10 newborn puppies

Question
1)My dog just gave birth to 10 puppies(I hope she's finally finished, not sure).  How many nipples do they normally have (she won't move so I can count them) and will she be able to nurse all 10 of them?  They are all crying and trying to nurse I think, but are having a hard time, and my dog just lays there.    
2)I'm worried about the cold.  We live in Louisiana, the low tonight I think will be 38 degrees according to the internet.  She is an outside dog and has a doghouse.  Normally we have a light to hook up when it's cold.  Will this affect the puppies in any way?  
3)Also, could she sufficate them by laying on them?  
Thank you very much for any help, Stephanie

Answer
Hi Stephanie,

Thank you for writing to me about your dog giving birth to 10 puppies.

I am not an expert in birthing because I feel that bringing more puppies into an already overcrowded world where there are not enough homes for all of them is cruel and irresponsible.  For every puppy born there is one less home for a dog waiting on death row.  

Additionally, for every heat a female goes through, the chances for cancer are dramatically increased.  Best to spay/neuter and I do hope you will do the right thing after this birth.

A momma dog can sufficate her puppies by lying on them, especially when there are 10 of them. Keep a sharp eye on the situation.

It would be an act of kindness to bring your dog and the puppies into the house during this fragile period.  Would you leave a new born baby outside in 38 degree weather?  It's important to have the same respect for dogs that you would for children.  I would hate to see these puppies become ill or suffer due to the cold.

I don't know what an "outside" dog is as I believe that dogs being pack animals by nature, should be part of the family.  They should be spay/neutered for their health as well as to stop the heart breaking killing of millions of unwanted animals each year. Please understand that dogs suffer in isolation and that the worst punishment in the world for a dog is being separated from the pack..the pack being your family.

I know that I have given you an earful..and not what you expected, but I feel that these are important things to talk about and think about.

Good luck with the puppies.  Please have a vet examine both the mom and the babies as soon as possible.

Regards,
Shelley Davis