pup's killed

[patdahat 41]

my friend's setter has jush had her first litter of pup's. he went to check her on friday morning as normal (she was dew on sat)and had given birth to 2 pups and were alive, he then noticed another one that had been beheaded, by the end of the day she had another 3. all seemed fine and well, untill later on that night when he went for another look and horror at the sight of 3 of the 5 had been killed sense he had last checked them. he is needless to say gutted, and asked me to try and find out if this has happened to anyone and has anyone got a theroy why the mother would have killed the pup's.

[Guest ESS]

my friend's setter has jush had her first litter of pup's. he went to check her on friday morning as normal (she was dew on sat)and had given birth to 2 pups and were alive, he then noticed another one that had been beheaded, by the end of the day she had another 3. all seemed fine and well, untill later on that night when he went for another look and horror at the sight of 3 of the 5 had been killed sense he had last checked them. he is needless to say gutted, and asked me to try and find out if this has happened to anyone and has anyone got a theroy why the mother would have killed the pup's.

 

Imo first litter bitches should be watched ,your taking a chance that 1 the bitch knows whats going on ,they are in pain in whelp ,theyre hormones are all over the place then next thing a lttle bundle of slime pops out of them that wriggles and moves tries to get on its nipple.It happens because shes confused confined and in pain .

Experienced breeders should know that a first litter bitch may not take to mothering natural.After finding the first pup beheaded he should have brought the bitch in not left it alone with the pups .Checking that the pups where feeding and the bitch was getting more confident and secure with new offspring.I presume a whelping box was made for the bitch and she was secure ,in her area for whelping.No other dogs near or in her area for whelping.?.

Your taking a chance letting a first litter bitch even if she knows whats shes doing biting the umbilical they can be over zealous doing that..never mind beheading?

And yes ive had an experienced bitch who has sat on her pups whined and been aggresive when trying to place pup on a teat as she wanted nowt to due with them,We had to get pups on teat ,let the bitch know we where there reassure her and checking she didnt smother them till she got used to the idea.

 

Its a harsh lesson for your mate to learn but it happens..Tell him to get the book of the bitch it explains whelp pros cons a lot better than I ever can .

Edited April 27, 2009 by ESS

[farlap 19]

my friend's setter has jush had her first litter of pup's. he went to check her on friday morning as normal (she was dew on sat)and had given birth to 2 pups and were alive, he then noticed another one that had been beheaded, by the end of the day she had another 3. all seemed fine and well, untill later on that night when he went for another look and horror at the sight of 3 of the 5 had been killed sense he had last checked them. he is needless to say gutted, and asked me to try and find out if this has happened to anyone and has anyone got a theroy why the mother would have killed the pup's.

its not uncommon and Im sorry to sound harsh but the bitch should never have been left alone with them. ours are not left alone for the 1st 3 weeks.....not for a minute.

[lilvixen 26]

Very sensible post ESS and would second the recommendation for the Book of the Bitch.

Edited April 27, 2009 by lilvixen

[patdahat 41]

cheers ESS for that info it's a learning lesson for him and a costly one with that. the 2 remaning pups are doing just fine and inside by the fire with mother under constant watch. there was no other dogs near her at the time and she had a top quality nesting box.

[anythingoes 28]

Shame mate ! It does happen , aslong as you have peace of mind that you did everything physically possible!!

All you can do is live and learn !

atb anythingoes

[paintandpins 0]

All of the above apply but also it seems that bitches know if something is wrong with the pups and will on occassion kill an odd one or reject them and leave them to die.

[Guest ESS]

All of the above apply but also it seems that bitches know if something is wrong with the pups and will on occassion kill an odd one or reject them and leave them to die.

 

True... but not behead them

[macberran 2]

All of the above apply but also it seems that bitches know if something is wrong with the pups and will on occassion kill an odd one or reject them and leave them to die.

 

I'll second that, sometimes we try and use human rational, these are in the dog world and act accordingly. Fittest survive etc.They don't waste the effort or resources on the sick and infirm.

[druimmuir 1]

Sounds advice from Ess and advice that I would second, no bitch should be left to whelp on her own, and guess your friend has now learnt his lesson. Hope the remaining pups survive

 

Nic