breeding / whelping

Question
Our mini dachshund, Sophie, is due to have her 1st litter anytime now (at day 53)....she is refusing to touch her dog food, yet  WILL eat people food with no problem. Is it normal for her to be finicky like this?  Also....what is the average sized litter for a mini dachshund?

Answer
Hi Dina

63 days is gestation, so you still have a couple weeks to go.

If I had a choice, I would eat people food instead of kibble, but you're not doing her any favors. You have to ensure that she does not gain too much weight or there could be complications.  People food can also cause her scent glands to fill, which can become uncomfortable.   

You have to be stronger than her, leave her kibble and warm it up with a bit of water or broth.  She won't starve herself.  AFTER she whelps, you can feed her heart, kidney or liver (in moderation).  But a fat dachshund is not a healthy one.

Litter size depends on the eggs. A female is born with all the eggs she is every going to have.  She could have anywhere from 1 - 5.

Good luck.