my chihuahua is having babies! any pre-birth tips?

CraftyChicaAZ · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 686 Location: phx, az

She is named Bianca and her love toy was an adorable Maltese named Jake. Yes, we are getting her fixed after this batch of puppies, but for now we are treating her like the furry princess she is. I have a few burning questions, being that my and la familia are new to this...

Is there a pattern that the puppies tend to take after? The vet said they will take after the mom in size - but what about the way they look?

I know to check for her temp to see when she will go in labor, but do we need to help in the birthing/aftermath process, her or can she handle it all herself?

Is there anything we should be on the look out for?

anyone have expereince with a Malti-huahua before?

Thanks!
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acebeader · Joined: 15 Apr 2004 Posts: 227 Location: Wisconsin

My parents springer spaniel had 10 puppies (at home), and they all survived, and they kept the runt. I was home from college for the summer, and it was so neat! Lots of work, but neat.

We were there throughout the birthing, mamma dog drank a lot of water during it, but didn't eat much. The first few came quickly, then there was time between them. Have lots of rags and blankets on hand! We cut a refrigerator box in half, and filled it with blankets for a nest. She took care of the delivery, and cleaning them off. We made sure they were warm and dry....we lined up a few space heaters around their nest area.

I think my parents took them in a day or two later for a visit with the vet.

Good luck!

silverfish2007 · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 30

you need to make a place for her to "den up" unless you want her having puppies under your bed :)

it can be a box or whatever, you should cut one of the sides out so she doesnt drag her teets when she gets in the box (painful) and then it helps if you have something to put up and block it after the puppies are walking so they cant just get out.

she will probably eat a LOT after she gives birth for about 3 or 4 weeks. probably about 3 times what she normally eats.

that is all i know, since ive never been there during the actual birth (i dont think i could handle it!), just a while after.

CraftyChicaAZ · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 686 Location: phx, az

These are great tips! So I take it this is not for the faint of heart (kids)? I wonder how many babies chihuahuas usally have? I think I heard around three....

Thank you! Looking forward to reading more!
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atomic · Joined: 19 Jun 2004 Posts: 74 Location: los angeles

marvy · Joined: 15 Apr 2004 Posts: 71 Location: Smalltimore

All the above tips are good- she'll probably want somewhere private and cozy to give birth, so it's good to make her a bed, rather than be surprised when she makes one her own.

Be prepared for a lot of ick: get lots of clean towels that you won't mind throwing away later, and remember that the dog eats the placenta, so don't be shocked when she starts licking at the afterbirth, etc. After it's clear that she's done, and she's done her best to clean up, take up the soiled linens and give her fresh ones for her and the pups to lay on.

I'd call my vet, just to get any advice they might have too.
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est. 6/14/02