Caring for chihuahua puppies

Question
My chihuahua had 3 puppies approx 6 months ago and over the course of 3-4 days killed all of the puppies.  It appeared that she punctured them with her teeth when picking them up in her mouth.  She is in heat again and I need to find out what I should do if she has more puppies.  Specifically, should I separate her from the puupies after they're born and, if so, how do I care for them (ensuring they get needed food, warmth, etc.)?  Any information you can provide would be much apprecaited.

Answer
Most importantly, you should keep her from getting pregnant. There are so many problems that can happen with pregnancy. She can need an expensive C-Section. Puppies can have the cord wrapped around their necks. If she does not know how to tend to puppies, there could be more deaths. I have never seen a mother accidently puncture puppies, so maybe she did not want them. We really have no idea how to prevent unless you hand feed the puppies and keep them away from her and this is a very time consuming job. Please have her spayed right away. If you cannot afford it, there are shelters who will do it for less money than it would cost you to take care of the pups even if all goes well. There are way too many dogs who are killed at shelters every day - millions - so we each need to stop letting females have more puppies until all dogs have loving homes like you give your Chihuahua.

I am so sorry you had to have this sad experience, so again, I suggest you have her spayed right now. Most veterinarians can do the slightly more difficult surgery when they are in heat, or make an appointment for right after.

In sympathy,
Dr. Chambreau