Glucose and cooled boiled water, feed with syringe if conscious and get to vet. Immediately!
A good idea is also to have a bottle of EMMEX or similar product to prevent vomitting until you can get assistance. If unavailable, any product that can be given to pregnant woman for car sickness or babies should be safe for a puppy or pregnant bitch.